Jan 3, 2019, 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)
Jun 2, 2019, 11:05 pm
#241
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Gatwick, UK
Programs: UA *G, BA Silver
Posts: 1,673
1) Me and my partner are flying from LHR to SJC in BA F and then taking a connecting flight several hours later with AA onto LAX in domestic first (tickets brought separately), will we get access to any lounge at SJC? (not sure if showing the BA boarding pass will get us access to 'the club' at SJC)
2) We will be taking 2 flights from LAX (LAX-LAS and LAX-RNO) and one from LAS-LAX, (all ticketed in domestic first) will I get lounge access based on BA silver status and will I still be allowed one guest? (if this is case is there any particular lounges we should go to?)
3) We have booked AA transcon first between SFO-JFK (I understand there is no flagship first lounge here) (my ticket is paid for and my partners is an avios redemption), which lounge is best to go to with this ticket type?!
Jun 3, 2019, 12:27 am
#242
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: British Airways Gold, IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 128
Sorry what is meant by:
“ you would also have access to Flagship Lounge and First Dining on arrival at JFK”
i am am not taking any connection from JFK that day, I’ll being staying in NYC for awhile. Do you mean like as an arrivals lounge ?
“ you would also have access to Flagship Lounge and First Dining on arrival at JFK”
i am am not taking any connection from JFK that day, I’ll being staying in NYC for awhile. Do you mean like as an arrivals lounge ?
Jun 3, 2019, 12:33 am
#243
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
Coming off of AA flights you are allowed access even if you are not connecting. It's outside of OW normal rules, but one they have extended to qualified flights such as yours.
Jun 3, 2019, 3:57 am
#244
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: British Airways Gold, IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 128
So how does that work because isn’t the lounge after security ? What will happen to all my bags if I choose to go and have dinner in the flagship first dining before heading to NYC?
Sorry for all the questions
Sorry for all the questions
Jun 3, 2019, 4:23 am
#245
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
After you have dinner, it could be as easy as walking down to baggage claim and picking them up from right out front of the office and you're in a taxi 5 mins later. Or you could get to the baggage office and there's 20 people in line, a grumpy agent who says they dont have your bags and you haven't filled put the correct lost luggage form, etc., and it takes an hour to get sorted. YMMV.
Jun 3, 2019, 4:34 am
#246
Join Date: Mar 2018
Programs: British Airways Gold, IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 128
You are correct in that the lounge is airside while your bags will be delivered to baggage claim landside. If you don't pick them up then someone from AA baggage should grab them and have them by the AA baggage office.
After you have dinner, it could be as easy as walking down to baggage claim and picking them up from right out front of the office and you're in a taxi 5 mins later. Or you could get to the baggage office and there's 20 people in line, a grumpy agent who says they dont have your bags and you haven't filled put the correct lost luggage form, etc., and it takes an hour to get sorted. YMMV.
After you have dinner, it could be as easy as walking down to baggage claim and picking them up from right out front of the office and you're in a taxi 5 mins later. Or you could get to the baggage office and there's 20 people in line, a grumpy agent who says they dont have your bags and you haven't filled put the correct lost luggage form, etc., and it takes an hour to get sorted. YMMV.
It does surprise me that if AA offer the ability to do this that they don't in some way mark the baggage (extra tag or something) of those who are eligible to do this, so they can easily identify the unclaimed baggage and store it appropriately.
Thanks for everyone's help !
Last edited by nshep; Jun 3, 2019 at 4:41 am Reason: spelling
Jun 3, 2019, 7:43 am
#247
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,928
You could try asking an agent in the FL to call the baggage office - they can be quite helpful.
Jun 3, 2019, 7:58 am
#248
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
If you do intend to use the lounge on arrival, have a paper boarding pass, as mobile boarding passes “expire” as soon as you land. I have gotten in using a mobile boarding pass, but it did take some extra time because the agent had to take down my details manually.
Jun 11, 2019, 1:12 pm
#249
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Gold
Posts: 181
Flying LHR-JFK-LAX on one ticket, LHR-JFK in BA Y and JFK-LAX in AA Y. I've put in for miles+copay upgrades on the JFK-LAX leg, but assuming they don't clear will my wife (Platinum) and I (Platinum Pro) have FL access in JFK?
The language on AA's site is somewhat confusing:
Reads like we wouldn't have access, since we're not departing on or connecting to an international flight from JFK, but...
Reads like we would have access, since we're connecting to an AA flight and are not solely on an NA itinerary.
The language on AA's site is somewhat confusing:
Qualifying AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum
Get access if you’re departing on or connecting to a qualifying international flight marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin).
Get access if you’re departing on or connecting to a qualifying international flight marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin).
oneworld® Emerald and Sapphire
Get access if you’re departing on or connecting to any flight marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin). AAdvantage®Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship Lounge access.
Get access if you’re departing on or connecting to any flight marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin). AAdvantage®Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship Lounge access.
Jun 11, 2019, 2:11 pm
#250
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MSN
Programs: AA, BAEC Gold
Posts: 3,928
Flying LHR-JFK-LAX on one ticket, LHR-JFK in BA Y and JFK-LAX in AA Y. I've put in for miles+copay upgrades on the JFK-LAX leg, but assuming they don't clear will my wife (Platinum) and I (Platinum Pro) have FL access in JFK?
The language on AA's site is somewhat confusing:
Reads like we wouldn't have access, since we're not departing on or connecting to an international flight from JFK, but...
Reads like we would have access, since we're connecting to an AA flight and are not solely on an NA itinerary.
The language on AA's site is somewhat confusing:
Reads like we wouldn't have access, since we're not departing on or connecting to an international flight from JFK, but...
Reads like we would have access, since we're connecting to an AA flight and are not solely on an NA itinerary.
Jun 11, 2019, 2:31 pm
#251
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
You both will have access to the FL at JFK before your flight to LAX by virtue of your same day qualifying int'l flight.
Jun 11, 2019, 3:23 pm
#252
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Omaha
Programs: AA Life Plat 4mm, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,459
I was able to book 2 AA J award seats MCI-ORD-MAD-FCO, last 2 legs on IB; trip is for my in-laws who never travel so of course no status. Should I have them go to the Flagship Lounge at ORD also does IB only have one lounge at MAD, they land at 7:30 - leave for Rome at 11:45?
Jun 11, 2019, 3:27 pm
#253
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
I was able to book 2 AA J award seats MCI-ORD-MAD-FCO, last 2 legs on IB; trip is for my in-laws who never travel so of course no status. Should I have them go to the Flagship Lounge at ORD also does IB only have one lounge at MAD, they land at 7:30 - leave for Rome at 11:45?
Jun 11, 2019, 3:36 pm
#254
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Flying LHR-JFK-LAX on one ticket, LHR-JFK in BA Y and JFK-LAX in AA Y. I've put in for miles+copay upgrades on the JFK-LAX leg, but assuming they don't clear will my wife (Platinum) and I (Platinum Pro) have FL access in JFK?
The language on AA's site is somewhat confusing:
Reads like we wouldn't have access, since we're not departing on or connecting to an international flight from JFK, but...
Reads like we would have access, since we're connecting to an AA flight and are not solely on an NA itinerary.
The language on AA's site is somewhat confusing:
Reads like we wouldn't have access, since we're not departing on or connecting to an international flight from JFK, but...
Reads like we would have access, since we're connecting to an AA flight and are not solely on an NA itinerary.
Note: I am assuming the onward flight is the same day or before 6 a.m. the next day, which is a requirement.
Jun 13, 2019, 11:59 am
#255
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Gold
Posts: 181
You seem to be under the impression that you need to be in business to qualify. PLT and above, which you both are, qualify no matter what class of travel. I am PLT, I always fly Y and always use the FL on international trips. You may need to show your boarding pass for either the incoming or outgoing flight if they are not on the same PNR, but you definitely have access.
Note: I am assuming the onward flight is the same day or before 6 a.m. the next day, which is a requirement.
Note: I am assuming the onward flight is the same day or before 6 a.m. the next day, which is a requirement.
Thanks for the clarification everyone.