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)
Jun 20, 2021, 3:09 pm
#271
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Does anyone know why AA AC in HNL is still closed?
(i.e. Does JL pay a big percent of the costs and they are not willing to do so right now?)
(i.e. Does JL pay a big percent of the costs and they are not willing to do so right now?)
Jun 20, 2021, 11:36 pm
#272
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: OC, CA
Programs: AA EXP, 2MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 832
SNA Admirals Club closing time is listed as 5:15 pm so club access for that direction is moot.
Jun 20, 2021, 11:43 pm
#273
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: OC, CA
Programs: AA EXP, 2MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 832
Odd it is not listed on https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...lub-access.jsp
Jun 21, 2021, 12:05 am
#274
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Interesting July 21 - Main cabin $620 Flagship business $639 First $1139
At that price difference, why fly main cabin?
Last edited by mvoight; Jun 21, 2021 at 12:14 am
Jun 28, 2021, 4:50 pm
#275
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: UA 1K, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 27
I am traveling from ORD to MIA Friday afternoon in first class. I am then overnighting in Miami and flying to Roatan on Saturday morning in business class. I do not have an admirals club membership. Is it correct that I have access to the admirals club in Miami on Saturday due to flying international business? Also, if that is the case, can I access the admirals club in ORD even though it’s the day before my flight to RTB as it’s part of an international itinerary?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jun 28, 2021, 5:02 pm
#276
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
I am traveling from ORD to MIA Friday afternoon in first class. I am then overnighting in Miami and flying to Roatan on Saturday morning in business class. I do not have an admirals club membership. Is it correct that I have access to the admirals club in Miami on Saturday due to flying international business? Also, if that is the case, can I access the admirals club in ORD even though it’s the day before my flight to RTB as it’s part of an international itinerary?
Thanks.
Thanks.
At ORD, it will be up to the agent, technically no since it's not the same day, however I would definitely give it a shot. I've accessed lounges the day before the qualifying int'l flight on several occasions when on the same ticket. When you check-in at ORD hand them both boarding passes and say something like "I'm on the way to Honduras" and cross your fingers.
Jul 19, 2021, 6:53 pm
#277
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: DL- PM, AA-PlatPro
Posts: 82
Admiral's Club Access?
Hello,
Thank you for everyone's assistance in these forums, it's greatly appreciated.
I'm wondering if anyone can let me know if I'm correct here... Flying JFK-MIA-SJO- in first/business (still confused at American's wording for various flights) so I am able to access the Admiral's Club? I know this never used to be the case (and having not flown AA in a while) however I noticed it seems to be the case now (even though I'm sure this horrible for AA Club members etc)? Thanks for your help!
Thank you for everyone's assistance in these forums, it's greatly appreciated.
I'm wondering if anyone can let me know if I'm correct here... Flying JFK-MIA-SJO- in first/business (still confused at American's wording for various flights) so I am able to access the Admiral's Club? I know this never used to be the case (and having not flown AA in a while) however I noticed it seems to be the case now (even though I'm sure this horrible for AA Club members etc)? Thanks for your help!
Jul 19, 2021, 7:05 pm
#278
Join Date: May 2006
Location: SAN
Programs: Lots of faux metal
Posts: 6,425
Hello,
Thank you for everyone's assistance in these forums, it's greatly appreciated.
I'm wondering if anyone can let me know if I'm correct here... Flying JFK-MIA-SJO- in first/business (still confused at American's wording for various flights) so I am able to access the Admiral's Club? I know this never used to be the case (and having not flown AA in a while) however I noticed it seems to be the case now (even though I'm sure this horrible for AA Club members etc)? Thanks for your help!
Thank you for everyone's assistance in these forums, it's greatly appreciated.
I'm wondering if anyone can let me know if I'm correct here... Flying JFK-MIA-SJO- in first/business (still confused at American's wording for various flights) so I am able to access the Admiral's Club? I know this never used to be the case (and having not flown AA in a while) however I noticed it seems to be the case now (even though I'm sure this horrible for AA Club members etc)? Thanks for your help!
If you are trying to access based on class of service, that was changed recently.
"Qualifying First and Business For a limited time: Starting April 1, 2021, qualifying international flights will include flights between the U.S. and Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico. Includes customers in First or Business on a qualifying departing international or transcontinental flight marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline."
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...lub-access.jsp
Jul 21, 2021, 12:54 pm
#279
formerly leemaj
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: California
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium and LTP, Hyatt Globalist, UA Gold, SW Companion Pass
Posts: 217
Lounge access for AA codeshare with Air Tahiti Nui
I booked a flight in business class (AA ticketed) from CDG - LAX - SFO for later in the year. CDG-LAX is on TN (AA codeshare), and LAX-SFO is on AA (American Eagle).
I am trying to figure out if I can use the Admirals Club in LAX while waiting for my SFO flight. I tried to sort through AA's lounge rules online but it wasn't super clear on what counts as a qualifying international flight. Does it matter that I am arriving from Europe, rather than departing to an international destination? Do AA codeshares count if the flight isn't on a OneWorld partner?
I won't have AA status at the time of the flight (but hopefully will soon after!)
I am trying to figure out if I can use the Admirals Club in LAX while waiting for my SFO flight. I tried to sort through AA's lounge rules online but it wasn't super clear on what counts as a qualifying international flight. Does it matter that I am arriving from Europe, rather than departing to an international destination? Do AA codeshares count if the flight isn't on a OneWorld partner?
I won't have AA status at the time of the flight (but hopefully will soon after!)
Jul 21, 2021, 1:09 pm
#280
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
I booked a flight in business class (AA ticketed) from CDG - LAX - SFO for later in the year. CDG-LAX is on TN (AA codeshare), and LAX-SFO is on AA (American Eagle).
I am trying to figure out if I can use the Admirals Club in LAX while waiting for my SFO flight. I tried to sort through AA's lounge rules online but it wasn't super clear on what counts as a qualifying international flight. Does it matter that I am arriving from Europe, rather than departing to an international destination? Do AA codeshares count if the flight isn't on a OneWorld partner?
I won't have AA status at the time of the flight (but hopefully will soon after!)
I am trying to figure out if I can use the Admirals Club in LAX while waiting for my SFO flight. I tried to sort through AA's lounge rules online but it wasn't super clear on what counts as a qualifying international flight. Does it matter that I am arriving from Europe, rather than departing to an international destination? Do AA codeshares count if the flight isn't on a OneWorld partner?
I won't have AA status at the time of the flight (but hopefully will soon after!)
If TN was oneworld, or you were flying say LHR-LAX-SFO all on AA, then you would have access to both the AC and FL (if open) at LAX.
Jul 21, 2021, 1:11 pm
#281
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
I booked a flight in business class (AA ticketed) from CDG - LAX - SFO for later in the year. CDG-LAX is on TN (AA codeshare), and LAX-SFO is on AA (American Eagle).
I am trying to figure out if I can use the Admirals Club in LAX while waiting for my SFO flight. I tried to sort through AA's lounge rules online but it wasn't super clear on what counts as a qualifying international flight. Does it matter that I am arriving from Europe, rather than departing to an international destination? Do AA codeshares count if the flight isn't on a OneWorld partner?
I won't have AA status at the time of the flight (but hopefully will soon after!)
I am trying to figure out if I can use the Admirals Club in LAX while waiting for my SFO flight. I tried to sort through AA's lounge rules online but it wasn't super clear on what counts as a qualifying international flight. Does it matter that I am arriving from Europe, rather than departing to an international destination? Do AA codeshares count if the flight isn't on a OneWorld partner?
I won't have AA status at the time of the flight (but hopefully will soon after!)
Jul 21, 2021, 1:14 pm
#282
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,073
I booked a flight in business class (AA ticketed) from CDG - LAX - SFO for later in the year. CDG-LAX is on TN (AA codeshare), and LAX-SFO is on AA (American Eagle).
I am trying to figure out if I can use the Admirals Club in LAX while waiting for my SFO flight. I tried to sort through AA's lounge rules online but it wasn't super clear on what counts as a qualifying international flight. Does it matter that I am arriving from Europe, rather than departing to an international destination? Do AA codeshares count if the flight isn't on a OneWorld partner?
I won't have AA status at the time of the flight (but hopefully will soon after!)
I am trying to figure out if I can use the Admirals Club in LAX while waiting for my SFO flight. I tried to sort through AA's lounge rules online but it wasn't super clear on what counts as a qualifying international flight. Does it matter that I am arriving from Europe, rather than departing to an international destination? Do AA codeshares count if the flight isn't on a OneWorld partner?
I won't have AA status at the time of the flight (but hopefully will soon after!)
https://www.airtahitinui.com/us-en/airports-lounges
Jul 21, 2021, 2:19 pm
#283
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,495
Before the pandemic, Air Tahiti offered lounge access at LAX (and other airports), though I don't know which one they contracted with. Someone here probably has prior experience to share. Their web site says currently only CDG and PPT offer this at the moment, though maybe that will change by the time you fly. Ask at the CDG check in what the lounge access is on your layover at LAX.
https://www.airtahitinui.com/us-en/airports-lounges
https://www.airtahitinui.com/us-en/airports-lounges
Jul 25, 2021, 4:33 am
#284
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 773
If I have sapphire and I'm in male by leelli lounge and was denied access since I wasn't flying one world is that right to be denied cuz it's 3rd party lounge?
Jul 25, 2021, 5:21 am
#285
Suspended
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Chicago
Programs: ,united 1k, AA EXP, HH Diamond,BA gold, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 974