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)
Apr 4, 2022, 5:00 pm
#406
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2022
Posts: 230
Hello,
I will be flying Qatar business class from JFK-DOH and I was wondering if I will have access to Flagship First Dining at the Flagship lounge at JFK?
If not then are there any food and drink options in the flagship lounge (outside of the flagship first dining area?)
I will be flying Qatar business class from JFK-DOH and I was wondering if I will have access to Flagship First Dining at the Flagship lounge at JFK?
If not then are there any food and drink options in the flagship lounge (outside of the flagship first dining area?)
Apr 4, 2022, 5:00 pm
#407
Join Date: May 2019
Programs: AA
Posts: 343
Hello,
I will be flying Qatar business class from JFK-DOH and I was wondering if I will have access to Flagship First Dining at the Flagship lounge at JFK?
If not then are there any food and drink options in the flagship lounge (outside of the flagship first dining area?)
I will be flying Qatar business class from JFK-DOH and I was wondering if I will have access to Flagship First Dining at the Flagship lounge at JFK?
If not then are there any food and drink options in the flagship lounge (outside of the flagship first dining area?)
Apr 20, 2022, 7:56 am
#408
Join Date: Apr 2022
Posts: 1
Ba ow emerald
Reservation booked LHR-ATL in F/C. However, I have a night stop in ATL before continuing the next morning on a separate booking with AA on the following route:-
ATL-DFW-SFO. Returning a few days later SFO-CLT-ATL.
My question is...Forgetting the international f/c sector,
What lounge access would I have as a OW Emerald member on a domestic ticket at ATL, DFW, SFO and CLT.
Will I be able to use Flagship lounge in DFW with my status?
I find the AA written rules confusing. Thanks for any advice.
ATL-DFW-SFO. Returning a few days later SFO-CLT-ATL.
My question is...Forgetting the international f/c sector,
What lounge access would I have as a OW Emerald member on a domestic ticket at ATL, DFW, SFO and CLT.
Will I be able to use Flagship lounge in DFW with my status?
I find the AA written rules confusing. Thanks for any advice.
Apr 20, 2022, 7:59 am
#409
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
Reservation booked LHR-ATL in F/C. However, I have a night stop in ATL before continuing the next morning on a separate booking with AA on the following route:-
ATL-DFW-SFO. Returning a few days later SFO-CLT-ATL.
My question is...Forgetting the international f/c sector,
What lounge access would I have as a OW Emerald member on a domestic ticket at ATL, DFW, SFO and CLT.
Will I be able to use Flagship lounge in DFW with my status?
I find the AA written rules confusing. Thanks for any advice.
ATL-DFW-SFO. Returning a few days later SFO-CLT-ATL.
My question is...Forgetting the international f/c sector,
What lounge access would I have as a OW Emerald member on a domestic ticket at ATL, DFW, SFO and CLT.
Will I be able to use Flagship lounge in DFW with my status?
I find the AA written rules confusing. Thanks for any advice.
You can use Flagship Lounges where available and Admirals Clubs in cities that do not have a FL.
Apr 27, 2022, 4:04 pm
#410
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: :(
Posts: 15
Trying to determine what (if any) access I will have in Chicago for the following itinerary:
ORD-JFK-LHR (JFK-LHR is in Flagship First)
LHR-JFK-ORD (LHR-JFK is in Flagship First)
My understanding is that with zero status on any airline, I will not have access (other than paid day pass) for ORD Admiral's Club. Is that correct or do I get access to either Admiral's or Flagship at ORD by way of the JFK-LHR Flagship flight? All legs booked on the same ticket. Thanks!
ORD-JFK-LHR (JFK-LHR is in Flagship First)
LHR-JFK-ORD (LHR-JFK is in Flagship First)
My understanding is that with zero status on any airline, I will not have access (other than paid day pass) for ORD Admiral's Club. Is that correct or do I get access to either Admiral's or Flagship at ORD by way of the JFK-LHR Flagship flight? All legs booked on the same ticket. Thanks!
Apr 27, 2022, 4:07 pm
#411
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: PHL/LAX/MAD (for now)
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, AmEx Membership Rewards
Posts: 874
Trying to determine what (if any) access I will have in Chicago for the following itinerary:
ORD-JFK-LHR (JFK-LHR is in Flagship First)
LHR-JFK-ORD (LHR-JFK is in Flagship First)
My understanding is that with zero status on any airline, I will not have access (other than paid day pass) for ORD Admiral's Club. Is that correct or do I get access to either Admiral's or Flagship at ORD by way of the JFK-LHR Flagship flight? All legs booked on the same ticket. Thanks!
ORD-JFK-LHR (JFK-LHR is in Flagship First)
LHR-JFK-ORD (LHR-JFK is in Flagship First)
My understanding is that with zero status on any airline, I will not have access (other than paid day pass) for ORD Admiral's Club. Is that correct or do I get access to either Admiral's or Flagship at ORD by way of the JFK-LHR Flagship flight? All legs booked on the same ticket. Thanks!
Apr 27, 2022, 4:09 pm
#412
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: ORD
Programs: :(
Posts: 15
That's great news. In Chicago, will I have access to the Flagship lounge by way of this:
Based on the cabin of travel – Get access if you’re traveling in First or Business on a qualifying same-day international, transcontinental or other domestic flight marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld airline.
Is that because I'm flying Flagship from JFK-LHR later that evening on the same ticket? Just trying to figure it out for next time.
Based on the cabin of travel – Get access if you’re traveling in First or Business on a qualifying same-day international, transcontinental or other domestic flight marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld airline.
Apr 27, 2022, 6:20 pm
#413
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
Yes, although being on the same ticket doesn't matter for lounge access purposes. You same day JFK-LHR flight in F gets you access to any oneworld F or J lounge before each departure that same day.
Apr 28, 2022, 4:15 am
#414
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
That's great news. In Chicago, will I have access to the Flagship lounge by way of this:
Based on the cabin of travel – Get access if you’re traveling in First or Business on a qualifying same-day international, transcontinental or other domestic flight marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld airline.
Is that because I'm flying Flagship from JFK-LHR later that evening on the same ticket? Just trying to figure it out for next time.
Based on the cabin of travel – Get access if you’re traveling in First or Business on a qualifying same-day international, transcontinental or other domestic flight marketed and operated by American Airlines or a oneworld airline.
Apr 29, 2022, 8:21 am
#415
Join Date: Apr 2022
Programs: British Airways
Posts: 2
Hi,
Sorry if this is the wrong thread - I'm new to this forum. I've looked around, but can't find a definitive answer to my question below and hope someone can help.
Thanks!
Sorry if this is the wrong thread - I'm new to this forum. I've looked around, but can't find a definitive answer to my question below and hope someone can help.
- I'm BA Silver Status
- Flying Alaska Airlines (First - Class D)
- Traveling AUS-SFO
Thanks!
Apr 29, 2022, 8:28 am
#416
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,481
Hi,
Sorry if this is the wrong thread - I'm new to this forum. I've looked around, but can't find a definitive answer to my question below and hope someone can help.
Thanks!
Sorry if this is the wrong thread - I'm new to this forum. I've looked around, but can't find a definitive answer to my question below and hope someone can help.
- I'm BA Silver Status
- Flying Alaska Airlines (First - Class D)
- Traveling AUS-SFO
Thanks!
Apr 29, 2022, 9:51 am
#418
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
Hi,
Sorry if this is the wrong thread - I'm new to this forum. I've looked around, but can't find a definitive answer to my question below and hope someone can help.
Thanks!
Sorry if this is the wrong thread - I'm new to this forum. I've looked around, but can't find a definitive answer to my question below and hope someone can help.
- I'm BA Silver Status
- Flying Alaska Airlines (First - Class D)
- Traveling AUS-SFO
Thanks!
Apr 29, 2022, 12:08 pm
#419
Join Date: Apr 2022
Posts: 1
Really?
Prior to covid I was a concierge member. I chair 4 companies over in AU and live in Tucson AZ, just now starting to travel again. Today I am returning on a $10K ticket from AU and was just refused access to the lounge in PHX because AA knocked me all the way back to platinum and I booked two separate tickets, one from TUS to LAX and another from LAX to SYD. This is the first time that I am contemplating a switch to Delta or United. Breaks my heart because I used to love AA.
Apr 29, 2022, 12:15 pm
#420
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, IHG Diamond, IC Amb
Posts: 5,510
Platinum gets access on intentional itineraries.
All you have to do is show them your LAX-SYD boarding pass and they’ll let you in. I’ve done this countless times at PHX and LAX.
All you have to do is show them your LAX-SYD boarding pass and they’ll let you in. I’ve done this countless times at PHX and LAX.