Feb 23, 2015, 6:42 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
Please edit or add information to this wiki as necessary.
GRU São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport
Admirals Club and other lounges contracted by oneworld partner airlines
Link to GRU airport information on aa.com
Link to GRU website (English)
Link to oneworld website Lounge Access and Lounge Finder tool
Link to GRU Admirals Club page on aa.com
GRU T-3 Admirals Club
Location: Terminal 3, Mezzanine Level, Departures Area
Access: Accessible to those qualifying passengers departing on AA marketed and operated flight.
Amenities:
Link to article with extensive photos
LATAM VIP lounge
Location: Terminal 3, Mezzanine Level, Departures Area
Access: Eligible passengers departing on British Airways or Iberia flights
Hours: For current hours and further information, please see here.
Amenities:
"Notes: LATAM Airlines Group's first joint VIP lounge, offering abundant natural light and an unparalleled view of the airport. In addition to an entertainment room with individual tablets, video games and wi-fi connection throughout, the lounge is separated into various sections, each with its own ambiance. All seating is equipped with power sockets and USB ports, thus enabling customers to remain connected at all times. For those who prefer to relax, the lounge offers exclusive shower rooms and bathing products with scents of tropical Brazilian fruits. The buffet of hot and cold dishes is nearly 30 meters long and offers a wide selection of culinary options. Customers can also choose from a wide variety of premium beverages or relax with a draft beer at the bar."
Executive Lounge GRU Airport Operated by a third party.
Location: Terminal 3, Mezzanine Level, Departures Area
Access: Eligible passengers departing on Qatar Airways flights
Opening hours: Daily: 07:00-02:30
Amenities:
Older and obsolete posts regarding the old GRU AA lounge facility have been archived; they can be read at: ARCHIVE: GRU / Sao Paulo Admirals Club (consolidated)
Special Information: U.S. Citizens: You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to your place of residence in the United States. Visas cannot be obtained at the airport, and immigration authorities will refuse entry into Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. (This is waived for a time period about the Olympic Games.)
For visas, you may use a visa service in the city with the Brazilian Consulate serving your geographical area. To submit documents and interview for a visa, you can only use the Brazilian Consulate with jurisdiction serving the area where you live. Each Consulate may have different requirements and time frames for securing your visa; check the requirements of the Consulate having jurisdiction over where you live. You will not be allowed to apply at any other Consulate than the one with jurisdiction.
List of Brazilian Consulates in the U.S.A. with links to their sites. Note, some may not work.
GRU São Paulo Guarulhos International Airport
Admirals Club and other lounges contracted by oneworld partner airlines
Link to GRU airport information on aa.com
Link to GRU website (English)
Link to oneworld website Lounge Access and Lounge Finder tool
Link to GRU Admirals Club page on aa.com
GRU T-3 Admirals Club
Location: Terminal 3, Mezzanine Level, Departures Area
Access: Accessible to those qualifying passengers departing on AA marketed and operated flight.
Amenities:
- USB and AC power at seats (need plug adapter to use AC)
- Complimentary WiFi
- Business Center
- PCs with Internet access
- Self-service hot and cold food, variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Children's Room
- Flat screen televisions
- Two shower suites with amenities
- Telephones
Link to article with extensive photos
LATAM VIP lounge
Location: Terminal 3, Mezzanine Level, Departures Area
Access: Eligible passengers departing on British Airways or Iberia flights
Hours: For current hours and further information, please see here.
Amenities:
"Notes: LATAM Airlines Group's first joint VIP lounge, offering abundant natural light and an unparalleled view of the airport. In addition to an entertainment room with individual tablets, video games and wi-fi connection throughout, the lounge is separated into various sections, each with its own ambiance. All seating is equipped with power sockets and USB ports, thus enabling customers to remain connected at all times. For those who prefer to relax, the lounge offers exclusive shower rooms and bathing products with scents of tropical Brazilian fruits. The buffet of hot and cold dishes is nearly 30 meters long and offers a wide selection of culinary options. Customers can also choose from a wide variety of premium beverages or relax with a draft beer at the bar."
Executive Lounge GRU Airport Operated by a third party.
Location: Terminal 3, Mezzanine Level, Departures Area
Access: Eligible passengers departing on Qatar Airways flights
Opening hours: Daily: 07:00-02:30
Amenities:
- Free Wifi
- Food and Beverages
- Showers
- Wheelchair access
- Television
Older and obsolete posts regarding the old GRU AA lounge facility have been archived; they can be read at: ARCHIVE: GRU / Sao Paulo Admirals Club (consolidated)
Special Information: U.S. Citizens: You must obtain your Brazilian visa in advance from the Brazilian Embassy or consulate nearest to your place of residence in the United States. Visas cannot be obtained at the airport, and immigration authorities will refuse entry into Brazil to anyone not possessing a valid visa. (This is waived for a time period about the Olympic Games.)
For visas, you may use a visa service in the city with the Brazilian Consulate serving your geographical area. To submit documents and interview for a visa, you can only use the Brazilian Consulate with jurisdiction serving the area where you live. Each Consulate may have different requirements and time frames for securing your visa; check the requirements of the Consulate having jurisdiction over where you live. You will not be allowed to apply at any other Consulate than the one with jurisdiction.
List of Brazilian Consulates in the U.S.A. with links to their sites. Note, some may not work.
Guide: GRU / Sao Paulo Admirals Club & oneworld Airline Lounges
May 25, 2016, 8:49 am
#92
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: JFK
Programs: AA EXP, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 22
I was waiting for AA906 on Monday 5/16, as I walked out from the food area towards the front I saw this guy sitting in a chair. I went over and said hello, then the entire AC came over to take pictures with him. So sweet and friendly. Then later he was sitting 2 rows behind me watching everyone board. I know some people don't like dogs on the plane, but he was so well behaved you never would have known he was there.
Jun 5, 2016, 7:02 am
#93
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA; GOL Smiles; COPA ConnectMiles; Marriot Bonvoy Titanium; Amtrak Guest Rewards Elite
Posts: 229
Posting this here regarding international connections and lounge access, as someone may find it helpful.
I arrived into GRU on an IB flight from Europe and had a departure flight from GRU to MIA later in the evening. While I could've used the day to explore Sao Paulo, I optioned against it, and tried my luck at getting into the lounge without a boarding pass AND with a checked bag. Here is what happened:
I disembarked from my IB flight, went thru immigration, and picked up my bag. This was around 7:00h in the morning. From there, I went upstairs in Terminal 3 to AA's checkin, which was open because of a 10:00h flight departing for MIA that day. I went to Business Class check-in and explained that I just arried on an IB flight and wanted to access the lounge until my AA flight later that day (21:30h). After calling the supervisor, the agent printed my boarding pass and tagged my luggage. She said that normally, I wouldn't be allowed to pass thru security and immigration so early, but that they would give it a try. I dropped my luggage off at the Oversize bag drop-off, so they could store my luggage until my flight. Everything good, right? Not exactly...
I went to enter the departure area and my boarding pass wouldn't work. It was too early for my pass to be valid so it wouldn't let me thru automatically. The security attendant looked at my pass and talked to someone, and I explained that I just wanted access to the lounge. After about 5 minutes, they let me pass thru to security. The final pass was immigration, which was fine, and I was welcomed into the lounge with no problem (as I type this from a lounge computer).
So, to my surprise, it is possible to do this when travelling on two different carriers. The big factors in my opinion were that the AA check-in desk was open, and that I had status.
I arrived into GRU on an IB flight from Europe and had a departure flight from GRU to MIA later in the evening. While I could've used the day to explore Sao Paulo, I optioned against it, and tried my luck at getting into the lounge without a boarding pass AND with a checked bag. Here is what happened:
I disembarked from my IB flight, went thru immigration, and picked up my bag. This was around 7:00h in the morning. From there, I went upstairs in Terminal 3 to AA's checkin, which was open because of a 10:00h flight departing for MIA that day. I went to Business Class check-in and explained that I just arried on an IB flight and wanted to access the lounge until my AA flight later that day (21:30h). After calling the supervisor, the agent printed my boarding pass and tagged my luggage. She said that normally, I wouldn't be allowed to pass thru security and immigration so early, but that they would give it a try. I dropped my luggage off at the Oversize bag drop-off, so they could store my luggage until my flight. Everything good, right? Not exactly...
I went to enter the departure area and my boarding pass wouldn't work. It was too early for my pass to be valid so it wouldn't let me thru automatically. The security attendant looked at my pass and talked to someone, and I explained that I just wanted access to the lounge. After about 5 minutes, they let me pass thru to security. The final pass was immigration, which was fine, and I was welcomed into the lounge with no problem (as I type this from a lounge computer).
So, to my surprise, it is possible to do this when travelling on two different carriers. The big factors in my opinion were that the AA check-in desk was open, and that I had status.
Jun 5, 2016, 7:26 am
#94
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Western PA
Programs: AA EXP/2MM
Posts: 441
I was waiting for AA906 on Monday 5/16, as I walked out from the food area towards the front I saw this guy sitting in a chair. I went over and said hello, then the entire AC came over to take pictures with him. So sweet and friendly. Then later he was sitting 2 rows behind me watching everyone board. I know some people don't like dogs on the plane, but he was so well behaved you never would have known he was there.
Jun 5, 2016, 8:20 am
#95
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: SAO & NYC
Programs: AA EXP (2 MM)
Posts: 303
I disagree...
I was waiting for AA906 on Monday 5/16, as I walked out from the food area towards the front I saw this guy sitting in a chair. I went over and said hello, then the entire AC came over to take pictures with him. So sweet and friendly. Then later he was sitting 2 rows behind me watching everyone board. I know some people don't like dogs on the plane, but he was so well behaved you never would have known he was there.
Granted, there are human beings that are as dirty or even dirtier than some dogs. Plus, they have the added distinction of being disgusting, because -- unlike dogs -- they're not supposed to be that way. But one thing doesn't negate the other. Both are true.
Jun 8, 2016, 7:45 am
#96
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Executive Club (Silver), Le Club Accor (Silver)
Posts: 680
My experience: I flew SCL-GRU on JJ with an AA-issued Y award ticket. I was connecting onto the AA flight GRU-JFK four hours later in J on a separate ticket, but had not checked in online for this flight. Upon arrival, I headed for flight connections at T3 and went through security without being asked for a boarding pass. After going up the stairs, I looked for a flight connections customer service desk but couldn't find one (open) anywhere in the terminal. There were a couple of unmanned desks at the top of the first escalator from transfer security, but they looked like they had never been used. Now of course I could go to the AAdmirals Club and check-in there (which was handled very efficiently) but would would someone travelling in Y with no status do?
For the record, I really liked the GRU AAdmirals Club. Decent food and beverage offering and a nice room with dimmed lighting, comfy chairs and TVs to have a snooze in.
P.S. I was travelling hand luggage only
For the record, I really liked the GRU AAdmirals Club. Decent food and beverage offering and a nice room with dimmed lighting, comfy chairs and TVs to have a snooze in.
P.S. I was travelling hand luggage only
Last edited by kingstontoon; Jun 8, 2016 at 7:46 am Reason: bags
Jun 8, 2016, 10:09 am
#97
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA EXP, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinium
Posts: 1,334
Posting this here regarding international connections and lounge access, as someone may find it helpful.
I arrived into GRU on an IB flight from Europe and had a departure flight from GRU to MIA later in the evening. While I could've used the day to explore Sao Paulo, I optioned against it, and tried my luck at getting into the lounge without a boarding pass AND with a checked bag. Here is what happened:
I disembarked from my IB flight, went thru immigration, and picked up my bag. This was around 7:00h in the morning. From there, I went upstairs in Terminal 3 to AA's checkin, which was open because of a 10:00h flight departing for MIA that day. I went to Business Class check-in and explained that I just arried on an IB flight and wanted to access the lounge until my AA flight later that day (21:30h). After calling the supervisor, the agent printed my boarding pass and tagged my luggage. She said that normally, I wouldn't be allowed to pass thru security and immigration so early, but that they would give it a try. I dropped my luggage off at the Oversize bag drop-off, so they could store my luggage until my flight. Everything good, right? Not exactly...
I went to enter the departure area and my boarding pass wouldn't work. It was too early for my pass to be valid so it wouldn't let me thru automatically. The security attendant looked at my pass and talked to someone, and I explained that I just wanted access to the lounge. After about 5 minutes, they let me pass thru to security. The final pass was immigration, which was fine, and I was welcomed into the lounge with no problem (as I type this from a lounge computer).
So, to my surprise, it is possible to do this when travelling on two different carriers. The big factors in my opinion were that the AA check-in desk was open, and that I had status.
I arrived into GRU on an IB flight from Europe and had a departure flight from GRU to MIA later in the evening. While I could've used the day to explore Sao Paulo, I optioned against it, and tried my luck at getting into the lounge without a boarding pass AND with a checked bag. Here is what happened:
I disembarked from my IB flight, went thru immigration, and picked up my bag. This was around 7:00h in the morning. From there, I went upstairs in Terminal 3 to AA's checkin, which was open because of a 10:00h flight departing for MIA that day. I went to Business Class check-in and explained that I just arried on an IB flight and wanted to access the lounge until my AA flight later that day (21:30h). After calling the supervisor, the agent printed my boarding pass and tagged my luggage. She said that normally, I wouldn't be allowed to pass thru security and immigration so early, but that they would give it a try. I dropped my luggage off at the Oversize bag drop-off, so they could store my luggage until my flight. Everything good, right? Not exactly...
I went to enter the departure area and my boarding pass wouldn't work. It was too early for my pass to be valid so it wouldn't let me thru automatically. The security attendant looked at my pass and talked to someone, and I explained that I just wanted access to the lounge. After about 5 minutes, they let me pass thru to security. The final pass was immigration, which was fine, and I was welcomed into the lounge with no problem (as I type this from a lounge computer).
So, to my surprise, it is possible to do this when travelling on two different carriers. The big factors in my opinion were that the AA check-in desk was open, and that I had status.
My experience: I flew SCL-GRU on JJ with an AA-issued Y award ticket. I was connecting onto the AA flight GRU-JFK four hours later in J on a separate ticket, but had not checked in online for this flight. Upon arrival, I headed for flight connections at T3 and went through security without being asked for a boarding pass. After going up the stairs, I looked for a flight connections customer service desk but couldn't find one (open) anywhere in the terminal. There were a couple of unmanned desks at the top of the first escalator from transfer security, but they looked like they had never been used. Now of course I could go to the AAdmirals Club and check-in there (which was handled very efficiently) but would would someone travelling in Y with no status do?
Jun 8, 2016, 10:10 am
#98
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,590
Also, I was cool with dogs until a GRU manager took away my window seat in F since "a pax who is travelling with a dog would be more comfortable in the window seat."
Jun 8, 2016, 10:35 am
#99
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days
Posts: 2,795
Posting this here regarding international connections and lounge access, as someone may find it helpful.
I arrived into GRU on an IB flight from Europe and had a departure flight from GRU to MIA later in the evening. While I could've used the day to explore Sao Paulo, I optioned against it, and tried my luck at getting into the lounge without a boarding pass AND with a checked bag. Here is what happened:
I disembarked from my IB flight, went thru immigration, and picked up my bag. This was around 7:00h in the morning. From there, I went upstairs in Terminal 3 to AA's checkin, which was open because of a 10:00h flight departing for MIA that day. I went to Business Class check-in and explained that I just arried on an IB flight and wanted to access the lounge until my AA flight later that day (21:30h). After calling the supervisor, the agent printed my boarding pass and tagged my luggage. She said that normally, I wouldn't be allowed to pass thru security and immigration so early, but that they would give it a try. I dropped my luggage off at the Oversize bag drop-off, so they could store my luggage until my flight. Everything good, right? Not exactly...
I went to enter the departure area and my boarding pass wouldn't work. It was too early for my pass to be valid so it wouldn't let me thru automatically. The security attendant looked at my pass and talked to someone, and I explained that I just wanted access to the lounge. After about 5 minutes, they let me pass thru to security. The final pass was immigration, which was fine, and I was welcomed into the lounge with no problem (as I type this from a lounge computer).
So, to my surprise, it is possible to do this when travelling on two different carriers. The big factors in my opinion were that the AA check-in desk was open, and that I had status.
I arrived into GRU on an IB flight from Europe and had a departure flight from GRU to MIA later in the evening. While I could've used the day to explore Sao Paulo, I optioned against it, and tried my luck at getting into the lounge without a boarding pass AND with a checked bag. Here is what happened:
I disembarked from my IB flight, went thru immigration, and picked up my bag. This was around 7:00h in the morning. From there, I went upstairs in Terminal 3 to AA's checkin, which was open because of a 10:00h flight departing for MIA that day. I went to Business Class check-in and explained that I just arried on an IB flight and wanted to access the lounge until my AA flight later that day (21:30h). After calling the supervisor, the agent printed my boarding pass and tagged my luggage. She said that normally, I wouldn't be allowed to pass thru security and immigration so early, but that they would give it a try. I dropped my luggage off at the Oversize bag drop-off, so they could store my luggage until my flight. Everything good, right? Not exactly...
I went to enter the departure area and my boarding pass wouldn't work. It was too early for my pass to be valid so it wouldn't let me thru automatically. The security attendant looked at my pass and talked to someone, and I explained that I just wanted access to the lounge. After about 5 minutes, they let me pass thru to security. The final pass was immigration, which was fine, and I was welcomed into the lounge with no problem (as I type this from a lounge computer).
So, to my surprise, it is possible to do this when travelling on two different carriers. The big factors in my opinion were that the AA check-in desk was open, and that I had status.
Jun 10, 2016, 5:30 am
#100
Join Date: Aug 2014
Programs: AA; GOL Smiles; COPA ConnectMiles; Marriot Bonvoy Titanium; Amtrak Guest Rewards Elite
Posts: 229
Yeah, there were times when I had the lounge all to my self. I suppose I could've went next door to LATAM if I wanted more of a social aspect. All in all, it was a good 10-12 hours.
Aug 30, 2016, 2:30 am
#101
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: London
Programs: Mucci (Scirocco Sash), BAEC Gold, IHG Diamond Ambassador
Posts: 861
A slightly OT query but there is very good knowledge on the general lounge situation at GRU terminals in this thread!
I'm travelling to Brazil next February, around Carnival. We arrive on BA from London at 6am, and need to connect to Rio for which I will buy a separate ticket. I am BA Gold/OW Emerald (and can prob get a *A Gold status match through TK if needed).
The hassle of transferring to CGH doesn't really seem worth it, particularly given what traffic is like in São Paulo (and we will have just come off an 11 hour flight so patience will be low!). So sticking with GRU, we need to build in a margin to allow for arrival delays, clearing customs and collecting luggage etc so I am ruling out the bank of flights between ca. 8am-9am as being a bit too close for comfort. So that leaves:
- Gol: 10:15 (to SDU)
- Avianca Brasil: 12:05 (to GIG)
- LATAM: 14:05 (to GIG)
As domestics these all leave from T2 I understand. If we went with LATAM would we be able to check in at T2 and then transit airside to T3 to use the LATAM lounge and then get back to T2? If we went with Avianca or Gol would any lounge otherwise be accessible in T2 (paid or via status, assuming I had any)?
Thanks in advance for any insights!
I'm travelling to Brazil next February, around Carnival. We arrive on BA from London at 6am, and need to connect to Rio for which I will buy a separate ticket. I am BA Gold/OW Emerald (and can prob get a *A Gold status match through TK if needed).
The hassle of transferring to CGH doesn't really seem worth it, particularly given what traffic is like in São Paulo (and we will have just come off an 11 hour flight so patience will be low!). So sticking with GRU, we need to build in a margin to allow for arrival delays, clearing customs and collecting luggage etc so I am ruling out the bank of flights between ca. 8am-9am as being a bit too close for comfort. So that leaves:
- Gol: 10:15 (to SDU)
- Avianca Brasil: 12:05 (to GIG)
- LATAM: 14:05 (to GIG)
As domestics these all leave from T2 I understand. If we went with LATAM would we be able to check in at T2 and then transit airside to T3 to use the LATAM lounge and then get back to T2? If we went with Avianca or Gol would any lounge otherwise be accessible in T2 (paid or via status, assuming I had any)?
Thanks in advance for any insights!
Aug 30, 2016, 9:34 pm
#102
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: GRU
Programs: *A Gold, OW Sapphire, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Accor Plat
Posts: 3,367
A slightly OT query but there is very good knowledge on the general lounge situation at GRU terminals in this thread!
I'm travelling to Brazil next February, around Carnival. We arrive on BA from London at 6am, and need to connect to Rio for which I will buy a separate ticket. I am BA Gold/OW Emerald (and can prob get a *A Gold status match through TK if needed).
The hassle of transferring to CGH doesn't really seem worth it, particularly given what traffic is like in São Paulo (and we will have just come off an 11 hour flight so patience will be low!). So sticking with GRU, we need to build in a margin to allow for arrival delays, clearing customs and collecting luggage etc so I am ruling out the bank of flights between ca. 8am-9am as being a bit too close for comfort. So that leaves:
- Gol: 10:15 (to SDU)
- Avianca Brasil: 12:05 (to GIG)
- LATAM: 14:05 (to GIG)
As domestics these all leave from T2 I understand. If we went with LATAM would we be able to check in at T2 and then transit airside to T3 to use the LATAM lounge and then get back to T2? If we went with Avianca or Gol would any lounge otherwise be accessible in T2 (paid or via status, assuming I had any)?
Thanks in advance for any insights!
I'm travelling to Brazil next February, around Carnival. We arrive on BA from London at 6am, and need to connect to Rio for which I will buy a separate ticket. I am BA Gold/OW Emerald (and can prob get a *A Gold status match through TK if needed).
The hassle of transferring to CGH doesn't really seem worth it, particularly given what traffic is like in São Paulo (and we will have just come off an 11 hour flight so patience will be low!). So sticking with GRU, we need to build in a margin to allow for arrival delays, clearing customs and collecting luggage etc so I am ruling out the bank of flights between ca. 8am-9am as being a bit too close for comfort. So that leaves:
- Gol: 10:15 (to SDU)
- Avianca Brasil: 12:05 (to GIG)
- LATAM: 14:05 (to GIG)
As domestics these all leave from T2 I understand. If we went with LATAM would we be able to check in at T2 and then transit airside to T3 to use the LATAM lounge and then get back to T2? If we went with Avianca or Gol would any lounge otherwise be accessible in T2 (paid or via status, assuming I had any)?
Thanks in advance for any insights!
Furthermore, once cleared immigration and customs, and flying a domestic itinerary you are usually given 20 kls/baggage per passenger.
T2 & T3 are within walking distance, a non-issue. It has been a while but I do not recall at GRU any lounge for domestic flights, other than a rather poor Amex lounge in T1; Lots of lounges to choose from, in the international side though.
Given the options you point out I would definitely choose a flight towards SDU as you are already inside Rio and get the chance of a magnificent view when approaching for landing, instead of GIG which sits in Ilha do Governador, highly inconvenient if you ask me from many perspectives.
Cheers
Last edited by pb9997; Aug 31, 2016 at 11:39 am
Aug 31, 2016, 10:08 am
#103
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 960
Given the options you point out I would definitely choose a flight towards SDU as you already inside Rio and get the chance of a magnificent view when approaching for landing, instead of GIG which sits in Ilha do Governador, highly inconvenient if you ask me from many perspectives.
Cheers
Cheers
Aug 31, 2016, 12:25 pm
#104
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Washington D.C.
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 131
Given the options you point out I would definitely choose a flight towards SDU as you are already inside Rio and get the chance of a magnificent view when approaching for landing, instead of GIG which sits in Ilha do Governador, highly inconvenient if you ask me from many perspectives.
Aug 31, 2016, 12:34 pm
#105
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: GRU
Programs: *A Gold, OW Sapphire, SPG Gold, HH Diamond, Accor Plat
Posts: 3,367
Agreed most GRU outbound Rio flights are towards GIG. Usually Rio SDU flights depart from CGH.