If you want to experience the best that American Airlines has to offer, you’ll need to pass the entry requirement test. There are more than a couple of ways to get in, so before you head to the lounge door, make sure to get all your ducks in a row.
First and Business Class
If you’re flying in First or Business class on an international ticket, a domestic transcontinental ticket or certain other flights, you’ll get access. There are a few caveats with these terms, as not all international tickets or all transcontinental flights apply.
International is considered to be a flight between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand and parts of South America. Notice that Canada, Mexico and the majority of the Caribbean is excluded from the international moniker.
Transcontinental flights are only on flights that are marketed as “Flagship” and only on routes between:
- LAX and JFK
- LAX and MIA
- LAX and BOS
- JFK and SFO
- JFK and SNA
If you’re heading across the country on another flight that isn’t in these routes and isn’t sold as flagship, you’ll potentially have access to the normal Admirals Club, but not the Flagship Lounge.
Lastly, there are a few premium routes that American Airlines operates that also gain access to the Flagship Lounge. These routes are:
- Dallas to Honolulu
- Dallas to Maui
- Dallas to Kona
- Chicago and Honolulu
- Charlotte and Honolulu
Note that the seats must be ticketed as Flagship Business or First to qualify for entry.
One last point to know is that you are only allowed a guest if you’re flying on qualifying international first class tickets. All other customers won’t be allowed any guests into the lounge, unless specifically noted.
You can save on the cost of eligible flights through American Express’ International Airline Program, which offers discounts on some premium fares. You need to hold The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply) or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply) to access these fares. Business Platinum card members may also receive a 35% points rebate, respectively, when paying with points for eligible premium airfare.
AAdvantage and Alaska Mileage Plan
If you’re departing an international flight on American or a oneworld airline and hold top-tier elite status with either American Airlines or Alaska Airlines, you’ll get into the lounge, no matter the class of service you’re flying.
American AAdvantage elite members who hold Platinum, Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum gain access.
Alternatively, if you’re an Alaska Airlines member that holds MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75k, you can enjoy all the benefits that these lounges have to offer.
Oneworld Emerald and Oneworld Sapphire
If you hold oneworld Elite status at the Emerald or Sapphire level, you’ll have access when you depart, arrive and even connect through one of these airports, so long as the flight is same-day and marketed and operated by American or a oneworld Airline. You’ll also be allowed to bring one guest into the lounge with you.
As an example, if you’re a British Airways Executive Club Gold member, and you’re flying from London to Dallas, and then connecting on to Phoenix on American Airlines, you’ll have access to the Flagship Lounge in Dallas.
Day Pass Purchases
If you’ve been reading this and you’re convinced that this is where you need to be, you can purchase a day pass to gain entry, subject to space limitations. For $150, or 15,000 AAdvantage miles, you’ll get access to one lounge, valid in the city where you purchased the pass. Travelers purchasing passes should use an American Airlines credit card, if they have one, in order to earn bonus rewards on this purchase. The best travel rewards cards can be equally worthy payment options.
Note that it’s only valid for same-day, one-time use at the specific lounge for the city you’re in, so no luck lounge hopping from place to place.
Concierge Key
Finally, if you’re lucky enough to be part of American Airlines’ exclusive Concierge Key program, you’ll have access when you’re flying on American or any oneworld partner airline. Traveling with friends or family? You’ll be allowed access for your spouse and young children or two guests for no additional charge.