AA Flagship Flounge JFK

[bsb]

Just walked out of the new Flounge at JFK. What a dud. In fact the whole AA experience today has been dire.

Started by being denied F check in despite being OW Sapphire. I couldn't be bothered arguing, but I should have because the "Priority" check in was so bad.

Dont even start me on security, but that's not really AAs fault except for the fact that by being denied F check in I had to go in a longer line.

The new lounge is so crowded, noisy and already dirty. The wifi was pointless, I gave up. The carpet is already dirty. The seats were very uncomfortable as remarked by an elderly couple near me.

AA you really missed an opportunity. And all over US airports you have posters that your are Air Transport world airline of the year. How much did THAT cost you to buy?

 

[I love to travel]

It will be interesting to see whether CX F passengers without OWE status get access to the flagship dining

 

[serfty]

I presume you are emerald, not sapphire.

There are two check ins for premium PAX at JFK, one is for those travelling on a "Flagship" service on a three class flight to LAX.

While I saw something that this will be expanded to emeralds going forward it has not been the case in recent years.

Note that even with that, I have had some try to incorrectly deny me use of the general priority/first check-in.

None of that is relevant to the recently reopened Flagship lounge - I can't comment more as I have not been there since the remodeling.

 

[RooFlyer]

OMaaT has also written how the new JFK Flagship Lounge has become 'a "zoo". Reason being admittance has been expanded :

Previously the Flagship Lounge was exclusively for oneworld international first class passengers and oneworld Emerald members, while now it’s also available to oneworld international business class customers, oneworld Sapphire members, and those traveling in A321 business or first class to Los Angeles or San Francisco.

 

[Danger]

Started by being denied F check in despite being OW Sapphire. I couldn't be bothered arguing, but I should have because the "Priority" check in was so bad . . .

While oneworld Sapphires now apparently get access to the Flagship Lounge, I haven't seen anything that suggests they also get priority check-in.

There are two check ins for premium PAX at JFK, one is for those travelling on a "Flagship" service on a three class flight to LAX . . .

Flagship check-in is also afforded to those travelling F on three class services to locations other than LAX.

 

[amaroo]

Interesting - wonder why they included access for J and OWS

 

[samh004]

Interesting - wonder why they included access for J and OWS

Sounds like a real screw up to me. One way to disincentivize those paying for F to pay or that have higher status from keeping it, as they can now pay and fly less with your airline to get the same benefit!

I can't imagine the storm if Qantas changed their Domestic J lounges and International F lounges to be accessible by both Sapphire and Emerald. Sort of makes the point of having a 3-tiered system moot.

 

[levelnine]

Anyone have further experiences with the Flagship lounge's potential overcrowding issue? My Crowding Fears Come True: American's New Flagship Zoo - One Mile at a Time