One thing that doesn't quite add up is that there was a GDP at SFO. However, usually the "situation could change and be moved up or back" is limited to a GDP at your arrival airport, not the departure airport, and the OP was departing SFO. For departures at a GDP airport, the limiting factors are usually the arrival of the plane (predictable at least 45 minutes out, plus turnaround time, so he has at least an hour warning) and the conga line (doesn't affect boarding). So the explanation doesn't quite fit the situation. Did LAX maybe have a GDP as well?
Originally Posted by
Often1
OP has 2.5 MM on AA and has never seen ATC restrictions applied, especially in Northern California? Is the luckiest person around.
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Never had that level of status, so I'm just spitballing, but maybe AA allows you to use the Admirals lounge when you have a flight on a GDP because they will be able to notify you easily? Southwest, which doesn't have branded lounges, doesn't have that luxury.