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ARCHIVE: 2018 HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules

Old Jan 1, 2018, 2:40 pm
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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 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.

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.
* Note that AA no longer offers a 30-day membership as of July 25 2016.

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.


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
On February 17 2016, AA announced an addition to the above. As stated on their Reimagining our lounges page, in the Flagship Lounges section, "Starting in 2017, lounge access will be extended to customers booked in Business and First Class on A321T, Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific and deep South American flights."
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
All Admirals Club visitors receive free Wi-Fi access at Admirals Clubs (password is available at front desk and throughout the Club on signs), some non-alcoholic and "well" (lower price tier) alcoholic beverages and counter snacks (fruit, some kind of snack mix, cheese cubes, hot cereal mornings and soup evenings are the most common - recent additions have been made); free computer terminals are available for all passengers, and many Clubs have Business Centers and tethered Samsung Galaxy tablets in seating areas. Passengers accessing Admirals Clubs based on status or class of service on international travel are entitled to free drinks coupons usable for higher-tier non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and bottles of water.

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

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ARCHIVE: 2018 HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules

Old Oct 22, 2018, 12:12 am
  #616  
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 150
Wink

Originally Posted by JDiver
At this time, as an Admirals Club member (annual or via Citi Executive Card) you will be admitted to the Admirals Club any time youre airside where theres a Club.

As of November 2019, youll have to have a boarding pass for the same day on AA, AS or a one world airline, even if you have Club membership.
Thanks but that quote from the website does not outline if, as of November of next year, the same day boarding pass needs to be for a confirmed seat or if a standby boarding pass would admit entry as well.
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Old Oct 22, 2018, 12:28 am
  #617  
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
Join Date: May 2000
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Originally Posted by FluxTZ

Thanks but that quote from the website does not outline if, as of November of next year, the same day boarding pass needs to be for a confirmed seat or if a standby boarding pass would admit entry as well.
No, it doesnt. This is new, and it doesnt take effect for a year. Others are questioning about access after a redeye, and the AA spokesperson punted on that. We will have to wait and see how the new policy takes shape.
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Old Nov 2, 2018, 7:52 am
  #618  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: STL
Posts: 1,546
Flying STL-DFW-EZE, returning SCL-MIA-STL on an award ticket, long haul legs in business, domestic in first.

Will I have access to the Admirals Club in STL, or is it only at the airport before my international leg (DFW)? Additionally, I'll have 4 hours to kill in MIA on the way home and would love to take a shower and freshen up, will I have access to the flagship lounge (or any lounge with a shower) in MIA?
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Old Nov 2, 2018, 7:57 am
  #619  
 
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Originally Posted by t325
Flying STL-DFW-EZE, returning SCL-MIA-STL on an award ticket, long haul legs in business, domestic in first.

Will I have access to the Admirals Club in STL, or is it only at the airport before my international leg (DFW)? Additionally, I'll have 4 hours to kill in MIA on the way home and would love to take a shower and freshen up, will I have access to the flagship lounge (or any lounge with a shower) in MIA?
Yes. As long as you have same day qualified J segment you can enter.
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Old Nov 2, 2018, 7:59 am
  #620  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: STL
Posts: 1,546
Originally Posted by andersonCooper
Yes. As long as you have same day qualified J segment you can enter.
Thank you!
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Old Nov 3, 2018, 8:01 am
  #621  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Gteborg Sweden
Programs: SPG GOLD / BA GOLD/Club Carlson Gold/AMEX Plat.
Posts: 1,043
Greetings and good day..Quick question..We havent flown AA international for about 4 years now..Normally fly BA or QR in buisness.
We will be flying from GOT to PHL via LHR on BA with a connection on AA from terminal 3 in MCE (A333) as a OW Emerald (BA GOLD) from my understanding, we will be allowed in all OW lounges as a OWE flying ECO ? MODS please forgive if this subject has been talked about.. The MrFlyiboy is worried about MCE and needs a lounge to prepare..
Again,
Thank you,
Flyiboy
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Old Nov 3, 2018, 8:25 am
  #622  
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Originally Posted by Flyiboy
Greetings and good day..Quick question..We havent flown AA international for about 4 years now..Normally fly BA or QR in buisness.
We will be flying from GOT to PHL via LHR on BA with a connection on AA from terminal 3 in MCE (A333) as a OW Emerald (BA GOLD) from my understanding, we will be allowed in all OW lounges as a OWE flying ECO ? MODS please forgive if this subject has been talked about.. The MrFlyiboy is worried about MCE and needs a lounge to prepare..
Again,
Thank you,
Flyiboy
Yep, your Emerald status will get you plus one guest into any of the F or J lounges along the way. At LHR T3, go straight to the CX F lounge, with the QF Lounge next on the list.
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Old Nov 3, 2018, 10:24 am
  #623  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Gteborg Sweden
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Posts: 1,043
Originally Posted by JJeffrey
Yep, your Emerald status will get you plus one guest into any of the F or J lounges along the way. At LHR T3, go straight to the CX F lounge, with the QF Lounge next on the list.
Thank you kindly sir...
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Old Nov 3, 2018, 6:50 pm
  #624  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: MHT
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Forgive me as I’m sure this has been asked and answered but my searches are not finding what I need.

I am AA plat, flying QF from SFO in J next week. I’m going to have a solid 4 hours to kill in the airport. I don’t believe there is a Qantas lounge there, and I dont believe the Admirals Club is in the international terminal, so am I able to use any of the other OW partner lounges? If so, does anyone have a suggestion for me? Thanks!
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Old Nov 3, 2018, 7:01 pm
  #625  
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
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Originally Posted by MHTFlyer
Forgive me as Im sure this has been asked and answered but my searches are not finding what I need.

I am AA plat, flying QF from SFO in J next week. Im going to have a solid 4 hours to kill in the airport. I dont believe there is a Qantas lounge there, and I dont believe the Admirals Club is in the international terminal, so am I able to use any of the other OW partner lounges? If so, does anyone have a suggestion for me? Thanks!
Youd be able to use the Admirals Club, as Security would allow you access to the AA Terminal. However... the International Terminal has a decent BA Terraces Business Lounge, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines have lounges as well. See here for the SFO oneworld lounge locater.
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Old Nov 3, 2018, 7:09 pm
  #626  
 
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Thanks. Any opinion on which one is nicest?
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Old Nov 3, 2018, 7:15 pm
  #627  
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Originally Posted by MHTFlyer
Thanks. Any opinion on which one is nicest?
Ill have to leave the replies to others, as Ive only used the JL VIP room (separate from First and Business class) and BA F. But... QF departs from the gates serving BA, and the Business Lounge is quite adequate - not to mention at boarding theres a door and corridor that gives you a great short cut to your aircraft. So, Id recommend the laid back kind of beachy atmosphere of BA Tdrrsces Business lounge.
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Old Nov 3, 2018, 10:10 pm
  #628  
 
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Originally Posted by MHTFlyer
Thanks. Any opinion on which one is nicest?
Cathay Pacific - no contest
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Old Nov 7, 2018, 9:39 am
  #629  
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
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I'm sure somebody has asked a similar question, but I did not find the answer by reading the Wiki's, the AA Lounge Access pages or by scrolling through these posts.

I am PLT flying MDE-MIA-DFW-TUS all on the same day. It's all same ticket, all AA-marketed/operated. I know I get FL access at MIA. But, I am not 100% sure that I get FL and/or AC access at DFW, so that is the question.

The AA FL access page section for AA elites only says "connecting to international flights," and the AC access page just says,"on international flights." I am pretty sure that those two statements would include the 2nd domestic connection on the same day, but I would like to confirm.
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Old Nov 7, 2018, 12:14 pm
  #630  
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@coolcoil It is your same-day international "Itinerary" taken as a whole.

You get access at DFW.
Originally Posted by wiki
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.
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