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
Apr 16, 2018, 2:05 pm
#301
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: ATX
Programs: AA EP, USAir Chairman, MR Lifetime Plat
Posts: 275
Flagship lounge access question
Flying FC from LAX-KOA next month and can't determine whether or not we're eligible for Flagship lounge access (obviously Hawaii is a domestic, 2-class connection). Not that it matters, but I am EP (I only mention that because we got access to the Flagship lounges in both DFW--sucky and LHR on the return--awesome in Feb when we flew in coach on an award ticket).
Apr 16, 2018, 2:10 pm
#302
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Flying FC from LAX-KOA next month and can't determine whether or not we're eligible for Flagship lounge access (obviously Hawaii is a domestic, 2-class connection). Not that it matters, but I am EP (I only mention that because we got access to the Flagship lounges in both DFW--sucky and LHR on the return--awesome in Feb when we flew in coach on an award ticket).
oneworld® EmeraldSM and SapphireSMExpand
Get access if you’re departing on or connecting to any flight marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin). AAdvantage®Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship Lounge access.**
**North America is defined as the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska), Canada, Mexico (except MEX), Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Apr 16, 2018, 3:10 pm
#303
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: ATX
Programs: AA EP, USAir Chairman, MR Lifetime Plat
Posts: 275
Thanks. I don't like that Hawaii is excluded (I get that it's North America), especially when 2 transcontinental (3-class) flights are included. I've sent a note to Admirals to inquire/complain. Not that I'm optimistic they'll reconsider.
Apr 16, 2018, 3:13 pm
#304
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,246
Otherwise, you will not get access. JFK-LAX and JFK-SFO are the only 3 class marketed domestic service.
Apr 16, 2018, 3:16 pm
#305
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
Flying FC from LAX-KOA next month and can't determine whether or not we're eligible for Flagship lounge access (obviously Hawaii is a domestic, 2-class connection). Not that it matters, but I am EP (I only mention that because we got access to the Flagship lounges in both DFW--sucky and LHR on the return--awesome in Feb when we flew in coach on an award ticket).
You can purchase day passes to the Admirals. Club, however.
Apr 16, 2018, 5:18 pm
#306
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: ATX
Programs: AA EP, USAir Chairman, MR Lifetime Plat
Posts: 275
I have an Admirals Club annual membership already (and in fact am currently in the ATX AC as I type this response), but after spoiling her with access to LHR's Flagship Lounge in Feb (DFW's is nothing to brag about of course, at least not until the remodel is completed next year), I was hoping we might have access to one again in LAX, but alas, unless AA changes its policy (I did fire off an email; not overly-optimistic that they'll be receptive), we'll just have to slum it in the regular Admirals Club non-special section like most everyone else, lol.
Apr 16, 2018, 5:37 pm
#307
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
I have an Admirals Club annual membership already (and in fact am currently in the ATX AC as I type this response), but after spoiling her with access to LHR's Flagship Lounge in Feb (DFW's is nothing to brag about of course, at least not until the remodel is completed next year), I was hoping we might have access to one again in LAX, but alas, unless AA changes its policy (I did fire off an email; not overly-optimistic that they'll be receptive), we'll just have to slum it in the regular Admirals Club non-special section like most everyone else, lol.
Apr 16, 2018, 5:48 pm
#308
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: ATX
Programs: AA EP, USAir Chairman, MR Lifetime Plat
Posts: 275
Thank you. I wasn't aware. We are planning another trip back to LHR in 2019 so I'll definitely keep this in mind--cheers.
Apr 16, 2018, 9:43 pm
#309
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Your post said "Flying FC from LAX-KOA next month"... There was no mention of transcontinental flights.
Apr 17, 2018, 4:55 pm
#310
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
Lounge/Club Access
And before ya all start blasting me, I've been searching/browsing the wiki, posts, etc for at least the last hour.. and I'm an instant gratification type gal 
Doing a retirement bucket list going to the Maui Golf Sentry Tour Champions in Jan 2019 via FIRST CLASS from Minneapolis to Honolulu (then onward to Maui) and Rtn.
I have a few hours layover/wait in Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Honolulu on the Dep/Rtn trip. I've never flown FC in my life so thought it would be nice if I could go to the AA lounge/clubs
while waiting for my flights. I only have my FC ticket.. I have an AA membership, but no points (haven't traveled much in the last 6 years).
Any idea/recommendations to take advantage/enhance this lifelong trip is much appreciated!
Doing a retirement bucket list going to the Maui Golf Sentry Tour Champions in Jan 2019 via FIRST CLASS from Minneapolis to Honolulu (then onward to Maui) and Rtn.
I have a few hours layover/wait in Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Honolulu on the Dep/Rtn trip. I've never flown FC in my life so thought it would be nice if I could go to the AA lounge/clubs
while waiting for my flights. I only have my FC ticket.. I have an AA membership, but no points (haven't traveled much in the last 6 years).
Any idea/recommendations to take advantage/enhance this lifelong trip is much appreciated!
Apr 17, 2018, 5:04 pm
#311
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
First class without a qualifying transcontinental segment, like JFK-LAX, is not going to get you access.
One suggestion would be to buy a day pass which you can use at multiple stops
Admiral's Club access info can be found at https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...lub-access.jsp
Day Passes are $59 per person and cannot be used at locations where clubs are under construction
Currently that is DFW, Miami, and Boston
(I do not know when these will be finished)
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...membership.jsp
One suggestion would be to buy a day pass which you can use at multiple stops
Admiral's Club access info can be found at https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...lub-access.jsp
Day Passes are $59 per person and cannot be used at locations where clubs are under construction
Currently that is DFW, Miami, and Boston
(I do not know when these will be finished)
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...membership.jsp
Apr 17, 2018, 5:31 pm
#313
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
And before ya all start blasting me, I've been searching/browsing the wiki, posts, etc for at least the last hour.. and I'm an instant gratification type gal
Doing a retirement bucket list going to the Maui Golf Sentry Tour Champions in Jan 2019 via FIRST CLASS from Minneapolis to Honolulu (then onward to Maui) and Rtn.
I have a few hours layover/wait in Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Honolulu on the Dep/Rtn trip. I've never flown FC in my life so thought it would be nice if I could go to the AA lounge/clubs
while waiting for my flights. I only have my FC ticket.. I have an AA membership, but no points (haven't traveled much in the last 6 years).
Any idea/recommendations to take advantage/enhance this lifelong trip is much appreciated!
Doing a retirement bucket list going to the Maui Golf Sentry Tour Champions in Jan 2019 via FIRST CLASS from Minneapolis to Honolulu (then onward to Maui) and Rtn.
I have a few hours layover/wait in Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Honolulu on the Dep/Rtn trip. I've never flown FC in my life so thought it would be nice if I could go to the AA lounge/clubs
while waiting for my flights. I only have my FC ticket.. I have an AA membership, but no points (haven't traveled much in the last 6 years).
Any idea/recommendations to take advantage/enhance this lifelong trip is much appreciated!
Also see the Wikipost at the top of the page in https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...-day-pass.html.As domestic two class First will not include Admirals Club access, your best bet is to purchase an all day pass, $59 per adult, which will allow Admirals Club access all day in all airports you transit in one day. Unfortunately, no Club at MSP, but definitely in PHX and a joint Admirals Club and JAL Sakura Lounge at HNL. See here.
See here for Club amenities.
Apr 17, 2018, 8:41 pm
#314
Join Date: Jul 2017
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 13
Honeymoon lounge access plans - help requested
Hi - Ok - I've read the links and done a few searches within the forum. I'd like y'alls help to confirm what I think is true.
Our travel plans are business saver awards with AA from JFK-NRT-KHH and then back from PEK-HND-SFO. Because these are saver awards, U awards, I believe that we will have access to lounges while traveling, because AA counts award travel as revenue, correct?
Thanks!
Our travel plans are business saver awards with AA from JFK-NRT-KHH and then back from PEK-HND-SFO. Because these are saver awards, U awards, I believe that we will have access to lounges while traveling, because AA counts award travel as revenue, correct?
Thanks!
Apr 17, 2018, 8:53 pm
#315
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,246
Hi - Ok - I've read the links and done a few searches within the forum. I'd like y'alls help to confirm what I think is true.
Our travel plans are business saver awards with AA from JFK-NRT-KHH and then back from PEK-HND-SFO. Because these are saver awards, U awards, I believe that we will have access to lounges while traveling, because AA counts award travel as revenue, correct?
Thanks!
Our travel plans are business saver awards with AA from JFK-NRT-KHH and then back from PEK-HND-SFO. Because these are saver awards, U awards, I believe that we will have access to lounges while traveling, because AA counts award travel as revenue, correct?
Thanks!