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 11, 2022, 3:54 pm
#556
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: LFT
Programs: AA Plat, lots of AA, AS, DL, UA miles, former top level CO Elite (sigh...)
Posts: 10,795
Sep 11, 2022, 6:22 pm
#557
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Clinging to the edifices of a decadent past from the biggest city in America nobody really cares about.
Programs: (ಠ_ಠ)
Posts: 9,077
Greetings all.
Not sure where to ask this but if I book a revenue F ticket from JFK → LAX on AA and then an onward flight to LAS (be it on AA in the same PNR, or on AA in a separate PNR, or a non-OW carrier), does the paid F sector on the three class tcon count as “””international’’’ for lounge access?
While I believe I’d have access to the FFL in LAX and JFK - as well as FFD in JFK and LAX, if LAX FFD were open - I’m trying to ascertain if I’ll be able to use the QF F lounge in LAX.
Thanks.
Edited to add - per this thread it appears the answer is YES.
Not sure where to ask this but if I book a revenue F ticket from JFK → LAX on AA and then an onward flight to LAS (be it on AA in the same PNR, or on AA in a separate PNR, or a non-OW carrier), does the paid F sector on the three class tcon count as “””international’’’ for lounge access?
While I believe I’d have access to the FFL in LAX and JFK - as well as FFD in JFK and LAX, if LAX FFD were open - I’m trying to ascertain if I’ll be able to use the QF F lounge in LAX.
Thanks.
Edited to add - per this thread it appears the answer is YES.
...But thanks to this helpful thread I believe I can now answer my own question: YES, an inbound pax on a 3 cabin flight in paid F (JFK → LAX in my case) WOULD be able to access the QF F lounge at LAX, assuming the QF F lounge is open per the wiki.
> > > > > > > > > > >
Qantas International First Lounge
Open daily: 06:30 - 23:30[currently closed] QF F Lounge has REOPENED as of SEP 2022.
Access rules:
Traveling on a oneworld marketed and operated first departing in, or connecting from, first class on a oneworld international flight of over 5 hours,
or
traveling in first class on a three-class domestic flight
or
a oneworld Emerald cardholder. Exception being AA Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro are not eligible for access when traveling solely on flights within or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
> > > > > > > > > > >
Qantas International First Lounge
Open daily: 06:30 - 23:30
Access rules:
Traveling on a oneworld marketed and operated first departing in, or connecting from, first class on a oneworld international flight of over 5 hours,
or
traveling in first class on a three-class domestic flight
or
a oneworld Emerald cardholder. Exception being AA Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro are not eligible for access when traveling solely on flights within or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), Bermuda, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Last edited by J.Edward; Sep 12, 2022 at 12:09 pm
Sep 17, 2022, 1:22 pm
#558
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,307
Denied access today at LGA. BA Silver / OW Sapphire. Was Ruby when I booked 3 months ago and moved to Sapphire Aug 20. Boarding pass today still showed Ruby.
Lounge Dragon said “it matters in our system and what you are when you book” and wouldn’t accept my BA Silver card. Said “so if I booked 6 months ago, and my status changes…” to which she said “Call BA, sorry”.
AAwful.
Lounge Dragon said “it matters in our system and what you are when you book” and wouldn’t accept my BA Silver card. Said “so if I booked 6 months ago, and my status changes…” to which she said “Call BA, sorry”.
AAwful.
Sep 17, 2022, 10:36 pm
#559
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,994
Denied access today at LGA. BA Silver / OW Sapphire. Was Ruby when I booked 3 months ago and moved to Sapphire Aug 20. Boarding pass today still showed Ruby.
Lounge Dragon said “it matters in our system and what you are when you book” and wouldn’t accept my BA Silver card. Said “so if I booked 6 months ago, and my status changes…” to which she said “Call BA, sorry”.
AAwful.
Lounge Dragon said “it matters in our system and what you are when you book” and wouldn’t accept my BA Silver card. Said “so if I booked 6 months ago, and my status changes…” to which she said “Call BA, sorry”.
AAwful.
Sep 18, 2022, 4:16 am
#560
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
Denied access today at LGA. BA Silver / OW Sapphire. Was Ruby when I booked 3 months ago and moved to Sapphire Aug 20. Boarding pass today still showed Ruby.
Lounge Dragon said “it matters in our system and what you are when you book” and wouldn’t accept my BA Silver card. Said “so if I booked 6 months ago, and my status changes…” to which she said “Call BA, sorry”.
AAwful.
Lounge Dragon said “it matters in our system and what you are when you book” and wouldn’t accept my BA Silver card. Said “so if I booked 6 months ago, and my status changes…” to which she said “Call BA, sorry”.
AAwful.
Sep 18, 2022, 9:48 am
#561
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,307
As mention by Global321 you need to have your status refreshed if you were at a non-qualifying tier when you booked your ticket, this doesn't happen automatically, but as suggested, easy to do. AA just wants to be paid by BA for granting access, nothing personal.
What happens when their system is down?
Sep 18, 2022, 11:09 am
#562
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AA 1MM EXP, DL Diamond, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador (RIP SPG), Aeroplan 75K
Posts: 1,144
How annoying. You don’t even need to have it associated with your PNR…
There is a page on the agent’s screen where they key in your FFN to check that you qualify to the extent it is not on your PNR. I use this for FL (and TBIT OW J) access on domestic-only itineraries via my Royal Air Maroc gold status (OWS). I usually read off the number or hand them my phone showing the “digital card” (a PDF download of a card from their site).
There is a page on the agent’s screen where they key in your FFN to check that you qualify to the extent it is not on your PNR. I use this for FL (and TBIT OW J) access on domestic-only itineraries via my Royal Air Maroc gold status (OWS). I usually read off the number or hand them my phone showing the “digital card” (a PDF download of a card from their site).
Sep 18, 2022, 1:48 pm
#563
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: NYC, FLL
Programs: UA PP 1MM, Marriott Bonvoy LTTE, BA Gold
Posts: 6,307
How annoying. You don’t even need to have it associated with your PNR…
There is a page on the agent’s screen where they key in your FFN to check that you qualify to the extent it is not on your PNR. I use this for FL (and TBIT OW J) access on domestic-only itineraries via my Royal Air Maroc gold status (OWS). I usually read off the number or hand them my phone showing the “digital card” (a PDF download of a card from their site).
There is a page on the agent’s screen where they key in your FFN to check that you qualify to the extent it is not on your PNR. I use this for FL (and TBIT OW J) access on domestic-only itineraries via my Royal Air Maroc gold status (OWS). I usually read off the number or hand them my phone showing the “digital card” (a PDF download of a card from their site).
It's ok, I don't fly AA much. Just thought that the lounge access was a no brainer.
Sep 21, 2022, 12:23 pm
#564
Join Date: May 2013
Location: London
Programs: British Airways Executive Club
Posts: 181
PHX Admirals club access
I have a two stop itinerary from London to Nadi (Fiji) which is LHR > PHX > LAX > NAN on the outbound, and NAN > LAX > DFW > LHR on the return, booking class I (Business class but "First" on the domestic legs)
I'm a bit confused by the Admirals club lounge access rules at PHX and DFW. Is access granted based on the entire itinerary (therefore it is allowed, based on the fact that I am transiting via the USA between two continents), or is it based on the specific flight (in which case it is not allowed, because the flight is not "FlagShip?"
A bit confused because any time I've flown with a business ticket in other countries access is permitted regardless!
Many thanks
I'm a bit confused by the Admirals club lounge access rules at PHX and DFW. Is access granted based on the entire itinerary (therefore it is allowed, based on the fact that I am transiting via the USA between two continents), or is it based on the specific flight (in which case it is not allowed, because the flight is not "FlagShip?"
A bit confused because any time I've flown with a business ticket in other countries access is permitted regardless!
Many thanks
Sep 21, 2022, 12:31 pm
#565
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
I have a two stop itinerary from London to Nadi (Fiji) which is LHR > PHX > LAX > NAN on the outbound, and NAN > LAX > DFW > LHR on the return, booking class I (Business class but "First" on the domestic legs)
I'm a bit confused by the Admirals club lounge access rules at PHX and DFW. Is access granted based on the entire itinerary (therefore it is allowed, based on the fact that I am transiting via the USA between two continents), or is it based on the specific flight (in which case it is not allowed, because the flight is not "FlagShip?"
A bit confused because any time I've flown with a business ticket in other countries access is permitted regardless!
Many thanks
I'm a bit confused by the Admirals club lounge access rules at PHX and DFW. Is access granted based on the entire itinerary (therefore it is allowed, based on the fact that I am transiting via the USA between two continents), or is it based on the specific flight (in which case it is not allowed, because the flight is not "FlagShip?"
A bit confused because any time I've flown with a business ticket in other countries access is permitted regardless!
Many thanks
At LHR go to either the CX or QF lounge, both nicer than the AC. At PHX the Admirals Club is your only option. At LAX and DFW you can use the AA Flagship Lounge, again nicer than the AC.
Also on your outbound at LAX, you should be able to access whatever contract lounge FJ is using based on your business class LAX-NAN flight.
Sep 21, 2022, 12:38 pm
#566
Join Date: May 2013
Location: London
Programs: British Airways Executive Club
Posts: 181
Many thanks for your prompt reply.
Am I right in assuming that it is the entire itinerary that counts with regard to fight access, and not the individual domestic legs? Because looking at the AA website it seems to imply access only given for International flights. I have no Oneworld/AA status.
I may have found a better itinerary via RDU which involves a very short flight.
I believe Fiji give access to the Oneworld account at LAX.
Am I right in assuming that it is the entire itinerary that counts with regard to fight access, and not the individual domestic legs? Because looking at the AA website it seems to imply access only given for International flights. I have no Oneworld/AA status.
I may have found a better itinerary via RDU which involves a very short flight.
I believe Fiji give access to the Oneworld account at LAX.
Sep 21, 2022, 1:08 pm
#567
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
Many thanks for your prompt reply.
Am I right in assuming that it is the entire itinerary that counts with regard to fight access, and not the individual domestic legs? Because looking at the AA website it seems to imply access only given for International flights. I have no Oneworld/AA status.
I may have found a better itinerary via RDU which involves a very short flight.
I believe Fiji give access to the Oneworld account at LAX.
Am I right in assuming that it is the entire itinerary that counts with regard to fight access, and not the individual domestic legs? Because looking at the AA website it seems to imply access only given for International flights. I have no Oneworld/AA status.
I may have found a better itinerary via RDU which involves a very short flight.
I believe Fiji give access to the Oneworld account at LAX.
Oct 2, 2022, 10:07 pm
#568
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Motown
Programs: DL, WN, AA, IHG Diamond, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,408
Is lounge access allowed on a reward F ticket?
I am flying PVR-DFW-DTW in F soon. The rules say yes if flying from MEX to the US, but no mention of revenue vs reward ticket.
Thanks.
I am flying PVR-DFW-DTW in F soon. The rules say yes if flying from MEX to the US, but no mention of revenue vs reward ticket.
Thanks.
Oct 3, 2022, 1:05 am
#569
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,443
Paid vs. award does not matter for lounge access, you receive full lounge access privileges on award flights as well.
Oct 3, 2022, 7:00 am
#570
Join Date: Feb 2020
Programs: AAdvantage, Hhonors
Posts: 4
I will be travelling CLT-LAX-HND-SIN on an award business class on AA (CLT-LAX and LAX HND) .
Will I bee allowed entry to AC in CLT and then FL in LAX?
Will I bee allowed entry to AC in CLT and then FL in LAX?