PHL

QR Plat = OWE, so given that there is a clear logo on the entrance sign, you should have no problem entering the respective lounge(s).

twoaisleplane

Is there clarity on whether an Exec Plat in domestic transcon Business (JFK-LAX) would qualify for the Soho lounge? I would have thought no way for a non-international trip, but the photos from outside the lounges seem to suggest eligibility on any Flagship Itinerary, and I thought JFK-LAX was a flagship route? Maybe I am misunderstanding things.

https://thepointsguy.global.ssl.fast...jpg?width=1920

orbitmic

BA's top lounges (CCR in both LHR and till tonight JFK) have never been self-served, nor is FFD, so not particularly surprising that the Chelsea lounge which is the equivalent of those two should have a manned bar too. That said, from the images, I am not clear whether the wine tables in both Chelsea and Soho are indeed manned or will be self-service.

fender5787

As a QR plat too, we *should* have access to both the F Checkin area and the Soho lounge, but you never know with being AA consistently inconsistent. Def report back if you can as I have a few ex-JFK short haul routes coming up and would love to use both new facilities

ron187

If I'm flying flagship first same-day (from BOS to LAX) but obviously connecting in BOS first, would I have access to Chelsea lounge? Or do I have to be departing from JFK in transcon / intl F?

S.R

Is the new J check in area for those flying domestically with Priority Access as well, or are there still separate regular priority check in desks?
Flying JFK-MIA tomorrow as an EXP. Just curious as to where I go to check my bag now.

SkyTeam777

Great point! I often find service in CCR to be quite slow sometimes, and I only have less than an hour. I much prefer the option to self-serve (at least some things for myself). Id probably choose Greenwich just to grab a sparkling water and still water to go.

ryanbriar

You should based on the current rules. I believe the link is a few posts up. I’d come prepared with your F boarding card and perhaps lead with that when scanned.

GratefulSmile

Sorry should have made it clearer flying out tonight 30th Nov - it was pretty terrible as everything opens tomorrow.

There was a small temporary First + Business checkin manned by just 2 staff. Took around 30 mins to get checked in.
Then the Flagship lounge was shut because they're setting it for tomorrow - where I believe it becomes the Greenwich lounge? So they sent us to the Admirals club. Less I say about that the better. Although could get free alcohol at bar by showing boarding pass. Though the idea of even queuing and not having self-pour is something foreign to me (sad to say).

Good luck to anyone going from tomorrow. I think the checkin area looked tiny, especially if it's too be shared by American and BA - and I didn't understand how it was differentiated.
Also have no clue where the new high end lounges are, there was no signposting that I could see and I even walked around a bit and couldn't see anything waiting to be revealed.

whitf00t

A little confused though maybe I shouldn’t be.

as I understand, flying flagship first from JFK-SFO would grant me Chelsea access - would that automatically include Soho access? In a strange way SoHo feels more appealing for the window views etc.

JJeffrey

Yes, with an F ticket you can access Chelsea, Soho, or Greenwich if you'd like. I agree re: the window situation (or lack thereof) in Chelsea.

lrdpenn

I read in one of the blogs that had a painfully complex, detailed list - no. It is super confusing if “flagship” on that sign means “international flagship” (well, except for ticketed first). It’s a lot of confusion for anyone flying the transcons and IDK if it’s really worth annoying a small number of premium customers. Maybe since a lot of transcons depart with the European bank they are really worried about peak load.

NYC Flyer

Based on recent Flagship lounge visits, unless BA has forced AA’s hand regarding quality control, these new spaces will have little appeal. It’s easy to build out a space with attractive design elements—delivering quality product and service on a consistent basis is an entirely different exercise.

ESpen36

"Flagship" is AA's marketing term for premium routes that offer elevated amenities and lie-flat seats in the premium cabins. Most of them are, in fact, longhaul international, such as Europe, Asia, Oceania, and Deep South America.

However, there are some "Flagship"-marketed domestic routes, such as:
- JFK-SFO/LAX/SNA nonstop
- LAX-MIA nonstop (on 77W aircraft)
- DFW/ORD-Hawaii nonstop

ron187

Thanks!! Appreciate the help