Jan 6, 2020, 12:24 pm
Last edit by: Microwave
HELP DESK: Lounge Access, Access Rules. Will I Have Lounge Access? (2020)
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
Admirals Club lounges have reopened from the Covid closures, but not all Clubs have reopened, and hours have changed.
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
="3"%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.
. . . ● 2019 year thread:https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...es-2019-a.html
. . . ● 2017 year thread:https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...es-2017-a.html
="4"%Admirals Club Membership + Reciprocal Qantas Club Access (master thread)
="3"%Note: Qantas Club access for Admirals Club members has recently CHANGED
="3"%Admirals Club members="3"%Note: Qantas Club access for Admirals Club members has recently CHANGED
="3"%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):
="3"%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:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Admirals Club membership card
- Applicable boarding pass for same day travel
- Admirals Club membership card
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
HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules (2020-2022)
Feb 12, 2020, 11:55 am
#181
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 79
Quick question that I just want to clarify for myself. I am currently AA EXP. I know that on international flights I can access the lounge with one guest. I know this also includes domestic flights on AA as long as they are the same day as the international flight. I've read the AA access page and it says this also applies if the second leg of an itinerary is before 6am on the following day. My specific use case would be for an upcoming trip to Tokyo after April.
1. Fly AA, DFW to LAX at 7pm on April 24
2. Fly AA, LAX to HND at 12:55am on April 25
Clearly I would have lounge access in LAX but would I also qualify for access in DFW? I believe I would based on the following info AA provides but just wanted a second opinion.
"*Departing flight must be the same-day (or before 6 a.m. the following day). Customers traveling on airline industry non-revenue tickets are not eligible for access."
1. Fly AA, DFW to LAX at 7pm on April 24
2. Fly AA, LAX to HND at 12:55am on April 25
Clearly I would have lounge access in LAX but would I also qualify for access in DFW? I believe I would based on the following info AA provides but just wanted a second opinion.
"*Departing flight must be the same-day (or before 6 a.m. the following day). Customers traveling on airline industry non-revenue tickets are not eligible for access."
Feb 12, 2020, 12:42 pm
#182
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
Quick question that I just want to clarify for myself. I am currently AA EXP. I know that on international flights I can access the lounge with one guest. I know this also includes domestic flights on AA as long as they are the same day as the international flight. I've read the AA access page and it says this also applies if the second leg of an itinerary is before 6am on the following day. My specific use case would be for an upcoming trip to Tokyo after April.
1. Fly AA, DFW to LAX at 7pm on April 24
2. Fly AA, LAX to HND at 12:55am on April 25
Clearly I would have lounge access in LAX but would I also qualify for access in DFW? I believe I would based on the following info AA provides but just wanted a second opinion.
"*Departing flight must be the same-day (or before 6 a.m. the following day). Customers traveling on airline industry non-revenue tickets are not eligible for access."
1. Fly AA, DFW to LAX at 7pm on April 24
2. Fly AA, LAX to HND at 12:55am on April 25
Clearly I would have lounge access in LAX but would I also qualify for access in DFW? I believe I would based on the following info AA provides but just wanted a second opinion.
"*Departing flight must be the same-day (or before 6 a.m. the following day). Customers traveling on airline industry non-revenue tickets are not eligible for access."
Feb 12, 2020, 1:34 pm
#183
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Programs: UA Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, IHG Platinum, Accor Silver, Choice Privileges Gold
Posts: 2,070
Any right to use lounge in Tokyo?
I bought a business class ticket (booking code I) from AA (altho the flight is on JL metal) from JFK to KUL, and am transiting through NRT. On the way there I have an insanely long layover, about 19 hours. I'm wondering if I'll have any access to lounges at NRT as a result of the business class ticket? Thx tls
Feb 12, 2020, 1:42 pm
#184
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,268
I bought a business class ticket (booking code I) from AA (altho the flight is on JL metal) from JFK to KUL, and am transiting through NRT. On the way there I have an insanely long layover, about 19 hours. I'm wondering if I'll have any access to lounges at NRT as a result of the business class ticket? Thx tls
Yes you will get access to the JL business class lounge.
Although with 19 hours, I'd recommend going into Tokyo. NRT is not a place I'd want to sit for 19 hours.
Feb 12, 2020, 1:52 pm
#185
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP/2MM, IHG Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,187
Yes, a business class ticket on JL entitles you to use any Oneworld lounge in NRT during your layover, and there are several (AA/JL/CX/QF). But the lounges are airside so once you go in you can't come out getting out may be complicated. On a 19 hour layover you can book a hotel in Narita town, only 10min train ride away, or head into the city (1hr train ride). You can still visit the lounge the next day before your flight.
Last edited by brenc3; Feb 13, 2020 at 7:21 am
Feb 12, 2020, 3:20 pm
#186
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS, TPE
Programs: AA
Posts: 68
Yes, a business class ticket on JL entitles you to use any Oneworld lounge in NRT during your layover, and there are several (AA/JL/CX/QF). But the lounges are airside so once you go in you can't come out. On a 19 hour layover you can book a hotel in Narita town, only 10min train ride away, or head into the city (1hr train ride). You can still visit the lounge the next day before your flight.
The same is is not true for NRT?
Feb 12, 2020, 3:22 pm
#187
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Adding to your good point... OP should 100% go to TBIT (airside) for the first few hours. FL is quite busy earlier. When Qantas Lounge fills up (or after a great meal and shower), head to FL, where it is much less busy after 10pm.
Feb 13, 2020, 7:19 am
#188
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP/2MM, IHG Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 1,187
Question: I frequently transit HKG from the US and will first stop in at the Wing for a meal/shower before telling the lounge attendant that I would like to exit the airport to visit Hong Kong for a couple of hours before my next connection. Never had a problem as the lounge attendant would then escort me(us) to customs/immigration. No problem leaving and no problem returning to HKG.
The same is is not true for NRT?
The same is is not true for NRT?
NRT transit: possible to go to lounge then clear immigration?
where it was reported anecdotally that others have done it. I'm sure in extreme examples like a flight is cancelled and you are rebooked for the next day it is possible to exit the sterile area, I'm just not sure if you'll get extra scrutiny if you don't have a compelling reason. I presume it is possible to go airside with a next day boarding pass when transiting since not all transit passengers will be eligible to clear immigration.
Feb 13, 2020, 2:21 pm
#189
Join Date: Nov 2019
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 34
My son is flying to his study abroad program in June as a 16 year old outbound and 17 year on the return. I am wondering if he will access to the following lounges:
Way out:
Austin Admirals Club
Lax Flagship Lounge
Return:
Haneda First Lounge JAL
LAX Qantas First Lounge
His Routing:
AUS-LAX American First
LAX-HND American Business
HND-LAX Japan Air First
LAX-AUS American First
Way out:
Austin Admirals Club
Lax Flagship Lounge
Return:
Haneda First Lounge JAL
LAX Qantas First Lounge
His Routing:
AUS-LAX American First
LAX-HND American Business
HND-LAX Japan Air First
LAX-AUS American First
Feb 13, 2020, 3:41 pm
#190
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Programs: UA Gold, Hyatt Discoverist, IHG Platinum, Accor Silver, Choice Privileges Gold
Posts: 2,070
Yes, a business class ticket on JL entitles you to use any Oneworld lounge in NRT during your layover, and there are several (AA/JL/CX/QF). But the lounges are airside so once you go in you can't come out getting out may be complicated. On a 19 hour layover you can book a hotel in Narita town, only 10min train ride away, or head into the city (1hr train ride). You can still visit the lounge the next day before your flight.
Feb 13, 2020, 3:49 pm
#191
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,494
My son is flying to his study abroad program in June as a 16 year old outbound and 17 year on the return. I am wondering if he will access to the following lounges:
Way out:
Austin Admirals Club
Lax Flagship Lounge
Return:
Haneda First Lounge JAL
LAX Qantas First Lounge
His Routing:
AUS-LAX American First
LAX-HND American Business
HND-LAX Japan Air First
LAX-AUS American First
Way out:
Austin Admirals Club
Lax Flagship Lounge
Return:
Haneda First Lounge JAL
LAX Qantas First Lounge
His Routing:
AUS-LAX American First
LAX-HND American Business
HND-LAX Japan Air First
LAX-AUS American First
However, AA can be stingy with those under 18 in Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges, meaning in AA lounges (AUS AC and LAX FL) they may ask to see ID and could deny him as he will be under 18. Interestingly the oneworld rules below specifically say he does not need an accompanying adult, so if on departure from LAX he is denied by the LAX FL he seemingly could go to the oneworld business lounge in TBIT by the rules, but they do have the "subject to local licensing laws". From the oneworld website:
Children travelling as a young passenger (YP aged between 12 and 17 years), who are eligible for lounge access do not require an accompanying adult (Note: Subject to local licensing laws; in Japan the ages are 12-19 years)
Minor: Rejected for LAX Flagship Lounge Access
Underage (under 18) Admirals Club lounge access
Feb 13, 2020, 8:12 pm
#192
Join Date: Nov 2019
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 34
Without considering the age factor then you are correct about which lounges his ticket gives him access to.
However, AA can be stingy with those under 18 in Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges, meaning in AA lounges (AUS AC and LAX FL) they may ask to see ID and could deny him as he will be under 18. Interestingly the oneworld rules below specifically say he does not need an accompanying adult, so if on departure from LAX he is denied by the LAX FL he seemingly could go to the oneworld business lounge in TBIT by the rules, but they do have the "subject to local licensing laws". From the oneworld website:
Take a look at the below threads for some recent discussion on minors and AA lounges...
Minor: Rejected for LAX Flagship Lounge Access
Underage (under 18) Admirals Club lounge access
However, AA can be stingy with those under 18 in Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounges, meaning in AA lounges (AUS AC and LAX FL) they may ask to see ID and could deny him as he will be under 18. Interestingly the oneworld rules below specifically say he does not need an accompanying adult, so if on departure from LAX he is denied by the LAX FL he seemingly could go to the oneworld business lounge in TBIT by the rules, but they do have the "subject to local licensing laws". From the oneworld website:
Take a look at the below threads for some recent discussion on minors and AA lounges...
Minor: Rejected for LAX Flagship Lounge Access
Underage (under 18) Admirals Club lounge access
)
Feb 13, 2020, 10:27 pm
#193
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: BOS
Programs: Aadvantage, MileagePlus, Hawaiian Miles, Skymiles
Posts: 73
Question: If I have a ticket upgraded to business all the way through does that give lounge access? Or does it vary by airport?
I'm going BOS-DFW-KOA on Feb 15th. It's one ticket but has an overnight.
I'm going BOS-DFW-KOA on Feb 15th. It's one ticket but has an overnight.
Feb 13, 2020, 10:30 pm
#194
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
there is no lounge access for purely domestic itineraries regardless of class of service or status. Exception to this only premium Transcons jfk-lax/sfo
Feb 13, 2020, 10:41 pm
#195
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: BOS
Programs: Aadvantage, MileagePlus, Hawaiian Miles, Skymiles
Posts: 73
I likely am doing that LAX-JFK leg on the way back from Hawaii on the 26th. Does business get lounge access on that flight? or just First?
My outbound ticket was upgraded by SWU. I doubt this is the case, but just in the event it is...does the status of the SWU gifter follow with the ticket on which the SWU is applied?