ARCHIVE: All About AA Flagship Check-In at JFK, LAX, MIA, ORD
#91
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Global
Programs: AAexp, UA*G, HY LT Globalist, FB Plat, Centurion
Posts: 988
Unfortunately, I do not believe so. You can still use the F check in area, but you will not have access to the seperate Flagship Check In since you are on an arriving itinerary. The website states that you must be on an outbound international F flight. (or 3-class transcon, AAirpass, CK, etc.)
F check in feeds to the same security line, you just won't get to cut to the front of it. I've never waited more than 15 min. in that line.
F check in feeds to the same security line, you just won't get to cut to the front of it. I've never waited more than 15 min. in that line.
I've been hearing bad reports on the immigration line at LAX.
#92
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Signatures
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: London, England
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond Ambassador, National Exec, AA EXP Emeritus
Posts: 9,771
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!
#93
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: AA SPG Amex
Posts: 4,644
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 .
#94
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NCL
Programs: UA 1MM/*G. DL Gold for one more year.
Posts: 5,305
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?
#95
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,440
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.
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.
#96
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NYC, USA
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, Lifetime Platinum, Marriott Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 10,968
Flagship Check-In is AMAZING! and new BP stamp at LAX
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.
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.
#97
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: AA SPG Amex
Posts: 4,644
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.
#98
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVPG 75K
Posts: 2,574
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.
#99
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: AA SPG Amex
Posts: 4,644
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.
#100
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: NYC
Programs: Delta Platinum, former AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Uber Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 249
#101
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Los Angeles, CA - Nearly 4 Million Actual Miles Flown
Posts: 5,522
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.
#103
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,938
I don't think AA has a say in who uses the left side - it is pre-screen only as I understand it - since you go through a reduced screening: shoes on, don't have to take off coats, don't need to take out laptop, liquids, etc. Unless you are pre-screen, I don't think you can get through on the left side.
If they let you through the gate checker (with escort) then you likely still need to go to the regular right side line - take shoes off, etc. Basically you are just cutting in line at that point.
I think only TSA determines who uses the reduced screening lane.
If they let you through the gate checker (with escort) then you likely still need to go to the regular right side line - take shoes off, etc. Basically you are just cutting in line at that point.
I think only TSA determines who uses the reduced screening lane.
#104
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: NY Metro Area
Programs: AA 2MM Yay!, UA MM, Costco General Member
Posts: 49,147
#105
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,857
I like it, too, but it's still a far cry from the old Park Lane check-in