Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > American Airlines | AAdvantage
Reload this Page >

GUIDE: AA Flagship Check-In at JFK, LAX, LHR, MIA, ORD

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old Jul 25, 2013, 10:23 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: Microwave
Please feel free to update with the latest information; previous Wiki content was out of date.
Print Wikipost

GUIDE: AA Flagship Check-In at JFK, LAX, LHR, MIA, ORD

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 1, 2022, 1:22 pm
  #301  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
Originally Posted by Spanish
With AA presumably removing its Flagship First flights in the coming years, what will happen to Flagship check in product?
Hopefully becomes CK only check in.
BlooJoo is offline  
Old Sep 1, 2022, 1:25 pm
  #302  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
Originally Posted by anabolism
Used it a couple weeks ago. They printed our BPs and suggested that, since we had Pre-Check, we forgo the escort and walk to a checkpoint with Pre-Check.
I always choose the escort over going to the PreCheck line. Because with the escort, combined with the PreCheck "light" treatment, it's better.
Spanish likes this.
BlooJoo is offline  
Old Sep 1, 2022, 1:26 pm
  #303  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
Originally Posted by scubadu
Curious on whether access to Flagship Check-in @ LHR T3 is allowed when on AA operated flight but with a BA flight number/codeshare? For EXP access (my wife is EXP), the requirements from AA.com clearly say:

"You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on qualifying international flights operated by American (regardless of cabin)"

So the flight we are considering is indeed operated by AA which clearly meets the requirement if I take it literally. But I also know that people seem to have varying experiences with Flagship Check-In rules not always being honored and I'm a little concerned the BA flight number might throw a wrench in this situation.

Does anyone have recent experience with this scenario?

Regards
If you're on AA metal as one of The Platinums (OWE), I don't foresee you having a problem. Code shouldn't matter.
BlooJoo is offline  
Old Sep 3, 2022, 7:38 pm
  #304  
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: CMH
Programs: BA Gold, AA Plat, NK $9 fare club
Posts: 666
Originally Posted by BlooJoo
Hopefully becomes CK only check in.
I am worried that it will go away entirely. With first class going away completely, I’d be inclined to think they would get rid of the flagship check in before whittling down the access list.

I also don’t see how they would reasonably expand the list while keeping it exclusive. Some of the priority check-in lanes are outrageous.
orbitmic likes this.
Spanish is offline  
Old Sep 3, 2022, 7:39 pm
  #305  
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: CMH
Programs: BA Gold, AA Plat, NK $9 fare club
Posts: 666
Originally Posted by BlooJoo
I always choose the escort over going to the PreCheck line. Because with the escort, combined with the PreCheck "light" treatment, it's better.
Especially if you’re headed to the flagship lounge. Shorter walk.
Spanish is offline  
Old Oct 12, 2022, 2:13 am
  #306  
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: CMH
Programs: BA Gold, AA Plat, NK $9 fare club
Posts: 666
I've used the Flagship check-in several times at MIA and LAX as of late and must say it's very convenient. I'd say probably best to let them lead you to the front of the non-precheck line in MIA. LAX, that's no issue as they just take you up the elevator to precheck.

Everyone's been polite & professional & I've had no issues gaining access by simply flashing my BA Gold / Emerald card (physical wallet card). A+++ service that can save lots of time over the priority lanes at those airports.
Spanish is offline  
Old Oct 12, 2022, 10:09 am
  #307  
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LAX/PHL
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 292
I didn't know Flagship check-in had some specifics for EXP which is:
You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on qualifying international flights operated by American (regardless of cabin).

Qualifying international flights

Flights with seats ticketed as Flagship® between the U.S. and:

  • Asia
  • Australia
  • Europe
  • New Zealand
  • South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela)
So LAX-HND, regardless of whether it's econ, PE or J, can use Flagship check-in at LAX as long as they're EXP? Do I understand this correctly?
edit: flight is on AA metal

Last edited by Raralith; Oct 12, 2022 at 10:15 am
Raralith is offline  
Old Oct 12, 2022, 10:25 am
  #308  
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,043
Originally Posted by Raralith
So LAX-HND, regardless of whether it's econ, PE or J, can use Flagship check-in at LAX as long as they're EXP? Do I understand this correctly?
edit: flight is on AA metal
Yes.

Regards
scubadu is offline  
Old Oct 12, 2022, 12:07 pm
  #309  
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: NYC, SEA
Programs: Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP, DL PM, AS 100k (fake), B6 M3 (fake), BA Gold (fake), UA FO.
Posts: 740
Are there any recent reports on JFK? (Still under construction I assume?) Are they doing an escort to the security line?
LowValueCustomer is offline  
Old Oct 13, 2022, 3:46 am
  #310  
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: NYC, SEA
Programs: Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, AA EXP, DL PM, AS 100k (fake), B6 M3 (fake), BA Gold (fake), UA FO.
Posts: 740
Originally Posted by LowValueCustomer
Are there any recent reports on JFK? (Still under construction I assume?) Are they doing an escort to the security line?
To answer my own question: still under construction. Still no escort to security (but very short line around 9pm).
Spanish likes this.
LowValueCustomer is offline  
Old Oct 13, 2022, 2:44 pm
  #311  
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,324
JFK - 4:45am 10/13. Checked in with Flagship First host (follow signs). They escort you to FF check-in. After that you are directed to Priority security. TSA Pre was supposed to open at 5am but opened at 4:50am right in time and I beat a long queue. All in all quite good.
madmanshoney likes this.
seanp7 is online now  
Old Oct 13, 2022, 3:07 pm
  #312  
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,043
Originally Posted by Global321
FWIW - In MIA pre-check has moved. Reports are they will escort you to the front of the regular line, not pre-check.
Originally Posted by Seat 1F
I can confirm this is the case. I used FFCI at MIA a month ago or so for the 77W flight to LAX. I wasn't impressed that the security line they escort you to is not the pre-check line. AA needs to sort this out in MIA. If the move of the pre-check line is permanent then AA needs to relocate FFCI next to pre-check. I'm on the same itinerary in about two weeks so I'll see if things have changed by then.
Originally Posted by anabolism
Used it a couple weeks ago. They printed our BPs and suggested that, since we had Pre-Check, we forgo the escort and walk to a checkpoint with Pre-Check.
BTW, meant to provide an update. My wife and I did use MIA Flagship Check-in a few weeks ago. For those concerned about Pre-Check, as BlooJoo alluded to, they basically escorted us to the non Pre-Check security line right next to check-in, but they gave each of us a "blue card" and shepherded us to a "special line" all the way over to the right, which basically mimicked Pre-Check. We showed them the card and did not have to remove shoes, or take out 3-1-1, etc. So it basically acted exactly like Pre-Check and we blazed right through.

Honestly thought, it's kinda sad. Perhaps I was expecting something like the First Wing @ LHR or something but it ain't too grand that is for sure. In the future we'd probaby just do mobile boarding pass and go directly to a pre-check line, particularly since we never check a bag. But since we'd stayed the previous night in Miami and were arriving to the airport in an Uber, thought we'd try it out.

If you had a large family, checking lots of bags, etc. it might be worth it.

Regards
scubadu is offline  
Old Oct 13, 2022, 4:28 pm
  #313  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,256
Originally Posted by scubadu
BTW, meant to provide an update. My wife and I did use MIA Flagship Check-in a few weeks ago. For those concerned about Pre-Check, as BlooJoo alluded to, they basically escorted us to the non Pre-Check security line right next to check-in, but they gave each of us a "blue card" and shepherded us to a "special line" all the way over to the right, which basically mimicked Pre-Check. We showed them the card and did not have to remove shoes, or take out 3-1-1, etc. So it basically acted exactly like Pre-Check and we blazed right through.

Honestly thought, it's kinda sad. Perhaps I was expecting something like the First Wing @ LHR or something but it ain't too grand that is for sure. In the future we'd probaby just do mobile boarding pass and go directly to a pre-check line, particularly since we never check a bag. But since we'd stayed the previous night in Miami and were arriving to the airport in an Uber, thought we'd try it out.

If you had a large family, checking lots of bags, etc. it might be worth it.

Regards
It's never been particularly worth using unless there's a long line.

It's one of those dog and pony show things to make it feel like you're getting something special.
Antarius is online now  
Old Oct 13, 2022, 4:39 pm
  #314  
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,043
Originally Posted by Antarius
It's never been particularly worth using unless there's a long line.

It's one of those dog and pony show things to make it feel like you're getting something special.
Yep, well put.

Regards
scubadu is offline  
Old Oct 19, 2022, 5:28 pm
  #315  
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: CMH
Programs: BA Gold, AA Plat, NK $9 fare club
Posts: 666
It’s a reliable and quick and easy and time saving way to get in. Reduces the amount of uncertainty.
renila and lrdpenn like this.
Spanish is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.