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===================
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)
#91
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
"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.
Why? BA and most airlines operate lounges for passengers flying certain classes of service, AA sells Admirals Club memberships.
And, LAS has no AA lounge in any case.
OTOH if you're used to those "cozy" CE seats, you'll be happy even on older legacy US A320 domestic "First" seats.
Last edited by JDiver; Jan 19, 2017 at 10:13 pm
#92
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: UA Gold
Posts: 60
LAX Qantas Lounge for EXP flying LAX-JFK J
Will I get access to LAX Qantas lounge for EXP flying J on LAX-JFK?
Tried reading the oneworld lounge rules but still not sure if I have access to the Qantas lounge.
Thanks!
Tried reading the oneworld lounge rules but still not sure if I have access to the Qantas lounge.
Thanks!
#93
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
States, in the Wikipost:
Access rules: (v. Mar 12, 2016)
Qantas First Lounge
Must be traveling on a oneworld marketed and operated flight ("qualifying flight") and be
oneworld Los Angeles Lounge (business lounge operated by Qantas)
Note this is a oneworld lounge, not a Qantas Club. It is not part of any reciprocity agreement with Admirals Club.
Must be traveling on a oneworld marketed and operated flight ("qualifying flight") and be
Qantas First Lounge
Must be traveling on a oneworld marketed and operated flight ("qualifying flight") and be
- departing in, or connecting from, first class on a oneworld international flight of over 5 hours, or
- traveling in first class on a three-class domestic flight (currently LAX-JFK and some LAX-MIA), or
- a oneworld Emerald cardholder.
- Exception: AA Executive Platinum members are not eligible for access when traveling solely on flights within or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Also note: ...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
Note this is a oneworld lounge, not a Qantas Club. It is not part of any reciprocity agreement with Admirals Club.
Must be traveling on a oneworld marketed and operated flight ("qualifying flight") and be
- departing in, or connecting from, first or business class on a oneworld international flight of over 5 hours, or
- traveling in first or business class on a three-class domestic flight (currently LAX-JFK and LAX-MIA), or
- a oneworld Emerald or Sapphire cardholder.
- Exception: AA Executive Platinum and Platinum members are not eligible for access when traveling solely on flights within or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
#95
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
#96
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 6
Hi,
I am travelling on AA109 LHR-LAX (in J) then connecting to SFO (in F) on the same day.
From the rule above, I can access the AA lounge in T4 by showing my LHR-LAX J boarding pass, right?
Can I access any OW lounge in TBIT? If so, which lounge would be the best option to try? I have a 4 hours layover at LAX.
Thank you.
I am travelling on AA109 LHR-LAX (in J) then connecting to SFO (in F) on the same day.
From the rule above, I can access the AA lounge in T4 by showing my LHR-LAX J boarding pass, right?
Can I access any OW lounge in TBIT? If so, which lounge would be the best option to try? I have a 4 hours layover at LAX.
Thank you.
#97
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LHR, LGW
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 3,439
Newbie to AA here. I have OW Sapphire Status and I'm flying JFK-MIA on AA in Economy in March. What Lounge access do I have in T8?
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
Hi,
I am travelling on AA109 LHR-LAX (in J) then connecting to SFO (in F) on the same day.
From the rule above, I can access the AA lounge in T4 by showing my LHR-LAX J boarding pass, right?
Can I access any OW lounge in TBIT? If so, which lounge would be the best option to try? I have a 4 hours layover at LAX.
Thank you.
I am travelling on AA109 LHR-LAX (in J) then connecting to SFO (in F) on the same day.
From the rule above, I can access the AA lounge in T4 by showing my LHR-LAX J boarding pass, right?
Can I access any OW lounge in TBIT? If so, which lounge would be the best option to try? I have a 4 hours layover at LAX.
Thank you.
#99
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: DL Gold, UA nothing (ex-GS), Marriott lifetime Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 920
Hi,
I applied for and received a Citi Prestige card after they discontinued the AA lounge access. My Citi Prestige Card did not say "Admiral Club Lounge Access" on it.
A few days ago I lost my card and the replacement arrived today. The replacement does say "Admiral Club Lounge Access".
Two questions:
1. Will I be able to use this card to access Admiral Club lounges through July 23 when it's discontinued for everyone?
2. If yes, can I use it to get in even if I'm flying on United (in USA airports)? Or do I need an AA boarding pass?
I searched around a bit and couldn't find an answer to these questions. The Wiki only says:
I applied for and received a Citi Prestige card after they discontinued the AA lounge access. My Citi Prestige Card did not say "Admiral Club Lounge Access" on it.
A few days ago I lost my card and the replacement arrived today. The replacement does say "Admiral Club Lounge Access".
Two questions:
1. Will I be able to use this card to access Admiral Club lounges through July 23 when it's discontinued for everyone?
2. If yes, can I use it to get in even if I'm flying on United (in USA airports)? Or do I need an AA boarding pass?
I searched around a bit and couldn't find an answer to these questions. The Wiki only says:
Citi Prestige MasterCard holder Admirals Club access ends July 23, 2017.
#100
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BWI
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 82
Hi,
I applied for and received a Citi Prestige card after they discontinued the AA lounge access. My Citi Prestige Card did not say "Admiral Club Lounge Access" on it.
A few days ago I lost my card and the replacement arrived today. The replacement does say "Admiral Club Lounge Access".
Two questions:
1. Will I be able to use this card to access Admiral Club lounges through July 23 when it's discontinued for everyone?
2. If yes, can I use it to get in even if I'm flying on United (in USA airports)? Or do I need an AA boarding pass?
I searched around a bit and couldn't find an answer to these questions. The Wiki only says:
I applied for and received a Citi Prestige card after they discontinued the AA lounge access. My Citi Prestige Card did not say "Admiral Club Lounge Access" on it.
A few days ago I lost my card and the replacement arrived today. The replacement does say "Admiral Club Lounge Access".
Two questions:
1. Will I be able to use this card to access Admiral Club lounges through July 23 when it's discontinued for everyone?
2. If yes, can I use it to get in even if I'm flying on United (in USA airports)? Or do I need an AA boarding pass?
I searched around a bit and couldn't find an answer to these questions. The Wiki only says:
2) No, the Prestige card only grants access when you have a same day boarding pass for AA. They'll ask to see your boarding pass at the same time as they swipe your card. An Admirals Club membership or the Citi AAdvantage Executive card would let you in no matter what airline you're flying.
#101
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 3
New to this forum, but a quick question. I am flying ICN-DFW-IND next week. The first leg (ICN-DFW) is business class, while the second leg (DFW-IND) is economy. Will I be able to access the Admirals Club in DFW? I emailed AA customer service and their response was super wordy and left me without a real clear answer. Thanks
#102
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
New to this forum, but a quick question. I am flying ICN-DFW-IND next week. The first leg (ICN-DFW) is business class, while the second leg (DFW-IND) is economy. Will I be able to access the Admirals Club in DFW? I emailed AA customer service and their response was super wordy and left me without a real clear answer. Thanks
#104
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: BWI
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 82
Any idea if I can guest someone in that is arriving after my flight departs? I'm an EXP and have a flight departing DFW-FRA at 3:55pm, my sister has a connection in DFW on AA that arrives at 5:25pm same day. Is there any way I could print her boarding pass and add her as a guest even though I'll leave an hour and a half before she gets there?
I know it would be no problem if we were there at the same time, just hoping I can get some leeway to help out my sister.
I know it would be no problem if we were there at the same time, just hoping I can get some leeway to help out my sister.
#105
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Any idea if I can guest someone in that is arriving after my flight departs? I'm an EXP and have a flight departing DFW-FRA at 3:55pm, my sister has a connection in DFW on AA that arrives at 5:25pm same day. Is there any way I could print her boarding pass and add her as a guest even though I'll leave an hour and a half before she gets there?
I know it would be no problem if we were there at the same time, just hoping I can get some leeway to help out my sister.
I know it would be no problem if we were there at the same time, just hoping I can get some leeway to help out my sister.