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GUIDE: AA Flagship Check-In at JFK, LAX, LHR, MIA, ORD
#91
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Curious to know yalls take on this. 4 people traveling together from Ord-jfk RT. One of the people is a BA gold however he is only 15. Technically they all have access (guest requirement is never enforced) however this just sounds like a recipe for them all getting denied. Should they even try to use flagship first checkin.
If you don't have pre-check and/or the pre-check line is snaking, give it a shot.
#92
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,159
I'm not sure how the 1 guest rule for Flagship First check-in works. I was not aware of the rule until I read the beginning of this thread today. I checked in at the Flagship First check in at O'Hare yesterday along with my wife who was on the same record locator with me and my adult daughter who was also flying in first with but using my AAdvantage miles. My daughter and was already checked-in on the mobile app. The agent didn't say anything and in fact unsolicited printed my daughter's boarding pass.
So I assume this was domestic and you're the only one who's CK. Guesting for FFCI seems to be obscure. The AA page doesn't mention guests at all. This TPG article gives info that doesn't seem to be anywhere else, claiming:
CKs and up to two guests or immediate family can use the Flagship First Check-In no matter which route they’re flying.
I suspect in practice at least anyone on the same PNR would be allowed, since it's normal for such groups to check in together. Moreover, in the case of FFCI based on class of service, of course those on the same PNR would be equally eligible anyway. The real limitation is for status-based access. But indeed, for other purposes (like FL access), status tends to allow otherwise-unqualified guests more than class of service does.
#94
Suspended
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: ,united 1k, AA EXP, HH Diamond,BA gold, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 974
Yes you can use it- however you might have to stand your ground most of the guards don’t know the rules
#95
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
reservations and twitter team told me that as well but they couldn’t reference anything to back up that info. I don’t want to argue at the entrance unless I could show them rules on my phone
#96
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: VA
Programs: AA EXP, DL Gold, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 293
Also - this page on AA (about 1/3 of the way down), shows Platinum Pro as OWE.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...ite-status.jsp
#97
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Check the app and see if your AAdvantage Card shows the green/emerald oval under the Oneworld logo.
Also - this page on AA (about 1/3 of the way down), shows Platinum Pro as OWE.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...ite-status.jsp
Also - this page on AA (about 1/3 of the way down), shows Platinum Pro as OWE.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...ite-status.jsp
#99
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: So Cal
Posts: 937
Enter thru the Flagship check in doors. They are at the end of terminal 4 right before you hit terminal 5. Last time I was there they had construction happening at the entrance and it was not well marked. They typically have a contract agent at a podium or standing near the doors as well. You will have access to the Admirals Club, though usually you have access to Flagship First dining as well as Flagship First lounge. Sadly, AA is doing nothing special for those who have access via Flagship First. You will have to pay for premium alcohol, where as in the Flagship Dining you could drink Krug champagne to your hearts desire. If using miles I would look to see if business class is available as the current Flagship First soft product is non existent outside of Flagship check-in. The seat difference is not much, especially if you book in row 3/4.
#100
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: LAX, SNA, LGB
Posts: 452
Tried for JFK flagship check-in and was denied on JFK-SNA on three cabin first. Manager said they have not been advised on the route being flagship. I was however able to access AC without issue.
P.S. they refused to look at their website
P.S. they refused to look at their website
#101
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BOS
Programs: AA PP, DL PM
Posts: 2,086
The lounge is usually pretty good about access because their computers give an accept/reject message when you scan your BP.
Since this has been a perennial issue, I think AA needs to do something. Perhaps email FFCI eligible people something the day before / when they book (e.g. "We're looking forward to seeing you at Flagship Check In JFK on July 12"), so that they can show the gatekeeper the email on their phone. For that matter, let the line minders scan mobile boarding passes and get a green light or a red light.
Maybe also have a sign by the door detailing who is eligible, similar to what they have at priority check in.
Since this has been a perennial issue, I think AA needs to do something. Perhaps email FFCI eligible people something the day before / when they book (e.g. "We're looking forward to seeing you at Flagship Check In JFK on July 12"), so that they can show the gatekeeper the email on their phone. For that matter, let the line minders scan mobile boarding passes and get a green light or a red light.
Maybe also have a sign by the door detailing who is eligible, similar to what they have at priority check in.
#102
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: New York
Programs: AA, Bonvoy, Delta, Hyatt
Posts: 92
If using miles I would look to see if business class is available as the current Flagship First soft product is non existent outside of Flagship check-in. The seat difference is not much, especially if you book in row 3/4.[/QUOTE]
assuming the aircraft is 77W, I disagree that the seat difference is not much. Flagship First, rows 1 & 2 is a much better seat than Flagship Business. But that's just me, and I agree there probably won't be many other differences at the present time.
assuming the aircraft is 77W, I disagree that the seat difference is not much. Flagship First, rows 1 & 2 is a much better seat than Flagship Business. But that's just me, and I agree there probably won't be many other differences at the present time.
#103
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: So Cal
Posts: 937
No need to assume anything. 77W is the only widebody in the fleet that has Flagship First and Flagship Business, hence why I made the recommendation. Why waste miles for a marginally better seat. Now if you are getting it for the same price, as I have seen lately, or a few miles more then snag first.
#104
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: So Cal
Posts: 937
That's some BS right there and the fact they failed to even look is a big service miss. Hit up advantage with your concerns and get some miles for your troubles.
#105
Suspended
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: ,united 1k, AA EXP, HH Diamond,BA gold, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 974
This is getting to the point that we need to all email AA and have them do something about this. Like another poster said. Post the rules at flagship first, send a pass the day before to present- similar to a lounge invite, scan your boarding pass, or just have knowledgable agents.