happiest_at_40000

Now way FL DFW is being closed, changed, moved, etc. Although if they do they better just keep FFD or then I will be really mad !!

But for real no way. Drinks are on me to everyone here if they close or even move their nearly brand new flagship lounge at their flagship location. NO way.

The PP lounge is going somewhere else near there.

P/s expect similar quality/cost level to what AA serves onboard if I do lose this bet and have to pay up

safari ari

See my prior response and Global's additional count. Also, BOS is now a FF route 4x daily (?). LAX is still their West Coast International hub for the time being, BA/IB/AY/AA fly to Europe from LAX still + QR 2x daily, the same cannot be said for SEA, which is where they are allegedly going to concentrate their Intl focus. I think JL still flies a route to HND and NRT from LAX, and I won't even count that. Note my pessimistic tone in bold. That's a lot of capacity still even without the Asia lift. We're still talking 10 widebodies, and ~15 A321T, which is a lot of capacity for the market.

Fanjet

I would be shocked as well. Given that 1) DFW has 77W service, and 2) DFW is the only station in their network with AA-metal service to Asia, Europe, and deep South America. (I forgot, did AA ever start their DFW-AKL service?). Also, it is their largest hub. And I think the reason why ORD has a FL is mainly to be competitive with UA. Otherwise, I don't think it would exist.

Amil

I told my friend to go to FL Miami since hes flying J on 773 MIA-LAX and he double checks at Check In if he has access since he didnt believe me and they told him theres no access for domestic so he just went to the amex lounge. (which is probably better but still wanted him to check it out and report back lol)

Can AA do a better job training their agents?

edit: inputted wrong airport

ISTFlyer

The agents were right. Despite the aircraft operating, MIA-JFK is not a premium route so that does not qualify for any type of lounge access.

teemuflyer

To add some additional clarity to ISTFlyer's point, access to FLs based on COS is reserved for routes considered "Flagship". Nothing to do with the aircraft itself. Now if someone arrived from LAX to MIA on a 77W, which is considered a Flagship flight, and they would have access to the FL while connecting to JFK.

SKYEG

It's confusing to cities like Lima where Flagship only shows on the reservation/booking if you're taking a lie flat widebody MIA-LIM, but you should still get FL access regardless of plane type MIA-LIM in J.

Global321

Mostly correct.

While some routes with 777's are not "Flagship" routes (ie. MIA-JFK), other routes are aircraft dependant. (ie MIA-LAX)

Example... random date in October, six non-stops MIA-LAX. Five are "Flagship" flights that would get you FL access; All five are 777's. The sixth one, on a 737, is not a "Flagship" flight and would not get FL access, even purchasing "First Class".

teemuflyer

Poorly worded on my part. That's why I mentioned that the LAX-MIA had to be on the 77W, but agree on your point. The flight itself has to be designated as "Flagship" to qualify, and LAX-MIA is a mixed bag depending on the aircraft used (only 77W qualifies as FS). Other domestic flights that qualify are more consistent.

happiest_at_40000

I know ISTflyer, Global & Teemuflyer are all spot on and correct and totally know the dynamics here but I think the most ridiculous thing not mentioned above in the most recent exchange is that a 772 marketed on the website as FLAGSHIP does not get you in. Its not just the 738. Of course on the day you looked it was all 77W's but typically its a mix and in 2022 its looking back to 2 77W's a day and 5 772's a day to MIA. How can AA say Flagship on all 772's but you dont get into the Flagship Lounge or get Flagship First check in.

Ironically, as it stands now, the amenities as far as food, amenity kit and bedding are exactly the same between the 772 & 77W just like J on the 77W is the same as F.

Its so freaking confusing how AA handles all of this, how poorly the website explains it, how their agents are clueless, etc. And again, something as simple as being able to access FFD upon arrival, or even FL for that matter, is not in writing anywhere. Let alone neither is same day FFD access. I have LAX-MIA-JFK in 2 weeks and am hitting both FFD's and if either MIA upon arrival or JFK coming up from MIA think they will deny they have another thing coming lol

Bradhattan

However, with the removal of FL access on business class to: MEX, all of Central America, and a few Northern South American countries, could it be AA thinks it is no longer necessary?

saltytheseagull

This is incorrect according to this page: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...s/business.jsp

SKYEG

They changed that this year It's known that the website portion of that section has not been updated.

See here

This is new access if flying Business:

Flights between the U.S. and:

• Asia
• Australia
• Europe
• New Zealand
• South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela)

Definitely sucks... especially for people that pay J for central and northern south america(me lol).

Amil

I messed up i meant to write MIA-LAX

saltytheseagull

Good call. It's very surprising for MEX!