Jan 3, 19, 6:26 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
HELP DESK: Lounge Access, Access Rules. Will I Have Lounge Access? (2019)
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
Link to aa.com Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge Access rules.
Also see Admirals Club rates increasing, new restrictions: 2019
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 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===================
NOTE: The kduarte Lounge Access tool page has become 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 Executive card users), reciprocity agreements with other airlines, traveling on certain transcon flights in F or J, or traveling internationally with Platinum or Platinum Pro (oneworld Sapphire) or Concierge Key or Executive Platinum (oneworld Emerald) status or in F or J classes of service - except if flying solely within North America destinations other than MEX as AAdvantage elite or AA elite in Business class. The last is often the greatest source of confusion, despite lounge access rules being described clearly on aa.com.
Admirals Club members paid or Executive primary 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.
Executive card subsidiary cardholders have admission as well.
PLT and PPRO members are eligible for access to all oneworld Business Class lounges, now including Flagship Lounges, including Admirals Clubs; EXP and CK members are also eligible for access to nearly all oneworld First Class lounges, including Flagship Lounges.
For AA status-based access (PLT, PPRO, EXP, Concierge Key),* 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.
Lounges operated by third parties or premium lounges operating outside of oneworld rules (e.g. BA Concorde Room, Qatar Al Safwa or Al Mourjan lounges, AA Flagship First Dining) 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.
The following exceptions apply: (in part; for the entire list, see here)
American Airlines and Qantas paid programmes
American Airlines and Qantas offer programmes enabling customers to pay to gain access to their lounges. These programmes are not part of the oneworld agreement, and members of these programmes are not entitled to access lounges under the oneworld agreement.
American Airlines AAdvantage member North American flights
American Airlines Airlines AAdvantage members, regardless of their tier status or class of travel, are not eligble for lounge access when travelling solely on North American flights within or between the U.S, Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Carribean. For more information, visit, http://aa.com/i18n/travelInformation...miralsClub.jsp
American Airlines and Qantas paid programmes
American Airlines and Qantas offer programmes enabling customers to pay to gain access to their lounges. These programmes are not part of the oneworld agreement, and members of these programmes are not entitled to access lounges under the oneworld agreement.
American Airlines AAdvantage member North American flights
American Airlines Airlines AAdvantage members, regardless of their tier status or class of travel, are not eligble for lounge access when travelling solely on North American flights within or between the U.S, Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Carribean. For more information, visit, http://aa.com/i18n/travelInformation...miralsClub.jsp
Traveling Flagship® Business Transcontinentalalso gives you lounge access and other amenities:
Los Angeles (LAX) - New York (JFK)
San Francisco (SFO) - JFK
LAX - Boston (BOS) – traveling on A321T aircraft only
LAX - Miami (MIA) – traveling on B777-300 aircraft only (through October 26, 2019)
San Francisco (SFO) - JFK
LAX - Boston (BOS) – traveling on A321T aircraft only
LAX - Miami (MIA) – traveling on B777-300 aircraft only (through October 26, 2019)
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 vice-versa are eligible for lounge access. oneworld lounge access page - link
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 vice-versa are eligible for lounge access. oneworld lounge access page - link
Important Note: Though this announcement excluded Northern South America and Central America, those travelling to or from those destinations in J/F or who 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) (2019)
● New York (JFK)
● Miami (MIA)
● Los Angeles (LAX)
First Class customers on American’s three class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive access to Flagship Dining.
● Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) (2019)
● New York (JFK)
● Miami (MIA)
● Los Angeles (LAX)
First Class customers on American’s three class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive access to Flagship Dining.
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 flyingoneworld 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 Admirals Club members be traveling on a departing AA marketed flight, otherbthan the LAX / TBIT lounge.
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
Admirals Club Membership + Reciprocal Qantas Club Access (master thread)
Note: Qantas Club access for Admirals Club members has recently CHANGED
Note: Qantas Club access for Admirals Club members has recently CHANGED
Admirals Club members
As an Admirals Club annual, lifetime member, Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Card primary cardholder, or AirPass member with Admirals Club privileges, your Qantas Club domestic access has recently changed (again):
Select Qantas Clubs when departing on the same day on a
Qantas operated flight or an American marketed flight operated by Qantas.
Qantas operated flight or an American marketed flight operated by Qantas.
NOTE: This is different than oneworld access rules and pertains only to Admirals Club members.
Also note Qantas will soon begin selling single admission starting at $49, but these at least initially will be restricted to QF Bronze or Silver members and only available during non-peak times. At this time, AA flyers are ineligible. Link to Australian Business Traveller article.
Previously, members could access Qantas domestic lounges with an Admirals Club card without having purchased the AA codeshare. This is no longer permitted. These changes do not include one world Emerald or Sapphire members.
Eligible Admirals Club members must present the following documentation: [/B]
- Government-issued photo ID
- Admirals Club membership card
- Applicable boarding pass for same day travel
NOTE Qantas Club Dress Code: N.B. Qantas Lounges and Clubs will require Smart Casual (sic) dress as of May 2015; those not meeting the standard may be turned away. (No open-toe shoes.) c/o hartlogan
ARCHIVE: HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules (2019)
Feb 25, 19, 4:12 pm
#91
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 10,225
Originally Posted by Hengilas
I am EXP with two companions flying LAX-PVG in economy in a few weeks. We are all on the same itinerary. SWUs are waitlisted but...until then...
Will all of us be granted access to the QF lounge?
The OneWorld lounge?
The Aadmirals' club?
Will I need to burn a guest pass for one of my companions to get in to the AC?
Will all of us be granted access to the QF lounge?
The OneWorld lounge?
The Aadmirals' club?
Will I need to burn a guest pass for one of my companions to get in to the AC?
If your upgrades clear, then all 3 of you can visit any of the lounges above except the QF F lounge (you could still go +1 guest, but one would be left out).
Feb 25, 19, 4:14 pm
#92
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Mexico, and The Suggestion Box
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,952
Originally Posted by Hengilas
I am EXP with two companions flying LAX-PVG in economy in a few weeks. We are all on the same itinerary. SWUs are waitlisted but...until then...
Will all of us be granted access to the QF lounge?
The OneWorld lounge?
The Aadmirals' club?
Will I need to burn a guest pass for one of my companions to get in to the AC?
Will all of us be granted access to the QF lounge?
The OneWorld lounge?
The Aadmirals' club?
Will I need to burn a guest pass for one of my companions to get in to the AC?
1. Admirals Clubs
2. Flagship Lounge
3. oneworld Business Lounge
4. Qantas First lounge
So if nobody’s upgraded:
“Emerald tier frequent flyers can use First Class, Business Class or frequent flyer lounges. (Any of the above.)
Emerald and Sapphire members may invite one guest to join them in the lounge. The guest must also be travelling on a flight operated and marketed by a oneworld carrier.“
Emerald and Sapphire members may invite one guest to join them in the lounge. The guest must also be travelling on a flight operated and marketed by a oneworld carrier.“
If just you or nobody’s upgraded, you could all go to the 1. Admirals Club by purchasing one guest pass.
Feb 25, 19, 4:57 pm
#93
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 808
Thanks for the great answer - much appreciated!! Fingers crossed for those upgrades.
Feb 25, 19, 9:48 pm
#94
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Rockies
Programs: UA Platinum, HHonors Diamond, Bonvoy occasionally Bonvoyed Mostly
Posts: 362
Originally Posted by JJeffrey
Yep, no problem to access the FL, separate tix don't matter for lounge access purposes but make sure to hang on to your DOH-LAX boarding pass to show for entry.
Feb 27, 19, 6:46 am
#95
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
Lounge Access on return from International Trip
AA SCL(Chile) to MIA(US) - Business Class
Question - Can I access to Admirals when arriving in MIA?
Question - Can I access to Admirals when arriving in MIA?
Feb 27, 19, 6:51 am
#96
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: London, United Kingdom
Programs: British Airways Gold
Posts: 2,625
No, you can't even get airside without an onwards boarding pass
Feb 27, 19, 6:59 am
#97
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3
Thanks! I do have a 1st class ticket to next destination after arrival, but it is domestic. (SCL to MIA Bus. - MIA to ORF 1st)
Feb 27, 19, 7:01 am
#98
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 10,225
Originally Posted by zannalee01
Thanks! I do have a 1st class ticket to next destination after arrival, but it is domestic. (SCL to MIA Bus. - MIA to ORF 1st)
Feb 27, 19, 7:05 am
#99
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: GCM, formerly DFW
Programs: AA Exp
Posts: 203
Related question: What if you're on an inbound international flight with a domestic (Caribbean) connection? Say NRT-DFW-GCM; Would we have been able to get into the Flagship lounge during our layover in DFW as a OW Sapphire/AA Plat?
*Nvm, answered.*
*Nvm, answered.*
Feb 28, 19, 1:16 am
#101
Join Date: Feb 2019
Programs: AA
Posts: 1
Flagship lounge OW international flights
I am traveling Lax/Ord/AMM/CAI. First leg is economy on AA, other flights are Business on RJ.
Do I get flagship access at all airports? I am Gold and Admiral Club member.
Do I get flagship access at all airports? I am Gold and Admiral Club member.
Feb 28, 19, 2:17 am
#102
Join Date: May 2017
Location: SIN
Programs: AS MVPG75k, AA Plat
Posts: 733
Yes assuming you fulfil the definition of "same day connection" for LAX-ORD in relation to ORD-AMM. You must present proof of your RJ onward itinerary in LAX. The T3-T5 transfer in ORD is a pain, budget time accordingly.
Feb 28, 19, 5:29 am
#103
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 10,225
Originally Posted by kmac3333
I am traveling Lax/Ord/AMM/CAI. First leg is economy on AA, other flights are Business on RJ.
Do I get flagship access at all airports? I am Gold and Admiral Club member.
Do I get flagship access at all airports? I am Gold and Admiral Club member.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...es-2019-a.html
Feb 28, 19, 9:36 am
#104
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Mexico, and The Suggestion Box
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,952
Originally Posted by kmac3333
I am traveling Lax/Ord/AMM/CAI. First leg is economy on AA, other flights are Business on RJ.
Do I get flagship access at all airports? I am Gold and Admiral Club member.
Do I get flagship access at all airports? I am Gold and Admiral Club member.
Gold / Ruby status provides no lounge access
Admirals Club membership is only for Clubs
As you’re connecting to RJ / oneworld Business, assuming LAX-ORD is the same day as your RJ departure, or by 6 am the following day,you’ll have access:
LAX: oneworld Business lounge at the TBIT (use the airside connector, 5-10 minutes)
Flagship Lounge
(Of course, any Admirals Club)
ORD: Flagship Lounge
(Of course, any Admirals Club)
Feb 28, 19, 11:10 pm
#105
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SJC
Programs: UA 1K, AA ExecPlat
Posts: 820
Hi, I will be traveling SFO-JFK-NRT on AA/JL in J. SFO-JFK is a red-eye departing in the evening and arriving in JFK the next morning where I have a 5-6 hour layover in JFK before my JL departure to NRT. If I were to upgrade the SFO-JFK segment to F using miles, would I get flagship dining access in JFK? I am planning on using the AA lounges in JFK mainly since I think they are better than what JL uses in Terminal 1. (LH business I think?)
