Hi everyone,
I've been reading these forums for about four months now and never had the courage to step in! So I thought I'd give it a try. First I'd like to say the amount of information here is incredible and all of you have helped me discover/plan/fine-tune my planned RTW trip next summer. So, now to the questions....

I used the ONE Validator tool I found on this forum and typed in the following::

DEN-LGA,JFK-SXM-JFK-LAX-HKG-NRT-HKG-SIN-HKG-SYD-AKL-SYD-LHR-DXB-LHR-NCE-LHR-MIA-DFW-DEN.

I have called the AA RTW desk 3 times and talked to 3 different people who all said this routing was valid. However, when I typed it into the tool I got the message:

Rule violated!!!! [LAX-HKG] Max 2 segment(s): @ One intl departure/arrival from country of origin

When I took JFK-SXM out, the message went away and it said I had a valid itinerary. So my first question is is my flight to SXM a violation of the rules for a ONE?

My next question is regarding the Flagship Lounge Acces in LAX (again, I know.) I know that you cannot get in for being in A-Class on an AA Transcon, but since I would be leaving the same day (albeit at 11:55 pm) on CX883 in First (A), would I be allowed access?

I think that's it for now! Thank you all in advance for you help. I'm sorry if I have asked repetetive questions, I've searched for months trying to answer all my questions, but I decided the only way to get a solid answer would be to ask!

Buck

I believe the tool is correct. The rules clearly state that only one international departure and arrival is allowed from the originating country. The only exceptions are that Canada/US and Sweden/Denmark/Norway are each regarded as a single country. SXM is not in the US.

Having said that, if AA will issue it and you are confident that you will not need to reissue the ticket later (at which point a more clued up person might spot it and cause problems) then go ahead.

I believe so - the restriction on A is meant to catch people on AA e-upgrades. The door people should realise that you are in revenue-First and let you in.

Your routing is valid if your country of origin is not USA or Canada (it would be valid starting in Mexico for example). The tool is correct, by going to SXM you blow the rule prohibiting 2nd entry to country of origin (US/Canada are considered to be one country for this rule, but the rest of NA is not!). The RTW desk people are too used to non-US origin RTW routings, which would allow this. So your choice is to either skip SXM, or fly LHR-BGI or NAS instead of re-entering the US directly and visit SXM on a side trip, or originate in MEX instead. Or change the trip completely and purchase in TPE or BKK or some other lower-cost point of origin.
The LAX FL will allow you access on the day of your CX departure (no matter how many hours ahead that is). They will vigorously try to talk you into using the CX lounge at TBI instead but will let you in if you persist. The FL is far nicer than any of the TBI lounges.

Thank you both for your quick responses! Looks like I'll have to find another flight to take up that segment. Good news about the FL however. When I called the Admiral's Club number, I asked the agent the same question I asked here and she didn't actually know what the Flagship Lounge was. She kept saying "I think you mean the Admiral's Club." But she was very nice about it (as have all the AA people I've called so far.) So I decided to come here! Again, thanks for the answers.

I don't know this for certain, but I'd hope that you could substitute SJU for SXM and then have a valid routing -- this assumes that a flight from the US to Puerto Rico is not considered international by the OWE or IATA rules.

not true!
only P/F/Z fares allow fl use.
i have seen revenue first class pax booked in A turned away from the fl

I think the P/F/Z limitation only applies for non-stop transcons. International First Class booked in "A" should suffice, regardless of status.