lexi

After much research and reading old threads, I'm a bit confused as to whether I'll have access to the AA lounge in D and/or the DL lounge in H.

I'll be flying from MIA-LIM on a business class AA award ticket on LAN. Flight departs late at night and would like the opportunity to shower before the flight.

It's my impression that the nicer lounge is AA, although it is much further away.

Which lounge(s) will I be permitted to use? If I have a choice and time isn't a factor, which one should I choose?

Thanks for your help.

Edited to add: I have no status on any airline.

zpaul

If you are connecting in MIA and are in the D/E terminals you can use the AA lounge, which is FAR superior to the DL SkyClub in H/J, where LAN has gates. However, if you are originating in MIA, you will only be allowed to access the terminal you're departing from which will require that you use the DL club, which does have showers. Keep in mind that if you use the Admirals Club you will have to leave the terminal, go landside, and pass through security for the H7J terminals, as they are not connected airside.

You might want to ask at check-in about the Americas Club (or something like that) which is in the International Terminal, as well. I've seen some discussion here that LAN passengers have access to it, but I've only ever been to the DL club.

JohnnyColombia

I don't get it, LAN's website lists Club America as the lounge for the J terminal.

I have never been to any of them, I usually arrive to late at the airport, but the Club America lounge looks nice as I pass it

http://www.lan.com/en_uk/sitio_perso...lones_vip.html

zpaul

A thought just hit me...

On LAN I have never originated my trip in MIA, I've always connected so I make my way out of D/E and over to security for H/J - I've never checked-in at LAN and never been told where to go or given an invitation. I usually go through the first security checkpoint coming from D/E and turn left towards the LAN gates, and down that hallway there's a lounge sign that includes LAN and leads into the SkyClub. I never thought to ask if there was a different lounge, and never went far enough down the concourse to see Club America until it was time for boarding.

Maybe the SkyClub is just to catch the few of us that are off our game at the time? I know, weird premise, but a possibility? Also, when I arrive at the SkyClub they fill out a voucher right there, so they are definitely billing LAN for my stay. I'm sure DL isn't saying "no" the the extra (minimal) revenue.

lexi

OP here. Thanks to everyone for your input. Especially the bit about having to reclear security to go from the D/E concourse to the H/J concourse. I didn't realize that.

I'll be arriving in MIA 3 days prior to my MIA-LIM leg on AA on another segment of my award ticket. Does the length of the stopover negate my right to the AA lounge?

From everyone's input it sounds like I may only be eligible for the DL SkyClub lounge or the Club America lounge?

Thanks again. I genuinely appreciate it.

zpaul

Since you'll be checking in directly with LAN (as the operator of the flight) you will only be permitted access to the H/J concourses, as those are LAN's gates; your BP will show where you're going and security won't allow you into D/E ... unless you get lucky. From a lounge access point of view, you would have access to the American clubs IF you could get into the D/E concourses.

It sounds like I'm such a lounge whore that I've just taken the first available lounge when I've gotten into the area - check with LAN at check-in. I bet it's the Club America lounge, as that's what they say on their site. There ae more threads here talking about MIA lounges where you might find more information about it.

lexi

That clarifies it. Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.

Saeta

LAN uses club america which has both a first and business class lounge. Always been invited to the first class lounge which has a shower. There's a fee to use the shower, but free for LAN passengers.
P.s. No shampoo, only soap.

lexi

Thanks! Great info.

lexi

OP here. Just wanted to thank everyone again for their input and thought I would share my experience. Upon check-in with LAN, they gave us an invitation to the Club America Lounge located between gates J5 and J7.

Upon entry to the lounge, I asked the hostess if the shower was available and she informed me there were two others ahead of me. After half an hour or so she notified me they were cleaning the shower and would come get me when it was ready. After about ten minutes I was escorted to the private shower room that had a private toilet, mirror, towel warmer, and a basket with a hand towel, bath towel, soap, shampoo, and hair dryer. The shower seemed very clean and I was pleased with the experience.

The lounge also offered free wifi, drinks (sodas, water, and alcohol) and snacks (finger sandwiches, two kinds of soup, cookies, and chips). They also made announcements in the lounge as flights were ready to board. A business center with computers was also available.

Although not very large and lacked private areas (got a little loud when a large group entered), I was very pleased with the facility and would not hesitate to use again.

danielonn

http://www.prioritypass.com/lounges/lounge-details.cfm#

Lounge Information
Airport: Miami (FL) - International (MIA), Concourse J South
Lounge: CLUB AMERICA
Location: Airside - near Gate J5, in the main departure lounge.

Opening Hours: 05:00 - 21:30 Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. 05:00 - 22:30 Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday. Hours may vary according to flight schedules.

Conditions: Children under 2 years are admitted free - Alcoholic drinks are only available to passengers 21 years of age or older - Dress code applicable - Non-smoking.

Additional Information: Shower and fax facilities are subject to payment.

Rock Harders

I have used the Club America lounge multiple times when traveling on paid LAN J tickets and have never been asked to pay to use the shower. The shower itself is acceptable although not as nice as the Admirals Club shower near D30. In addition, as opposed to the experience of a previous poster, the shower was always stocked with both soap and shampoo.

ArizonaGuy

Does the Club America lounge require invitations? In others words, do I need to make a stop at the LAN check-in desks when connecting at MIA? Or will simply having an AA printed J boarding pass for a LA/4M flight suffice?

swdke

I'd like to know the answer to this too. Also, which is a better lounge, Club America or AAdvantage Admirals Club in Terminal D?

dajoip

My wife and I will be traveling through Miami later this year on a trip with United/AA in economy, with a substantial layover in Miami. We have the Chase Ink Bold card which gives us membership in the Lounge Club with 2 free stays per year. Both Miami Club America Lounges are part of the Lounge Club, so I'm wondering if these free passes are enough to get us access to either of these lounges, or if we need to be flying a certain airline/class to get in. The website says "access to the lounge is by invitation only through the member airlines and is generally offered to those passengers travelling first and business class." So, I'm wondering if that's a blanket statement, or if the free passes will be enough for us to gain access.