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
Jul 4, 2018, 6:53 pm
#481
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
well... this was a pretty big fail. MIA->DFW was first class on a 772, connection to DFW->LHR in first class on a 773. Flagship check in was totally confused and allowed me to check in and then proceeded to tell me after check-in that I should not have used flagship check in since my 773 flight departed from DFW not MIA. Not a great first impression.
recieved access to the Flagship Lounge (very nice space) but was denied Flagship First dining for same reasons... 773 flight does not depart from MIA. Denied even after they confirmed that the same offering is unavailable at DFW due to construction. again... poor inpressions
Overall, for a high ticket, paid first class international flight AA sorely lacks the ability to execute. I did send a tweet to AA customer service and they promptly replied that I should have been given access to both services... and that they would follow up with the airport team. Hopefully that happens... but not much good it does me.
I think BA offers the better experience at this point in first.
Jul 4, 2018, 7:04 pm
#482
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
Twitter might be the best option, given the Club line only operates on standard US work days, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (CT).
Jul 4, 2018, 7:17 pm
#483
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
I'm suggesting that Basicyellow call AA during normal business hours and get the company's advice on how to address the matter the next time lounge/dining access is denied:
1. Twitter.
2. Ask for the lounge general manager.
3. Travel with a copy of the lounge access rules from the website.
4. Avoid the ridiculous drama that encompasses every aspect of MIA.
Jul 14, 2018, 10:53 pm
#484
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: AA, chase ultimate rewards, hawaiian
Posts: 40
Lounge access in Flagship lounge at Miami
Hi Guys,
I am flying AMD-DOH-MIA-DTW on Qatar Airways..do you guys think I will have access to the Flagship lounge at Miami? I am traveling with my Kid and a shower & some food after such a long flight will be good.
I am flying AMD-DOH-MIA-DTW on Qatar Airways..do you guys think I will have access to the Flagship lounge at Miami? I am traveling with my Kid and a shower & some food after such a long flight will be good.
Jul 14, 2018, 11:54 pm
#485
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
On what basis? If you have Platinum status or better, yes. If you are traveling in Business Class from DOH, yes. (Have your QR boarding passes handy.
Jul 15, 2018, 4:53 am
#486
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Phoenix/Columbus
Programs: Delta Silver Medallion, United Gold, US Airways silver
Posts: 1,717
FRA lounge(s) in terminal 2
In on AA 704; out on Air Malta - both in Terminal 2. AA flight lands at 7:20 AM and KM flight departs at 9:30 AM. OW Emerald status + Admirals Club member + flying business class. Any OW lounge access given the time an departure on a non-OW airline?
On the trip back, it is the reverse; KM to FRA arriving @ 9 AM and out on AA @ 11:10.
On the trip back, it is the reverse; KM to FRA arriving @ 9 AM and out on AA @ 11:10.
Jul 15, 2018, 5:28 am
#487
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
In on AA 704; out on Air Malta - both in Terminal 2. AA flight lands at 7:20 AM and KM flight departs at 9:30 AM. OW Emerald status + Admirals Club member + flying business class. Any OW lounge access given the time an departure on a non-OW airline?
On the trip back, it is the reverse; KM to FRA arriving @ 9 AM and out on AA @ 11:10.
On the trip back, it is the reverse; KM to FRA arriving @ 9 AM and out on AA @ 11:10.
Jul 15, 2018, 6:09 am
#488
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Phoenix/Columbus
Programs: Delta Silver Medallion, United Gold, US Airways silver
Posts: 1,717
Jul 15, 2018, 8:41 am
#489
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
Jul 15, 2018, 9:24 am
#490
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: AA, chase ultimate rewards, hawaiian
Posts: 40
Jul 17, 2018, 8:07 am
#491
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 550
I have a connecting itinerary in DFW, on a monday morning flight next week, I don't have an Admiral's club membership, but has anyone had success in getting access to The Club via Priority pass lately?
The only other time I tried I was turned away because of space, I don't know what my odds will look like at 10 am on a monday.
The only other time I tried I was turned away because of space, I don't know what my odds will look like at 10 am on a monday.
Jul 17, 2018, 10:10 am
#492
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
I have a connecting itinerary in DFW, on a monday morning flight next week, I don't have an Admiral's club membership, but has anyone had success in getting access to The Club via Priority pass lately?
The only other time I tried I was turned away because of space, I don't know what my odds will look like at 10 am on a monday.
The only other time I tried I was turned away because of space, I don't know what my odds will look like at 10 am on a monday.
Moderator
Jul 17, 2018, 10:50 am
#493
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: AA PLT, IHG Spire
Posts: 550
Thanks, didn't realize that forum existed.
Jul 17, 2018, 1:37 pm
#494
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 199
Purchased 2 tickets BWI-DFW-KOA RT for $1900 each in business class (lay flats on DFW-KOA leg, 1st class recliners for BWI-DFW leg). I guess per AA's site it's still considered domestic 1st class and I won't get lounge access. Any way around this? Pretty frustrating I can't get lounge access on a $1900, 8 hour flight.
Jul 17, 2018, 2:19 pm
#495
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,462
Purchased 2 tickets BWI-DFW-KOA RT for $1900 each in business class (lay flats on DFW-KOA leg, 1st class recliners for BWI-DFW leg). I guess per AA's site it's still considered domestic 1st class and I won't get lounge access. Any way around this? Pretty frustrating I can't get lounge access on a $1900, 8 hour flight.