SQPPS

THANKS! I will then just go straight up to security and get in the line then. Was going to do five star but they can't come pick me up from my BA flight...

I've been hearing bad reports on the immigration line at LAX.

Microwave

How many times have you been through? I find the inside T3 check-in area a zoo most of the time, and while sometimes there's no queue at AA's F/J check-in area, sometimes there are many people in queue--I've walked by and seen the queues there 8 deep. OTOH, I've never had to wait behind more than 1 person at Flagship Check-in, and I find the process there quite painless. Maybe it's just my luck, but I've stopped going inside altogether--I get let off at the end of the departures drop-off area, walk right into zone H and get right to business.

That said, if there are people who prefer to go inside, it makes things easier for those of us that don't, so carry on!

Shhhhh, don't let the secret out or the champagne bar will be empty next time you come through!

Upgraded!

Don't worry, before my next trip to LHR I'll start a rumor that the rules have changed. There will be a secret code in my post to let those who "know" know that this isn't actually the case.

And I'd be more worried about what might happen to the waiter service if it becomes overwhelmed; that's one of the nicest parts of that lounge. As for the Champagne, well, I don't see that running dry any time soon, hopefully they'll keep putting out bottles whose restaurant price tags would make my jaw drop .

Passmethesickbag

I just find the counterflow where you have to push past the pax checking in to see the security people, and then past them again to get to an available check-in counter annoying. It would be much better if the entrance were at the narrow end!

Oh don't worry, that only happened once! I was amazed, though about the crowds. Why weren't they all in the BA or CX lounges?

QueenOfCoach

It really varies. Sometimes I zip right through, other times I have a long wait. I've been going through AA T4 LAX Immigration for years, so have a great deal of experience.

OTOH, now that I have Global Entry, it's always a breeze!!! Last time thought, it was 10 minutes from when I entered the Immigration hall to curbside with my checked luggage.

ESpen36

I just used LAX Flagship Check-In for the first time and it was incredible! I got off the Hertz bus and walked down to the special entrance. There was a red-coated AA rep who asked if I was flying First Class and where I was traveling, and then a doorman held the door open for me. Inside, it was a smaller room than I expected, and there was just one TA working. The place was deserted except for me. In fact, I didn't even see another AA passenger until I entered the TSA security area! The TA was very friendly and we chatted for a few minutes as she checked me in. I noticed that she put a special red stamp on my boarding pass that said "Flagship Priority."

Then, she personally escorted me out the back door, across the hallway, and up in the elevator to the screening area. At the top of the escalator, we came out right at the front of the Priority security line. There was a third-party contract agent standing nearby who didn't want to let me cut to the front, saying it was for PreCheck only. But the AA TA who had accompanied me showed her my boarding pass, and then the contractor finally relented when she saw the red "Flagship Priority" stamp.

I then proceeded to the front of the line (thank goodness, as the PA line was VERY long, snaking all down the hallway!) and went to the TDC, and then through the WTMD. Fortunately, even though I was not eligible for PreCheck flying internationally, there are no cancer machines in the Priority security area, so I did not have to opt out.

What a WONDERFUL experience using Flagship Check-In! The AA agent who accompanied me through the entire process was very sweet and said "we'll see you again soon!" She wished me well before she went back down. Now, I'm sure she couldn't have stayed with me the whole time if there had been anyone else using Flagship Check-In, but I was the only passenger there at the time. What fantastic service! I do hope that they staff this special check-in more fully during the busier times, as I suspect with all of the transcon First and LHR departures in the afternoon/evening, there will be more pax seeking to use it.


And when using this service, be sure to get your red "Flagship Priority" stamp on your boarding pass! It seems to be the only thing that will satisfy the contractors guarding the PreCheck line.

Upgraded!

I guess it's just a question of knowing all of the available benefits of OW status or a ticket in F/J. Also, unless you're really in the mood for dim sum I think the T3 BA lounge wins hands down; they have waiter service and a lot of made-to-order items, much like the CCR as well as better drinks.

BrewerSEA

I can be a bit generous with the self-pour JW Blue... Once I even made a JWB and Coke just because I could. No self-pour in the Concorde Room though.

Upgraded!

I always have a JWB and coke, for the exact same reason as you. However when drinking it for enjoyment, I prefer good scotch...

I spend most of my calories/sobriety on the champagne bar, which I enjoy more. I did see the same bottle of Laurent Perrier served there in a restaurant in Chicago the other night for $240/bottle.

nickflies

The Grand Si�cle is my favorite thing about LHR, period.

jeffreyt

I love it when the celebrities look at me in the Flagship room and think, "Is he famous?" Seriously, AA has done it right with both the Flagship check-in and the access to the pre-check line. I have been using the Flagshiop room since the beginning of the year, and both cut down my transit time tremendously.

Upgraded!

I'd have to agree. Fresh eggs to go with it (vs. the scrambled eggs on the buffet in the T5 GF) makes it even more enjoyable.

anabolism

It does get confusing, but as I understand it, and as a TSA ID checker at the podium explained it to me last time, the are two separate bifurcations: the line leading to the podium, and then the security screening lane after the podium. While there is a clear sign indicating that the left-hand line leading to the podium is for Flagship and Pre-Check, some TSA checkers (such as the one explaining it to me) insist that Pre-Check use the right-hand line, leaving the left-hand one free for Flagship. Other checkers allow those asserting themselves as Pre-Check to use the left-hand line, but unless there is an extra checker beforehand, that allows anyone to cut the line. At the podium, those who are eligible for Pre-Check and are selected for expedited screening are directed to the left-hand lane.

GadgetFreak

I was through there in July and the staff recommended that. I tried it and then the rose (Bolly I think) with chili kettle chips. I preferred the rose but the Grand Si�cle was also good.

ExpatExp

Exactly. Every time I've used Flagship Check-in at LAX, which I think is about three times, I've used the left side. Then I go into the non-Pre-Check lane, since I'm always connecting and never qualify at LAX.

I like it, too, but it's still a far cry from the old Park Lane check-in