Minor: Rejected for LAX Flagship Lounge Access
Jul 30, 2018, 7:22 pm
#92
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Arizona
Programs: MSP raised, Elite since age 17
Posts: 4,723
Coming out of retirement for this, after seeing it posted on Yahoo etc.
From my handle, I was one of the original Young Travelers on the board: I earned an elite card before I had a driver's license or was able to vote. Earned by understanding the programs, and spending countless hours butt-in-seat (while balancing classes), and financing my travels as others finance their hobbies. Yes, I was advanced in school. Yes, I was skipped a grade. Yes I was taking college classes at 13. Yes I moved out-of-state for college at age 17. To be advanced in life is something that should be celebrated. The OP has done something right in order to have earned a spot, at age 16, that many frequent flyers only dream of.
While one can discover things in exploring LAX (the 7-11 with street pricing land-side in TBIT was a game-changer), I can relate to wanting to enjoy benefits that one has earned. While many of the online comments (outside FT) are by folks who don't even know what CX is, the OP had to _earn_ stat status somehow..... possibly through family means, possibly through other planning. Most folks here are here because of their love of the mileage game.... the OP is entitled to rewards he or she has earned, and yes, the age limit is an inconvenience, and likely something that has never ever been challenged since it has never been an issue to anyone. Until now.
Would carriers deny under 21s from purchasing full F since alcohol is free flowing? No. Revenue is an incentive to the carriers, and with the revenue I guarantee they've earned from the OP's travels, I would think that if the OP has legitimately earned entry into he FL, then a $20 voucher to check out the referenced burger place, and maybe accommodation in an alternate lounge, would be the least they could provide. The most would be review of policies, and notice to lounge staff to value the young customer, and the future business she or he is bound to bring in the coming decades.
Kudos to the OP for his/her commitment to the game, and for earning the status. Boo to those who assume he/she is feels unconditionally spoiled or entitled.
From my handle, I was one of the original Young Travelers on the board: I earned an elite card before I had a driver's license or was able to vote. Earned by understanding the programs, and spending countless hours butt-in-seat (while balancing classes), and financing my travels as others finance their hobbies. Yes, I was advanced in school. Yes, I was skipped a grade. Yes I was taking college classes at 13. Yes I moved out-of-state for college at age 17. To be advanced in life is something that should be celebrated. The OP has done something right in order to have earned a spot, at age 16, that many frequent flyers only dream of.
While one can discover things in exploring LAX (the 7-11 with street pricing land-side in TBIT was a game-changer), I can relate to wanting to enjoy benefits that one has earned. While many of the online comments (outside FT) are by folks who don't even know what CX is, the OP had to _earn_ stat status somehow..... possibly through family means, possibly through other planning. Most folks here are here because of their love of the mileage game.... the OP is entitled to rewards he or she has earned, and yes, the age limit is an inconvenience, and likely something that has never ever been challenged since it has never been an issue to anyone. Until now.
Would carriers deny under 21s from purchasing full F since alcohol is free flowing? No. Revenue is an incentive to the carriers, and with the revenue I guarantee they've earned from the OP's travels, I would think that if the OP has legitimately earned entry into he FL, then a $20 voucher to check out the referenced burger place, and maybe accommodation in an alternate lounge, would be the least they could provide. The most would be review of policies, and notice to lounge staff to value the young customer, and the future business she or he is bound to bring in the coming decades.
Kudos to the OP for his/her commitment to the game, and for earning the status. Boo to those who assume he/she is feels unconditionally spoiled or entitled.
Jul 30, 2018, 7:43 pm
#93
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA Silver, AA, WN, DL
Posts: 4,091
Having been on FT for quite a bit of time now, this will rank pretty high up there as First World Problems...
No offense at the OP, but this isn't one of those arbitrary actions taken by airline staff or discrimination. The rule is clearly written and followed with no ill intent.
Unfortunately for the OP, his age was not in his favor... this time. Though I suspect being so young and having such elevated status means he'll have plenty of opportunities to partake in the benefits in the near future.
EDIT TO ADD:
VJ! Great seeing you on the boards again... been awhile since our heydays.
No offense at the OP, but this isn't one of those arbitrary actions taken by airline staff or discrimination. The rule is clearly written and followed with no ill intent.
Unfortunately for the OP, his age was not in his favor... this time. Though I suspect being so young and having such elevated status means he'll have plenty of opportunities to partake in the benefits in the near future.
EDIT TO ADD:
VJ! Great seeing you on the boards again... been awhile since our heydays.
Jul 30, 2018, 8:27 pm
#95
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: MIA
Programs: AA EXP (AC), DL G (SC), Bonvoy LTP, & IHG AMB
Posts: 1,798
Anyways, brava QueenofCoach and bravo JonNYC... your wisdom is truly appreciated and should be heeded...
Jul 30, 2018, 8:30 pm
#96
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Off topic and it seems to be a new trend here "As AAL shareholder...". I am not sure how being a shareholder matters here, except for IRS to tax realized capital gains and (ordinary or qualified) dividends, if any.
Jul 30, 2018, 10:12 pm
#97
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
OP seems to be both ignorant and indignant, and then chose to write about the experience out of a sense of entitlement.
Jul 31, 2018, 1:00 am
#98
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
Well, if you decide that you need a travel companion to allow you access into the lounge, I offer my services. Just cover my expenses for travel and I'll tag along and even carry your bags.
Jul 31, 2018, 1:58 am
#99
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Cathay Pacific
Posts: 3
Concorde Room is waiter service. Club lounge is certainly self pour. Not sure about the F lounge but likely is self pour too.
Even though BA have the lease from the Port Authority T7 it is still US soil so US laws apply. It’s not a little enclave of the UK!
as far as I know BA don’t give vouchers to under age passengers who would otherwise be eligible for lounge access because of status or cabin class.
At JFK T4 the VS clubhouse is also waiter service but at BOS hard liquor is waiter service but they have bottles of beer in fridges for pax to access themselves (Maybe the same at JFK but it’s been a while since I was there). Im not sure what does for allowing under 21 access!
went to Gordon Ramsey's restaurant and could definitely assure you that its far better that the shxxy BA lounge.
Jul 31, 2018, 2:50 am
#100
Join Date: Mar 2017
Programs: Cathay Pacific
Posts: 3
I do understand the frustration of OP, as CX members and both being 16s, I do understand that CX don't normally enforce the age regulations regarding to alcoholic drinks in lounge nor onboard, and tbh with you, I personally never got challenged by lounge attendants or cabin crews even though I do drink a lot (thumbs up for the CX F Krug 2004).
Dress up properly and act in an adult fashion and 9 out of 10 times the staff will treat you as an adult.
Despite you might think its unfair, its their job to do so and if they don't follow it, they might get sacked (as one cx ism told me about the company policy regarding to serving alcohol to u18s on a flight where me and 5 of my friends who were all 16 only and booked in cx first, asking for Krug and got turned down) especially in countries like the US with strict regulations unlike Asia
you still got plenty of chances to visit the lounge once turn 18/21
ps. for those hates who thinks teens should not deserve the right to enjoy lounges, please do remember that we committed the same amount (or even more?) time and money for the status and by no means we are different from airlines perspective and should have the same right to use the lounge. Its a shame of AA not offering any alternatives (even food court vouchers) for OP as OWE and premium pax.
Dress up properly and act in an adult fashion and 9 out of 10 times the staff will treat you as an adult.
Despite you might think its unfair, its their job to do so and if they don't follow it, they might get sacked (as one cx ism told me about the company policy regarding to serving alcohol to u18s on a flight where me and 5 of my friends who were all 16 only and booked in cx first, asking for Krug and got turned down) especially in countries like the US with strict regulations unlike Asia
you still got plenty of chances to visit the lounge once turn 18/21
ps. for those hates who thinks teens should not deserve the right to enjoy lounges, please do remember that we committed the same amount (or even more?) time and money for the status and by no means we are different from airlines perspective and should have the same right to use the lounge. Its a shame of AA not offering any alternatives (even food court vouchers) for OP as OWE and premium pax.
Jul 31, 2018, 5:07 am
#101
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Seat 2A
Programs: AA EXP LT GLD 1MM, BA GLD, NH/UA*G, Hyatt Dia, Marr Tit LT PLT, IHG Spire,HH Dia, MGM NOIR,Hertz PC
Posts: 10,571
While I understand and certainly appreciate the fact that there is freely accessible alcohol at the Flagship lounge I think airlines have to react here and provide an alternative.
The Admirals Club for example provides alcohol only through the bartender so where exactly is the problem?
We're talking about someone who is legally allowed to operate a vehicle yet AA doesn't allow lounge access? That's <redacted> stupid and nothing but. Makes zero sense whatsoever.
The request for a meal voucher wasn't unreasonable if they deny access to the lounge despite being Emerald (in a Premium Cabin?). YMMV
The Admirals Club for example provides alcohol only through the bartender so where exactly is the problem?
We're talking about someone who is legally allowed to operate a vehicle yet AA doesn't allow lounge access? That's <redacted> stupid and nothing but. Makes zero sense whatsoever.
The request for a meal voucher wasn't unreasonable if they deny access to the lounge despite being Emerald (in a Premium Cabin?). YMMV
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 31, 2018 at 3:43 pm Reason: Rule 16: Using symbols, spaces or other methods to mask vulgarities is not allowed.
Jul 31, 2018, 5:15 am
#102
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
While I understand and certainly appreciate the fact that there is freely accessible alcohol at the Flagship lounge I think airlines have to react here and provide an alternative.
The Admirals Club for example provides alcohol only through the bartender so where exactly is the problem?
We're talking about someone who is legally allowed to operate a vehicle yet AA doesn't allow lounge access? That's <redacted> stupid and nothing but. Makes zero sense whatsoever.
The request for a meal voucher wasn't unreasonable if they deny access to the lounge despite being Emerald (in a Premium Cabin?). YMMV
The Admirals Club for example provides alcohol only through the bartender so where exactly is the problem?
We're talking about someone who is legally allowed to operate a vehicle yet AA doesn't allow lounge access? That's <redacted> stupid and nothing but. Makes zero sense whatsoever.
The request for a meal voucher wasn't unreasonable if they deny access to the lounge despite being Emerald (in a Premium Cabin?). YMMV
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 31, 2018 at 7:47 am Reason: Rule 17. Using symbols, spaces or other methods to mask vulgarities is not allowed.
Jul 31, 2018, 5:26 am
#103
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Owner of 2,000 TWA shares
Posts: 812
You can "legally...operate" a vehicle in states like Kansas and others at the age of 14. Yes, get your license and all. If this is your criteria for being mature enough to enjoy some of the finer things in life then understand that when my sons were 14 they couldn't keep their hands out of their own pants.
Jul 31, 2018, 6:38 am
#104
Join Date: Sep 2008
Programs: A3 *G, AA exePlat, AS MVP 75k Gold, JL sapphire, UA silver
Posts: 4,035
I will come out from a different angle. I have noticed a number of blogs from HK about young travelers and they review lounges. able to access the lounge is part of their part time job.
Jul 31, 2018, 7:40 am
#105
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
While I understand and certainly appreciate the fact that there is freely accessible alcohol at the Flagship lounge I think airlines have to react here and provide an alternative.
The Admirals Club for example provides alcohol only through the bartender so where exactly is the problem?
We're talking about someone who is legally allowed to operate a vehicle yet AA doesn't allow lounge access? That's <redacted> stupid and nothing but. Makes zero sense whatsoever.
The request for a meal voucher wasn't unreasonable if they deny access to the lounge despite being Emerald (in a Premium Cabin?). YMMV
The Admirals Club for example provides alcohol only through the bartender so where exactly is the problem?
We're talking about someone who is legally allowed to operate a vehicle yet AA doesn't allow lounge access? That's <redacted> stupid and nothing but. Makes zero sense whatsoever.
The request for a meal voucher wasn't unreasonable if they deny access to the lounge despite being Emerald (in a Premium Cabin?). YMMV
That doesn’t fly in countries restricting access because of liquor / alcoholic beverages, regardless of job, status, wealth, national origin, etc. where laws are uniformly applied to everyone.
Last edited by JDiver; Jul 31, 2018 at 7:46 am