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 25, 2018, 7:41 pm
#106
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
wonder if anyone knows or can point me to a relevant post, as I cant find one.
I know lounge access is granted for a connecting flight the next day, as long as the flight is before 6am. But I arrive into LAX at around 10.30 pm and fly out the next day at 6.15 am. Would they show some flexibility, or do I have to wait around till midnight to gain access until it closes, as that would then be the same day.
Am travelling INTL F ticket (BA/AA) and OWE. Would a box of chocolates help ?
Appreciate any advice . Thanks.
I know lounge access is granted for a connecting flight the next day, as long as the flight is before 6am. But I arrive into LAX at around 10.30 pm and fly out the next day at 6.15 am. Would they show some flexibility, or do I have to wait around till midnight to gain access until it closes, as that would then be the same day.
Am travelling INTL F ticket (BA/AA) and OWE. Would a box of chocolates help ?
Appreciate any advice . Thanks.
But given the 15 minute discrepancy, they might let you in.
https://www.sleepinginairports.net/usa/losangeles.htm
Jan 25, 2018, 7:47 pm
#107
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 78
I have AA JFK-LAX in F connecting to AS LAX-PDX all in the same itinerary booked with AA.
I know I get flagship first access in JFK.
I know I get flagship first access in JFK.
Do I get FlagshipFirst access while I’m waiting for my AS connection in LAX?
Jan 25, 2018, 7:57 pm
#108
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Yes, but be mindful about connection time, AS is at T6.
Jan 25, 2018, 8:34 pm
#109
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: LHR / LAS
Programs: BA GfL, GGL/CCR
Posts: 2,409
No chocolates; that will immediately arouse suspicion. By and large, the LAX Club lot don’t play games.
But given the 15 minute discrepancy, they might let you in.
https://www.sleepinginairports.net/usa/losangeles.htm
But given the 15 minute discrepancy, they might let you in.
https://www.sleepinginairports.net/usa/losangeles.htm
^ Thanks for everyones replies - I will let you know what happens, but just booked the trip and its not for a few months, but will post back then. It may be useful to others. Then again. .....maybe not ......
Jan 25, 2018, 8:42 pm
#110
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
The JFK-LAX route in F or J provides lounge access on both ends, so when you arrive in LAX just proceed to the Flagship Lounge, give them your JFK-LAX boarding pass, and you'll be let in with no issues. The fact that your next flight is not until 6:15am the next day doesn't matter.
Jan 25, 2018, 8:52 pm
#111
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: LGB
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 241
You do qualify for AC access (and Flagship Lounge at JFK/ORD/MIA/LAX, if applicable), but not Flagship First Dining
Jan 25, 2018, 8:58 pm
#112
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New Orleans (MSY)
Programs: AA EXP, IHG PLT, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Explorist, Amtrak, WN
Posts: 2,617
I believe this is incorrect; MEX does not have Flagship First service, only Business. Flagship First is only available on 777-300ER routes (LHR, HKG, GRU).
You do qualify for AC access (and Flagship Lounge at JFK/ORD/MIA/LAX, if applicable), but not Flagship First Dining
You do qualify for AC access (and Flagship Lounge at JFK/ORD/MIA/LAX, if applicable), but not Flagship First Dining
If this were Flagship First Dining (available at JFK and LAX), you would be correct. However, the Flagship Dining Room at DFW (it's real name is "International First Class Dining Room;" Flagship Dining is the former name) is an exception. It is open to pax flying three-class First AND Executive Platinum/oneworld Emerald members in any class of service on qualifying tickets. Since AA considers Mexico City as international, he/she will be allowed access as an Executive Platinum member.
Jan 25, 2018, 9:15 pm
#113
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: LHR / LAS
Programs: BA GfL, GGL/CCR
Posts: 2,409
The JFK-LAX route in F or J provides lounge access on both ends, so when you arrive in LAX just proceed to the Flagship Lounge, give them your JFK-LAX boarding pass, and you'll be let in with no issues. The fact that your next flight is not until 6:15am the next day doesn't matter.
Now I see why I was asked about the itinerary, as it matters. Thanks again -for the replies - I really do appreciate it.
Jan 25, 2018, 9:17 pm
#114
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
And, the practical issue is that the flagship dining experience at DFW is pretty blah. Better than the Admirals Club food but not remotely comprable to the flagship Lounge at LAX, JFK, Mia, or ord
Jan 25, 2018, 9:36 pm
#115
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: LGB
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 241
I can confirm. Have flown to MEX-DFW and DFW-MEX frequently, and have always been given access to the dining room.
If this were Flagship First Dining (available at JFK and LAX), you would be correct. However, the Flagship Dining Room at DFW (it's real name is "International First Class Dining Room;" Flagship Dining is the former name) is an exception. It is open to pax flying three-class First AND Executive Platinum/oneworld Emerald members in any class of service on qualifying tickets. Since AA considers Mexico City as international, he/she will be allowed access as an Executive Platinum member.
If this were Flagship First Dining (available at JFK and LAX), you would be correct. However, the Flagship Dining Room at DFW (it's real name is "International First Class Dining Room;" Flagship Dining is the former name) is an exception. It is open to pax flying three-class First AND Executive Platinum/oneworld Emerald members in any class of service on qualifying tickets. Since AA considers Mexico City as international, he/she will be allowed access as an Executive Platinum member.
Jan 26, 2018, 6:08 am
#116
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Wesley Chapel, FL
Programs: American Airlines
Posts: 30,018
Jan 26, 2018, 10:04 am
#117
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 623
I have an AA award CDG-LHR-MIA in BA J/AA F itin this fall with the LHR-MIA segment the following day. I wouldn't expect access to any of the lounges at LHR on arrival, but will I have access to the AC at CDG? Couldn't quite decipher that part.
Also can't tell if I'll have access to the CX club at CDG based on traveling in BA's Club Europe since it appears you only get access to BA-operated clubs when traveling in Club Europe, which the CX club wouldn't be. Can ask this one in the BA forum if nobody here answers, but didn't want to double post.
Also can't tell if I'll have access to the CX club at CDG based on traveling in BA's Club Europe since it appears you only get access to BA-operated clubs when traveling in Club Europe, which the CX club wouldn't be. Can ask this one in the BA forum if nobody here answers, but didn't want to double post.
Jan 26, 2018, 10:12 am
#118
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
I have an AA award CDG-LHR-MIA in BA J/AA F itin this fall with the LHR-MIA segment the following day. I wouldn't expect access to any of the lounges at LHR on arrival, but will I have access to the AC at CDG? Couldn't quite decipher that part.
Also can't tell if I'll have access to the CX club at CDG based on traveling in BA's Club Europe since it appears you only get access to BA-operated clubs when traveling in Club Europe, which the CX club wouldn't be. Can ask this one in the BA forum if nobody here answers, but didn't want to double post.
Also can't tell if I'll have access to the CX club at CDG based on traveling in BA's Club Europe since it appears you only get access to BA-operated clubs when traveling in Club Europe, which the CX club wouldn't be. Can ask this one in the BA forum if nobody here answers, but didn't want to double post.
Jan 27, 2018, 8:44 pm
#119
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 92
ORD-JFK-SFO in Business (2-class) and First (3-class) respectively. Will I get access to new Flagship Lounge at ORD? I'd doubt lounge agents at ORD have seen many cases like this 
Update: Never mind, just saw a post by Lucky who did the exact same routing.
Update: Never mind, just saw a post by Lucky who did the exact same routing.
Last edited by jiangning; Jan 27, 2018 at 11:45 pm
Jan 27, 2018, 10:44 pm
#120
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 552
AA Platinum here. Wife and 2 kids all headed to Santiago in economy (DFW-SCL), then onwards to Easter Island and then Papeete on LATAM in business class. Arrive at SCL at 7:30 AM with a 24 hour layover. Will I have any lounge access upon arrival in SCL?
Have a 24 HR layover on the return in SCL as well. On the return it looks like I would have lounge access at the LATAM lounge again in Santiago by virtue of platinum status. Is this correct?
Have a 24 HR layover on the return in SCL as well. On the return it looks like I would have lounge access at the LATAM lounge again in Santiago by virtue of platinum status. Is this correct?
Last edited by dc10forlife; Jan 28, 2018 at 7:46 am