Originally Posted by
tphuang
Have you looked into flying out of BUR or LGB or even ONT? if you are not flying business, BUR-JFK might be the best option. Both flights are going to be on A321s next year and most likely with A321NEO and the new IFE + pantry. There is no lounge, but it's a lot easier flying out of these local airports vs LAX.
for me, lounge access really depends on how crowded it is and what the rest of the airport is like. AA's flagship lounge in JFK is good for much of the day, because it doesn't get that crowded. I heard DL sky club gets really crowded in T4. I think B6 with the new combined terminal at JFK should get at least a couple of lounges you can get in with priority pass.
I assume you mean on JetBlue -- they're the only airline with nonstop to JFK from BUR or LGB. But the whole thing that prompted my current musings around switching to another airline have been some (perhaps bad luck) mishaps on JetBlue, in terms of my own ticketing as well as in the terminal, and what I perceive as a steady decline in quality of the details like food at T5, the on-board "Eat Up Cafe" on domestic economy, etc. But also, as I mentioned I really like lounges, I don't care if they're crowded as long as I can find a seat somewhere -- even SFO Centurion has always been fine for me, at the times I typically fly. It refreshes me. I had my first experience at the SFO Delta SkyClub which was very nice IMO and that started me thinking about this. But personally I kind of hate Burbank airport for some reason. I don't know why. LGB airport is much more appealing, but Burbank is closer to me. However again I love getting recharged in a (nice) lounge before my flight, so I doubt those options will end up really working well for me.
Originally Posted by
guv1976
The US Bank Altitude Reserve card provides four annual Priority Pass visits (including restaurants) to cardholders. After annual travel credits, the card's annual net cost is just $75, which also gets you twelve GoGo WiFi passes, and primary car rental LDW. All "travel" charges (as defined by US Bank) and all mobile-wallet purchases also earn 4.5% back, applicable to future travel (subject to certain minimums on lodging and rental-car charges).
The Chase Sapphire Reserve will have a somewhat higher annual net cost, but includes unlimited Priority Pass lounge and restaurant visits, as well as primary LDW.
Currently, Bobby Van's Steakhouse -- in the AA terminal at JFK -- is a participating Priority Pass restaurant.
There are no Priority Pass lounges or restaurants in the LAX AA terminal, but there are some in the TBIT and LAX T7, both of which should be accessible airside from the AA terminal.
Edited to add: If you're primarily a Hyatt guy, and can achieve WOH Globalist status, you might be interested in this recent FT thread:
Offered AA Executive Platinum (targeted for 2019 Globalists)
While it's true that even AA EXPs don't get lounge access on domestic Coach flights, EXPs should be treated very well by AA -- and you would get free MCE seats, free checked bags, etc.,etc.
I already have the Chase Sapphire Reserve -- basically I'm both a Chase and an Amex guy. I like Chase for Hyatt, primarily -- easy to get 2x - 4x in value from the points -- maybe slightly less than that with the recent devaluation but still, it's been great. Amex I use almost exclusively for the perks and for things like return protection and so on for big ticket items, though now that they've added travel insurance to the Plat I will probably start using it a bit more for travel. Honestly it's a bit difficult to come up with reasons to use my Plat for organic spend. I'll probably end up getting the BBP and personal Green so I can put more spend on my Amex cards.
I have read about the Globalist/AA link up. I'm a mere Explorist right now, though I intend to hit Globalist next year, there's no guarantee the AA Exec Platinum thing will still be happening by then. But who knows, maybe it will. By then both JFK and LAX should have the new Centurion lounges so like I said I may reconsider all this for 2021 and give AA a try.