ARCHIVE: All About AA Flagship Check-In at JFK, LAX, MIA, ORD (master thread)
Mar 8, 2018, 9:35 am
#211
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,662
Short answer - YMMV 
If it is not that busy and you have a willing agent, then no problem.
If it is busy or you have a rule follower/tough entry person, they may stop it before it starts.
Also, how many people are we talking about? Parents and kids, likely not a problem. 4+ adults, less likely. Again, so many factors outside your control play into it.
You should also peak at the line; Shorter line, it just may not be worth the hassle. They could be moving through the line while you check-in. Doesn't hurt to try, but be prepared to be rejected. That way, no disappointment.
Be sure to report back to expand the knowledge base. Good luck!
If it is not that busy and you have a willing agent, then no problem.
If it is busy or you have a rule follower/tough entry person, they may stop it before it starts.
Also, how many people are we talking about? Parents and kids, likely not a problem. 4+ adults, less likely. Again, so many factors outside your control play into it.
You should also peak at the line; Shorter line, it just may not be worth the hassle. They could be moving through the line while you check-in. Doesn't hurt to try, but be prepared to be rejected. That way, no disappointment.
Be sure to report back to expand the knowledge base. Good luck!
We would be 5 people in total with kids. Arriving around 3PM and flight departs 6PM so I assume that means peak hours? Ultimately it’s not a big deal but still curious.
Mar 8, 2018, 9:08 pm
#212
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: AAEXP, BonvoyLTT, UAS, SW A-list
Posts: 27
I had the opportunity to use Flagship check in for my LAX-PVG flight yesterday. Best perk was being walked to the front of the PreCheck security line which had more than 20 people waiting...
Mar 10, 2018, 6:42 am
#213
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 474
International to Domestic at LAX
I used Flagship checkin at LAX for a domestic flight after an international arrival as an EXP. I wasn't sure whether it was at the discretion of the podium person out front, or the actual rules, however.
I also brought another EXP, who did not travel internationally and was not on my PNR, but was on my same flight with me to the FC.
I also brought another EXP, who did not travel internationally and was not on my PNR, but was on my same flight with me to the FC.
Last edited by ShortDog; Mar 10, 2018 at 5:07 pm
Guest?
Mar 10, 2018, 8:16 am
#215
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA & UK -- AA EXP 3.5MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Avis President's Club
Posts: 6,411
Just do it anyway, whether or not it's confirmed. They're NOT gonna say to two (or even ten) people in the _same_ PNR, "sorry, but we'll check in one passenger here, and the rest of you, in the same reservation, need to go over there".
Mar 10, 2018, 2:30 pm
#216
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Mar 27, 2018, 11:40 am
#217
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Madison WI
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT - 2.9MM, Lifetime AC, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz Precs Crcl
Posts: 2,213
Just Reporting Back
At least as far as staff at ORD are concerned, an EXP can indeed use Flagship check-in there as long as your are connecting to an AA operated flight even though your international OW flight is complete. Your name will not be on the list, but if the contract worker doesn't offer to check with inside staff, ask them to. In my case it took less than 30 seconds to be confirmed inside to receive new TSA PRE BP after my IB flight and go to the front of the pre-check line. 
Question: I know Flagship Check-in, when it first opened, required a continuing INTL First flight to qualify. For example, SYD-LAX-ORD - even if SYD-LAX was in F, did not qualify for the recheck in LA since all INTL segments were complete. The reverse, ORD-LAX-SYD did qualify (once ORD opened FL CI) since the INTL segment was not yet flown - even if it was QF operated.
The new access (for EXP) state "You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you're flying on qualifying international flights operated by American(regardless of cabin)" The policy for OWE states " You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on any flight operated by American (regardless of cabin).* *American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship® First Check-In access." Source.
So my question (in two parts) for EXP access:
(1) INTL (AA) -> US -> US Connection: allowed or not? I'd guess a non-AA/OWE is yes, not sure about EXP as continuing segment(s) after customs is domestic only.
(2) If the answer to (1) is yes, then same as (1) - Except incoming INTL is IB or BA or QF on AA codeshare - not AA Operated. (Although of course the domestic connection is.)
I suspect the specification for AA operated comes form the fact you always check-in/re-check via the operating carrier. But I suspect it also implies no access for EXP returning to the US after clearing customs - as is most certainly did when first launched. (The good new is the new Flagship Lounge will allow access in these examples! LHR, at this point, is still EXP/OWE/CK/First only - does not include J access.)
The new access (for EXP) state "You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you're flying on qualifying international flights operated by American(regardless of cabin)" The policy for OWE states " You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on any flight operated by American (regardless of cabin).* *American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship® First Check-In access." Source.
So my question (in two parts) for EXP access:
(1) INTL (AA) -> US -> US Connection: allowed or not? I'd guess a non-AA/OWE is yes, not sure about EXP as continuing segment(s) after customs is domestic only.
(2) If the answer to (1) is yes, then same as (1) - Except incoming INTL is IB or BA or QF on AA codeshare - not AA Operated. (Although of course the domestic connection is.)
I suspect the specification for AA operated comes form the fact you always check-in/re-check via the operating carrier. But I suspect it also implies no access for EXP returning to the US after clearing customs - as is most certainly did when first launched. (The good new is the new Flagship Lounge will allow access in these examples! LHR, at this point, is still EXP/OWE/CK/First only - does not include J access.)
Apr 10, 2018, 12:15 pm
#218
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Staffordshire
Programs: BA Gold, IHG Platinum Amb
Posts: 150
Just a quick thumbs up for a first time flagship check in user at LAX T4
I am a BA Gold (Oneworld Emerald) on a domestic first from LAX to HNL departing T5.
Podium guys were really polite and when I said Oneworld Emerald they took me straight in. Great check in service by the staff there. I had been checked in for this flight the day before when I left Stockholm and my bag was tagged from there to HNL even though I had to collect it at LAX after my international arrivals. So they re-tagged the bag and then then they explained the best part. I could either walk to T5 and go through security there or be escorted to the head of the queue here and then walk airside to T5. She suggested as a UK citizen without any perks such as TSA Pre etc. that I should be escorted, no argument from me. Especially when I saw the length of the queue. All in from being at the kerb to sitting in the lounge, I'd say less than 15 minutes. Very impressed.
Brian
I am a BA Gold (Oneworld Emerald) on a domestic first from LAX to HNL departing T5.
Podium guys were really polite and when I said Oneworld Emerald they took me straight in. Great check in service by the staff there. I had been checked in for this flight the day before when I left Stockholm and my bag was tagged from there to HNL even though I had to collect it at LAX after my international arrivals. So they re-tagged the bag and then then they explained the best part. I could either walk to T5 and go through security there or be escorted to the head of the queue here and then walk airside to T5. She suggested as a UK citizen without any perks such as TSA Pre etc. that I should be escorted, no argument from me. Especially when I saw the length of the queue. All in from being at the kerb to sitting in the lounge, I'd say less than 15 minutes. Very impressed.
Brian
Apr 10, 2018, 12:19 pm
#219
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,662
Just a quick thumbs up for a first time flagship check in user at LAX T4
I am a BA Gold (Oneworld Emerald) on a domestic first from LAX to HNL departing T5.
Podium guys were really polite and when I said Oneworld Emerald they took me straight in. Great check in service by the staff there. I had been checked in for this flight the day before when I left Stockholm and my bag was tagged from there to HNL even though I had to collect it at LAX after my international arrivals. So they re-tagged the bag and then then they explained the best part. I could either walk to T5 and go through security there or be escorted to the head of the queue here and then walk airside to T5. She suggested as a UK citizen without any perks such as TSA Pre etc. that I should be escorted, no argument from me. Especially when I saw the length of the queue. All in from being at the kerb to sitting in the lounge, I'd say less than 15 minutes. Very impressed.
Brian
I am a BA Gold (Oneworld Emerald) on a domestic first from LAX to HNL departing T5.
Podium guys were really polite and when I said Oneworld Emerald they took me straight in. Great check in service by the staff there. I had been checked in for this flight the day before when I left Stockholm and my bag was tagged from there to HNL even though I had to collect it at LAX after my international arrivals. So they re-tagged the bag and then then they explained the best part. I could either walk to T5 and go through security there or be escorted to the head of the queue here and then walk airside to T5. She suggested as a UK citizen without any perks such as TSA Pre etc. that I should be escorted, no argument from me. Especially when I saw the length of the queue. All in from being at the kerb to sitting in the lounge, I'd say less than 15 minutes. Very impressed.
Brian
You do realize UK citizens can now apply for Global Entry that includes TSA Pre
May 2, 2018, 3:51 pm
#220
Join Date: Jul 2012
Programs: Delta Gold, Alaska Gold 75K, LATAM Black
Posts: 3,393
I am flying out of JFK terminal 8 on Qantas flight 12 JFK LAX SYD. AA & flagship check in are also in terminal 8 and I am OWE. Am I allowed to use flagship check in or no ?
May 2, 2018, 4:04 pm
#221
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, SPG / Marriott GLD, HHonors GLD
Posts: 520
No because you check-in with the operating carrier, which in this case is Qantas. If you were flying the AA flight to LAX and connecting to Qantas then yes you could checkin there, but if you're flying QF metal there would be no reason for you to use Flagship Checkin. You will however get Flagship Lounge access once through security. You'll likely get priority security from Qantas too but not the use of the AA facility or the escort (unless QF provides something like that for Emeralds).
May 8, 2018, 5:50 pm
#222
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,662
On May 1st I went thru the FL Check in at ORD as non-AA OWE with family. Agent was skeptical so she went inside to verify and sure enough I was correct and allowed in. Very convenient to skip to the front of the Priority lane.
May 9, 2018, 3:37 pm
#223
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,850
Glad you got through. But it makes me wonder: How could they not have been trained for this? A non-AA OWE is pretty common at ORD. Maybe there wasn't any training.
May 9, 2018, 5:36 pm
#224
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,662
I approached the agent and said "Finnair Emerald"
"Uh yeah whats your last name."
"It's not on there, emeralds flying AA get access right?"
"Wait is you headed overseas?"
"No to ATL"
"Hold up I need to check inside"
Agent walks in and screams "I got family with Emerald headed to Miami (couldn't even get my destination right) can they get thru?", other agent says "Yes"
"Okay go ahead sir"
May 9, 2018, 8:03 pm
#225
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,929
I had a similar experience on a domestic check in in January. No hassle but they had to check, so perhaps OWE is not so common!
