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)
Sep 16, 2019, 11:30 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 98
HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules (2020-2022)
Hello all,
I would like to know if I can get the lounge access in London Heathrow with the followings
1. I have AA Platinum status through Jan 31, 2020 (not executive or anything more than that !
2. Travelling on an economy AWARD ticket connecting through Heathrow to Boston flying on British Airways ! (BA239 - Departure Terminal 5 it seems?)
According to my research, accessing the Admirals Club Lounge in Heathrow are in Terminal 3 need the followings
If someone would please confirm the eligibility and whether I can get to terminal 5 to terminal 3 airside ?
Thanks
Lesfilles
I would like to know if I can get the lounge access in London Heathrow with the followings
1. I have AA Platinum status through Jan 31, 2020 (not executive or anything more than that !
2. Travelling on an economy AWARD ticket connecting through Heathrow to Boston flying on British Airways ! (BA239 - Departure Terminal 5 it seems?)
According to my research, accessing the Admirals Club Lounge in Heathrow are in Terminal 3 need the followings
Admirals Club, Terminal 3
Qualifying AAdvantage® Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum
Includes customers on qualifying departing international flights marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin).If someone would please confirm the eligibility and whether I can get to terminal 5 to terminal 3 airside ?
Thanks
Lesfilles
Sep 16, 2019, 11:34 am
#2
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, SPG / Marriott GLD, HHonors GLD
Posts: 520
If you're departing terminal 5 you'll have access to any of the BA Galleries Club locations (BA's business class lounges). In Terminal 3 you'll be able to access Qantas, Cathay, Admirals Club, or BA Galleries Club.
If you're departing terminal 5 you likely can't / won't be able to access Terminal 3.
Basically you're considered One World Sapphire and therefore get treated as a business class passenger regardless of cabin flown or whether the ticket is paid or not
If you're departing terminal 5 you likely can't / won't be able to access Terminal 3.
Basically you're considered One World Sapphire and therefore get treated as a business class passenger regardless of cabin flown or whether the ticket is paid or not
Sep 16, 2019, 12:00 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,908
Hi,
Hi,
You can transfer airside from T3 to T5 airside ( follow signs to flight connections and take the bus). There will be a security check at the flight connections point in T5.
There are 3 Galleries club lounges ( T5 A North, T5 A South, and T5 B)- There is not a lounge at the C gate concourse.
Regards
TBS
Hi,
You can transfer airside from T3 to T5 airside ( follow signs to flight connections and take the bus). There will be a security check at the flight connections point in T5.
There are 3 Galleries club lounges ( T5 A North, T5 A South, and T5 B)- There is not a lounge at the C gate concourse.
Regards
TBS
Last edited by The _Banking_Scot; Sep 16, 2019 at 3:39 pm
Sep 16, 2019, 3:22 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Hi,
Hi,
You can transger airside from T3 to T5 airside ( follow signs to flight connections and take the bus). There will be a security check at the flight connections point in T5.
There are 3 Galleries club lounges ( T5 A North, T5 A South, and T5 B)- There is not a lounge at the C gate concourse.
Regards
TBS
Hi,
You can transger airside from T3 to T5 airside ( follow signs to flight connections and take the bus). There will be a security check at the flight connections point in T5.
There are 3 Galleries club lounges ( T5 A North, T5 A South, and T5 B)- There is not a lounge at the C gate concourse.
Regards
TBS
Sep 16, 2019, 3:33 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
Long story short: At Heathrow, you can only enter lounges in the departure areas if you are departing from a flight from that terminal. In other words, if you are departing from T5, you can only enter departure lounges in T5. If you are departing from T3, you can only enter departure lounges in T3.
(There is an AA Admirals Club Arrival Lounge in T3, but available only to those who have officially entered the UK through the UK Border.)
There is airside transport from T3 to T5. Upon arrival, follow the purple Flight Connections signs to the bus pick up / drop off point. Go to your departure terminal on the bus. If you are arriving and departing from the same terminal, then still follow the purple Flight Connections signs.
Unlike other airports, Heathrow requires all departing passengers to pass through Security in the terminal where they are departing before entering the departure area. (I believe there are exceptions to this for inter-UK passengers, but I have no personal experience with that.)
What this means: You cannot be on a flight departing from T5, for example, and expect to use a lounge in the T3 departure area, even if you arrived in T5. As you do not have a boarding pass for T3, you will not be allowed past T3 security, not even if you have already passed security at your originating airport.
As an example. I fly Los Angeles to Düsseldorf, connecting in London Heathrow.
1. I pass TSA security in LAX, get on the plane and fly to LHR.
2. I get off the plane in LHR (usually T3), walk to Flight Connections and take the bus to T5.
3. I arrive in Flight Connections in T5, then follow the signage to T5 Security.
4. Pass T5 Security.
5. Find myself in the T5 departure lounge. From there I can sit in the main area with everyone else, or go to an airline lounge. As a Platinum, you can go to one of the two British Airways Galleries lounges (North or South).
6. Wait for my gate to be announced for DUS. (LHR announces gates just before opening the gates for passengers.)
7. Go to that gate, when announced, then fly to DUS.
8. Get off the plane, pass German Immigration where they stamp my passport, collect my checked luggage, pass German Customs and leave the airport.
Going home, I do the reverse. Security in Germany, then Security in LHR, then arrive in LAX where I go through US CBP (Customs and Border Protection ie US Immigration and US Customs).
(There is an AA Admirals Club Arrival Lounge in T3, but available only to those who have officially entered the UK through the UK Border.)
There is airside transport from T3 to T5. Upon arrival, follow the purple Flight Connections signs to the bus pick up / drop off point. Go to your departure terminal on the bus. If you are arriving and departing from the same terminal, then still follow the purple Flight Connections signs.
Unlike other airports, Heathrow requires all departing passengers to pass through Security in the terminal where they are departing before entering the departure area. (I believe there are exceptions to this for inter-UK passengers, but I have no personal experience with that.)
What this means: You cannot be on a flight departing from T5, for example, and expect to use a lounge in the T3 departure area, even if you arrived in T5. As you do not have a boarding pass for T3, you will not be allowed past T3 security, not even if you have already passed security at your originating airport.
As an example. I fly Los Angeles to Düsseldorf, connecting in London Heathrow.
1. I pass TSA security in LAX, get on the plane and fly to LHR.
2. I get off the plane in LHR (usually T3), walk to Flight Connections and take the bus to T5.
3. I arrive in Flight Connections in T5, then follow the signage to T5 Security.
4. Pass T5 Security.
5. Find myself in the T5 departure lounge. From there I can sit in the main area with everyone else, or go to an airline lounge. As a Platinum, you can go to one of the two British Airways Galleries lounges (North or South).
6. Wait for my gate to be announced for DUS. (LHR announces gates just before opening the gates for passengers.)
7. Go to that gate, when announced, then fly to DUS.
8. Get off the plane, pass German Immigration where they stamp my passport, collect my checked luggage, pass German Customs and leave the airport.
Going home, I do the reverse. Security in Germany, then Security in LHR, then arrive in LAX where I go through US CBP (Customs and Border Protection ie US Immigration and US Customs).
Sep 16, 2019, 4:36 pm
#6
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
Long story short: At Heathrow, you can only enter lounges in the departure areas if you are departing from a flight from that terminal. In other words, if you are departing from T5, you can only enter departure lounges in T5. If you are departing from T3, you can only enter departure lounges in T3.
(There is an AA Admirals Club Arrival Lounge in T3, but available only to those who have officially entered the UK through the UK Border.)
There is airside transport from T3 to T5. Upon arrival, follow the purple Flight Connections signs to the bus pick up / drop off point. Go to your departure terminal on the bus. If you are arriving and departing from the same terminal, then still follow the purple Flight Connections signs.
Unlike other airports, Heathrow requires all departing passengers to pass through Security in the terminal where they are departing before entering the departure area. (I believe there are exceptions to this for inter-UK passengers, but I have no personal experience with that.)
What this means: You cannot be on a flight departing from T5, for example, and expect to use a lounge in the T3 departure area, even if you arrived in T5. As you do not have a boarding pass for T3, you will not be allowed past T3 security, not even if you have already passed security at your originating airport.
As an example. I fly Los Angeles to Düsseldorf, connecting in London Heathrow.
1. I pass TSA security in LAX, get on the plane and fly to LHR.
2. I get off the plane in LHR (usually T3), walk to Flight Connections and take the bus to T5.
3. I arrive in Flight Connections in T5, then follow the signage to T5 Security.
4. Pass T5 Security.
5. Find myself in the T5 departure lounge. From there I can sit in the main area with everyone else, or go to an airline lounge. As a Platinum, you can go to one of the two British Airways Galleries lounges (North or South).
6. Wait for my gate to be announced for DUS. (LHR announces gates just before opening the gates for passengers.)
7. Go to that gate, when announced, then fly to DUS.
8. Get off the plane, pass German Immigration where they stamp my passport, collect my checked luggage, pass German Customs and leave the airport.
Going home, I do the reverse. Security in Germany, then Security in LHR, then arrive in LAX where I go through US CBP (Customs and Border Protection ie US Immigration and US Customs).
(There is an AA Admirals Club Arrival Lounge in T3, but available only to those who have officially entered the UK through the UK Border.)
There is airside transport from T3 to T5. Upon arrival, follow the purple Flight Connections signs to the bus pick up / drop off point. Go to your departure terminal on the bus. If you are arriving and departing from the same terminal, then still follow the purple Flight Connections signs.
Unlike other airports, Heathrow requires all departing passengers to pass through Security in the terminal where they are departing before entering the departure area. (I believe there are exceptions to this for inter-UK passengers, but I have no personal experience with that.)
What this means: You cannot be on a flight departing from T5, for example, and expect to use a lounge in the T3 departure area, even if you arrived in T5. As you do not have a boarding pass for T3, you will not be allowed past T3 security, not even if you have already passed security at your originating airport.
As an example. I fly Los Angeles to Düsseldorf, connecting in London Heathrow.
1. I pass TSA security in LAX, get on the plane and fly to LHR.
2. I get off the plane in LHR (usually T3), walk to Flight Connections and take the bus to T5.
3. I arrive in Flight Connections in T5, then follow the signage to T5 Security.
4. Pass T5 Security.
5. Find myself in the T5 departure lounge. From there I can sit in the main area with everyone else, or go to an airline lounge. As a Platinum, you can go to one of the two British Airways Galleries lounges (North or South).
6. Wait for my gate to be announced for DUS. (LHR announces gates just before opening the gates for passengers.)
7. Go to that gate, when announced, then fly to DUS.
8. Get off the plane, pass German Immigration where they stamp my passport, collect my checked luggage, pass German Customs and leave the airport.
Going home, I do the reverse. Security in Germany, then Security in LHR, then arrive in LAX where I go through US CBP (Customs and Border Protection ie US Immigration and US Customs).
Sep 16, 2019, 5:24 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The FT AA forum, until it no longer wants me.
Programs: CK or bust
Posts: 1,913
Sep 16, 2019, 6:01 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP/OWE, Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 880
Hello all,
I would like to know if I can get the lounge access in London Heathrow with the followings
1. I have AA Platinum status through Jan 31, 2020 (not executive or anything more than that !
2. Travelling on an economy AWARD ticket connecting through Heathrow to Boston flying on British Airways ! (BA239 - Departure Terminal 5 it seems?)
I would like to know if I can get the lounge access in London Heathrow with the followings
1. I have AA Platinum status through Jan 31, 2020 (not executive or anything more than that !
2. Travelling on an economy AWARD ticket connecting through Heathrow to Boston flying on British Airways ! (BA239 - Departure Terminal 5 it seems?)
...and, if it were me, and as I have done before: I would make my way to the 2nd floor (before security) and hit up the arrivals/galleries lounge (whatever it's called, I can never remember but frequent it) and hit up a shower, a bucks fizz, and relax for 30 min. Maybe score a 15min massage if available. Again, this is pre-security, and is often less crowded than the Galleries lounge past security. Don't let "no seating" discourage you. Often I see people standing in the Galleries lounge past security. This is moronic to me. Anyway...after that...I would...
...make my way to check-in at "H", bounce through security and relax at Fortnum & Mason Bar. Yes it's in the middle of the terminal, but almost nobody is ever there. Have yourself some decent caviar and champagne (yes I am advocating for spending money, rather than cramming into a crowded biz lounge with "sheople" (sheeple?)) Their service is fantastic and embarrasses any service you'll receive in any lounge (yes including Cathay in T3 in my many many many experiences). And compared to the First Class dining I've experienced in T5? You won't be disappointed.
Sep 16, 2019, 6:23 pm
#9
Join Date: May 2003
Programs: OW Emerald
Posts: 1,452
I would like to know if I can get the lounge access in London Heathrow with the followings
1. I have AA Platinum status through Jan 31, 2020 (not executive or anything more than that !
2. Travelling on an economy AWARD ticket connecting through Heathrow to Boston flying on British Airways ! (BA239 - Departure Terminal 5 it seems?)
1. I have AA Platinum status through Jan 31, 2020 (not executive or anything more than that !
2. Travelling on an economy AWARD ticket connecting through Heathrow to Boston flying on British Airways ! (BA239 - Departure Terminal 5 it seems?)
Sep 16, 2019, 6:50 pm
#10
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: AA Exec Plat
Posts: 192
Basically echoing what others have said but to add a few tidbits:
1) Your AA Platinum status, along with OneWorld carrier boarding pass in economy through business, grants you access to Business Class lounges at LHR for Oneworld carriers. This includes Cathay Pacific business lounge, American business lounge, British Airways business lounge, etc.
2) But your boarding pass specifically from LHR limits you mostly to Terminal 5, where your flight leaves from. Some airports like most US airports allow you to move freely airside between terminals, time allowing, and then go back to your departing terminal. Heathrow does not. Heathrow is also 5 miles wide and so even if you did have that option (more below), you wouldn’t want to. Going from one terminal to another at Heathrow is a s41t show, and I don’t know anyone who would elect to experience this wonderful event even if they could. Airside transport between terminals is also via crowded bus, likely standing, for 20 minutes, not the train, like landside transfer is.
Terminal 5 only has the British Airways lounges and some Priority Pass lounges, so you would get access to the British Airways Business Lounge. Galleries South seems to be the “main” / preferred lounge and the Biz lounge is at the top floor. Biz and first lounges in South access the same showers and there is often a wait where they give you a buzzer, so check there first if you plan to shower, before you go all the way upstairs to check in at the Biz lounge. Showers are on 2, in front of Concorde entrance
3) if you had some extreme need to go to another terminal from where you do NOT depart, you can get an escort such as a personal shopper escort, but it would have to be for a good reason, and they require minimum 3 hours connection time, and minimum 5 days advance booking of the escort. They would escort you all the way into the other terminal and then all the way back in time for your departing flight. I too have done this before, but I cannot imagine anyone needing to access T3 from T5, although the other way around happens a lot, as T5 has more shopping.
1) Your AA Platinum status, along with OneWorld carrier boarding pass in economy through business, grants you access to Business Class lounges at LHR for Oneworld carriers. This includes Cathay Pacific business lounge, American business lounge, British Airways business lounge, etc.
2) But your boarding pass specifically from LHR limits you mostly to Terminal 5, where your flight leaves from. Some airports like most US airports allow you to move freely airside between terminals, time allowing, and then go back to your departing terminal. Heathrow does not. Heathrow is also 5 miles wide and so even if you did have that option (more below), you wouldn’t want to. Going from one terminal to another at Heathrow is a s41t show, and I don’t know anyone who would elect to experience this wonderful event even if they could. Airside transport between terminals is also via crowded bus, likely standing, for 20 minutes, not the train, like landside transfer is.
Terminal 5 only has the British Airways lounges and some Priority Pass lounges, so you would get access to the British Airways Business Lounge. Galleries South seems to be the “main” / preferred lounge and the Biz lounge is at the top floor. Biz and first lounges in South access the same showers and there is often a wait where they give you a buzzer, so check there first if you plan to shower, before you go all the way upstairs to check in at the Biz lounge. Showers are on 2, in front of Concorde entrance
3) if you had some extreme need to go to another terminal from where you do NOT depart, you can get an escort such as a personal shopper escort, but it would have to be for a good reason, and they require minimum 3 hours connection time, and minimum 5 days advance booking of the escort. They would escort you all the way into the other terminal and then all the way back in time for your departing flight. I too have done this before, but I cannot imagine anyone needing to access T3 from T5, although the other way around happens a lot, as T5 has more shopping.
Sep 16, 2019, 8:47 pm
#11
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There are some incorrect answers in this thread..
there is nothing to stop a BA T5 passenger from using the airside connection to go to T3 and use the lounges there before returning airside to T5 for the flight
the confounding issues are (a) having the time to do it and (b) maintaining your BA ready to fly (aka conformance) status.
what you cant do is have a departing T3 flight and go and use the T5 lounges.
See just one of the many threads on the BA board on this subject especially post 3
T3 Access with T5 boarding pass
there is nothing to stop a BA T5 passenger from using the airside connection to go to T3 and use the lounges there before returning airside to T5 for the flight
the confounding issues are (a) having the time to do it and (b) maintaining your BA ready to fly (aka conformance) status.
what you cant do is have a departing T3 flight and go and use the T5 lounges.
See just one of the many threads on the BA board on this subject especially post 3
T3 Access with T5 boarding pass
Sep 16, 2019, 8:49 pm
#12
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You CAN go into T3 departures/lounges with a T5 boarding pass, but I think you have to enter via Flight Connections Centre (you tell them you're going shopping). Original poster does not say where s/he is flying in from; if it's from T3, this wouldn't be TOTALLY crazy (you could use the superior CX/QF lounges). I wouldn't bother at all if you're arriving into another terminal as that would mean 2 bus transfers.
But for all intents and purposes, OP should just go to T5 for the BA lounges as everyone else said, unless there's a 3.5h+ layover and you want to explore.
But for all intents and purposes, OP should just go to T5 for the BA lounges as everyone else said, unless there's a 3.5h+ layover and you want to explore.
Sep 16, 2019, 9:37 pm
#13
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Just a reminder that there is a Galleries Lounge in T5B and the Boston flight will likely depart from B or C. That lounge is much quieter then the ones in T5A. It is a good idea to read the thread on using the Tunnels to get back to T5A just in case the flight leaves from there. A lounge agent will usually be able to tell you the probable gate well before it is posted.
Sep 16, 2019, 9:56 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Just a reminder that there is a Galleries Lounge in T5B and the Boston flight will likely depart from B or C. That lounge is much quieter then the ones in T5A. It is a good idea to read the thread on using the Tunnels to get back to T5A just in case the flight leaves from there. A lounge agent will usually be able to tell you the probable gate well before it is posted.
Sep 16, 2019, 10:11 pm
#15
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If you're departing terminal 5 you'll have access to any of the BA Galleries Club locations (BA's business class lounges). In Terminal 3 you'll be able to access Qantas, Cathay, Admirals Club, or BA Galleries Club.
If you're departing terminal 5 you likely can't / won't be able to access Terminal 3.
Basically you're considered One World Sapphire and therefore get treated as a business class passenger regardless of cabin flown or whether the ticket is paid or not
If you're departing terminal 5 you likely can't / won't be able to access Terminal 3.
Basically you're considered One World Sapphire and therefore get treated as a business class passenger regardless of cabin flown or whether the ticket is paid or not
So, if that is still true, a OW Sapphire is treated BETTER THAN a business class passenger, regarding lounge access.