Jan 1, 2018, 2:40 pm
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 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:https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...es-2017-a.html
ARCHIVE: 2018 HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules
Jan 8, 2018, 6:11 pm
#46
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It closes 1am, reopening 4:45am: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Beyond that, I am not sure. You may always ask on arrival.
Last edited by serfty; Jan 8, 2018 at 6:17 pm
Jan 8, 2018, 8:58 pm
#47
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
Technically, the rules state that your flight has to leave before 6:00am on the next day. However, I have been able to gain access to AA's lounges when the connecting flight is on the same PNR, even if it departs after 6:00am. I would keep your JFK-LAX boarding pass and definitely try to get access.
Jan 8, 2018, 9:03 pm
#48
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I have a trip to Alaska upcoming, and I'll be in SEA, ANC, and YVR. I know Alaska Airlines has lounges at ANC and SEA. My Admirals Club membership is via the Citi Executive credit card, so will I be able to access the AS lounges?? The flights are all on AS and AA.
What are my options, if any, at YVR? Thank you!
What are my options, if any, at YVR? Thank you!
I believe there is a PP lounge in the US Departures area at YVR.
Jan 9, 2018, 8:49 am
#49
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: United Gold, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 207
I think the answer is yes, but would like confirmation if possible:
I'm flying Cathay F (booked w/ AS miles if relevant) HKG-ORD, I haven't booked my final segment to IAH but am debating UA or AA (UA schedule is better). If I book a UA flight back to IAH would I have access to the Flagship F lounge based on my HKG-ORD flight?
I'm flying Cathay F (booked w/ AS miles if relevant) HKG-ORD, I haven't booked my final segment to IAH but am debating UA or AA (UA schedule is better). If I book a UA flight back to IAH would I have access to the Flagship F lounge based on my HKG-ORD flight?
Jan 9, 2018, 9:06 am
#50
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
I think the answer is yes, but would like confirmation if possible:
I'm flying Cathay F (booked w/ AS miles if relevant) HKG-ORD, I haven't booked my final segment to IAH but am debating UA or AA (UA schedule is better). If I book a UA flight back to IAH would I have access to the Flagship F lounge based on my HKG-ORD flight?
I'm flying Cathay F (booked w/ AS miles if relevant) HKG-ORD, I haven't booked my final segment to IAH but am debating UA or AA (UA schedule is better). If I book a UA flight back to IAH would I have access to the Flagship F lounge based on my HKG-ORD flight?
Jan 9, 2018, 9:09 am
#51
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
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I think the answer is yes, but would like confirmation if possible:
I'm flying Cathay F (booked w/ AS miles if relevant) HKG-ORD, I haven't booked my final segment to IAH but am debating UA or AA (UA schedule is better). If I book a UA flight back to IAH would I have access to the Flagship F lounge based on my HKG-ORD flight?
I'm flying Cathay F (booked w/ AS miles if relevant) HKG-ORD, I haven't booked my final segment to IAH but am debating UA or AA (UA schedule is better). If I book a UA flight back to IAH would I have access to the Flagship F lounge based on my HKG-ORD flight?
Jan 9, 2018, 11:59 am
#52
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: United Gold, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 207
Thanks guys, I'll book the AA flight back to Houston!
Jan 9, 2018, 1:55 pm
#53
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Quick question on Flagship Lounge access. I have an AA award booking, JL J HND-JFK, and then AA F back to DFW. Would I have Flagship Lounge access during my connection at JFK? I would think yes since my arrival flight is a business class oneworld flight, but the AA website isn't very clear on whether it matters if it's being used on arrival or departure.
Jan 9, 2018, 2:50 pm
#54
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Quick question on Flagship Lounge access. I have an AA award booking, JL J HND-JFK, and then AA F back to DFW. Would I have Flagship Lounge access during my connection at JFK? I would think yes since my arrival flight is a business class oneworld flight, but the AA website isn't very clear on whether it matters if it's being used on arrival or departure.
Jan 9, 2018, 4:17 pm
#55
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 186
SFO / LAX Lounge Confusion
Partner and I are both Oneworld Emerald/BA Gold, we have some flights from SFO via LAX to MEX coming up. Which lounges are the best to use in both airports? We've used the new Flagship First Lounge in whilst flying domestic from JFK recently and it was great...
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Jan 9, 2018, 4:21 pm
#56
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, SPG / Marriott GLD, HHonors GLD
Posts: 520
Partner and I are both Oneworld Emerald/BA Gold, we have some flights from SFO via LAX to MEX coming up. Which lounges are the best to use in both airports? We've used the new Flagship First Lounge in whilst flying domestic from JFK recently and it was great...
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
At LAX - you will land into the Eagle remote terminal. What you do next depends on the length of your layover. The MEX flight likely will leave out of T4; so take the bus to T4 and if a short layover, you can go to the Flagship Lounge which will be similar to the one at JFK, it's in the middle of Terminal 4. If you have more than 1.5 hours or so, walk the connector (escalators up from across Gate 41) - to the TBIT. Once you pass along the connector above the security section you can see to your right, keep walking and when you turn the corner you'll be at the Qantas First lounge - which is the best lounge in North America IMO. Wonderful food and drink options. You can then walk the connector back to your gate for MEX.
Jan 9, 2018, 4:36 pm
#57
Join Date: Apr 2003
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As I read the AA Flagship Lounge rules, an EXP traveling to MEX is treated as an international, rather than a North American trip.
Have any EXP's entered the Qantas First lounge on a MEX itinerary?
Have any EXP's entered the Qantas First lounge on a MEX itinerary?
Jan 9, 2018, 5:06 pm
#58
Moderator: American AAdvantage
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Mexico City / MEX specifically and solely as a Mexico / North American destination is treated no differently than if traveling US to LHR, EZE, etc. by AA and by oneworld.
“oneworld lounge access for frequent flyers by tier status
American Airlines AAdvantage® members, regardless of their tier status or class of travel, are not eligible for lounge access when travelling solely on North American flights within or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean. “ U]Link[/U]
“oneworld lounge access for frequent flyers by tier status
American Airlines AAdvantage® members, regardless of their tier status or class of travel, are not eligible for lounge access when travelling solely on North American flights within or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean. “ U]Link[/U]
Jan 10, 2018, 10:47 am
#59
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 13
Arriving in CLT in business class from Frankfurt (aa705), transferring to a domestic first class flight to PHL... Am I correct that this allows access to Admiral's lounge in CLT using the boarding passes?
Jan 10, 2018, 10:59 am
#60
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