Jan 4, 2017, 9:24 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
HELP DESK: Lounge Access, Access Rules. Will I Have Lounge Access? (2017)
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
PLEASE DO NOT ALTER THE CONTENT OF THIS MODERATOR NOTE
The Lounge Access Help Desk
To assist members with questions about Lounge Access Rules that they have not been able to answer on their own using the above resources, the AA Moderator team has decided to institute this thread, the third in a series of "Help Desk" threads. N.B.: If you have questions about physical access to a specific lounge (e.g., airside vs. landside, different terminal, etc.), please search for and post to the appropriate specific thread for that lounge.
New threads on this topic will be merged into this one and bumped by the moderators as necessary. As such, we do not expect that this thread will develop into a searchable database, but that it will nonetheless provide a valuable resource to members. As well, we may shed / pare down posts from time to time to a trailing thread or similar device.
Our goal is to provide a place where members can feel welcome to post such questions and expect helpful, accurate responses. In this way, we hope to accommodate the needs and desires of both new and veteran members - those who aren't sure they are interpreting the available resources correctly can ask for help without fear of snarky-appearing responses; those who do not wish to participate in such threads are invited and, indeed, encouraged, to ignore this thread.
Please be forewarned: This thread will be subject to heavy moderation. Posts that are incorrect will be subject to deletion without notice - DO NOT POST answers unless you are 100% sure your answer is complete and correct. Posts that are unhelpful or off-topic will also be subject to deletion without notice - DO NOT POST unless you can be friendly, helpful, concise, and salient.
Finally, a few guidelines for members posting queries to this thread:
- Please DO make an effort to review the listed resources before posting here.
- Please DO try to give as much information as possible, including your entire itinerary, with carrier for each segment and codeshares and stopovers clearly designated, your class of service and fare class purchased, whether or not you have Admirals Club or Qantas Club membership, a Citi AAdvantage Executive card (which includes full Admirals Club membership), and the number of guests and your family relationship with them, if any.
- Please DO understand it could take some time for answers (especially on holidays and weekends.)
- Please DO thank helpful members volunteering to reply to your questions.
Also see the future changes in lounges and access: Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge Changes, Renovations & Additions
Sincerely,
The American Airlines | AAdvantage forum Moderator Team
(Help Desk established by dstan)
=================end mod note===================
oneworld Lounge Access
Wizard by kduarte.
Help Desk: Lounge Access Rules / Will I Have Lounge Access?
Lounge Access can be obtained in a number of ways during travel on AA and its oneworld partner airlines. These include purchasing an Admirals Club one day pass, or via Citi AAdvantage Executive MasterCard (including, as of Dec 2015, authorized card users), reciprocity agreements with other airlines, traveling on certain transcon flights in F or J, or traveling internationally with Platinum (oneworld Sapphire) or Executive Platinum (oneworld Emerald) status or in F or J classes of service - except if flying solely within North America inc,Using destinations other than MEX or the Caribbean. The last is often the greatest source of confusion, despite lounge access rules being described clearly on aa.com. Threads about these are linked to in the American Airlines LOUNGE DASHBOARD thread.
Admirals Club members paid or Executive cardholder members) are entitled guests as follows:
Up to two guests or household members (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under the age of 18) may accompany the member.
For AA status-based access (PLT, PlatPro or EXP),* passengers must: (1) be traveling on an international itinerary (Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and Mexico City, excluding the Caribbean and other destinations in North America (other than on certain three class transcontinental flights) including other destinations in Mexico, and (2) have an onward flight on a oneworld airline marketed and operated flight on the same day. PLT and PPRO members are eligible for access to all oneworld Business Class lounges, now including Flagship Lounges, including Admirals Clubs; EXP members are also eligible for access to all oneworld First Class lounges, including Flagship Lounges.
Lounges operated by third parties or premium lunges operating outside of oneworld rules (e.g. BA Concorde Room, Qatar Al Safwa or Al Mourjan lounges) may be excluded, and all may may refuse admittance if they claim they are crowded. There are other exceptions.
*Non-AA oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elites are not subject to rule #1 above.
Emerald / EP on CX JFK-YVR are not subject to AA limitations and are issued Flagship Lounge invitations for use at JFK.
Another confusing rule relates to transcontinental access. From member FriendlySkies:
Traveling on a Non-Stop Transcontinental* Flight? http://www.aa.com/i18n/utility/trans-con-access.jsp
More changes:
If you are traveling in the First or Business class cabin (on flights sold as three classes) in one of the following non-stop markets, we welcome you to visit the lounge as indicated below.
More changes:
If you are traveling in the First or Business class cabin (on flights sold as three classes) in one of the following non-stop markets, we welcome you to visit the lounge as indicated below.
The following exceptions apply:
First and Business Class customers who do not hold Emerald or Sapphire tier status are not eligible to access American Airlines lounges when travelling on solely domestic flights within the U.S. or between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico [except Mexico City], the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean; customers travelling in First or Business class on U.S. transcontinental flights between JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO and MIA-LAX (and vice-versa) are eligible for lounge access. one world lounge access page - link
First and Business Class customers who do not hold Emerald or Sapphire tier status are not eligible to access American Airlines lounges when travelling on solely domestic flights within the U.S. or between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico [except Mexico City], the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean; customers travelling in First or Business class on U.S. transcontinental flights between JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO and MIA-LAX (and vice-versa) are eligible for lounge access. one world lounge access page - link
In the Flagship Dining subsection, they state:
Beginning in early 2017, the Flagship Dining experience will be available in select cities with 3-class service:
● Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
● New York (JFK)
● Miami (MIA)
● Los Angeles (LAX)
First Class customers on Americans 3-class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive access to Flagship Dining in 2017
● Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
● New York (JFK)
● Miami (MIA)
● Los Angeles (LAX)
First Class customers on Americans 3-class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive access to Flagship Dining in 2017
Flagship Lounges (JFK, LAX, LHR and ORD) offer extended beverages and upscale snack services as well. See below for link.
NOTE: Some Lounges and Clubs are undergoing refurbishment.
Citi Prestige MasterCard holder Admirals Club access ended July 23, 2017.
American Express Platinum cardholder Admirals Club access ended 21 March 2014.
NOTE: It has been verified more airports are allowing multiple terminal access on one's day of departure. LAX has been one since mid-2014.
Admirals Club access is granted the day of flight for statusholders flyingone world and those flying F or J, or the following day at the first port of arrival if flying overnight and arriving by 0600.
Airports requiring Lounge users have a same day departure boarding pass include BOG, CCS, CDG, GIG, GRU, LHR, MEX, NRT, SCL, YYZ.
N.B. Qantas Lounges and Clubs require Smart Casual (sic) dress as of May 2015; those not meeting the standard may be turned away. They also require AAdvantage members be traveling on a departing AA marketed flight.
Please see the following resources for full details on Lounge Access Rules: (and see below)
. . . ● AA.com: Lounge Access Rules
. . . ● AA.com: American Airlines Flagship Lounge Access Rules
Beginning later in 2017: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ge-updates.jsp opens Flagship access to many more pax.
. . . ● AA.com: Reimaging our lounges
. . . ● AA.com: Admirals Club Membership Guide in a downloadable PDF format.
. . . ● oneworld.com: Lounge Access Rules and Search Tool
. . . ● Wiki: Lounges
. . . ● FT: American Airlines LOUNGE DASHBOARD
For various threads on membership, access by status, transcon service, class of service, Flagship lounge access, lounges directory with links to specific lounge threads, Club member access to partner lounges, recipripocity agreements, etc.
. . . ● Last year's thread:HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Access, Rules (2016)
ARCHIVE: HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Access, Rules (2017)
Jan 11, 2017, 11:57 pm
#61
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maītre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ge-updates.jsp
it is noted:
Expanded access
In the new Flagship® Lounges, eligible customers will be:
First and Business Class customers (on qualifying international flights or 3-class transcontinental markets)*
AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members in any cabin (on qualifying international flights)*
oneworld® Emerald and Sapphire members in any cabin on all flights**
Since in most of my past visits to JFK's Flagship lounge in the late afternoon, the lounge is packed to capacity, where essentially only FC, EXPs and Emeralds were allowed, they seem to have added lots more to the entry list--lots of pax will wind up being turned away.
it is noted:
Expanded access
In the new Flagship® Lounges, eligible customers will be:
First and Business Class customers (on qualifying international flights or 3-class transcontinental markets)*
AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members in any cabin (on qualifying international flights)*
oneworld® Emerald and Sapphire members in any cabin on all flights**
Since in most of my past visits to JFK's Flagship lounge in the late afternoon, the lounge is packed to capacity, where essentially only FC, EXPs and Emeralds were allowed, they seem to have added lots more to the entry list--lots of pax will wind up being turned away.
Like most wiki,products, Wikiposts are essentially community it's property. Nobody is charged with updating them, but any member with a minimum of 180 days on FT and 180 posts can editband update Wikiposts.
Jan 12, 2017, 12:06 am
#62
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maītre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...er-thread.html
Jan 12, 2017, 12:36 am
#63
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
???--there seems to be lots of formatting "nearby".
Jan 12, 2017, 10:45 am
#64
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 114
I am flying Cathay business class with my husband, using Advantage miles, from Newark (EWR) to Hong Kong to Bangkok. (all one ticket)
I am AA Platinum (husband AA Gold), have Admiral's club membership, Priority Pass Select via Citi Prestige card, and have several United Club one-time passes.
Flight CX 889 from EWR to Hong Kong leaves at 1:10 Am. We are not familiar with the Newark airport.
What lounge(s) will we be able to access in Newark? If more than one, which is the best? Which one stays open the latest? Any advice as to where we might hangout once the lounge closes?
We have a 4 hour layover in Hong Kong. What lounge(s) will we be able to access in Hong Kong ? If more than one, which is best and why?
I am AA Platinum (husband AA Gold), have Admiral's club membership, Priority Pass Select via Citi Prestige card, and have several United Club one-time passes.
Flight CX 889 from EWR to Hong Kong leaves at 1:10 Am. We are not familiar with the Newark airport.
What lounge(s) will we be able to access in Newark? If more than one, which is the best? Which one stays open the latest? Any advice as to where we might hangout once the lounge closes?
We have a 4 hour layover in Hong Kong. What lounge(s) will we be able to access in Hong Kong ? If more than one, which is best and why?
Jan 12, 2017, 11:07 am
#65
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
I am flying Cathay business class with my husband, using Advantage miles, from Newark (EWR) to Hong Kong to Bangkok. (all one ticket)
I am AA Platinum (husband AA Gold), have Admiral's club membership, Priority Pass Select via Citi Prestige card, and have several United Club one-time passes.
Flight CX 889 from EWR to Hong Kong leaves at 1:10 Am. We are not familiar with the Newark airport.
What lounge(s) will we be able to access in Newark? If more than one, which is the best? Which one stays open the latest? Any advice as to where we might hangout once the lounge closes?
We have a 4 hour layover in Hong Kong. What lounge(s) will we be able to access in Hong Kong ? If more than one, which is best and why?
I am AA Platinum (husband AA Gold), have Admiral's club membership, Priority Pass Select via Citi Prestige card, and have several United Club one-time passes.
Flight CX 889 from EWR to Hong Kong leaves at 1:10 Am. We are not familiar with the Newark airport.
What lounge(s) will we be able to access in Newark? If more than one, which is the best? Which one stays open the latest? Any advice as to where we might hangout once the lounge closes?
We have a 4 hour layover in Hong Kong. What lounge(s) will we be able to access in Hong Kong ? If more than one, which is best and why?
At HKG you can use any of the CX Business lounges, there are several, and all are very nice. I prefer the Bridge, it's large with a variety of seating and food/drink options. I'd recommend a search on the CX forum of the pros/cons to each lounge, as again there are quite a few.
Jan 12, 2017, 4:34 pm
#66
Join Date: May 2013
Location: England
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 143
Hi, we are flying LCY-JFK on BA1 then JFK-LAX in business so know that we access the lounge at JFK. However, can we use the lounge at LAX for our onward leg to LAS considering the two business flights the same day?
Then on the return we are flying LAX-JFK red eye at midnigh(ish) can we use the lounge at JFK before we pass through security to use the showers etc? We will be flying back to LHR that night on BA in business
Thanks
Then on the return we are flying LAX-JFK red eye at midnigh(ish) can we use the lounge at JFK before we pass through security to use the showers etc? We will be flying back to LHR that night on BA in business
Thanks
Jan 12, 2017, 5:20 pm
#67
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Hi, we are flying LCY-JFK on BA1 then JFK-LAX in business so know that we access the lounge at JFK. However, can we use the lounge at LAX for our onward leg to LAS considering the two business flights the same day?
Then on the return we are flying LAX-JFK red eye at midnigh(ish) can we use the lounge at JFK before we pass through security to use the showers etc? We will be flying back to LHR that night on BA in business
Thanks
Then on the return we are flying LAX-JFK red eye at midnigh(ish) can we use the lounge at JFK before we pass through security to use the showers etc? We will be flying back to LHR that night on BA in business
Thanks
Yes to LAX on the outbound - you are same day international business.
Yes to JFK on the return - you are same day international business.
Jan 12, 2017, 7:13 pm
#68
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: stl
Programs: AA LT Plat/8.1mm now with 1350 miles left in my account and proud of it.. SPG LT Titanium.
Posts: 3,082
I have access through Citi Prestige card and am flying out on AA this weekend. Meeting a friend at the airport who is on another carrier and I guest him even though he is not on AA?
Jan 12, 2017, 7:34 pm
#69
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 114
At EWR you can use the BA Galleries Club lounge, it should be open till the CX flight departs. There is an Admirals Club, but it is located in a different terminal and will be closed before you're likely to arrive at EWR anyways.
At HKG you can use any of the CX Business lounges, there are several, and all are very nice. I prefer the Bridge, it's large with a variety of seating and food/drink options. I'd recommend a search on the CX forum of the pros/cons to each lounge, as again there are quite a few.
At HKG you can use any of the CX Business lounges, there are several, and all are very nice. I prefer the Bridge, it's large with a variety of seating and food/drink options. I'd recommend a search on the CX forum of the pros/cons to each lounge, as again there are quite a few.
Thanks JJeffrey. This info will be so helpful to us. We are relieved there is a lounge we can access that is likely to stay open until our flight departs.
Jan 13, 2017, 8:57 am
#70
Join Date: May 2013
Location: England
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 143
great that we can use the showers at JFK, at least we can spend a few hours in the city refreshed 
Jan 13, 2017, 9:07 am
#71
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maītre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
(Of course, Prestige card access is over after 23 July 2017.)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...ul-2017-a.html
"ADMIRALS CLUB® ACCESS PRIVILEGES FOR CITI PRESTIGE:
Benefit applies to Citi Prestige® primary cardmembers who are 18 years of age or older and are traveling on American, American Eagle Airlines, Inc. or an American Connection carrier flight number only. The primary cardmember may bring as guest(s) either immediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18 years of age) or up to two traveling guests. This benefit does not provide access privileges to US Airways clubs®, Arrivals Lounge, or Flagship® Lounge facilities, or other airline lounges or clubs with which American Airlines may have reciprocal lounge or club access privileges, including lounges operated by oneworld Alliance. To access the Admirals Club® lounge, the primary cardmember must present (i) his or her open and valid Citi Prestige World EliteTM MasterCard®, (ii) his or her current government-issued I.D., and (iii) any additional required documentation. Prestige cardmembers must present a stand-by ticket or boarding pass, showing an American, American Eagle Airlines, Inc., or an American Connection carrier flight number, valid for travel on such flight. To locate a current list of lounges please visit aa.com/admiralsclub. For more information, please see Admirals Club Access Privileges for Citi Prestige in the Citi Prestige Card Terms and Conditions at www.citi.com/citiprestige."
Jan 13, 2017, 9:49 am
#72
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BWI
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 82
Anecdotally, I have guested my wife into the AC using my Citi Prestige and they didn't check her boarding pass, even when she was on a different itinerary from me. I don't know if that's the policy or at the discretion of the lounge agent you check in with. Try to bring your friend in and report back.
Jan 13, 2017, 6:48 pm
#73
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Nashville,TN
Programs: AA Gold Elite
Posts: 601
Flagship lounge access DFW if in F on Etihad
Will I have access to the AC Flagship lounge at DFW flying in F on Etihad or should I use the contract lounge for Etihad at DFW.
Jan 14, 2017, 9:47 am
#75
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Nashville,TN
Programs: AA Gold Elite
Posts: 601
Need to add more clarification.
Flying in F into DFW on AA on award.
Flying in F on Etihad on award miles from DFW to AUH which I believe is a codeshare?
I am lifetime lowly Gold.
Have the AA credit card that allows me access to any AA lounge regardless of which cabin I am in.
So, should I visit the Terminal D AA lounge or not bother and go to the Etihad contract lounge in Terminal D?
If I do have access to both, which is better to spend my time in?
Thanks in advance.
Flying in F into DFW on AA on award.
Flying in F on Etihad on award miles from DFW to AUH which I believe is a codeshare?
I am lifetime lowly Gold.
Have the AA credit card that allows me access to any AA lounge regardless of which cabin I am in.
So, should I visit the Terminal D AA lounge or not bother and go to the Etihad contract lounge in Terminal D?
If I do have access to both, which is better to spend my time in?
Thanks in advance.