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 Americans 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 Americans 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)
Jan 2, 2022, 6:49 pm
#361
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Denver
Programs: AS, AA, UA, Hilton, Marriott, Caesars DE
Posts: 2,070
Short answer, yes. I did this the other day Mexico to PHX, but had a connecting flight on another airline. Scanned my inbound ticket and was given access to the AC. If i'm not mistaken Bermuda is a pre-clearance destination? So then you will have access to the secure zone, just screenshot your BP in case it is disabled after arrival.
Jan 3, 2022, 3:20 am
#362
Join Date: Jan 2022
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 4
Thanks very much. Will do that.
Jan 22, 2022, 9:54 am
#363
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
I think my answer is reasonably clear from the wiki and the aa rules but just want to check because not expressly addressed.
AUH-ORD-PHX on J on Etihad connecting to AA. This is an AA award ticket. It appears that I will not have access in Chicago due to Etihad not being a one world airline?
AUH-ORD-PHX on J on Etihad connecting to AA. This is an AA award ticket. It appears that I will not have access in Chicago due to Etihad not being a one world airline?
Jan 22, 2022, 12:52 pm
#364
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
I think my answer is reasonably clear from the wiki and the aa rules but just want to check because not expressly addressed.
AUH-ORD-PHX on J on Etihad connecting to AA. This is an AA award ticket. It appears that I will not have access in Chicago due to Etihad not being a one world airline?
AUH-ORD-PHX on J on Etihad connecting to AA. This is an AA award ticket. It appears that I will not have access in Chicago due to Etihad not being a one world airline?
Feb 12, 2022, 4:17 pm
#365
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: ua mm, aa plat, starriott LTPP, ihg plat, hh gold.
Posts: 13,017
It depends. If you would be accessing the club under OneWorld rules, then no
your onward connecting flight must be on the same day or before 6am the following day.
However, if you are accessing the club as a Flagship Business passenger on select premium routes where AA offers lounge access like the transcons or Hawaii midcons, then yes, you may use the Admirals Club or Flagship Lounge upon arrival. (This is separate from OW access rules.)
However, if you are accessing the club as a Flagship Business passenger on select premium routes where AA offers lounge access like the transcons or Hawaii midcons, then yes, you may use the Admirals Club or Flagship Lounge upon arrival. (This is separate from OW access rules.)
Feb 13, 2022, 6:29 am
#366
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
Honestly this kind of situation can vary depending on the agent, but in most cases you won't have any trouble getting in the day before/after your qualifying flight (especially if all flights are on the same record). IME many lounge agents are not well versed and/or just don't enforce the "before 6am" stipulation stuff in the rules. YMMV of course.
Feb 13, 2022, 7:11 am
#367
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: ua mm, aa plat, starriott LTPP, ihg plat, hh gold.
Posts: 13,017
Honestly this kind of situation can vary depending on the agent, but in most cases you won't have any trouble getting in the day before/after your qualifying flight (especially if all flights are on the same record). IME many lounge agents are not well versed and/or just don't enforce the "before 6am" stipulation stuff in the rules. YMMV of course.
all flights were on the same record and we were able to access not just the admirals club but also flagship lounge at JFK for the 6am flight, and the admirals lounge at CLT for our 11am connection. it seemed to help at JFK that mr kk had his paper boarding pass MAD-JFK, so we showed it in addition to the connection boarding pass in CLT.
Feb 23, 2022, 4:55 am
#368
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 24
Query
Hi all
i have been trying to follow this thread but dont think my query has been answered as all of my travel will be domestic, so within the US.
I am flying to BOS from LHR in BA F and then connecting to a 7am flight the next day to DFW in domestic first and then onto HNL later that morning in Flagship business.
my question is, do I get lounge access in BOS?
normal OW rules would state the flight has to be before 6am to use my F boarding pass, but does the fact I am flying in flagship business on the same day as the BOS-DFW leg entitle me to lounge access at BOS if I present the boarding pass? My initial thoughts are yes as its a same day ticket but grateful for any advice.
Thanks
i have been trying to follow this thread but dont think my query has been answered as all of my travel will be domestic, so within the US.
I am flying to BOS from LHR in BA F and then connecting to a 7am flight the next day to DFW in domestic first and then onto HNL later that morning in Flagship business.
my question is, do I get lounge access in BOS?
normal OW rules would state the flight has to be before 6am to use my F boarding pass, but does the fact I am flying in flagship business on the same day as the BOS-DFW leg entitle me to lounge access at BOS if I present the boarding pass? My initial thoughts are yes as its a same day ticket but grateful for any advice.
Thanks
Last edited by Mockerz89; Feb 23, 2022 at 5:20 am
Feb 23, 2022, 5:57 am
#369
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
Hi all
i have been trying to follow this thread but dont think my query has been answered as all of my travel will be domestic, so within the US.
I am flying to BOS from LHR in BA F and then connecting to a 7am flight the next day to DFW in domestic first and then onto HNL later that morning in Flagship business.
my question is, do I get lounge access in BOS?
normal OW rules would state the flight has to be before 6am to use my F boarding pass, but does the fact I am flying in flagship business on the same day as the BOS-DFW leg entitle me to lounge access at BOS if I present the boarding pass? My initial thoughts are yes as its a same day ticket but grateful for any advice.
i have been trying to follow this thread but dont think my query has been answered as all of my travel will be domestic, so within the US.
I am flying to BOS from LHR in BA F and then connecting to a 7am flight the next day to DFW in domestic first and then onto HNL later that morning in Flagship business.
my question is, do I get lounge access in BOS?
normal OW rules would state the flight has to be before 6am to use my F boarding pass, but does the fact I am flying in flagship business on the same day as the BOS-DFW leg entitle me to lounge access at BOS if I present the boarding pass? My initial thoughts are yes as its a same day ticket but grateful for any advice.
Feb 27, 2022, 3:33 pm
#370
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Confused by admirals club access temporary changes
I'm sure that there's a thread this somewhere but I can't find it.
According to https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/clubs/admirals-club-access.jsp in the security titled Qualifying AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum Pro® and AAdvantage Platinum® members:
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 on qualifying departing international flights marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin).
But then in the fine print it says:
*Except on flights operated by Alaska Airlines, access is not granted when flying from the United States to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico (except Mexico City). Departing flight must be the same day or before 6 a.m. the following day. Non-revenue passengers arent eligible.
These seem to directly contradict each other. Is access granted to EXP partners flying from the US to Canada / Carribean / Mexico or not?
I'm EXP, flying PHX to CUN in economy. Do I get access to the PHX AC?
According to https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/clubs/admirals-club-access.jsp in the security titled Qualifying AAdvantage Executive Platinum®, AAdvantage Platinum Pro® and AAdvantage Platinum® members:
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 on qualifying departing international flights marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin).
But then in the fine print it says:
*Except on flights operated by Alaska Airlines, access is not granted when flying from the United States to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico (except Mexico City). Departing flight must be the same day or before 6 a.m. the following day. Non-revenue passengers arent eligible.
These seem to directly contradict each other. Is access granted to EXP partners flying from the US to Canada / Carribean / Mexico or not?
I'm EXP, flying PHX to CUN in economy. Do I get access to the PHX AC?
Feb 27, 2022, 4:51 pm
#371
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: PHL, NYC
Programs: AA PLT, DL SLV, UA SLV, MR LTT, HH DIA
Posts: 10,073
The wording may be bad, but I interpret that to mean flights operated on Alaska metal as an AA codeshare.
Feb 27, 2022, 4:59 pm
#372
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
So do I get access? That last part implies that I only get access if my flight is operated by AS (which seems silly, but that's what it says). But at the top it says that I get access if it's marketed and operated by AA or a OW partner.
Feb 27, 2022, 5:18 pm
#373
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: MSP/BUF/BNA/LFT
Programs: AA Plat, Priority Club Gold, Choice Privileges Gold
Posts: 1,225
"Except on flights operated by Alaska Airlines'" means the exception is flights operated by AS. Unless you are flying PHX-CUN on AS, you will have AC access.
Feb 27, 2022, 5:21 pm
#374
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
That should really not be a comma. Or they should drop the word "except".
Feb 28, 2022, 12:30 pm
#375
Join Date: Jul 2020
Programs: World of Hyatt Globalist, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, IHG Platinum Elite, Marriot Bonvoy Gold Elite
Posts: 7
Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere, but I wasn't able to find a similar question via search. I booked a Web Special award for Business Class, JFK-LAX next week on the three-cabin A321T. Before I purchased the fare, the options it gave me were "Lie-Flat" for Business and "Flagship First" for First. On the other hand, a search for cash fares on the same routing showed "Flagship Business" and "Flagship First." My confirmation email says Class: Business (J), and American's lounge access policy says "Flights with seats ticketed as Flagship®" qualify for Flagship Lounge access. Do they bar Web Special awards from Flagship lounge access or am I overthinking this? Thanks in advance.