ARCHIVE: All About AA Flagship Check-In at JFK, LAX, MIA, ORD (master thread)
Mar 2, 2018, 4:37 pm
#181
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 5,998
How about this scenario:
Traveling JFK-LAX-MEL, in October on Qantas after QF has moved from JFK T7 to T8.
Outbound on the QF 787 from JFK-LAX (technically in business since there is no F), then F LAX-MEL.
We would check in at the JFK QF desk, of course, and not expecting Flagship check-in. But...
1). Anyone know if QF will have its own version of fast-tracking security?
2). Will we get access to the AA Flagship Lounge (neither of us has AA or OW status)?
3). Will we get access to Flagship Dining?
Then on the way back we will be on QF into LAX, but AA metal from LAX-JFK, in F, though on a QF ticket
After we go through customs at LAX and re-check the bags, would we have access to Flagship checkin at LAX? Would it even be worth seeking out? I've never flown internationally into LAX, but I think I've read you're sort of in the "basement" of TBIT and to get from there through security to T4 is fairly easy? (Through the connector?) Or do I have that wrong?
Traveling JFK-LAX-MEL, in October on Qantas after QF has moved from JFK T7 to T8.
Outbound on the QF 787 from JFK-LAX (technically in business since there is no F), then F LAX-MEL.
We would check in at the JFK QF desk, of course, and not expecting Flagship check-in. But...
1). Anyone know if QF will have its own version of fast-tracking security?
2). Will we get access to the AA Flagship Lounge (neither of us has AA or OW status)?
3). Will we get access to Flagship Dining?
Then on the way back we will be on QF into LAX, but AA metal from LAX-JFK, in F, though on a QF ticket
After we go through customs at LAX and re-check the bags, would we have access to Flagship checkin at LAX? Would it even be worth seeking out? I've never flown internationally into LAX, but I think I've read you're sort of in the "basement" of TBIT and to get from there through security to T4 is fairly easy? (Through the connector?) Or do I have that wrong?
Mar 2, 2018, 4:39 pm
#182
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,640
Mar 3, 2018, 3:13 am
#183
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego US and Brisbane AU
Programs: AA EXP/2MM - DL PM - OZ Diamond - Bonvoy LTT - Hyatt Glob - IHG Plat - National EE - Sixt Platinum
Posts: 1,315
The attendant that controls access to the Flagship check-in stands at a podium that's literally on the sidewalk outside the door. I've never tried it myself, but I would imagine that person would allow you to drop your bags just inside the door (or somewhere else) while you return your car.
I'll probably pull up and ask, and worst case I'll do short-term parking as suggested. Grace period to leave LAX parking garages without a charge is 10-15 minutes IIRC, I've beaten the clock before...
Mar 3, 2018, 1:16 pm
#184
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
Last time (2015) we flew out LHR, AA premium check-in was sort of a joke. Has it changed at all, is it a true Flagship First Check in? Will be traveling in Dec on a AA F award.
Mar 3, 2018, 4:26 pm
#185
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Madison WI
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT - 2.9MM, Lifetime AC, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz Precs Crcl
Posts: 2,213
Yes, it has. When I used it mid February (2018) the old "Flagship" in area "H" was closed and signs directed you to area "B". There they had a special blocked off area (and access WAS verified) apparently with the same access as other Flagship check-ins. First, yes. EXP/OW Emerald, yes. Business (non CK/EXP/EMLD): NO. (The change...)
Mar 3, 2018, 6:43 pm
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
Yes, it has. When I used it mid February (2018) the old "Flagship" in area "H" was closed and signs directed you to area "B". There they had a special blocked off area (and access WAS verified) apparently with the same access as other Flagship check-ins. First, yes. EXP/OW Emerald, yes. Business (non CK/EXP/EMLD): NO. (The change...)
Mar 4, 2018, 4:06 am
#187
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,665
Does an Emerald flying AA JFK-GRU on JJ code have access to FL?
What about immediate family guests, do they have access along with the OWE?
What about immediate family guests, do they have access along with the OWE?
Mar 4, 2018, 7:16 am
#188
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,640
If lounge access, this is the wrong thread. But to answer your question, JJ is oneworld. It would still follow FL lounge access policy.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Mar 4, 2018, 9:35 am
#189
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Madison WI
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT - 2.9MM, Lifetime AC, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz Precs Crcl
Posts: 2,213
Access Clarification
Question: I know Flagship Check-in, when it first opened, required a continuing INTL First flight to qualify. For example, SYD-LAX-ORD - even if SYD-LAX was in F, did not qualify for the recheck in LA since all INTL segments were complete. The reverse, ORD-LAX-SYD did qualify (once ORD opened FL CI) since the INTL segment was not yet flown - even if it was QF operated.
The new access (for EXP) state "You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you're flying on qualifying international flights operated by American(regardless of cabin)" The policy for OWE states " You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on any flight operated by American (regardless of cabin).* *American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship® First Check-In access." Source.
So my question (in two parts) for EXP access:
(1) INTL (AA) -> US -> US Connection: allowed or not? I'd guess a non-AA/OWE is yes, not sure about EXP as continuing segment(s) after customs is domestic only.
(2) If the answer to (1) is yes, then same as (1) - Except incoming INTL is IB or BA or QF on AA codeshare - not AA Operated. (Although of course the domestic connection is.)
I suspect the specification for AA operated comes form the fact you always check-in/re-check via the operating carrier. But I suspect it also implies no access for EXP returning to the US after clearing customs - as is most certainly did when first launched. (The good new is the new Flagship Lounge will allow access in these examples! LHR, at this point, is still EXP/OWE/CK/First only - does not include J access.)
The new access (for EXP) state "You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you're flying on qualifying international flights operated by American(regardless of cabin)" The policy for OWE states " You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on any flight operated by American (regardless of cabin).* *American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship® First Check-In access." Source.
So my question (in two parts) for EXP access:
(1) INTL (AA) -> US -> US Connection: allowed or not? I'd guess a non-AA/OWE is yes, not sure about EXP as continuing segment(s) after customs is domestic only.
(2) If the answer to (1) is yes, then same as (1) - Except incoming INTL is IB or BA or QF on AA codeshare - not AA Operated. (Although of course the domestic connection is.)
I suspect the specification for AA operated comes form the fact you always check-in/re-check via the operating carrier. But I suspect it also implies no access for EXP returning to the US after clearing customs - as is most certainly did when first launched. (The good new is the new Flagship Lounge will allow access in these examples! LHR, at this point, is still EXP/OWE/CK/First only - does not include J access.)
Mar 4, 2018, 10:13 am
#190
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Question: I know Flagship Check-in, when it first opened, required a continuing INTL First flight to qualify. For example, SYD-LAX-ORD - even if SYD-LAX was in F, did not qualify for the recheck in LA since all INTL segments were complete. The reverse, ORD-LAX-SYD did qualify (once ORD opened FL CI) since the INTL segment was not yet flown - even if it was QF operated.
The new access (for EXP) state "You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you're flying on qualifying international flights operated by American(regardless of cabin)" The policy for OWE states " You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on any flight operated by American (regardless of cabin).* *American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship® First Check-In access." Source.
So my question (in two parts) for EXP access:
(1) INTL (AA) -> US -> US Connection: allowed or not? I'd guess a non-AA/OWE is yes, not sure about EXP as continuing segment(s) after customs is domestic only.
(2) If the answer to (1) is yes, then same as (1) - Except incoming INTL is IB or BA or QF on AA codeshare - not AA Operated. (Although of course the domestic connection is.)
I suspect the specification for AA operated comes form the fact you always check-in/re-check via the operating carrier. But I suspect it also implies no access for EXP returning to the US after clearing customs - as is most certainly did when first launched. (The good new is the new Flagship Lounge will allow access in these examples! LHR, at this point, is still EXP/OWE/CK/First only - does not include J access.)
The new access (for EXP) state "You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you're flying on qualifying international flights operated by American(regardless of cabin)" The policy for OWE states " You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on any flight operated by American (regardless of cabin).* *American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship® First Check-In access." Source.
So my question (in two parts) for EXP access:
(1) INTL (AA) -> US -> US Connection: allowed or not? I'd guess a non-AA/OWE is yes, not sure about EXP as continuing segment(s) after customs is domestic only.
(2) If the answer to (1) is yes, then same as (1) - Except incoming INTL is IB or BA or QF on AA codeshare - not AA Operated. (Although of course the domestic connection is.)
I suspect the specification for AA operated comes form the fact you always check-in/re-check via the operating carrier. But I suspect it also implies no access for EXP returning to the US after clearing customs - as is most certainly did when first launched. (The good new is the new Flagship Lounge will allow access in these examples! LHR, at this point, is still EXP/OWE/CK/First only - does not include J access.)
Mar 4, 2018, 1:48 pm
#191
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,159
Question: I know Flagship Check-in, when it first opened, required a continuing INTL First flight to qualify. For example, SYD-LAX-ORD - even if SYD-LAX was in F, did not qualify for the recheck in LA since all INTL segments were complete. The reverse, ORD-LAX-SYD did qualify (once ORD opened FL CI) since the INTL segment was not yet flown - even if it was QF operated.
The new access (for EXP) state "You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you're flying on qualifying international flights operated by American(regardless of cabin)" The policy for OWE states " You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on any flight operated by American (regardless of cabin).* *American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship® First Check-In access." Source.
So my question (in two parts) for EXP access:
(1) INTL (AA) -> US -> US Connection: allowed or not? I'd guess a non-AA/OWE is yes, not sure about EXP as continuing segment(s) after customs is domestic only.
(2) If the answer to (1) is yes, then same as (1) - Except incoming INTL is IB or BA or QF on AA codeshare - not AA Operated. (Although of course the domestic connection is.)
I suspect the specification for AA operated comes form the fact you always check-in/re-check via the operating carrier. But I suspect it also implies no access for EXP returning to the US after clearing customs - as is most certainly did when first launched. (The good new is the new Flagship Lounge will allow access in these examples! LHR, at this point, is still EXP/OWE/CK/First only - does not include J access.)
The new access (for EXP) state "You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you're flying on qualifying international flights operated by American(regardless of cabin)" The policy for OWE states " You can use Flagship® First Check-In if you’re flying on any flight operated by American (regardless of cabin).* *American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum customers traveling solely on North American itineraries do not qualify for Flagship® First Check-In access." Source.
So my question (in two parts) for EXP access:
(1) INTL (AA) -> US -> US Connection: allowed or not? I'd guess a non-AA/OWE is yes, not sure about EXP as continuing segment(s) after customs is domestic only.
(2) If the answer to (1) is yes, then same as (1) - Except incoming INTL is IB or BA or QF on AA codeshare - not AA Operated. (Although of course the domestic connection is.)
I suspect the specification for AA operated comes form the fact you always check-in/re-check via the operating carrier. But I suspect it also implies no access for EXP returning to the US after clearing customs - as is most certainly did when first launched. (The good new is the new Flagship Lounge will allow access in these examples! LHR, at this point, is still EXP/OWE/CK/First only - does not include J access.)
As EXP, I have successfully used Flagship Check-in at ORD connecting AA I-to-D.
Mar 4, 2018, 2:12 pm
#193
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,665
Are you referring to Flagship lounge access or Flagship check-in? They have different policies.
If lounge access, this is the wrong thread. But to answer your question, JJ is oneworld. It would still follow FL lounge access policy.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...hip-lounge.jsp
Mar 4, 2018, 3:25 pm
#194
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
Mar 4, 2018, 7:56 pm
#195
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Madison WI
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT - 2.9MM, Lifetime AC, HHonors Gold, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat Amb, Hertz Precs Crcl
Posts: 2,213
In this case I am not sure there's a need for Flagship check-in? There is usually a luggage check station right after immigration, which I am sure you know. In terms of BP, I could usually get them from the check-in overseas, just no gate assignment sometimes. I usually switch to mobile BP when land in the U.S. and just forget about the paper BP.