AA Business Class domestic flights - Lounge access

[MikeG]

I guess I assumed that paying extra for AA Business Class entitles you to lounge access, but could I be wrong?

According to the Admirals Club website:

Includes customers in First or Business on a qualifying departing international or transcontinental flight marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline.*

So the majority of my business class flights within the USA will not be eligible for lounge access???

Does anyone have any advice for low cost options to gain lounge access for two Business + two economy (under 18 children) AA ticket holders on a OWA booking? I note the Qantas Club membership only allow 1 guest (including children) so two memberships would be required for lounge access. Admirals Club Membership allows the whole family to be guested free of charge... Airports departed from include LGA CLT HSV MSY DFW and LAX (in order)...

M

 

[Hvr]

but could I be wrong?

Sadly, you are. AA generally only allows access to their lounges with a membership of their lounge program. You have correctly identified the limited exceptions above.

if there are other options the AFF brains trust will post them soon.

 

[MikeG]

So to compare,
Admirals Club membership = USD$650
Qantas Club + Spouse (corporate special) - AUD$1050 (equiv to USD$720)
Hardly worth it. USD$650 buys alot of booze and food.

 

[serfty]

So to compare,
Admirals Club membership = USD$650
Qantas Club + Spouse (corporate special) - AUD$1050 (equiv to USD$720)
Hardly worth it. USD$650 buys alot of booze and food.

A QP member can have a guest when accessing an AC - which would mean one membership for two pax travelling together.

The cost of a one year membership available to Gold AFF members is $690 (including joining fee); depending on your circumstances that could be a business expense, so $63 input tax credits and the remainder a decution.

Subsequent annual renewal is $443 per year.

 

[MikeG]

Thanks. Already accounted for that in my figures above. Membership + partner is discounted to $1050 total. As such admirals club is better value IMHO

 

[serfty]

Membership + partner is discounted to $1050 total.

Why do you need partner membership if you are traveling together?

 

[MikeG]

Why do you need partner membership if you are traveling together?

+ 2 kids as previously mentioned

 

[Citoyen]

Admirals club are really quite good with family guests for their members (and pretty kind to QC members FWIW) but are you wedded to AA Admirals club lounges?

If not, there are lots of ways to skin the lounge cat

Do you already have a credit card which includes US airport lounge access? Do you have time to get one before travel? Such cards are usually expensive in annual fees, but in my view are a better proposition than a lounge-only membership ( if you are doing a lot of travel, the likelihood of getting your card fee value increases)

In circumstances like yours- where I have no access otherwise I use Amex lounges (Platinum card or above gives access) Most of the airports on your itinerary either have amex lounges or will soon (dates of travel are not clear) - add in Priority pass lounges and you may find it worth considering.

 

[MikeG]

Hadn’t thought of cards. I’m getting a new Amex next week so may go a platinum card to gain lounge access.

 

[MikeG]

Decided against Platinum cards as they cost is even higher.

Will look at Admirals Club Membership and see if any discount can be had. (same price as QP ex GST)

M

 

[flyinpod]

I may be wrong and im sure someone will correct me if so. I believe the food and drinks especially alcohol are limited in the admirals lounges. Nibbles etc and limit of 2 alcoholic drinks. May not be worth it tbh

 

[bullerdude]

I may be wrong and im sure someone will correct me if so. I believe the food and drinks especially alcohol are limited in the admirals lounges. Nibbles etc and limit of 2 alcoholic drinks. May not be worth it tbh

Pretty much my experience in the Phoenix AA Club this week. Two premium drinks per one world elite, limited snacks and nibbles, non-alcoholic drinks, tea/coffee and the guacamole/Doritos stand. The limited snack included make your own salad, soup and biscuits etc.

Overall the lounge was clean and a nicer place to sit than the terminal; just don’t expect it to be the QF Pub.

 

[MikeG]

a few years ago I did a week or so of flying around the USA with a 30 membership and yes it was pretty lame. May cost less to just use a 3rd party lounge

 

[serfty]

I may be wrong and im sure someone will correct me if so. I believe the food and drinks especially alcohol are limited in the admirals lounges. Nibbles etc and limit of 2 alcoholic drinks. May not be worth it tbh

Pretty much my experience in the Phoenix AA Club this week. Two premium drinks per one world elite, limited snacks and nibbles, non-alcoholic drinks, tea/coffee and the guacamole/Doritos stand. The limited snack included make your own salad, soup and biscuits etc.

This is incorrect. The vouchers are for premium drinks but there is always a selection of basic complimentary beers, spririts and wines.

 

[DC3]

Pretty much my experience in the Phoenix AA Club this week. Two premium drinks per one world elite, limited snacks and nibbles, non-alcoholic drinks, tea/coffee and the guacamole/Doritos stand. The limited snack included make your own salad, soup and biscuits etc.

Overall the lounge was clean and a nicer place to sit than the terminal; just don’t expect it to be the QF Pub.

Also, once you have used your drink vouchers, return to the AA front desk and they will provide more, in my experience.

 

[MikeG]

Still pretty lame. Food is severely limited and basic beverages are very limited. Probanly
Note worth paying for membership unless you fly every month or drink a lot

 

[serfty]

Also, once you have used your drink vouchers, return to the AA front desk and they will provide more, in my experience.

Most locations do not have drink vouchers any more. Two are electronically tied to your boarding pass which gets scanned at the bar.

 

[DC3]

Most locations do not have drink vouchers any more. Two are electronically tied to your boarding pass which gets scanned at the bar.

Oh, bad news. However, next trip I’ll at least get to Flagship lounges in DFW, JFK and ORD, so that may help me get over the shock.

 

[Citoyen]

I still feel awkward when lounge staff fish for tips

 

[p--and--t]

Have you considered a QF Frequent Flyer Diners card.

$AU135 per annum. Plus $50 for partner card Plus 2x$77 benefits package - Total $AU339

Will get you and partner into lounges in most larger airports around the world and a huge number in the states.

There have been differing accounts on whether lounges accept guests on the cards, many say they have had no problems taking one guest each. A couple have said they got stopped at the lounge with one card=one entry.

If you wanted to bullet proof you could get cards for each of the kids at $50+$77 each. But I would check with Diners before I went to that expense.

Other benefits in the package are free travel insurance and 1QFFpoint per $ spent unlimited.

Some airports have 3-4-5 different lounges that will accept these cards for free access. Doesn't matter what airline you are travelling on, still get access. Unlimited uses per annum. 700 lounges around the world. Some lounges aren't so posh, but just as good as priority club offers.

Diners Club

www.dinersclub.com.au