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)
Aug 15, 2017, 9:42 pm
#586
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
Aug 15, 2017, 9:51 pm
#587
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: IAH
Programs: UA GS, TK Gold
Posts: 304
Thanks for the info! What's JW?
A massage would be nice before I board that 788 bound for lax 1810 departure.
ETA: this one? I will look at the PVG terminal map to see where this lounge is in relation to the departing AA Gate.
http://thetravelsisters.com/review-a...anghai-pudong/
A massage would be nice before I board that 788 bound for lax 1810 departure.
ETA: this one? I will look at the PVG terminal map to see where this lounge is in relation to the departing AA Gate.
http://thetravelsisters.com/review-a...anghai-pudong/
Aug 15, 2017, 9:54 pm
#588
Join Date: May 2010
Location: los angeles
Programs: AAexec Paltinum , Hilton Lifetime diamond, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 97
but if i upgrade mia to costa rica to first class then that would get me in correct?
Aug 15, 2017, 10:03 pm
#589
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
Here is the scoop: HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Access, Rules (2017)
Aug 16, 2017, 4:30 am
#590
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
Aug 16, 2017, 10:37 pm
#591
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 49
Hi. I have an ambiguous situation and wanted to get some expert opinions here about lounge access. All flights are AA marketed & operated.
Outbound
JFK - LAX (J), connecting same day to LAX - HNL (2-class F)
Return
HNL - LAX (2-class F), then connecting same day to LAX - JFK (J)
Both include a segment between JFK and LAX, and I will certainly have access to Flagship Lounge, as an EXP, immediately before boarding these legs. But...
Q1: On the outbound trip, would I have access at LAX before leaving for HNL?
Q2: How about on my way back at HNL, before leaving for LAX?
I initially thought "No," but then there seems to be some language in there about connecting from/to eligible flights...perhaps more in international contexts...maybe. Thoughts??? Any input would be much appreciated
Outbound
JFK - LAX (J), connecting same day to LAX - HNL (2-class F)
Return
HNL - LAX (2-class F), then connecting same day to LAX - JFK (J)
Both include a segment between JFK and LAX, and I will certainly have access to Flagship Lounge, as an EXP, immediately before boarding these legs. But...
Q1: On the outbound trip, would I have access at LAX before leaving for HNL?
Q2: How about on my way back at HNL, before leaving for LAX?
I initially thought "No," but then there seems to be some language in there about connecting from/to eligible flights...perhaps more in international contexts...maybe. Thoughts??? Any input would be much appreciated
Aug 16, 2017, 10:54 pm
#592
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Hi. I have an ambiguous situation and wanted to get some expert opinions here about lounge access. All flights are AA marketed & operated.
Outbound
JFK - LAX (J), connecting same day to LAX - HNL (2-class F)
Return
HNL - LAX (2-class F), then connecting same day to LAX - JFK (J)
Both include a segment between JFK and LAX, and I will certainly have access to Flagship Lounge, as an EXP, immediately before boarding these legs. But...
Q1: On the outbound trip, would I have access at LAX before leaving for HNL?
Q2: How about on my way back at HNL, before leaving for LAX?
I initially thought "No," but then there seems to be some language in there about connecting from/to eligible flights...perhaps more in international contexts...maybe. Thoughts??? Any input would be much appreciated
Outbound
JFK - LAX (J), connecting same day to LAX - HNL (2-class F)
Return
HNL - LAX (2-class F), then connecting same day to LAX - JFK (J)
Both include a segment between JFK and LAX, and I will certainly have access to Flagship Lounge, as an EXP, immediately before boarding these legs. But...
Q1: On the outbound trip, would I have access at LAX before leaving for HNL?
Q2: How about on my way back at HNL, before leaving for LAX?
I initially thought "No," but then there seems to be some language in there about connecting from/to eligible flights...perhaps more in international contexts...maybe. Thoughts??? Any input would be much appreciated
It's money well spent. Aloha, and enjoy your vacation.
Aug 17, 2017, 6:28 am
#593
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
Hi. I have an ambiguous situation and wanted to get some expert opinions here about lounge access. All flights are AA marketed & operated.
Outbound
JFK - LAX (J), connecting same day to LAX - HNL (2-class F)
Return
HNL - LAX (2-class F), then connecting same day to LAX - JFK (J)
Both include a segment between JFK and LAX, and I will certainly have access to Flagship Lounge, as an EXP, immediately before boarding these legs. But...
Q1: On the outbound trip, would I have access at LAX before leaving for HNL?
Q2: How about on my way back at HNL, before leaving for LAX?
I initially thought "No," but then there seems to be some language in there about connecting from/to eligible flights...perhaps more in international contexts...maybe. Thoughts??? Any input would be much appreciated
Outbound
JFK - LAX (J), connecting same day to LAX - HNL (2-class F)
Return
HNL - LAX (2-class F), then connecting same day to LAX - JFK (J)
Both include a segment between JFK and LAX, and I will certainly have access to Flagship Lounge, as an EXP, immediately before boarding these legs. But...
Q1: On the outbound trip, would I have access at LAX before leaving for HNL?
Q2: How about on my way back at HNL, before leaving for LAX?
I initially thought "No," but then there seems to be some language in there about connecting from/to eligible flights...perhaps more in international contexts...maybe. Thoughts??? Any input would be much appreciated
Not sure I would buy an AC membership if you're not a frequent flyer though.
Aug 17, 2017, 8:04 am
#594
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP, lowly UA 1K; Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold; National EC, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,214
I am flying MCO-MIA-LAX-SJC upgraded to J throughout. I believe I get AC access at all airports correct? If I have time in LAX, can I get QF F lounge as a OW E or just QF J lounge?
Aug 17, 2017, 8:10 am
#595
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
As an EXP flying J in a 3 class transcon, you should have access to the QF F Lounge, and AC access elsewhere. Sometimes the QF F Lounge gatekeepers are not very accommodating to that access rule though.
Aug 17, 2017, 4:20 pm
#596
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
for coming in with an answer unrelated to the question. Paying $450 for lounge access that the OP would have for "free" (no extra cost over the airfare) to an inferior lounge (the AC instead of F lounges) seems like terrible advice. See the responses that actually answer the OP's question.Maybe paying for AC a membership is a good idea, maybe not; depends on your travel patterns, financial resources, and willingness to spend "unnecessary" money, in part. But the OP asked a simple question to which AC membership is irrelevant.
Aug 17, 2017, 5:08 pm
#597
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
for coming in with an answer unrelated to the question. Paying $450 for lounge access that the OP would have for "free" (no extra cost over the airfare) to an inferior lounge (the AC instead of F lounges) seems like terrible advice. See the responses that actually answer the OP's question.Maybe paying for AC a membership is a good idea, maybe not; depends on your travel patterns, financial resources, and willingness to spend "unnecessary" money, in part. But the OP asked a simple question to which AC membership is irrelevant.
Somebody needs a vacation.
Last edited by jcatman; Aug 17, 2017 at 7:44 pm
Aug 18, 2017, 8:36 am
#598
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 49
As an EXP flying Transcon J in a 3 class flight will give you access to the Flagship Lounge at JFK, and the Qantas F Lounge at LAX before connecting to HNL. Not knowing what time your return flight departs and your connecting JFK flight departs from LAX, I can't comment on access to lounges in HNL, however, once again, you should have access to the QF First lounge at LAX (once again, due to the 3 class J as an EXP).
Not sure I would buy an AC membership if you're not a frequent flyer though.
Not sure I would buy an AC membership if you're not a frequent flyer though.
I am a very frequent flyer--not just as in "I am an EXP!" but also in the sense that I do fly a lot. But, since I primarily travel internationally, I usually get access to Flagship Lounges/Dining and the question of lounge/AC access (which is only relevant for domestic travel in my case) thus almost never comes up. Thanks, again, for the useful tip about the Qantas F Lounge!!!
Aug 18, 2017, 8:51 am
#599
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 49
for coming in with an answer unrelated to the question. Paying $450 for lounge access that the OP would have for "free" (no extra cost over the airfare) to an inferior lounge (the AC instead of F lounges) seems like terrible advice. See the responses that actually answer the OP's question.Maybe paying for AC a membership is a good idea, maybe not; depends on your travel patterns, financial resources, and willingness to spend "unnecessary" money, in part. But the OP asked a simple question to which AC membership is irrelevant.
...and everyone else!
Aug 19, 2017, 9:52 am
#600
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SoCal
Posts: 622
In a separate thread, I posed a question if I could access the lounge on this upcoming trip: nonstop LAX-MIA, paid first (D Class), 2 class 32B aircraft.
There were some conflicting replies, so I checked with AA to be sure. Looks like I will have access.
Here is the reply (bolding mine):
Hello Mr. Flyertalker,
Thank you for contacting Admirals Clubs Member Services. We appreciate the opportunity to respond to your inquiry.
The Admirals Club® is intended for the comfort and convenience of Admirals Club Members and their guests. However, we do have exceptions to this admission policy. Passengers who are traveling on an American Airlines First or Business Class ticket whose itinerary includes a nonstop international routing or destination on American Airlines that is outside of the North American region, or select nonstop transcontinental flights traveling in First Class (two or three cabins) and Business Class (three cabins only) may enter the lounge. Eligible transcontinental flights are defined as American Airlines-marketed and operated non-stop flights between the following cities:
• New York (JFK)/ San Francisco
• Miami / Los Angeles
• New York (JFK) / Los Angeles
Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Kind regards,
Admirals Club Member Services
There were some conflicting replies, so I checked with AA to be sure. Looks like I will have access.
Here is the reply (bolding mine):
Hello Mr. Flyertalker,
Thank you for contacting Admirals Clubs Member Services. We appreciate the opportunity to respond to your inquiry.
The Admirals Club® is intended for the comfort and convenience of Admirals Club Members and their guests. However, we do have exceptions to this admission policy. Passengers who are traveling on an American Airlines First or Business Class ticket whose itinerary includes a nonstop international routing or destination on American Airlines that is outside of the North American region, or select nonstop transcontinental flights traveling in First Class (two or three cabins) and Business Class (three cabins only) may enter the lounge. Eligible transcontinental flights are defined as American Airlines-marketed and operated non-stop flights between the following cities:
• New York (JFK)/ San Francisco
• Miami / Los Angeles
• New York (JFK) / Los Angeles
Please let us know if you have any additional questions.
Kind regards,
Admirals Club Member Services