njvandy

I doubt it would do you much good if you're flying QR or IB, as the check-in desks are in the main hall. I suppose if you have carry on bags only, or if you just want to skip to the front of the security line you could walk through. You may get some confusion from the agents but the rules clearly state EXPs can use FFCI when traveling on any OW carrier overseas.

Global321

(red mine)

I don't think so. I believe the rules state you must be flying AA to access FFCI. If flying QR/IB, I don't believe you can.

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

njvandy

You are correct per the AA website. I'm surprised by this. Oneworld lists "Access to First Class priority check-in" as a published benefit for Emeralds.

https://www.oneworld.com/travel-benefits

I'm sure AA could get around this by saying there are regular F check-in counters, but it seems pretty lame.

In any case, there really isn't much benefit to using FFCI if you still need to check in elsewhere with your operating carrier.

Global321

I agree with this being lame... you would think AA would want to give their own Emerald's a benefit to encourage more loyalty to AA. If you are an EXP, you obviously fly a good amount and spend a good amount. And you chose AA as the place you want those miles/loyalty going. Every year I at least consider switching to a foreign OW carrier for my status. (Domestic flight access to FLs + no $$ spend on at least some of them.)

njvandy

It would cost nothing to allow this. EXPs flying other OW carriers wouldn't be making the lines longer, as they would have no reason to stop at the check-in desks. It's literally just a small courtesy to allow them to walk to the front of the line. The vast, vast majority of EXPS wouldn't even bother to do it anyway.

GentleGiant

Correct. As a BA Gold I can use the dedicated line, although in Miami it isn't much help as TSA pre check isn't at check point 2 now - they moved it to check point 1

Incidentally I was told that BA First passengers could check-in there, but I don't think that is true.

aj411

The previous psot by Penguinmoon got me thinking.
I have flights coming up RST>ORD (separate PNR), ORD>LHR return LHR>DFW>MSP. All business class on AA metal. Husband will be with me for the return flight only.
I'm AA EXP my husband is AAPP - so both Emerald but via AA

Questions
So, if all on time outbound, I will have 5 1/2 hours between flights at ORD. I most likely have to retrieve my luggage in ORD (that will take a half hour) and then rechceck. I know I will be too early for the 4 hour window. I was planning on finding a corner to sit for a while until I could go through FFCI.
First Questions: Is there a place to sit in the FFCI area to wait until checkin? Or, as was mentioned above, might they let me recheck my bag early?

Next on the return.
Qustion: what are the chances of getting both my husband and through the LHR FFCI. Him as my "guest". We will be on separate PNR

TIA

Global321

Flying AA at ORD, you will have no problem checking in whenever you want.

You should have no problem having your husband coming with you at LHR.

aj411

Thanks! I have had so many checkin agents be sticklers on the 4 hour rule that I hadnt even thought to try until I saw the post above.
I have had luck through-checking AA to AA on separate PNR but our current staff at RST is all pretty new right now so not sure they could figure that one out. We seem to have lost a couple of our best, most experienced agents here.,

aj411

Locationof LHR T3 Flagship checkin? Looking at Google street view, it looks like it is off to the right of the drop off area for T3. Is that still correct?
Or better yet, is there an LHR map that shows zone J as listed on the AA website? I couldn't find one on Heathrow site. I did see a sign for H on google maps

TIA

ghsbass0406

(deleted) - saw "guesting" experiences from posts above.

San Gottardo

Flying from JFK on a Monday morning at 7:55AM. British Airways Gold card/OWE card. I only have hand luggage, and TSAPre. Quick question:

• the FLagship CKI area is open already around 6:30AM?
• If I only have hand luggage, will I just access the FL area by showing my boarding pass at the podium and then go straight to the TSA Pre security line? Or do I need to stop at one of the counters?
• In fact, does it make any difference if I access the TSA Pre lane through the Flagship area, or is it just the same if I just go to the TSA Pre lane without passing by the Flagship CKI area?
• Best lounge I can use is the SoHo lounge, right?

Spanish

Posting from FL in MIA… Looks like they’re revamping the FFCI and had a very nice experience. Pre check is now available between doors 2 and 3 with personal escort. They need to get a porter or private entrance like LAX. It’s a hassle checking 2 boxes and a bag (got to walk a bit to get inside to the FFCI line). Other than that, A+ for convenience.

physicsdude

Starting to fly OW carriers and I don't have OW status yet. I'm going to fly ORD-JFK-LHR all in F, both on AA in a few weeks and I completely forgot to renew TSA pre-check.

Will I be able to use FFCI at ORD? If so, can I ask to use the regular TSA lines?

Thanks for helping out this newbie to AA.

S80

Probably too late for you, but if anyone else needs:
The new sit-down area opened at 4:30am the last time I went through. There was a priority check in that was open at 4am though.
If you have your boarding pass, you don't need to stop by. It leads to the same TSA pre (or non-pre) line whichever way you walk through.
It depends on what flight and cabin you are in.
Yes, you can use FFCI. From my experience (doing ORD-XXX-LHR), that they only have the list for the non-stop flights, so you may just have to explain that you do have access, just tell them you're in flagship first going to LHR and they'll let you through.
Yes, they dump you out to a set of 2 TSA podiums, one for regular TSA and one for TSA Pre. Last few times I went through, TSA Pre was on the left, and regular was on the right, but from comments from the agent once, they switch it up often, so they may not know what they're using on a particular day.