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 American’s 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 American’s 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 14, 2017, 9:48 am
#76
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Nashville,TN
Programs: AA Gold Elite
Posts: 601
Actually,paid F domestic into DFW but on award miles on Etihad from DFW to AUH.
Oops.
Oops.
Jan 15, 2017, 6:19 pm
#77
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,895
A few questions
I am on paid business on the JFK to LAX flight next Sunday afternoon, landing at 1:40 PM PST. I have interest in the Green Bay vs Atlanta football game (Noon to 3 PM PST), and I have a business meeting in Marina Del Rey at 4 PM.
1) Will I have access to an American Airlines lounge upon arrival at LAX?
2) Can I stay in the lounge from 1:45 until 3 to watch football? What complementary drinks are available? What about food?
3) Are showers available? I may want to shower and change for my 4 PM meeting
I am on paid business on the JFK to LAX flight next Sunday afternoon, landing at 1:40 PM PST. I have interest in the Green Bay vs Atlanta football game (Noon to 3 PM PST), and I have a business meeting in Marina Del Rey at 4 PM.
1) Will I have access to an American Airlines lounge upon arrival at LAX?
2) Can I stay in the lounge from 1:45 until 3 to watch football? What complementary drinks are available? What about food?
3) Are showers available? I may want to shower and change for my 4 PM meeting
Jan 15, 2017, 6:32 pm
#78
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
A few questions
I am on paid business on the JFK to LAX flight next Sunday afternoon, landing at 1:40 PM PST. I have interest in the Green Bay vs Atlanta football game (Noon to 3 PM PST), and I have a business meeting in Marina Del Rey at 4 PM.
1) Will I have access to an American Airlines lounge upon arrival at LAX?
2) Can I stay in the lounge from 1:45 until 3 to watch football? What complementary drinks are available? What about food?
3) Are showers available? I may want to shower and change for my 4 PM meeting
I am on paid business on the JFK to LAX flight next Sunday afternoon, landing at 1:40 PM PST. I have interest in the Green Bay vs Atlanta football game (Noon to 3 PM PST), and I have a business meeting in Marina Del Rey at 4 PM.
1) Will I have access to an American Airlines lounge upon arrival at LAX?
2) Can I stay in the lounge from 1:45 until 3 to watch football? What complementary drinks are available? What about food?
3) Are showers available? I may want to shower and change for my 4 PM meeting
2) You can stay in the lounge for as long as you want. Well drinks and house wines are complimentary, as well as sodas, water, etc. In terms of food, there is usually some sort of soup, cheese and crackers, cookies, and vegetables and dip spread.
3) Yes, there are shower rooms.
Jan 15, 2017, 6:39 pm
#79
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,895
A few questions
I am on paid business on the JFK to LAX flight next Sunday afternoon, landing at 1:40 PM PST. I have interest in the Green Bay vs Atlanta football game (Noon to 3 PM PST), and I have a business meeting in Marina Del Rey at 4 PM.
1) Will I have access to an American Airlines lounge upon arrival at LAX?
2) Can I stay in the lounge from 1:45 until 3 to watch football? What complementary drinks are available? What about food?
3) Are showers available? I may want to shower and change for my 4 PM meeting
I am on paid business on the JFK to LAX flight next Sunday afternoon, landing at 1:40 PM PST. I have interest in the Green Bay vs Atlanta football game (Noon to 3 PM PST), and I have a business meeting in Marina Del Rey at 4 PM.
1) Will I have access to an American Airlines lounge upon arrival at LAX?
2) Can I stay in the lounge from 1:45 until 3 to watch football? What complementary drinks are available? What about food?
3) Are showers available? I may want to shower and change for my 4 PM meeting
1) Yes, you can use the Admirals Club on arrival.
2) You can stay in the lounge for as long as you want. Well drinks and house wines are complimentary, as well as sodas, water, etc. In terms of food, there is usually some sort of soup, cheese and crackers, cookies, and vegetables and dip spread.
3) Yes, there are shower rooms.
2) You can stay in the lounge for as long as you want. Well drinks and house wines are complimentary, as well as sodas, water, etc. In terms of food, there is usually some sort of soup, cheese and crackers, cookies, and vegetables and dip spread.
3) Yes, there are shower rooms.
Jan 16, 2017, 5:53 am
#80
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 319
HI.
I am getting cheesed off with TATL flights with VS & BA and am thinking of using AA in future for my paid business class flights.
I have looked through the lounge guide info but am confused about my ability to use the admirals club in PHL after arriving on a TATL business class ticket and then continuing to RSW in Domestic First class.
I would appreciate any guidance. Thanks in advance
I am getting cheesed off with TATL flights with VS & BA and am thinking of using AA in future for my paid business class flights.
I have looked through the lounge guide info but am confused about my ability to use the admirals club in PHL after arriving on a TATL business class ticket and then continuing to RSW in Domestic First class.
I would appreciate any guidance. Thanks in advance
Jan 16, 2017, 7:27 am
#81
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
HI.
I am getting cheesed off with TATL flights with VS & BA and am thinking of using AA in future for my paid business class flights.
I have looked through the lounge guide info but am confused about my ability to use the admirals club in PHL after arriving on a TATL business class ticket and then continuing to RSW in Domestic First class.
I would appreciate any guidance. Thanks in advance
I am getting cheesed off with TATL flights with VS & BA and am thinking of using AA in future for my paid business class flights.
I have looked through the lounge guide info but am confused about my ability to use the admirals club in PHL after arriving on a TATL business class ticket and then continuing to RSW in Domestic First class.
I would appreciate any guidance. Thanks in advance
Jan 17, 2017, 11:34 pm
#83
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: BUR
Programs: AA, DL Platinum, AS, AF/KL, UA, VS, HA, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 1,788
AA/OW elite UK domestic access?
Am a Plat/OW Sapphire. Booked a domestic UK (EDI-LGW) on a BA ticket, not part of an international itinerary - although I'm flying days later LHR-DFW on a separate ticket.
I know flying AA domestic/North America doesn't entitle us to lounge access, but it's not clear if we're allowed BA lounge (or partners lounge) access when traveling domestic UK. Are we?
I know flying AA domestic/North America doesn't entitle us to lounge access, but it's not clear if we're allowed BA lounge (or partners lounge) access when traveling domestic UK. Are we?
Jan 18, 2017, 1:52 am
#84
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Programs: Mucci, BA Gold, TK Elite, HHonors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 7,691
Am a Plat/OW Sapphire. Booked a domestic UK (EDI-LGW) on a BA ticket, not part of an international itinerary - although I'm flying days later LHR-DFW on a separate ticket.
I know flying AA domestic/North America doesn't entitle us to lounge access, but it's not clear if we're allowed BA lounge (or partners lounge) access when traveling domestic UK. Are we?
I know flying AA domestic/North America doesn't entitle us to lounge access, but it's not clear if we're allowed BA lounge (or partners lounge) access when traveling domestic UK. Are we?
Jan 18, 2017, 11:51 am
#85
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Programs: BA Oneworld
Posts: 582
Help! Refund
I bought reservations yesterday (on-line, in Brazil) and then noticed that there was an earlier flight so I called to request a change. The lady said there would be a fee, so I then suggested that I cancel (as I am within 24 hours) and make a new reservation. She said that would be fine. I cancelled there and then on the phone and received nothing by email. Hours later I called again and the lady said I need to request a refund using the site - entering each ticket number separately There are 4 PAX. This I did, but there is nothing showing when I check the status of my refunds. How long does that take to show up? Added to this, I am reading reports of refunds taking 90 days!
They take the payment in seconds and refund the money in months? (are you listening to this, airline regulators?). I used my debit card to make the payment and can't rebook the new flight until there is money in my account to make the new payment. This is a very unsatisfactory situation and I wonder if anyone has any solutions?
They take the payment in seconds and refund the money in months? (are you listening to this, airline regulators?). I used my debit card to make the payment and can't rebook the new flight until there is money in my account to make the new payment. This is a very unsatisfactory situation and I wonder if anyone has any solutions?
Last edited by BrianWBrazil; Jan 18, 2017 at 12:15 pm
Jan 19, 2017, 7:42 am
#86
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 56
I bought reservations yesterday (on-line, in Brazil) and then noticed that there was an earlier flight so I called to request a change. The lady said there would be a fee, so I then suggested that I cancel (as I am within 24 hours) and make a new reservation. She said that would be fine. I cancelled there and then on the phone and received nothing by email. Hours later I called again and the lady said I need to request a refund using the site - entering each ticket number separately There are 4 PAX. This I did, but there is nothing showing when I check the status of my refunds. How long does that take to show up? Added to this, I am reading reports of refunds taking 90 days!
They take the payment in seconds and refund the money in months? (are you listening to this, airline regulators?). I used my debit card to make the payment and can't rebook the new flight until there is money in my account to make the new payment. This is a very unsatisfactory situation and I wonder if anyone has any solutions?
They take the payment in seconds and refund the money in months? (are you listening to this, airline regulators?). I used my debit card to make the payment and can't rebook the new flight until there is money in my account to make the new payment. This is a very unsatisfactory situation and I wonder if anyone has any solutions?
I'll cross my fingers that it doesn't take 90 days!
Jan 19, 2017, 8:23 am
#87
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Dallas
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, IHG Spire, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 1,523
Ive had some take months, and some that have taken hours. Good luck.
Jan 19, 2017, 8:23 am
#88
Join Date: May 2012
Location: HNL
Programs: AA PP 1.8MM, PC Spire, Hertz 5*, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,030
People have been complaining about this before. It is ridiculous!
Unfortunately, I don't know if it is illegal. It should be. At minimum, it is unethical and needs to be changed.
Unfortunately, I don't know if it is illegal. It should be. At minimum, it is unethical and needs to be changed.
Jan 19, 2017, 8:46 am
#89
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Hopefully, OP has the time-stamped email showing that he requested the refund.
My practice is to wait 5 business days and to then dispute the charge, noting that the refund has been requested and never been processed. This generates an immediate temporary credit which will become permanent because AA won't, of course, challenge the dispute.
Same thing as a 5-day refund and one extra easy online step.
My practice is to wait 5 business days and to then dispute the charge, noting that the refund has been requested and never been processed. This generates an immediate temporary credit which will become permanent because AA won't, of course, challenge the dispute.
Same thing as a 5-day refund and one extra easy online step.
Jan 19, 2017, 4:41 pm
#90
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: British Airways Exec Club
Posts: 144
AA Lounge Access
"Lounge access is not available If you're flying within the US only"
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...nge-access.jsp
This makes no sense.
I will by flying AA LAS-IAH in first class. Does this mean I will not get access to the lounges?
That seems rather odd.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...nge-access.jsp
This makes no sense.
I will by flying AA LAS-IAH in first class. Does this mean I will not get access to the lounges?
That seems rather odd.