Last edit by: coolcoil
HELP DESK: Lounge Access, Access Rules. Will I Have Lounge Access? (2018)
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.
- Please DO understand it could take some time for answers (especially on holidays and weekends.)
- 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.
Note: Members interested in arranging AA lounge meet-ups or offer guesting in should use this thread: Admirals Club / Flagship Lounge Meet Up & Guest Offer (master thread)
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===================
The kduarte Lounge Access tool page is unavailable
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
Important Note: Though this announcement excluded Northern South America and Central America, those travelling to or from those destinations in J/F or whom hold OWE or OWS, including AA elites, do indeed have access to the Flagship Lounge. See the link below for Flagship Lounge access rules for details.
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:https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...es-2017-a.html
ARCHIVE: 2018 HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules
#541
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,361
Not surprising, I would not expect a random JAL customer service agent to know or be trained on AA lounge access policies or which lounges AA contracts with in the US. The existing Sakura Lounge at HNL is clearly listed at aa.com as an AC location though.
#542
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, United Silver
Posts: 173
Will I have flagship lounge access I am exp travelling leaving YYZ-ORD-PHL-MUC and returning MUC-PHL-ORD-YYZ. Will i have flagship lounge access at ORD both ways?
#544
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Atl, GA
Programs: AA EP, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 127
Apologies in advance if this is not the right thread to be posting in but this scenario is new to me. I am wondering as an AA EXP flying out of PVG (Shanghai) on a regular main cabin fare, if I will have access to the oneworld lounge there. The only other 2 times I've been there this year I was upgraded to Business class, but noticed I was still directed into the Air China first class lounge.
Lastly, if I am able to gain access, would I be able to bring a guest?
Thanks.
Lastly, if I am able to gain access, would I be able to bring a guest?
Thanks.
#545
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,074
Apologies in advance if this is not the right thread to be posting in but this scenario is new to me. I am wondering as an AA EXP flying out of PVG (Shanghai) on a regular main cabin fare, if I will have access to the oneworld lounge there. The only other 2 times I've been there this year I was upgraded to Business class, but noticed I was still directed into the Air China first class lounge.
Lastly, if I am able to gain access, would I be able to bring a guest?
Thanks.
Lastly, if I am able to gain access, would I be able to bring a guest?
Thanks.
Just FYI, you also have access to the CX (Cathay Pacific) Lounge at PVG.
#546
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,990
... I am wondering as an AA EXP flying out of PVG (Shanghai) on a regular main cabin fare, if I will have access to the oneworld lounge there. The only other 2 times I've been there this year I was upgraded to Business class, but noticed I was still directed into the Air China first class lounge.
Lastly, if I am able to gain access, would I be able to bring a guest?
Thanks.
Lastly, if I am able to gain access, would I be able to bring a guest?
Thanks.
Note that the only lounge available to all oneworld elite/premium PAX is the CX lounge as it is the only one operated by a oneworld airline. e.g. Only AA and IB PAX can use the No 71 facility.
Just to add that guest access is available as log as the guest is traveling oneworld.
#547
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 752
Hi guys
lounge question for everyone. I'm flying to SFO soon. I have a Jal business class award ticket. Wanted to know which lounge is better to use? ADMIRALS club or sakura lounge?I've heard the Sakura lounge isn't that impressive. Is the admirals club pretty good out of SFO? Thanks
lounge question for everyone. I'm flying to SFO soon. I have a Jal business class award ticket. Wanted to know which lounge is better to use? ADMIRALS club or sakura lounge?I've heard the Sakura lounge isn't that impressive. Is the admirals club pretty good out of SFO? Thanks
#548
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,027
Hi guys
lounge question for everyone. I'm flying to SFO soon. I have a Jal business class award ticket. Wanted to know which lounge is better to use? ADMIRALS club or sakura lounge?I've heard the Sakura lounge isn't that impressive. Is the admirals club pretty good out of SFO? Thanks
lounge question for everyone. I'm flying to SFO soon. I have a Jal business class award ticket. Wanted to know which lounge is better to use? ADMIRALS club or sakura lounge?I've heard the Sakura lounge isn't that impressive. Is the admirals club pretty good out of SFO? Thanks
There is probably a better thread for this question, but you'll likely want to go to the options in International Terminal A. As a JAL business class passenger you will have access to the JAL Sakura Lounge, British Airways Terraces Lounge, and Cathay Pacific Lounge. You would also have access to the Admirals Club theoretically, but it's in Terminal 2 and not connected airside to International Terminal A. JAL does not participate in Precheck, so you'd have to clear normal security twice and take a tram between terminals outside security. Your best option is the Cathay Pacific Lounge. Follow the directions to the Sakura Lounge but turn left when you get up to the top of the escalator. The Cathay Pacific lounge is at the end of the long hallway. The Sakura Lounge is on the opposite end of the hallway, but it often gets crowded.
#549
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 752
Hi brabb,
There is probably a better thread for this question, but you'll likely want to go to the options in International Terminal A. As a JAL business class passenger you will have access to the JAL Sakura Lounge, British Airways Terraces Lounge, and Cathay Pacific Lounge. You would also have access to the Admirals Club theoretically, but it's in Terminal 2 and not connected airside to International Terminal A. JAL does not participate in Precheck, so you'd have to clear normal security twice and take a tram between terminals outside security. Your best option is the Cathay Pacific Lounge. Follow the directions to the Sakura Lounge but turn left when you get up to the top of the escalator. The Cathay Pacific lounge is at the end of the long hallway. The Sakura Lounge is on the opposite end of the hallway, but it often gets crowded.
There is probably a better thread for this question, but you'll likely want to go to the options in International Terminal A. As a JAL business class passenger you will have access to the JAL Sakura Lounge, British Airways Terraces Lounge, and Cathay Pacific Lounge. You would also have access to the Admirals Club theoretically, but it's in Terminal 2 and not connected airside to International Terminal A. JAL does not participate in Precheck, so you'd have to clear normal security twice and take a tram between terminals outside security. Your best option is the Cathay Pacific Lounge. Follow the directions to the Sakura Lounge but turn left when you get up to the top of the escalator. The Cathay Pacific lounge is at the end of the long hallway. The Sakura Lounge is on the opposite end of the hallway, but it often gets crowded.
#551
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: China
Posts: 817
AA Platinum Pro, flying AA PVG-LAX and LAX-IAH on two separate tickets, same day, both business class.
Will I have access to the LAX flagship lounge in LAX?
Will I have access to the LAX flagship lounge in LAX?
#552
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,132
Greetings AA forum!
I'm a temporary AA refugee because I need to get to BDA and neither United nor any other *A carrier [read: Air Canada] can get me to and from BDA on anything approaching what even I would consider a sane schedule and even the insane schedules have a fare I can't stomach.
I'm booked in F/J CLE-DFW-MIA-BDA/BDA-PHL-CLE. I have no OW status nor an AC membership. [Why the outbound? (a) I've never flown through DFW, (b) it was the best schedule AA.com offered on the outbound]
To confirm my understanding of AA's rules, I will have no lounge access of any kind at any point on either the outbound or return journey, because AA doesn't consider BDA to be international-enough correct?
(I do have a UA club membership and may try to leverage it [for the UA club] at PHL if nothing else)
I'm a temporary AA refugee because I need to get to BDA and neither United nor any other *A carrier [read: Air Canada] can get me to and from BDA on anything approaching what even I would consider a sane schedule and even the insane schedules have a fare I can't stomach.
I'm booked in F/J CLE-DFW-MIA-BDA/BDA-PHL-CLE. I have no OW status nor an AC membership. [Why the outbound? (a) I've never flown through DFW, (b) it was the best schedule AA.com offered on the outbound]
To confirm my understanding of AA's rules, I will have no lounge access of any kind at any point on either the outbound or return journey, because AA doesn't consider BDA to be international-enough correct?
(I do have a UA club membership and may try to leverage it [for the UA club] at PHL if nothing else)
Last edited by lincolnjkc; Sep 8, 2018 at 8:16 pm Reason: clarify club membership
#553
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
Greetings AA forum!
I'm a temporary AA refugee because I need to get to BDA and neither United nor any other *A carrier [read: Air Canada] can get me to and from BDA on anything approaching what even I would consider a sane schedule and even the insane schedules have a fare I can't stomach.
I'm booked in F/J CLE-DFW-MIA-BDA/BDA-PHL-CLE. I have no OW status nor an AC membership. [Why the outbound? (a) I've never flown through DFW, (b) it was the best schedule AA.com offered on the outbound]
To confirm my understanding of AA's rules, I will have no lounge access of any kind at any point on either the outbound or return journey, because AA doesn't consider BDA to be international-enough correct?
(I do have a UA club membership and may try to leverage it at PHL if nothing else)
I'm a temporary AA refugee because I need to get to BDA and neither United nor any other *A carrier [read: Air Canada] can get me to and from BDA on anything approaching what even I would consider a sane schedule and even the insane schedules have a fare I can't stomach.
I'm booked in F/J CLE-DFW-MIA-BDA/BDA-PHL-CLE. I have no OW status nor an AC membership. [Why the outbound? (a) I've never flown through DFW, (b) it was the best schedule AA.com offered on the outbound]
To confirm my understanding of AA's rules, I will have no lounge access of any kind at any point on either the outbound or return journey, because AA doesn't consider BDA to be international-enough correct?
(I do have a UA club membership and may try to leverage it at PHL if nothing else)
#554
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,074
Yes. Would have access even if flying in Y, due to PPro status. You can also check out the OW Business Lounge in TBIT if you'd like. Just remember to bring along your PVG-LAX boarding pass to facilitate entry.
#555
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,792
If I purchase a one day AC pass for $59, would I be able to access the AC in two different airports during travel on AA on the same day/date?
Or would I have to purchase two (2) one day passes, one for the AC at each airport?
Or would I have to purchase two (2) one day passes, one for the AC at each airport?