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
May 18, 2018, 1:53 pm
#391
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, SPG / Marriott GLD, HHonors GLD
Posts: 520
You'll be able to access with your BP. Do not need a physical invitation separate from the boarding pass
May 18, 2018, 2:00 pm
#392
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
We will merge this into the lounge access help desk soon.
Moderator
Moderator
May 25, 2018, 2:09 pm
#394
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,015
Hello, I arrived at PHL via QR C-class on one PNR/ticket. Immediately connected to AA on a separate PNR / ticket. (AA EXP).
I visited the AAdmirals club near the A-15 gate ….the lady (very nicely, BTW) told me that technically, I cannot access the lounge when Arriving on QR_C but connecting to AA-domestic on a separate PNR.
I am very confused!
She was really nice about explaining this...but totally let me access the lounge (no drink ticket....not that I needed It anyway...would have liked a bottle of water).
Anyways, no harm done. I am just still not clear what happens on separate PNR's in this type of situation.
The OneWOrld page does not seem to mention anything about separate PNRs. It just says "Same DAY oneworld domestic or short haul connection".
Even more interesting, I went to the BA lounge for fun. THat lady totally let me access the lounge...after noting my QR seat number in her logbook.
However, in the BA lounge, she let me access to the business section. I asked about OneWorld Emerald...and she said 'yup..the business section".
Just wanted to share.
I visited the AAdmirals club near the A-15 gate ….the lady (very nicely, BTW) told me that technically, I cannot access the lounge when Arriving on QR_C but connecting to AA-domestic on a separate PNR.
I am very confused!
She was really nice about explaining this...but totally let me access the lounge (no drink ticket....not that I needed It anyway...would have liked a bottle of water).
Anyways, no harm done. I am just still not clear what happens on separate PNR's in this type of situation.
The OneWOrld page does not seem to mention anything about separate PNRs. It just says "Same DAY oneworld domestic or short haul connection".
Even more interesting, I went to the BA lounge for fun. THat lady totally let me access the lounge...after noting my QR seat number in her logbook.
However, in the BA lounge, she let me access to the business section. I asked about OneWorld Emerald...and she said 'yup..the business section".
Just wanted to share.
May 25, 2018, 2:59 pm
#395
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
Hello, I arrived at PHL via QR C-class on one PNR/ticket. Immediately connected to AA on a separate PNR / ticket. (AA EXP).
I visited the AAdmirals club near the A-15 gate ….the lady (very nicely, BTW) told me that technically, I cannot access the lounge when Arriving on QR_C but connecting to AA-domestic on a separate PNR.
I am very confused!
She was really nice about explaining this...but totally let me access the lounge (no drink ticket....not that I needed It anyway...would have liked a bottle of water).
Anyways, no harm done. I am just still not clear what happens on separate PNR's in this type of situation.
The OneWOrld page does not seem to mention anything about separate PNRs. It just says "Same DAY oneworld domestic or short haul connection".
Even more interesting, I went to the BA lounge for fun. THat lady totally let me access the lounge...after noting my QR seat number in her logbook.
However, in the BA lounge, she let me access to the business section. I asked about OneWorld Emerald...and she said 'yup..the business section".
Just wanted to share.
I visited the AAdmirals club near the A-15 gate ….the lady (very nicely, BTW) told me that technically, I cannot access the lounge when Arriving on QR_C but connecting to AA-domestic on a separate PNR.
I am very confused!
She was really nice about explaining this...but totally let me access the lounge (no drink ticket....not that I needed It anyway...would have liked a bottle of water).
Anyways, no harm done. I am just still not clear what happens on separate PNR's in this type of situation.
The OneWOrld page does not seem to mention anything about separate PNRs. It just says "Same DAY oneworld domestic or short haul connection".
Even more interesting, I went to the BA lounge for fun. THat lady totally let me access the lounge...after noting my QR seat number in her logbook.
However, in the BA lounge, she let me access to the business section. I asked about OneWorld Emerald...and she said 'yup..the business section".
Just wanted to share.
May 25, 2018, 4:05 pm
#396
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
The lady in PHL was nicely wrong. Separate PNRs affects through-checking baggage, but has no effect on oneworld lounge access policy.
May 25, 2018, 4:13 pm
#397
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,015
Thank you both for validating this!
I thought I was going crazy.
Hopefully won't have problems in the future.
Thanks also for explaining the BA lounge policy for emeralds at PHL.
I thought I was going crazy.
Hopefully won't have problems in the future.
Thanks also for explaining the BA lounge policy for emeralds at PHL.
So the nice AA lady was simply wrong/misinformed. Doesn't matter if you are on separate PNRs as long as you have a qualifying Int'l segment before or after that flight. In PHL the BA F section is for dining only for BA F pax for pre-flight dining. One time I flew into PHL on BA in F, connecting to a domestic flight to SFO and was denied access to that section (and I was an EXP as well).
May 31, 2018, 12:54 pm
#398
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 20
LAX & JFK flagship lounge access for AA 321T business
Will I have access to Flagship Lounge at LAX and JFK when flying business on their 321T (3 class) trascon?
Or is that only for the first class on that route?
Or is that only for the first class on that route?
May 31, 2018, 1:08 pm
#399
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
You'll have access flying business, just not the First Dining offering which is reserved for F pax only (on 3 class trancons and Int'l AA F).
Jun 2, 2018, 3:48 pm
#400
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Alma, AR US
Programs: AA EXP (3.8 mm), HH Diamond
Posts: 152
DFW Temporary Premium Lounge
Not terribly important, and somewhat complicated to explain, but here goes.
I am a paid Admiral's Club member and Aadvantage Platinum.
I am traveling MIA to UIO (Quito) with a group, in Y. In order to get to MIA in time for the UIO departure (which is mid-day) I have to leave home and travel to MIA the previous day. These flights will be in J. Because I am starting from a very small airport with limited service, I will have a 4 hour connection at DFW in route to MIA. Home to MIA is on a separate PNR than MIA to UIO.
I obviously have Admirals Club access at DFW and MIA because I am a member.
I assume that I will have Flagship access at MIA because I am Platinum traveling internationally that same day.
My question: Will I have access to the Temporary Premium Lounge at DFW? My international flight is the next day, and after 6:00 a.m. However, it is on the first flight out to my destination. Might that fact get me in?
From what I have read, this temp lounge at DFW is no big deal, but still...
Thanks!
I am a paid Admiral's Club member and Aadvantage Platinum.
I am traveling MIA to UIO (Quito) with a group, in Y. In order to get to MIA in time for the UIO departure (which is mid-day) I have to leave home and travel to MIA the previous day. These flights will be in J. Because I am starting from a very small airport with limited service, I will have a 4 hour connection at DFW in route to MIA. Home to MIA is on a separate PNR than MIA to UIO.
I obviously have Admirals Club access at DFW and MIA because I am a member.
I assume that I will have Flagship access at MIA because I am Platinum traveling internationally that same day.
My question: Will I have access to the Temporary Premium Lounge at DFW? My international flight is the next day, and after 6:00 a.m. However, it is on the first flight out to my destination. Might that fact get me in?
From what I have read, this temp lounge at DFW is no big deal, but still...
Thanks!
Jun 2, 2018, 5:07 pm
#401
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
Not terribly important, and somewhat complicated to explain, but here goes.
I am a paid Admiral's Club member and Aadvantage Platinum.
I am traveling MIA to UIO (Quito) with a group, in Y. In order to get to MIA in time for the UIO departure (which is mid-day) I have to leave home and travel to MIA the previous day. These flights will be in J. Because I am starting from a very small airport with limited service, I will have a 4 hour connection at DFW in route to MIA. Home to MIA is on a separate PNR than MIA to UIO.
I obviously have Admirals Club access at DFW and MIA because I am a member.
I assume that I will have Flagship access at MIA because I am Platinum traveling internationally that same day.
My question: Will I have access to the Temporary Premium Lounge at DFW? My international flight is the next day, and after 6:00 a.m. However, it is on the first flight out to my destination. Might that fact get me in?
From what I have read, this temp lounge at DFW is no big deal, but still...
Thanks!
I am a paid Admiral's Club member and Aadvantage Platinum.
I am traveling MIA to UIO (Quito) with a group, in Y. In order to get to MIA in time for the UIO departure (which is mid-day) I have to leave home and travel to MIA the previous day. These flights will be in J. Because I am starting from a very small airport with limited service, I will have a 4 hour connection at DFW in route to MIA. Home to MIA is on a separate PNR than MIA to UIO.
I obviously have Admirals Club access at DFW and MIA because I am a member.
I assume that I will have Flagship access at MIA because I am Platinum traveling internationally that same day.
My question: Will I have access to the Temporary Premium Lounge at DFW? My international flight is the next day, and after 6:00 a.m. However, it is on the first flight out to my destination. Might that fact get me in?
From what I have read, this temp lounge at DFW is no big deal, but still...
Thanks!
Jun 3, 2018, 6:15 am
#402
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 87
Admirals Club access
We flying on an AA flight from PHX to SEA in F last this year, do we automatically get lounge access? We are UK based and on a similar domestic flight in the UK we could get access to the BA lounge but from reading the AA material it looks like lounge access is open to F international/transcontinental rather than shorter/domestic flights? We are both BA Silver members, which equates to One World Sapphire so think we can access on that basis - but would never normally need to consider this option - can any one clarify?
Jun 3, 2018, 6:23 am
#403
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,907
Hi,
You will get access ( but based on your BA silver/ AA Plat/OW Sapphire status).
You will not get access based on AA F ( only for 3 class transcons from JFK/LAX ( maybe SFO) and maybe a couple of exemptions.
There are several lounges at PHX ( not sure about SEA)
Regards
TBS
You will get access ( but based on your BA silver/ AA Plat/OW Sapphire status).
You will not get access based on AA F ( only for 3 class transcons from JFK/LAX ( maybe SFO) and maybe a couple of exemptions.
There are several lounges at PHX ( not sure about SEA)
Regards
TBS
Jun 3, 2018, 7:48 am
#404
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 87
Hi,
You will get access ( but based on your BA silver/ AA Plat/OW Sapphire status).
You will not get access based on AA F ( only for 3 class transcons from JFK/LAX ( maybe SFO) and maybe a couple of exemptions.
There are several lounges at PHX ( not sure about SEA)
Regards
TBS
You will get access ( but based on your BA silver/ AA Plat/OW Sapphire status).
You will not get access based on AA F ( only for 3 class transcons from JFK/LAX ( maybe SFO) and maybe a couple of exemptions.
There are several lounges at PHX ( not sure about SEA)
Regards
TBS
Jun 4, 2018, 6:15 pm
#405
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: ORD
Posts: 701
I will be flying in first from ORD-MIA and then business with LAN from MIA-GIG. Will I receive flagship lounge access in Chicago and Miami?
TIA.
TIA.