Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Airlines and Mileage Programs > American Airlines | AAdvantage
Reload this Page >

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

Old Jan 1, 2018, 2:40 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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

Print Wikipost

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

Old Sep 28, 2018, 5:58 pm
  #571  
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Originally Posted by infinite97
Is "premium lounge" part of the AC? I had some flagship dining or something last time I flew international biz out of DFW, but it was a couple of years ago - can't remember.

What's FFD? Definitely not interested in arrivals lounge at LHR, just for an hour or two before our 11am departure.

Thanks!
No. The Premium Lounge is an interim lounge for those on qualifying international flights with Sapphire or greater status or in premium cabins in the absence of any Admirals Club or Flagship Lounge in Terminal D. It will be closed when those two open. Club membership alone wont get you in.

See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...ounge-dfw.html

Fortunately, the renovated American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal D has reopened near Gate D-12.

There is no FFD at DFW yet. Flagship First Dining requires flying in a qualifying three class First flight.

In LAX, youll be at the Admirals Clubs with Membership and no qualifying flight & cabin, or if your upgrades come through you can visit the Flagship Lounge in T4 or the oneworld Business Lounge (operated by Qantas) in the TBIT using the airside Connector. There are threads on both, search for flagship or bradley.

FRA, which once had agenteel (somewhat run down) Club with top notch staff, has access for departing Admirals Club members and those in Business at the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge. The Cathay Pacific Lounge is possible. See hours etc. here.
JDiver is offline  
Old Sep 28, 2018, 7:45 pm
  #572  
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Originally Posted by JDiver
No. The Premium Lounge is an interim lounge for those on qualifying international flights with Sapphire or greater status or in premium cabins in the absence of any Admirals Club or Flagship Lounge in Terminal D. It will be closed when those two open. Club membership alone won’t get you in.

See https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...ounge-dfw.html

Fortunately, the renovated American Express Centurion Lounge in Terminal D has reopened near Gate D-12.

There is no FFD at DFW yet. Flagship First Dining requires flying in a qualifying three class First flight.

In LAX, you’ll be at the Admirals Clubs with Membership and no qualifying flight & cabin, or if your upgrades come through you can visit the Flagship Lounge in T4 or the oneworld Business Lounge (operated by Qantas) in the TBIT using the airside Connector. There are threads on both, search for flagship or bradley.

FRA, which once had agenteel” (somewhat run down) Club with top notch staff, has access for departing Admirals Club members and those in Business at the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge. The Cathay Pacific Lounge is possible. See hours etc. here.
Just a small correction - He/she mentioned EXP, so FL is granted regardless of cabin for intl segment.

CX FRA is not worth it - easily one of the worst CX lounges.

Originally Posted by infinite97
Is "premium lounge" part of the AC? I had some flagship dining or something last time I flew international biz out of DFW, but it was a couple of years ago - can't remember.

What's FFD? Definitely not interested in arrivals lounge at LHR, just for an hour or two before our 11am departure.

Thanks!
FFD = Flagship First Dinning. Have to be on F at LAX/JFK/MIA in order to access. You won't be at F cabin so there is no access.
JDiver likes this.
andersonCooper is offline  
Old Sep 28, 2018, 9:36 pm
  #573  
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Originally Posted by andersonCooper
Just a small correction - He/she mentioned EXP, so FL is granted regardless of cabin for intl segment.

<snip>
Thank you. I failed to notice that. And the OP as EP would be able to hit the Qantas First lounge at LAX-TBIT.

Last edited by JDiver; Sep 28, 2018 at 11:19 pm
JDiver is offline  
Old Sep 29, 2018, 8:37 am
  #574  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: PDX
Programs: AA EXP, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 99
Thanks guys. Ill check out the premium lounge when I land at dfw in a couple of hours. My biz upgrade came through, but it seems like it doesnt grant any higher lounge access, so...

appreciate the details!
infinite97 is offline  
Old Sep 29, 2018, 9:32 am
  #575  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Omaha
Programs: AA Life Plat 4mm, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,449
I asked this on PHL thread, should have asked it here.
My wife and I are on separate PNR’s coming home in coach from EDI on award tickets. She has no status, I’m Plat; AA CS agent said she will have no problem getting in AC as long as we walk up together - are we good?
kmandrew is offline  
Old Sep 29, 2018, 10:10 am
  #576  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,278
Originally Posted by kmandrew
I asked this on PHL thread, should have asked it here.
My wife and I are on separate PNRs coming home in coach from EDI on award tickets. She has no status, Im Plat; AA CS agent said she will have no problem getting in AC as long as we walk up together - are we good?
Of course, whether you are on the same PNR or different PNRs makes no difference for lounge access. No issues whatsoever.
JJeffrey is offline  
Old Sep 29, 2018, 11:22 am
  #577  
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,371
Originally Posted by infinite97
Thanks guys. Ill check out the premium lounge when I land at dfw in a couple of hours. My biz upgrade came through, but it seems like it doesnt grant any higher lounge access, so...

appreciate the details!
In LAX, absolutely use the QANTAS First Lounge located in Tom Bradley, a short walk from Terminal 4. You will be able to bring a guest.
JDiver and infinite97 like this.
DMPHL is online now  
Old Sep 29, 2018, 10:14 pm
  #578  
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: USA
Programs: AA EXP, UA GLD, Bonvoy Titan, HH Dia, WoH Exp
Posts: 2,673
I recently flew LHR-JFK in AA J (evening flight that arrives late) with an overnight in JFK and then a connecting flight in domestic F out of JFK the following morning.

I wasn't sure if I would get Flagship Lounge access for the domestic flight the next morning, but lounge attendant scanned the LHR-JFK BP and said I was good to use the lounge.
Time traveller is offline  
Old Sep 29, 2018, 10:29 pm
  #579  
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Originally Posted by Time traveller
I recently flew LHR-JFK in AA J (evening flight that arrives late) with an overnight in JFK and then a connecting flight in domestic F out of JFK the following morning.

I wasn't sure if I would get Flagship Lounge access for the domestic flight the next morning, but lounge attendant scanned the LHR-JFK BP and said I was good to use the lounge.
Good for the lounge attendant. Technically, afaik you could have been denied if the flight departed after 6 am.
JDiver is offline  
Old Oct 4, 2018, 5:05 am
  #580  
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 227
Quick question on whether or not I can use a lounge, and which lounge if possible.

LAX-HND-LAX
AA Platinum
Flying PE (not sure that matters?)

I assume I can use the lounge at HND on the return as OWS, but what about LAX? Also, which lounge at both airports?

Thanks
thedeeg is offline  
Old Oct 4, 2018, 5:38 am
  #581  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,278
Originally Posted by thedeeg
Quick question on whether or not I can use a lounge, and which lounge if possible.

LAX-HND-LAX
AA Platinum
Flying PE (not sure that matters?)

I assume I can use the lounge at HND on the return as OWS, but what about LAX? Also, which lounge at both airports?

Thanks
Yes, as an AA PLT (OWS) you always have lounge access on eligible international itineraries regardless of your class of service.

At LAX, you can use either the AA Flagship Lounge in T4 or the oneworld Business lounge in TBIT. At HND, I see no reason to stay from the JL business lounge.
thedeeg likes this.
JJeffrey is offline  
Old Oct 4, 2018, 5:58 am
  #582  
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 227
Originally Posted by JJeffrey
Yes, as an AA PLT (OWS) you always have lounge access on eligible international itineraries regardless of your class of service.

At LAX, you can use either the AA Flagship Lounge in T4 or the oneworld Business lounge in TBIT. At HND, I see no reason to stay from the JL business lounge.
Thank you.

any recommendations between lax lounges?
thedeeg is offline  
Old Oct 4, 2018, 7:09 am
  #583  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,278
Originally Posted by thedeeg
Thank you.

any recommendations between lax lounges?
thedeeg likes this.
JJeffrey is offline  
Old Oct 14, 2018, 11:30 am
  #584  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: SkyMiles, AAdvantage
Posts: 14
Lounge access Mia Lax

Traveling to Tahiti from Miami via LA. First from MIA on American, business onward to PPT on Air Tahiti Nui. American lifetime Platinum. Tickets on Qantas codeshares. Will I have lounge access in Miami? Which lounge in LA? Anybody help? Thanks!
bdmarc is offline  
Old Oct 14, 2018, 11:39 am
  #585  
Moderator: American AAdvantage
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Originally Posted by bdmarc
Traveling to Tahiti from Miami via LA. First from MIA on American, business onward to PPT on Air Tahiti Nui. American lifetime Platinum. Tickets on Qantas codeshares. Will I have lounge access in Miami? Which lounge in LA? Anybody help? Thanks!
AFAIK, no lounge access in either airport, unfortunately. TN isnt one world, and TN often denies access to their contract lounge if youre on an AA or QF marketed flight. Try at LAX, but with low expectations.
JDiver is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.