SFO - MEX: Best routing option for AA Flagship Dining
 

I've been trying for a while now to find the best (economical) route for SFO-MEX via F: Ultimate goal is to fly F to have access to AA FLD

• SFO - MEX via LAX is not a bargain when comparing going via PHX or DFW to/from MEX in F
  • No FLD at PHX or DFW (yet)
  • Are there better Lounge dining options if going via PHX or DFW (not aware of traveling Intl via these ex-USA AA ports)
• Tried being routed via MIA
  • Was route to other AA airport (forced to use multi-city tool with 1 day gaps between flights)
  • routes were priced at full Y, J and F fares (as applicable)
    • Airport routes: Best (options)
      • SFO-JFK-MIA-MEX-DFW-LAX-SFO
      • SFO-CTL-MIA-MEX-DFW-LAX-SFO
      • Picked MIA and LAX for routes to/from MEX to get access to FLD (on the cheap!)
    • Seems as though I'm being routed to avoid FLD (cheap) options
      • (again, option of going with LAX (most convenient)
      • MIA (convenient)
      • JFK (least convenient)
      • cost much more regardless of dates I've searched.
    • Eliminated options of going via ORD as I'm still being routed to DFW as the most "convenient" option if goal is to avoid LAX direct option.
  • Even tried building a delay in LAX
    • Prices are more than going via DFW direct.

Anyone have any tips/suggestions

• Dates are very flexible
• Tickets purchased would be front cabin both directions

Thanks in advance FT experts!

When you say FLD.. do you mean Flagship First Dining?

No matter what route you take, you wont have access to that. Well, unless you go SFO-JFK-MIA-MEX or something in 3 class F on the transcon.

or are you trying to just go to the Flagship Lounge. Where there is a small buffet of food.

The only way to get FFD would be to route via JFK in 3-cabin F. Not worth it for such a short flight to MEX!

on further thought, OP could go SFO-MIA-GRU-MEX or something like that (last leg on Latam) too. :D

SFO-LAX-LHR-JFK-MIA-MEX too. #MR

I’ve a suggestion: fly SFO-LAX-MEX rather than squandering money and time, and dine at somewhere worthwhile. Pujol, Quintonil or some of the restaurants listed in this FT thread https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mexi...annotated.html will blow the socks off eating at LAX Flagship Dining.

Right? Don’t think I would ever plan a trip based on a mediocre lounge that serves cafeteria food.

To each their own.

+1. Fly through LAX, stop at the AA Flagship and/or Qantas F lounge if you'd like, then get to Quintonil or Pujol ASAP :D

SFO/MEX via LAX itineraries can be pricey compared to connecting through DFW or PHX. I've purchased SFO/LAX/SFO and LAX/MEX/LAX independently in the past.

I flew dfw-mex Friday in F and didn’t even remotely think of stopping by the temp lounge.

+1. I've taken the nonstop Aeromexico flight on this route in J. It was fine, not the height of luxury but perfectly serviceable (and quite inexpensive!) for a 4-hour flight.

Not to mention (echoing JDiver) you'll be landing in one of the world's greatest culinary cities, so you might as well get there as early as possible and enjoy another meal or three on the ground :D

this.

I type this right after I finished off a few tacos... in Mexico City.

OP - Why do you want to make a special effort to get an itinerary for Flagship Dining?

Flagship dinning is way over hyped. Sorry

My recommendation (not AA unfortunately):
Do SFO-ZRH-MUC-FRA-MEX in F.
You will have access to the F lounges in 3 different airports with excellent food.
A bit of a detour and a bit more expensive.

Thanks All!! Upon closer inspection I see that the upfront cabin on the routes, is actually in Business and not F. And I was under the impression that Flagship First Dinning would accessible for MEX if, for example the LAX/MIA-MEX leg was in actual first class. Or am I confusing myself with the fact that AC access would be granted because I'd be going to MEX. Hence, the reasons why I was eyeing LAX or MIA as departure places.

Nonetheless, I'll play around more with the SFO-LAX-SFO and LAX-MEX-LAX as it is the most convenient and look forward to much better dinning once on the ground in MEX.