Originally Posted by
sipples
Yes, and every other oneworld Emerald will also have problems unless flying JAL on a paid first class ticket. This was predicted.
JAL does not provide First Class lounge access even to its own Diamond (top tier elite) members. I predict that when somebody forces the issue JAL will simply rename its First Class lounges to get around the oneworld policy. (There is precedent.)
There are some other JAL lounges, by the way. There's the "Diamond Premier Lounge" at Haneda Airport and the "Century 21" clubs at a few hotels. Don't count on admission to those either. JMB Diamonds do get access to both, although even we lowly Diamonds have to pay for drinks and food at Century 21.
The 2007 program guide for JGC Premier says that Diamond and Premier members now get first class lounge access at international airports (NRT (from July), LHR, ORD, and JFK). So I think oneworld Emeralds will also probably be admitted to the first class lounges. The new NRT first class lounge, however, will not open until July 2007.