Lounge Access With Non-OW Onward Flight?
 

Hi All. I am an AA Exec. Plat. (OW Emerald) traveling JFK-LHR-ATH-CHA this Sunday. The JFK-LHR and LHR-ATH flights are on AA and BA respectively. My onward brief flight from Athens to Chania (Crete) is with Olympic Airways.

Unfortunately, I have a 4 plus hour layover in Athens. I believe that technically I'm not allowed access to any OW lounges due to the fact that my onward flight is not on a OW carrier. Is that right? If so, what are the chances they might make an exception (considering the previous 2 legs and Emerald status) and allow me in? Any and all help appreciated.

You are correct, no lounge access. Probably the only OW lounge at ATH is BA, who strictly enforces the rules. Times like this is when you really need BA Gold status. Unfortunately in OW all Emeralds are not created equal.

no chance whatsoever--i've been in the same situation. but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try nonetheless!

In any case, the BA lounge is in the non-Schengen part of the terminal, while the OA flights to CHQ depart from the opposite side of the terminal, in the Schengen departures area.