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)
Jan 12, 2020, 10:50 pm
#76
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Delta Gold, AA Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 221
Thanks-that is what I was afraid of. I have the AMEX Platinum card, so I guess the only way we can stay together and enjoy lounge access would be to head to the Centurion Lounge and buy access for my MIL. We are a family of four, so I'd have to also buy access for one of my kids.
Jan 13, 2020, 6:35 am
#77
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
Thanks-that is what I was afraid of. I have the AMEX Platinum card, so I guess the only way we can stay together and enjoy lounge access would be to head to the Centurion Lounge and buy access for my MIL. We are a family of four, so I'd have to also buy access for one of my kids.
You should have PP with the AMEX Platinum. You could try Corona Beach House for food and then find a quiet place to hang out if you have more time.
Jan 13, 2020, 8:59 am
#78
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Delta Gold, AA Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 221
One other option I thought of was to use my airline fee credit from AMEX to buy her into the Admiral's Club and we can all just hang out there.
Jan 13, 2020, 9:47 am
#79
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: STL/ORD/MCI/SAN
Programs: AA CK MM, AC SE100K, BA Gold, UA 1K, DL Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,989
Correct. Corona Beach House would no longer be an option with PP access via AmEx PLT.
Jan 13, 2020, 9:59 am
#80
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
And you're letting your MIL fly coach while in the rest of you are in business. Pretty brave of you..
Jan 13, 2020, 2:39 pm
#81
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: LAS
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 24
I have a QQ on lounge access for those familiar. I am traveling with my family AA DFW > LHR in Business then purchased a separate connecting ticket same day with BA in Economy LHR > MAD.
Me: EP
Spouse: Gold
2 additional family members: No status
Would we have access to anything in London (outside of the AA arrivals lounge) for either coming in on a transatlantic business ticket or AA status? Does it matter the Europe leg is not on the same record locator? Thanks all!
Me: EP
Spouse: Gold
2 additional family members: No status
Would we have access to anything in London (outside of the AA arrivals lounge) for either coming in on a transatlantic business ticket or AA status? Does it matter the Europe leg is not on the same record locator? Thanks all!
Jan 13, 2020, 2:41 pm
#82
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,203
MVD or EZE to WAS via JFK or MIA, business (J), no AA status. Will I have lounge access in JFK/MIA for the WAS segment? Thanks!
Jan 13, 2020, 2:42 pm
#83
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Jan 13, 2020, 7:15 pm
#85
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
I have a QQ on lounge access for those familiar. I am traveling with my family AA DFW > LHR in Business then purchased a separate connecting ticket same day with BA in Economy LHR > MAD.
Me: EP
Spouse: Gold
2 additional family members: No status
Would we have access to anything in London (outside of the AA arrivals lounge) for either coming in on a transatlantic business ticket or AA status? Does it matter the Europe leg is not on the same record locator? Thanks all!
Me: EP
Spouse: Gold
2 additional family members: No status
Would we have access to anything in London (outside of the AA arrivals lounge) for either coming in on a transatlantic business ticket or AA status? Does it matter the Europe leg is not on the same record locator? Thanks all!
Jan 13, 2020, 7:16 pm
#86
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,087
Jan 13, 2020, 7:57 pm
#87
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Delta Gold, AA Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 221
Sorry if it was not clear-she is in coach.
I booked the first class tickets using miles I accumulated the last few years from work travel. We are comping most of the trip for my MIL while we are in Costa Rica, but MIL was responsible for her ticket there.
I booked the first class tickets using miles I accumulated the last few years from work travel. We are comping most of the trip for my MIL while we are in Costa Rica, but MIL was responsible for her ticket there.
Last edited by esc2476; Jan 14, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Jan 14, 2020, 9:14 pm
#88
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 1
Lounge Eligible?
In February, I will be traveling via the following routing AMS -> PHL -> ORD -> SMF all on the same itinerary. I am American Platinum. I will be flying coach on award miles. I have read various articles and the official AA pages, but its not clear to me at which locations I am eligible for a lounge. It seems clear that I can use the BA lounge or Aspire lounge in AMS since I am departing on an international flight. However, I have a long layover in PHL. Can I use the Admirals Club lounge in PHL? The language in the terms seems to indicate that you must be departing for international travel, but other language seems more vague. Since the next flight from PHL is to ORD I am not departing internationally, but my whole itinerary is international. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Jan 14, 2020, 10:11 pm
#89
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: SNA
Programs: AA EXP, UA 1K (until it expires then never again), *wood Plat, Marriott Gold
Posts: 9,239
Welcome to FT!! There's a master thread on Lounge Access here https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...es-2020-a.html that should have the information you need. In AMS you should be able to use the BA lounge as a OneWorld Sapphire. I believe that in PHL as you are arriving on AA you should have Flagship lounge access but check the thread I linked to.
Jan 14, 2020, 10:12 pm
#90
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
Programs: AA 1MM Lifetime Gold, AA Platinum, WS Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 7,607
I used to come in from Managua in J and continued "domestically" (how they define it) and accessed the lounge (also leaving domestically to Central America and connecting to a J flight in Miami). They used to have much better examples covering inbound international flights and connecting though I don't think they covered three flights in a row after arrival. Might be time limited or limited to the first connection.
There are footnotes referring to arriving international flights but it is hard to see what those footnotes apply to.
They have really made the rules "simple" by adding confusion through eliminating cases that illustrated the various access types.
Maybe someone can confirm for J or elites that arriving international (or departing domestic, connecting international) is still allowed as it has been for years.
There are footnotes referring to arriving international flights but it is hard to see what those footnotes apply to.
They have really made the rules "simple" by adding confusion through eliminating cases that illustrated the various access types.
Maybe someone can confirm for J or elites that arriving international (or departing domestic, connecting international) is still allowed as it has been for years.