Jan 2, 2023, 11:33 am
Last edit by: Prospero
HELP DESK: Lounge Access, Access Rules. Will I Have Lounge Access? (2020)
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
Admirals Club lounges have reopened from the Covid closures, but not all Clubs have reopened, and hours have changed.
Link to aa.com Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge Access rules.
Also see Admirals Club rates increasing, new restrictions: 2019
PLEASE DO NOT ALTER THE CONTENT OF THIS MODERATOR NOTE
The Lounge Access Help Desk
To assist members with questions about Lounge Access Rules that they have not been able to answer on their own using the above resources, the AA Moderator team has decided to institute this thread, the third in a series of "Help Desk" threads. N.B.: If you have questions about physical access to a specific lounge (e.g., airside vs. landside, different terminal, etc.), please search for and post to the appropriate specific thread for that lounge.
New threads on this topic will be merged into this one and bumped by the moderators as necessary. As such, we do not expect that this thread will develop into a searchable database, but that it will nonetheless provide a valuable resource to members. As well, we may shed / pare down posts from time to time to a trailing thread or similar device.
Our goal is to provide a place where members can feel welcome to post such questions and expect helpful, accurate responses. In this way, we hope to accommodate the needs and desires of both new and veteran members - those who aren't sure they are interpreting the available resources correctly can ask for help without fear of snarky-appearing responses; those who do not wish to participate in such threads are invited and, indeed, encouraged, to ignore this thread.
Please be forewarned: This thread will be subject to heavy moderation. Posts that are incorrect will be subject to deletion without notice - DO NOT POST answers unless you are sure your answer is complete and correct. Posts that are unhelpful or off-topic will also be subject to deletion without notice - DO NOT POST unless you can be friendly, helpful, concise, and salient.
Finally, a few guidelines for members posting queries to this thread:
Also see the future changes in lounges and access: Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge Changes, Renovations & Additions
Sincerely,
The American Airlines AAdvantage forum Moderator Team
(Help Desk established by dstan
=================end mod note===================
Help Desk: Lounge Access Rules / Will I Have Lounge Access?
Lounge Access can be obtained in a number of ways during travel on AA and its oneworld partner airlines. These include purchasing an Admirals Club one day pass, or via Citi AAdvantage Executive MasterCard (including, as of Dec 2015, authorized Executive card users), reciprocity agreements with other airlines, traveling on certain transcon flights in F or J, or traveling internationally with Platinum or Platinum Pro (oneworld Sapphire) or Concierge Key or Executive Platinum (oneworld Emerald) status or in F or J classes of service - except if flying solely within North America destinations other than MEX as AAdvantage elite or AA elite in Business class. The last is often the greatest source of confusion, despite lounge access rules being described clearly on aa.com.
Admirals Club members paid or Executive primary cardholder members) are entitled guests as follows:
Up to two guests or household members (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under the age of 18) may accompany the member.
* Note that AA no longer offers a 30-day membership as of July 25 2016.
Executive card subsidiary cardholders have admission as well.
PLT and PPRO members are eligible for access to all oneworld Business Class lounges, now including Flagship Lounges, including Admirals Clubs; EXP and CK members are also eligible for access to nearly all oneworld First Class lounges, including Flagship Lounges.
For AA status-based access (PLT, PPRO, EXP, Concierge Key),* passengers must: (1) be traveling on an international itinerary (Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and Mexico City, excluding the Caribbean and other destinations in North America (other than on certain three class transcontinental flights) including other destinations in Mexico, and (2) have an onward flight on a oneworld airline marketed and operated flight on the same day.
Lounges operated by third parties or premium lounges operating outside of oneworld rules (e.g. BA Concorde Room, Qatar Al Safwa or Al Mourjan lounges, AA Flagship First Dining) may be excluded, and all may may refuse admittance if they claim they are crowded. There are other exceptions.
*Non-AA oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elites are not subject to rule #1 above.
Emerald / EP on CX JFK-YVR are not subject to AA limitations and are issued Flagship Lounge invitations for use at JFK.
The following exceptions apply: (in part; for the entire list, see here)
American Airlines and Qantas paid programmes
American Airlines and Qantas offer programmes enabling customers to pay to gain access to their lounges. These programmes are not part of the oneworld agreement, and members of these programmes are not entitled to access lounges under the oneworld agreement.
American Airlines AAdvantage member North American flights
American Airlines Airlines AAdvantage members, regardless of their tier status or class of travel, are not eligble for lounge access when travelling solely on North American flights within or between the U.S, Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Carribean. For more information, visit, http://aa.com/i18n/travelInformation...miralsClub.jsp
Traveling Flagship Business Transcontinentalalso gives you lounge access and other amenities:
Los Angeles (LAX) - New York (JFK)
San Francisco (SFO) - JFK
LAX - Boston (BOS) traveling on A321T aircraft only
LAX - Miami (MIA) traveling on B777-300 aircraft only (through October 26, 2019)
The following exceptions apply:
First and Business Class customers who do not hold Emerald or Sapphire tier status are not eligible to access American Airlines lounges when travelling on solely domestic flights within the U.S. or between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico [except Mexico City], the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean; customers travelling in First or Business class on U.S. transcontinental flights between JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO and vice-versa are eligible for lounge access. oneworld lounge access page - link
On February 17 2016, AA announced an addition to the above. As stated on their Reimagining our lounges page, in the Flagship Lounges section, "Starting in 2017, lounge access will be extended to customers booked in Business and First Class on A321T, Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific and deep South American flights."
Important Note: Though this announcement excluded Northern South America and Central America, those travelling to or from those destinations in J/F or who hold OWE or OWS, including AA elites, do indeed have access to the Flagship Lounge. See the link below for Flagship Lounge access rules for details.
In the Flagship Dining subsection, they state:
Beginning in early 2017, the Flagship Dining experience will be available in select cities with 3-class service:
● Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) (2019)
● New York (JFK)
● Miami (MIA)
● Los Angeles (LAX)
First Class customers on Americans three class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive access to Flagship Dining.
All Admirals Club visitors receive free Wi-Fi access at Admirals Clubs (password is available at front desk and throughout the Club on signs), some non-alcoholic and "well" (lower price tier) alcoholic beverages, counter snacks and offered food items; free computer terminals are available for all passengers, and many Clubs have Business Centers and tethered Samsung Galaxy tablets in seating areas. Passengers accessing Admirals Clubs based on status or class of service on international travel are entitled to free drinks coupons usable for higher-tier non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and bottles of water.
Flagship Lounges (JFK, LAX, LHR and ORD) offer extended beverages and upscale snack services as well. See below for link.
NOTE: Some Lounges and Clubs are undergoing refurbishment.
Citi Prestige MasterCard holder Admirals Club access ended July 23, 2017.
American Express Platinum cardholder Admirals Club access ended 21 March 2014.
NOTE: It has been verified more airports are allowing multiple terminal access on one's day of departure. LAX has been one since mid-2014.
Admirals Club access is granted the day of flight for statusholders flyingoneworld and those flying F or J, or the following day at the first port of arrival if flying overnight and arriving by 0600.
Airports requiring Lounge users have a same day departure boarding pass include BOG, CCS, CDG, GIG, GRU, LHR, MEX, NRT, SCL, YYZ.
N.B. Qantas Lounges and Clubs require Smart Casual (sic) dress as of May 2015; those not meeting the standard may be turned away. They also require Admirals Club members be traveling on a departing AA marketed flight, otherbthan the LAX / TBIT lounge.
Please see the following resources for full details on Lounge Access Rules: (and see below)
● AA.com: Lounge Access Rules
● AA.com: American Airlines Flagship Lounge Access Rules
Beginning later in 2017: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ge-updates.jsp opens Flagship access to many more pax.
● AA.com: Reimaging our lounges
● AA.com: Admirals Club Membership Guide in a downloadable PDF format.
● oneworld.com: Lounge Access Rules and Search Tool
● Wiki: Lounges
● FT: American Airlines LOUNGE DASHBOARD
For various threads on membership, access by status, transcon service, class of service, Flagship lounge access, lounges directory with links to specific lounge threads, Club member access to partner lounges, recipripocity agreements, etc.
Admirals Club members - Qantas Club members
Link-->Guide to Admirals Club Members + Reciprocal Qantas Club Access
Note: Qantas Club access for Admirals Club members has CHANGED over time
As an Admirals Club annual, lifetime member, Citi / AAdvantage Executive Card primary cardholder, or AirPass member with Admirals Club privileges, your Qantas Club domestic access has changed over time:
Select Qantas Clubs when departing on the same day on a Qantas operated flight or an American marketed flight operated by Qantas. NOTE: This is different than oneworld access rules and pertains only to Admirals Club members.
Also note Qantas will (at 2016) begin selling single admission starting at $49, but these at least initially will be restricted to QF Bronze or Silver members and only available during non-peak times. At this time, AA flyers are ineligible. Link to 2016 Australian Business Traveller article.[Edit may not be accurate at 04 Jan 2023]
Previously, members could access Qantas domestic lounges with an Admirals Club card without having purchased the AA codeshare. This is no longer permitted. These changes do not include one world Emerald or Sapphire members.
Eligible Admirals Club members must present the following documentation:NOTE Qantas Club Dress Code: N.B. Qantas Lounges and Clubs will require Smart Casual (sic) dress as of May 2015; those not meeting the standard may be turned away. (No open-toe shoes.) c/o hartlogan
Please read this wiki carefully; some fine nuances exist.
Admirals Club lounges have reopened from the Covid closures, but not all Clubs have reopened, and hours have changed.
Link to aa.com Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge Access rules.
Also see Admirals Club rates increasing, new restrictions: 2019
PLEASE DO NOT ALTER THE CONTENT OF THIS MODERATOR NOTE
The Lounge Access Help Desk
To assist members with questions about Lounge Access Rules that they have not been able to answer on their own using the above resources, the AA Moderator team has decided to institute this thread, the third in a series of "Help Desk" threads. N.B.: If you have questions about physical access to a specific lounge (e.g., airside vs. landside, different terminal, etc.), please search for and post to the appropriate specific thread for that lounge.
New threads on this topic will be merged into this one and bumped by the moderators as necessary. As such, we do not expect that this thread will develop into a searchable database, but that it will nonetheless provide a valuable resource to members. As well, we may shed / pare down posts from time to time to a trailing thread or similar device.
Our goal is to provide a place where members can feel welcome to post such questions and expect helpful, accurate responses. In this way, we hope to accommodate the needs and desires of both new and veteran members - those who aren't sure they are interpreting the available resources correctly can ask for help without fear of snarky-appearing responses; those who do not wish to participate in such threads are invited and, indeed, encouraged, to ignore this thread.
Please be forewarned: This thread will be subject to heavy moderation. Posts that are incorrect will be subject to deletion without notice - DO NOT POST answers unless you are sure your answer is complete and correct. Posts that are unhelpful or off-topic will also be subject to deletion without notice - DO NOT POST unless you can be friendly, helpful, concise, and salient.
Finally, a few guidelines for members posting queries to this thread:
- Please DO make an effort to review the listed resources before posting here.
- Please DO try to give as much information as possible, including your entire itinerary, with carrier for each segment and codeshares and stopovers clearly designated, your class of service and fare class purchased, whether or not you have Admirals Club or Qantas Club membership, a Citi AAdvantage Executive card (which includes full Admirals Club membership), and the number of guests and your family relationship with them, if any.
- Please DO understand it could take some time for answers (especially on holidays and weekends.)
- Please DO thank helpful members volunteering to reply to your questions.
Also see the future changes in lounges and access: Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge Changes, Renovations & Additions
Sincerely,
The American Airlines AAdvantage forum Moderator Team
(Help Desk established by dstan
=================end mod note===================
Help Desk: Lounge Access Rules / Will I Have Lounge Access?
Lounge Access can be obtained in a number of ways during travel on AA and its oneworld partner airlines. These include purchasing an Admirals Club one day pass, or via Citi AAdvantage Executive MasterCard (including, as of Dec 2015, authorized Executive card users), reciprocity agreements with other airlines, traveling on certain transcon flights in F or J, or traveling internationally with Platinum or Platinum Pro (oneworld Sapphire) or Concierge Key or Executive Platinum (oneworld Emerald) status or in F or J classes of service - except if flying solely within North America destinations other than MEX as AAdvantage elite or AA elite in Business class. The last is often the greatest source of confusion, despite lounge access rules being described clearly on aa.com.
Admirals Club members paid or Executive primary cardholder members) are entitled guests as follows:
Up to two guests or household members (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under the age of 18) may accompany the member.
* Note that AA no longer offers a 30-day membership as of July 25 2016.
Executive card subsidiary cardholders have admission as well.
PLT and PPRO members are eligible for access to all oneworld Business Class lounges, now including Flagship Lounges, including Admirals Clubs; EXP and CK members are also eligible for access to nearly all oneworld First Class lounges, including Flagship Lounges.
For AA status-based access (PLT, PPRO, EXP, Concierge Key),* passengers must: (1) be traveling on an international itinerary (Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and Mexico City, excluding the Caribbean and other destinations in North America (other than on certain three class transcontinental flights) including other destinations in Mexico, and (2) have an onward flight on a oneworld airline marketed and operated flight on the same day.
Lounges operated by third parties or premium lounges operating outside of oneworld rules (e.g. BA Concorde Room, Qatar Al Safwa or Al Mourjan lounges, AA Flagship First Dining) may be excluded, and all may may refuse admittance if they claim they are crowded. There are other exceptions.
*Non-AA oneworld Sapphire and Emerald elites are not subject to rule #1 above.
Emerald / EP on CX JFK-YVR are not subject to AA limitations and are issued Flagship Lounge invitations for use at JFK.
The following exceptions apply: (in part; for the entire list, see here)
American Airlines and Qantas paid programmes
American Airlines and Qantas offer programmes enabling customers to pay to gain access to their lounges. These programmes are not part of the oneworld agreement, and members of these programmes are not entitled to access lounges under the oneworld agreement.
American Airlines AAdvantage member North American flights
American Airlines Airlines AAdvantage members, regardless of their tier status or class of travel, are not eligble for lounge access when travelling solely on North American flights within or between the U.S, Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Carribean. For more information, visit, http://aa.com/i18n/travelInformation...miralsClub.jsp
Traveling Flagship Business Transcontinentalalso gives you lounge access and other amenities:
Los Angeles (LAX) - New York (JFK)
San Francisco (SFO) - JFK
LAX - Boston (BOS) traveling on A321T aircraft only
LAX - Miami (MIA) traveling on B777-300 aircraft only (through October 26, 2019)
The following exceptions apply:
First and Business Class customers who do not hold Emerald or Sapphire tier status are not eligible to access American Airlines lounges when travelling on solely domestic flights within the U.S. or between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico [except Mexico City], the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean; customers travelling in First or Business class on U.S. transcontinental flights between JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO and vice-versa are eligible for lounge access. oneworld lounge access page - link
On February 17 2016, AA announced an addition to the above. As stated on their Reimagining our lounges page, in the Flagship Lounges section, "Starting in 2017, lounge access will be extended to customers booked in Business and First Class on A321T, Trans-Atlantic, Trans-Pacific and deep South American flights."
Important Note: Though this announcement excluded Northern South America and Central America, those travelling to or from those destinations in J/F or who hold OWE or OWS, including AA elites, do indeed have access to the Flagship Lounge. See the link below for Flagship Lounge access rules for details.
In the Flagship Dining subsection, they state:
Beginning in early 2017, the Flagship Dining experience will be available in select cities with 3-class service:
● Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) (2019)
● New York (JFK)
● Miami (MIA)
● Los Angeles (LAX)
First Class customers on Americans three class international and transcontinental flights will have exclusive access to Flagship Dining.
All Admirals Club visitors receive free Wi-Fi access at Admirals Clubs (password is available at front desk and throughout the Club on signs), some non-alcoholic and "well" (lower price tier) alcoholic beverages, counter snacks and offered food items; free computer terminals are available for all passengers, and many Clubs have Business Centers and tethered Samsung Galaxy tablets in seating areas. Passengers accessing Admirals Clubs based on status or class of service on international travel are entitled to free drinks coupons usable for higher-tier non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and bottles of water.
Flagship Lounges (JFK, LAX, LHR and ORD) offer extended beverages and upscale snack services as well. See below for link.
NOTE: Some Lounges and Clubs are undergoing refurbishment.
Citi Prestige MasterCard holder Admirals Club access ended July 23, 2017.
American Express Platinum cardholder Admirals Club access ended 21 March 2014.
NOTE: It has been verified more airports are allowing multiple terminal access on one's day of departure. LAX has been one since mid-2014.
Admirals Club access is granted the day of flight for statusholders flyingoneworld and those flying F or J, or the following day at the first port of arrival if flying overnight and arriving by 0600.
Airports requiring Lounge users have a same day departure boarding pass include BOG, CCS, CDG, GIG, GRU, LHR, MEX, NRT, SCL, YYZ.
N.B. Qantas Lounges and Clubs require Smart Casual (sic) dress as of May 2015; those not meeting the standard may be turned away. They also require Admirals Club members be traveling on a departing AA marketed flight, otherbthan the LAX / TBIT lounge.
Please see the following resources for full details on Lounge Access Rules: (and see below)
● AA.com: Lounge Access Rules
● AA.com: American Airlines Flagship Lounge Access Rules
Beginning later in 2017: https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...ge-updates.jsp opens Flagship access to many more pax.
● AA.com: Reimaging our lounges
● AA.com: Admirals Club Membership Guide in a downloadable PDF format.
● oneworld.com: Lounge Access Rules and Search Tool
● Wiki: Lounges
● FT: American Airlines LOUNGE DASHBOARD
For various threads on membership, access by status, transcon service, class of service, Flagship lounge access, lounges directory with links to specific lounge threads, Club member access to partner lounges, recipripocity agreements, etc.
- 2020-2022 year thread HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules (2020-2022)
- 2019 year thread:HELP DESK: Lounge Access, Access Rules. Will I Have Lounge Access? (2019)
- 2017 year thread:HELP DESK: Lounge Access, Access Rules. Will I Have Lounge Access? (2017)
Admirals Club members - Qantas Club members
Link-->Guide to Admirals Club Members + Reciprocal Qantas Club Access
Note: Qantas Club access for Admirals Club members has CHANGED over time
As an Admirals Club annual, lifetime member, Citi / AAdvantage Executive Card primary cardholder, or AirPass member with Admirals Club privileges, your Qantas Club domestic access has changed over time:
Select Qantas Clubs when departing on the same day on a Qantas operated flight or an American marketed flight operated by Qantas. NOTE: This is different than oneworld access rules and pertains only to Admirals Club members.
Also note Qantas will (at 2016) begin selling single admission starting at $49, but these at least initially will be restricted to QF Bronze or Silver members and only available during non-peak times. At this time, AA flyers are ineligible. Link to 2016 Australian Business Traveller article.[Edit may not be accurate at 04 Jan 2023]
Previously, members could access Qantas domestic lounges with an Admirals Club card without having purchased the AA codeshare. This is no longer permitted. These changes do not include one world Emerald or Sapphire members.
Eligible Admirals Club members must present the following documentation:NOTE Qantas Club Dress Code: N.B. Qantas Lounges and Clubs will require Smart Casual (sic) dress as of May 2015; those not meeting the standard may be turned away. (No open-toe shoes.) c/o hartlogan
HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules (2023-24)
Dec 31, 2022 | 10:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: South Florida
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite
Posts: 40
HELP DESK: Will I Have Lounge Access? Which, Access, Rules (2023-24)
Greetings and Happy New Year! First time poster here.
I am flying Flagship First to Australia on an AAdvantage Award ticket on the following itinerary and looking for clarification from the experts as to which lounges I will have access to...
JFK-LAX-SYD
SYD-LAX-JFK
Unless there are any lounge restrictions I am unaware of when flying Flagship First on a mileage award ticket, I assume I will have access to the Chelsea Lounge in T8 at JFK and the Flagship Lounge at LAX for the outbound segments? Are there any other lounges at LAX that I will have access to in the TBIT on this itinerary while flying Flagship First, and that you would recommend I should check out during my outbound 8 hour "LAX Appreciation" layover?
I will also be doing some Australia "hopping" upon arrival in Sydney on a separate Economy Class ticket booked on Qantas, so also wondering if I will be eligible for lounge access upon arrival in SYD from LAX? I am sure I will be in desperate need of a shower after such a long journey, so hoping I might have access to a QF or OW Lounge with shower facilities. Finally, which lounge will I have access to in SYD before departure to LAX in Flagship First?
Thank you in advance for all of the helpful advice - I am sure you can see that I am new to this forum, and while I did spend some time attempting to search the forums for answers to my specific questions, I have not been successful in finding the most current and accurate information.
Best to all of you for a safe and prosperous 2023!
I am flying Flagship First to Australia on an AAdvantage Award ticket on the following itinerary and looking for clarification from the experts as to which lounges I will have access to...
JFK-LAX-SYD
SYD-LAX-JFK
Unless there are any lounge restrictions I am unaware of when flying Flagship First on a mileage award ticket, I assume I will have access to the Chelsea Lounge in T8 at JFK and the Flagship Lounge at LAX for the outbound segments? Are there any other lounges at LAX that I will have access to in the TBIT on this itinerary while flying Flagship First, and that you would recommend I should check out during my outbound 8 hour "LAX Appreciation" layover?
I will also be doing some Australia "hopping" upon arrival in Sydney on a separate Economy Class ticket booked on Qantas, so also wondering if I will be eligible for lounge access upon arrival in SYD from LAX? I am sure I will be in desperate need of a shower after such a long journey, so hoping I might have access to a QF or OW Lounge with shower facilities. Finally, which lounge will I have access to in SYD before departure to LAX in Flagship First?
Thank you in advance for all of the helpful advice - I am sure you can see that I am new to this forum, and while I did spend some time attempting to search the forums for answers to my specific questions, I have not been successful in finding the most current and accurate information.
Best to all of you for a safe and prosperous 2023!
Dec 31, 2022 | 10:57 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,602
flyinmiamicane Welcome to FT & Ozzie
Any AA or Oneworld status?
At LAX would expect you will also have access to the QF First lounge. Others will know better - confirm or deny.
https://www.oneworld.com/airport-lounges?location=LAX
Been to Australia - Sydney before?
No airport in Australia has an airline arrival lounge. Nor will you have access to international departure lounges. In AU international arrivals and international departures are physically separate.
SYD has a pay for access arrival lounge, operated by Plaza, land side after immigration. https://www.plazapremiumlounge.com/e...sydney-airport
Link--->Airport info SYDNEY (SYD) - amenities, transfers, transport
For the ""hopping" upon arrival in Sydney on a separate Economy Class ticket booked on Qantas" how many hours between scheduled arrival and scheduled domestic departure. Less than 3:00hr is a risk.
For AU domestic flights on QF, Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status will get you (departure) lounge access.
Paid AA Admirals club membership will get access to the QF (departure) domestic lounges.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...membership.jsp
SYD departure --> https://www.oneworld.com/airport-lounges?location=SYD
I am flying Flagship First to Australia on an AAdvantage Award ticket on the following itinerary and looking for clarification from the experts as to which lounges I will have access to...
JFK-LAX-SYD
SYD-LAX-JFK
Unless there are any lounge restrictions I am unaware of when flying Flagship First on a mileage award ticket, I assume I will have access to the Chelsea Lounge in T8 at JFK and the Flagship Lounge at LAX for the outbound segments? Are there any other lounges at LAX that I will have access to in the TBIT on this itinerary while flying Flagship First, and that you would recommend I should check out during my outbound 8 hour "LAX Appreciation" layover?
I will also be doing some Australia "hopping" upon arrival in Sydney on a separate Economy Class ticket booked on Qantas, so also wondering if I will be eligible for lounge access upon arrival in SYD from LAX? I am sure I will be in desperate need of a shower after such a long journey, so hoping I might have access to a QF or OW Lounge with shower facilities. Finally, which lounge will I have access to in SYD before departure to LAX in Flagship First?
Thank you in advance for all of the helpful advice - I am sure you can see that I am new to this forum, and while I did spend some time attempting to search the forums for answers to my specific questions, I have not been successful in finding the most current and accurate information.
JFK-LAX-SYD
SYD-LAX-JFK
Unless there are any lounge restrictions I am unaware of when flying Flagship First on a mileage award ticket, I assume I will have access to the Chelsea Lounge in T8 at JFK and the Flagship Lounge at LAX for the outbound segments? Are there any other lounges at LAX that I will have access to in the TBIT on this itinerary while flying Flagship First, and that you would recommend I should check out during my outbound 8 hour "LAX Appreciation" layover?
I will also be doing some Australia "hopping" upon arrival in Sydney on a separate Economy Class ticket booked on Qantas, so also wondering if I will be eligible for lounge access upon arrival in SYD from LAX? I am sure I will be in desperate need of a shower after such a long journey, so hoping I might have access to a QF or OW Lounge with shower facilities. Finally, which lounge will I have access to in SYD before departure to LAX in Flagship First?
Thank you in advance for all of the helpful advice - I am sure you can see that I am new to this forum, and while I did spend some time attempting to search the forums for answers to my specific questions, I have not been successful in finding the most current and accurate information.
At LAX would expect you will also have access to the QF First lounge. Others will know better - confirm or deny.
https://www.oneworld.com/airport-lounges?location=LAX
Been to Australia - Sydney before?
No airport in Australia has an airline arrival lounge. Nor will you have access to international departure lounges. In AU international arrivals and international departures are physically separate.
SYD has a pay for access arrival lounge, operated by Plaza, land side after immigration. https://www.plazapremiumlounge.com/e...sydney-airport
Link--->Airport info SYDNEY (SYD) - amenities, transfers, transport
For the ""hopping" upon arrival in Sydney on a separate Economy Class ticket booked on Qantas" how many hours between scheduled arrival and scheduled domestic departure. Less than 3:00hr is a risk.
For AU domestic flights on QF, Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status will get you (departure) lounge access.
Paid AA Admirals club membership will get access to the QF (departure) domestic lounges.
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...membership.jsp
SYD departure --> https://www.oneworld.com/airport-lounges?location=SYD
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Dec 31, 2022 at 11:29 pm
Jan 1, 2023 | 7:41 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2022
Location: South Florida
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite
Posts: 40
Thank you for the reply and helpful information. This will be my first trip to Australia, and it appears I will not have any arrival lounge access. To answer your other questions, I do not have status on any airline as I am an airline pilot myself and usually leverage my flight benefits to travel by air. My wife is Executive Platinum with AA and I booked my flights using her miles. Unfortunately, I could not find mileage award redemption options on the same itinerary (she purchased her tickets and is flying AA MIA-LAX in Flagship Business Class on the 777W and connecting to a Qantas A332 flight in Business Class to BNE). I do not have an AC membership but do have Priority Pass membership through my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant AMEX card. I will ensure I have more than 3 hours between my arrival and onward flight - what is the reason why you consider less than 3 hours a risk? Is it based on the time to clear Customs and Immigration, or something else I am missing?
Thanks again Mwenenzi and Happy New Year!
Thanks again Mwenenzi and Happy New Year!
Last edited by flyinmiamicane; Jan 1, 2023 at 7:44 pm Reason: update
Jan 1, 2023 | 8:16 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,602
...... My wife is Executive Platinum with AA and I booked my flights using her miles. Unfortunately, I could not find mileage award redemption options on the same itinerary (she purchased her tickets and is flying AA MIA-LAX in Flagship Business Class on the 777W and connecting to a Qantas A332 flight in Business Class to BNE). I do not have an AC membership but do have Priority Pass membership through my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant AMEX card....
Have a look at Priority Pass info, but I think will be of no use at SYD T1 international arrivals or T3 QF domestic.
For transfer info look at -->SYD Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport inter-terminal transfer and connection information
Need a good time when on separate tickets
- From 06:00 ~ 08:30 are a lot of SYD T1 international arrivals. Most are wide body. Have a look at the arrivals
- Can take a long time or short time to process immigration. customs & bio security.
- For T1 to T3 you need to take the QF free bus(after checking in bag drop), free airport T-bus or paid train. Terminals are ~4km apart
- If your incoming flight is late, that eats into transfer time. If you are too late for next separate domestic flight that's all your problem (A credit card to buy a new flight if needed)
All the best for your time in Australia
Last edited by Mwenenzi; Jan 1, 2023 at 8:25 pm
Jan 1, 2023 | 8:20 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 21,602
Those with OWS & OWE status from non USA airlines have lounge access on the same basis in USA
https://www.oneworld.com/travel-benefits#lounge-access
Jan 2, 2023 | 1:26 am
#7
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,599
if i fly sea-lhr-cdg all on BA in business using AA miles, what lounge will we have access to in lhr? what about in Europe?
how about if i were to have an AC membership by then ( I don't right now)?
how about if i were to have an AC membership by then ( I don't right now)?
Jan 2, 2023 | 7:55 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,238
Being an AC member wouldn't really matter, and not sure what you mean by "what about in Europe"?
Jan 2, 2023 | 9:34 am
#9
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,599
if I have an AC membership but am flying economy BA metal home from Europe-LHR-USA, are there BA lounges at LHR I can access?
Jan 2, 2023 | 9:40 am
#10
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,784
Jan 2, 2023 | 11:59 am
#11
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP, HH Diamond
Posts: 2,599
thanks again
the AC partner lounge page says I would have access to the T5 galeries lounge but only with a same day AA flight. so that means if my LHR-USA flight is BA metal, no BA lounge access, but if it's AA metal then I can access the BA lounge? That seems... ironic.
the AC partner lounge page says I would have access to the T5 galeries lounge but only with a same day AA flight. so that means if my LHR-USA flight is BA metal, no BA lounge access, but if it's AA metal then I can access the BA lounge? That seems... ironic.
Jan 2, 2023 | 12:11 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 13,238
thanks again
the AC partner lounge page says I would have access to the T5 galeries lounge but only with a same day AA flight. so that means if my LHR-USA flight is BA metal, no BA lounge access, but if it's AA metal then I can access the BA lounge? That seems... ironic.
the AC partner lounge page says I would have access to the T5 galeries lounge but only with a same day AA flight. so that means if my LHR-USA flight is BA metal, no BA lounge access, but if it's AA metal then I can access the BA lounge? That seems... ironic.
Jan 2, 2023 | 12:24 pm
#13
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,576
thanks again
the AC partner lounge page says I would have access to the T5 galeries lounge but only with a same day AA flight. so that means if my LHR-USA flight is BA metal, no BA lounge access, but if it's AA metal then I can access the BA lounge? That seems... ironic.
the AC partner lounge page says I would have access to the T5 galeries lounge but only with a same day AA flight. so that means if my LHR-USA flight is BA metal, no BA lounge access, but if it's AA metal then I can access the BA lounge? That seems... ironic.
Jan 2, 2023 | 2:49 pm
#15
Ambassador, British Airways; FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Leeds, UK
Programs: BA GGL/CCR, GfL, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,784
There is an aspire and a plaza premium in T5 if you have access to either or want to pay before your flight on the way back to the US.