AndyHall

Hi all,

I have an upcoming trip LHR-ORD-SAN next week in first. Will I be able to use the AA flagship lounge. I had a look at the AA site but are a bit confused about the rules. Does anyone know?

Thanks
Andy

darthlemsip

Yes.

However, don't expect much - it may say 'Flagship' in the name, but it's a terrible lounge for something that is supposed to be their best

AndyHall

OK thanks. But still better than the regular Admiral at ORD?

corporate-wage-slave

However it's the best lounge there is in that area of ORD! It's a lot better than Admirals in terms of food and drink, though the focus is on the Japan long hauls there, and there are a lot of JAL frequent flyers that use it. Thinks GC rather than Flounge. It is definitely not as good as the other 2 Flagships in USA (JFK is the best, LAX comes second).

But if you are either oneworld emerald or connecting from a longhaul First (with various ifs and buts) you can use Flagship if it is open. It is very hidden, so look at the ORD terminal map. It's at the end of the terminal building, stay on the left hand side of the corridor, go right to the end then look toward the right just before you walk into the end wall.

jmc1K

I much prefer the regular club at ORD. I'm a sit at the bar guy, though, so if you are not it can be rather crowded and you might prefer the FL. As the other poster said, though, it is pretty mediocre. The one at LAX is nicer.

darthlemsip

Yes indeed

darthlemsip

I haven't been there for just over a year now, but last time I was there the food offering consisted of some crackers and some sushi that looked like it had been there a very long time. Drink options weren't too bad though, and the ladies manning it were lovely

economyman

There are times when I just don't bother walking all the way to the FL. As c-w-s says it's well hidden and right at the end of the K concourse. If my flight is near the entrance to the concourse or one of the H gates, then if I don't have much time I don't bother, it's not worth it.
That said, free food options are certainly better. If you like vegetables and fruit there is usually a nice selection. Also some cheeses and crackers plus some okay drinks. I think there may also be some hot dishes with chicken, etc. but I don't look at that so not sure. At the AC you will need to pay to get any real food or drink (unless you are emerald)

chris1979

I do not usually (dare to?) disagree with you but there are elements of the LAX Flagship Lounge that IMHO can beat the JFK one:

- shower facilities within the lounge (I've once become 'locked out' of the Flagship lounge in JFK and had to go back via the main reception)
- lounge angels within the lounge who can sort out issues: I know there's a single desk in the JFK one but I don't think it's consistently 'manned' / there to help with issues whilst I have found the angels in LAX very good with sorting out issues.

Food: I'd say JFK tops LAX on this though LAX not bad (compared to US lounges - nothing like GC's, GF's or CCR food wise)

both are great for views.

darthlemsip

JFK serves meatballs. It will therefore win at everything

scillyisles

The AA Flagship lounge at ORD is much better than the normal Admirals club. It is much smaller and as others have noted it is used by JAL flyers. I was in it a couple of weeks ago around just before lunch and there was a fair selection of food out which ranged from breakfast items such as muffins, fresh fruit etc through to rolls, cheese, crackers etc. It all looked and tasted ok. Drinks are provided and again the selection is better than in the Admirals Club lounge plus you do not have to pay after your first free one.
The Flagship lounge in LAX is much better and tends to be much quieter. Food and drink offerings are better with generally hot soup, one or two hot dishes plus lots of sandwiches/rolls/cheese/fruit etc.
I have not been in the Flagship lounge at JFK so do not know how it compares.
There is also another AA Flagship lounge at Miami which I will get to try in October.

crazyarmadillo

I too prefer LAX first, then JFK.

Tho I suspect its down to the time of the day I am usually at these lounges.

LAX - either morning (the sausage is a real treat for me before a long journey) or evening - the hot meal changes often and is always good.

JFK - afternoon - so pretty much nothing hot.

Both lounges I have had dealings with the AAngels and both locations have been excellent in sorting flight issues.

jerry a. laska

Usual ORD Flagship Lounge afternoon food offerings:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23408415-post148.html
More info and pictures are available in that thread.

cme17

Check if you are travelling on a Sunday - last year there was no alcohol till after noon (I think).

TheKipper

Use that lounge regularly. Poor lounge with really amazing staff. If you have issues (hopefully travel related), that's the place to go for help!