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
Mar 5, 2018, 12:28 pm
#226
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 51
EXP flying BOS-DFW-HKG in F. BOS-DFW on the 20th departing 545pm arriving 917 pm. DFW -HKG is on the 21st. Will I have access in Boston or no because onward flight is next day?
Mar 5, 2018, 12:38 pm
#227
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
Technically no access since your DFW-HKG is after 6:00AM the following day. The BOS AC might bend the rules, of course, especially since you are flying F all the way and being an EXP but it's doubtful.
Mar 5, 2018, 12:40 pm
#228
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,460
Technically no access by the rules, however I've been granted entry several times in similar situations where I have a domestic connecting flight the day before my qualifying international flight. When you enter, I always say something along the lines of "I'm on the way to Hong Kong" and hand them your BOS-DFW boarding pass. Honestly I think a lot of the AAgents get the rules mixed up and think it's 24 hrs, or next day is ok as long as it's the same PNR, etc. Certainly worth a shot.
Mar 6, 2018, 7:53 am
#229
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 250
I have a flight with AA (772) from LHR to JFK on a BA ticket number (booked with BA on telephone) in C. From JFK I have my next flight with AA on the A321T in First Class (booking class A) But this flight is operated by AA but when I booked I used a BA flight number since it will give me more Avios. I just discovered that I now do not get access to the First Class Dining on JFK?? Of course I should have checked this, but it did not occur to me that I can fly with AA A321T in F and not have access just because my ticket has a BA flight number? All my flights are under 1 PNR.
So my question, is there any point to go there and try to get access? I read that I can still use the Flagship check in. Could I ask there if I can get an access pass to the dining? Or is this decided on entry to the AA dining?
If I knew this, I would have used the AA code...
So my question, is there any point to go there and try to get access? I read that I can still use the Flagship check in. Could I ask there if I can get an access pass to the dining? Or is this decided on entry to the AA dining?
If I knew this, I would have used the AA code...
Mar 6, 2018, 8:06 am
#230
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
I have a flight with AA (772) from LHR to JFK on a BA ticket number (booked with BA on telephone) in C. From JFK I have my next flight with AA on the A321T in First Class (booking class A) But this flight is operated by AA but when I booked I used a BA flight number since it will give me more Avios. I just discovered that I now do not get access to the First Class Dining on JFK?? Of course I should have checked this, but it did not occur to me that I can fly with AA A321T in F and not have access just because my ticket has a BA flight number? All my flights are under 1 PNR.
So my question, is there any point to go there and try to get access? I read that I can still use the Flagship check in. Could I ask there if I can get an access pass to the dining? Or is this decided on entry to the AA dining?
If I knew this, I would have used the AA code...
So my question, is there any point to go there and try to get access? I read that I can still use the Flagship check in. Could I ask there if I can get an access pass to the dining? Or is this decided on entry to the AA dining?
If I knew this, I would have used the AA code...
Mar 6, 2018, 8:18 am
#231
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,460
I have a flight with AA (772) from LHR to JFK on a BA ticket number (booked with BA on telephone) in C. From JFK I have my next flight with AA on the A321T in First Class (booking class A) But this flight is operated by AA but when I booked I used a BA flight number since it will give me more Avios. I just discovered that I now do not get access to the First Class Dining on JFK?? Of course I should have checked this, but it did not occur to me that I can fly with AA A321T in F and not have access just because my ticket has a BA flight number? All my flights are under 1 PNR.
So my question, is there any point to go there and try to get access? I read that I can still use the Flagship check in. Could I ask there if I can get an access pass to the dining? Or is this decided on entry to the AA dining?
If I knew this, I would have used the AA code...
So my question, is there any point to go there and try to get access? I read that I can still use the Flagship check in. Could I ask there if I can get an access pass to the dining? Or is this decided on entry to the AA dining?
If I knew this, I would have used the AA code...
Mar 6, 2018, 8:24 am
#232
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 250
Thank you the replies. I had never thought of that they could refuse entry when I fly in AA F just because my ticket has a BA number, but rules are rules.. I just found an eticket email where this segment is listed under the AA code only, maybe I can print this out and show them. But my boarding pass will show BA I guess.
Are there anybody else here with same experience that actually got access? Just curious to know.
Are there anybody else here with same experience that actually got access? Just curious to know.
Mar 6, 2018, 9:24 am
#233
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Virginia, USA
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, Jet Blue
Posts: 5
Dca-jfk-cdg-jfk-dca
AA has given me Platinum status for a short term "gift". I have not had status in the past and am really struggling with understanding what options this will give us.
Specifics:
DCA-JFK AA 4540
JFK-CDG AA 44
CDG-JFK AA 45
JFK-DCA AA 4527
I have a Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ MasterCard
My husband does not have status
Seats are economy with auto upgrade requested domestically (no clue about what to do for the international legs)
Specifically in terms of lounges, the "status desk" agent stated that we would only be able to use a lounge if we bought a day pass or flew first class (and I believe she must have also meant to say business class), however in reading the descriptions, it would seem that the Platinum status alone would provide access, or did I misread that? Or perhaps if we get upgraded, then could we use a lounge? If we do have access, which airports could we use a lounge (I thought I read something that said only domestic) Do we have access perhaps only between flights or while waiting for the first leg departures too?
Thank you for helping me sort all of this out.
Specifics:
DCA-JFK AA 4540
JFK-CDG AA 44
CDG-JFK AA 45
JFK-DCA AA 4527
I have a Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ MasterCard
My husband does not have status
Seats are economy with auto upgrade requested domestically (no clue about what to do for the international legs)
Specifically in terms of lounges, the "status desk" agent stated that we would only be able to use a lounge if we bought a day pass or flew first class (and I believe she must have also meant to say business class), however in reading the descriptions, it would seem that the Platinum status alone would provide access, or did I misread that? Or perhaps if we get upgraded, then could we use a lounge? If we do have access, which airports could we use a lounge (I thought I read something that said only domestic) Do we have access perhaps only between flights or while waiting for the first leg departures too?
Thank you for helping me sort all of this out.
Last edited by ButterflyVioletta; Mar 6, 2018 at 9:46 am
Mar 6, 2018, 10:11 am
#234
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
AA has given me Platinum status for a short term "gift". I have not had status in the past and am really struggling with understanding what options this will give us.
Specifics:
DCA-JFK AA 4540
JFK-CDG AA 44
CDG-JFK AA 45
JFK-DCA AA 4527
I have a Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ MasterCard
My husband does not have status
Seats are economy with auto upgrade requested domestically (no clue about what to do for the international legs)
Specifically in terms of lounges, the "status desk" agent stated that we would only be able to use a lounge if we bought a day pass or flew first class (and I believe she must have also meant to say business class), however in reading the descriptions, it would seem that the Platinum status alone would provide access, or did I misread that? Or perhaps if we get upgraded, then could we use a lounge? If we do have access, which airports could we use a lounge (I thought I read something that said only domestic) Do we have access perhaps only between flights or while waiting for the first leg departures too?
Thank you for helping me sort all of this out.
Specifics:
DCA-JFK AA 4540
JFK-CDG AA 44
CDG-JFK AA 45
JFK-DCA AA 4527
I have a Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ MasterCard
My husband does not have status
Seats are economy with auto upgrade requested domestically (no clue about what to do for the international legs)
Specifically in terms of lounges, the "status desk" agent stated that we would only be able to use a lounge if we bought a day pass or flew first class (and I believe she must have also meant to say business class), however in reading the descriptions, it would seem that the Platinum status alone would provide access, or did I misread that? Or perhaps if we get upgraded, then could we use a lounge? If we do have access, which airports could we use a lounge (I thought I read something that said only domestic) Do we have access perhaps only between flights or while waiting for the first leg departures too?
Thank you for helping me sort all of this out.
) will have access to the following due to your International segments:The Admiral's Club (AC) in DCA
The Flagship Lounge in JFK
The AC and/or the Cathay Pacific Lounge at CDG
The Flagship Lounge again at JFK when connecting to DCA
Mar 6, 2018, 10:31 am
#235
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
AA has given me Platinum status for a short term "gift". I have not had status in the past and am really struggling with understanding what options this will give us.
Specifics:
DCA-JFK AA 4540
JFK-CDG AA 44
CDG-JFK AA 45
JFK-DCA AA 4527
I have a Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ MasterCard
My husband does not have status
Seats are economy with auto upgrade requested domestically (no clue about what to do for the international legs)
Specifically in terms of lounges, the "status desk" agent stated that we would only be able to use a lounge if we bought a day pass or flew first class (and I believe she must have also meant to say business class), however in reading the descriptions, it would seem that the Platinum status alone would provide access, or did I misread that? Or perhaps if we get upgraded, then could we use a lounge? If we do have access, which airports could we use a lounge (I thought I read something that said only domestic) Do we have access perhaps only between flights or while waiting for the first leg departures too?
Thank you for helping me sort all of this out.
Specifics:
DCA-JFK AA 4540
JFK-CDG AA 44
CDG-JFK AA 45
JFK-DCA AA 4527
I have a Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ MasterCard
My husband does not have status
Seats are economy with auto upgrade requested domestically (no clue about what to do for the international legs)
Specifically in terms of lounges, the "status desk" agent stated that we would only be able to use a lounge if we bought a day pass or flew first class (and I believe she must have also meant to say business class), however in reading the descriptions, it would seem that the Platinum status alone would provide access, or did I misread that? Or perhaps if we get upgraded, then could we use a lounge? If we do have access, which airports could we use a lounge (I thought I read something that said only domestic) Do we have access perhaps only between flights or while waiting for the first leg departures too?
Thank you for helping me sort all of this out.
Be sure your interim Platinum status is reflected when you log into aa.com; if not, call to have the record updated so your Platinum status is printed on your boarding passes.
On the return, if you still maintain Platinum status, again, what teemuflyer said. (You got your first reply from a very knowledgeable member.)
There is no “status desk” for other than Executive Platinum or Concierge Key, merely a prioritized line into the general call center. (Gold, Platinum “desks” are an AA marketing artifice. We soon learn we sometimes hang up - call again (HUCA) because there are a few ignorant or uncaring agents even at the genuine “desks”.)
Mar 6, 2018, 11:25 am
#236
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Virginia, USA
Programs: AA Plat, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, Jet Blue
Posts: 5
Thank you both VERY much, sorting this out seems to almost require an advanced degree!! 
Oh and yeah, I'll take my husband as a guest, he's a keeper
Oh and yeah, I'll take my husband as a guest, he's a keeper
Mar 6, 2018, 12:29 pm
#237
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
Give this thread a lookover, because sometimes not everyone at AA will know the perks fir your status tier: What are AA 🔹Platinum / PLT Benefits? Are they worth it? (master thd).
Mar 7, 2018, 9:44 am
#238
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
Mar 9, 2018, 10:05 am
#239
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Irvine
Posts: 19
Hi all!
I have an upcoming on economy tix from GCM to MIA. I was wondering if I can get access to the lounge through AA Plat status. The wiki in this topic says access excludes intl flight from Caribbean but the aa website does not say that.
Also, what is the best lounge in MIA to check it out?
Thank you so much!
I have an upcoming on economy tix from GCM to MIA. I was wondering if I can get access to the lounge through AA Plat status. The wiki in this topic says access excludes intl flight from Caribbean but the aa website does not say that.
Also, what is the best lounge in MIA to check it out?
Thank you so much!
Mar 9, 2018, 10:30 am
#240
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
Hi all!
I have an upcoming on economy tix from GCM to MIA. I was wondering if I can get access to the lounge through AA Plat status. The wiki in this topic says access excludes intl flight from Caribbean but the aa website does not say that.
Also, what is the best lounge in MIA to check it out?
Thank you so much!
I have an upcoming on economy tix from GCM to MIA. I was wondering if I can get access to the lounge through AA Plat status. The wiki in this topic says access excludes intl flight from Caribbean but the aa website does not say that.
Also, what is the best lounge in MIA to check it out?
Thank you so much!
"2Access to Qantas Domestic Business Lounges excluded. AAdvantage member access to American Airlines lounges excluded (regardless of status or class of service) if traveling within North America or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean"
(Boldface added by me)
Source: https://www.aa.com/i18n/aadvantage-p...s-benefits.jsp