Feb 16, 2017, 2:34 pm
Last edit by: seawolf
NOTE: Flagship Lounges and Flagship First Dining closed March 20, 2020. They will begin reopening in September of 2021, as discussed in this thread (link). This thread will reboot as the Premium facilities begin reopening and as AA announces any changes including access rules.
Beginning in spring 2017, AA began introducing their completely renovated or new, larger Flagship Lounges completely redesigned for qualifying First and Business Class customers.
Rules for expanded access to Flagship Lounges were published June 2017.
Features
As well, Flagship Lounge access policies changed.
American Airlines has expanded access to the Flagship Lounges (but reduced access to Flagship Dining within the Flagship Lounges):
Expanded access
In the new Flagship Lounges (not to be confused with Flagship Dining), eligible customers are:
1 guest (children over 2 count as a guest)
*Qualifying international flights are those between the U.S. and Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela) only. Qualifying transcontinental flights are defined as non-stop between New York Kennedy (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO). All other international destinations are excluded from this benefit. Departing flight must be the same-day (or before 6 a.m. the following day).
**AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members traveling solely on North American itineraries (other than flights mentioned immediately above) will not qualify. North America is defined as the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska), Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
: An exception usually exists for First and Business passengers on AA Flagship (three class aircraft actually sold as three classes), such as the seasonal MIA-LAX 77W and LAX-BOS A321T.
NOTE: Flagship First Class customers on Americans 3-class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive, complimentary access to Flagship First Dining. Qualifying international passengers may bring one guest; qualifying domestic passengers are not allowed any guests.
NOTE: Flagship First Class and Flagship Business Class passengers traveling on 3-cabin transcontinental flights between JFK and LAX/SFO are allowed entry to the Flagship Lounge both upon departure and upon arrival (e.g. A passenger traveling business class nonstop from JFK to LAX will have access to the JFK Lounge and the LAX Lounge). However, passengers on this itinerary will not be allowed to bring in a guest if they are not also in the Flagship cabin
Link to relevant "Flagship Lounge" aa.com page
Link to 2017 and 2018 posts archived from this thread.
Beginning in spring 2017, AA began introducing their completely renovated or new, larger Flagship Lounges completely redesigned for qualifying First and Business Class customers.
Rules for expanded access to Flagship Lounges were published June 2017.
Features
- More room for you to spread out and relax
- Larger buffet with premium, fresh meals
- Premium beer, wine and spirits
- Updated interiors with additional power and privacy options
- More staff in each lounge for the highest level of service
As well, Flagship Lounge access policies changed.
American Airlines has expanded access to the Flagship Lounges (but reduced access to Flagship Dining within the Flagship Lounges):
Expanded access
In the new Flagship Lounges (not to be confused with Flagship Dining), eligible customers are:
- First and Business Class customers (on qualifying international flights or 3-class transcontinental markets*)
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum (including Concierge Key), Platinum Pro and Platinum members in any cabin (on qualifying international flights*)
- oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members in any cabin (on all qualifying flights**)
Qualifying transcontinental flights
3-class non-stop flights between:
- New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX)
- JFK and San Francisco (SFO)
- JFK and Orange County (SNA)
- LAX and Miami (MIA)
- LAX and Boston (BOS)
Qualifying other domestic filghts
Flights with seats ticketed as Flagship between:
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Honolulu (HNL)
- DFW and Kona (KOA)
- DFW and Maui (OGG)
- Chicago (ORD) and HNL
- Charlotte (CLT) and HNL
1 guest (children over 2 count as a guest)
*Qualifying international flights are those between the U.S. and Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela) only. Qualifying transcontinental flights are defined as non-stop between New York Kennedy (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO). All other international destinations are excluded from this benefit. Departing flight must be the same-day (or before 6 a.m. the following day).
**AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members traveling solely on North American itineraries (other than flights mentioned immediately above) will not qualify. North America is defined as the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska), Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.
: An exception usually exists for First and Business passengers on AA Flagship (three class aircraft actually sold as three classes), such as the seasonal MIA-LAX 77W and LAX-BOS A321T.
NOTE: Flagship First Class customers on Americans 3-class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive, complimentary access to Flagship First Dining. Qualifying international passengers may bring one guest; qualifying domestic passengers are not allowed any guests.
NOTE: Flagship First Class and Flagship Business Class passengers traveling on 3-cabin transcontinental flights between JFK and LAX/SFO are allowed entry to the Flagship Lounge both upon departure and upon arrival (e.g. A passenger traveling business class nonstop from JFK to LAX will have access to the JFK Lounge and the LAX Lounge). However, passengers on this itinerary will not be allowed to bring in a guest if they are not also in the Flagship cabin
Link to relevant "Flagship Lounge" aa.com page
Link to 2017 and 2018 posts archived from this thread.
Guide to Flagship Lounge Access
Mar 11, 2020 | 6:59 am
#181
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
I think you got lucky! I wonder if that means you could get in with an "F" ticket to a two-class destination, for instance LAS. Because QF agents aren't really trained to know the difference between true First to JFK vs. "First" to LAS.
Mar 11, 2020 | 9:42 am
#182
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA LT PLT+2MM, BA Silver, HH Diamond
Posts: 6,155
For sure they used to let 3 class transcon F in, especially before FFD was introduced. They can scan the ticket, and if it says yes, they'll let you in. At the end of the day, AA is paying for the access if based on class of service premises. If AA (not QF) has changed the rules, then it would be recent.
Mar 11, 2020 | 3:12 pm
#183
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: ORD, sadly...
Programs: AA Exec Plat
Posts: 601
For sure they used to let 3 class transcon F in, especially before FFD was introduced. They can scan the ticket, and if it says yes, they'll let you in. At the end of the day, AA is paying for the access if based on class of service premises. If AA (not QF) has changed the rules, then it would be recent.
Mar 11, 2020 | 7:52 pm
#186
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Gold Star, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,760
Mar 12, 2020 | 3:28 pm
#188
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2019
Programs: AA: CK
Posts: 2,230
Mar 12, 2020 | 5:05 pm
#189
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 6,141
AA-OWE - flying OW or AA international - always have access. I have done it many times. Never an issue.
AA-OWE - flying AA domestic (not dedicated 3 cabin transcon) - no access.
AA-OWE - flying the LAX 3 cabin - I have seen mixed reports.
Mar 12, 2020 | 6:06 pm
#190
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: New York, USA
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 42
Just to add another data point - last November I flew LAX-JFK in 321T F as a lowly PLT. QF F lounge initially tried to turn me away, they eventually made a phone call to the AC/FL and they apparently were able to convince the QF people to let me in. Seems very much a YMMV situation.
Mar 12, 2020 | 7:14 pm
#191
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: York, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, Honors Diamond
Posts: 1,212
Just to add another data point, when I flew LAX-MIA on the 777 last October I accidentally went to the OW J lounge, she commented that it was one of the few AA flights that they let in, once she saw my Emerald Status I was directed to the QF F lounge instead (BA Gold travelling in J).
Mar 12, 2020 | 7:41 pm
#192
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: LAX/JFK
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 181
Just to add another data point, when I flew LAX-MIA on the 777 last October I accidentally went to the OW J lounge, she commented that it was one of the few AA flights that they let in, once she saw my Emerald Status I was directed to the QF F lounge instead (BA Gold travelling in J).
In any case, had no issues getting into the LAX QF lounge as an AA EXP going to MEX in Y last week. They scanned my boarding pass and I was good to go. Was my first time there and, aside from the QF table service and bar, I prefer the FL since it has nice tarmac views and natural light.
Mar 12, 2020 | 7:44 pm
#193
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: York, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, Honors Diamond
Posts: 1,212
Wouldn't a BA Gold get access to F lounges before any OW flight (including AA), or do I have that wrong?
In any case, had no issues getting into the LAX QF lounge as an AA EXP going to MEX in Y last week. They scanned my boarding pass and I was good to go. Was my first time there and, aside from the QF table service and bar, I prefer the FL since it has nice tarmac views and natural light.
In any case, had no issues getting into the LAX QF lounge as an AA EXP going to MEX in Y last week. They scanned my boarding pass and I was good to go. Was my first time there and, aside from the QF table service and bar, I prefer the FL since it has nice tarmac views and natural light.
Mar 12, 2020 | 11:40 pm
#194
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: OC, CA
Programs: AA EXP, 2MM, HH Diamond
Posts: 840
You guys may be talking about two different things...
AA-OWE - flying OW or AA international - always have access. I have done it many times. Never an issue.
AA-OWE - flying AA domestic (not dedicated 3 cabin transcon) - no access.
AA-OWE - flying the LAX 3 cabin - I have seen mixed reports.
AA-OWE - flying OW or AA international - always have access. I have done it many times. Never an issue.
AA-OWE - flying AA domestic (not dedicated 3 cabin transcon) - no access.
AA-OWE - flying the LAX 3 cabin - I have seen mixed reports.
Mar 12, 2020 | 11:52 pm
#195
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Global
Posts: 6,141
Pre-Corona - I have left the Q lounge and went back to FL in the evening because it was packed full; Q employees finding seats for people and wifi not working because too many people trying to log on.
Sadly with Corona, I don't think capacity will be an issue for a while.