Hard work getting the 2nd bag for free even thought the AA website say so.

[albatross710]

A tale for free baggage allowance.

In March I booked an AA/QF codeshare ticket from BNE-LAX-LAS and return while I was Qantas Gold, One World Sapphire. Subsequent to the travel I dropped to Qantas Silver (Ruby) such that at time of travel I was Ruby.

At check-in for the AA flights the automated terminals let the first bag for for free but wanted to apply a USD100 charge for my second bag.

Prior to travel I had carefully checked the AA website Checked Baggage Policy which states:

If your status level is:​

• Higher at ticketing than at check-in, show your ticket receipt to the airport agent
• Lower at ticketing than at check-in, current benefits will automatically apply

One World Sapphire allowed 2 free bags, Ruby is one free bag.

The website's suggestion to show the agent the original AA ticketing was of no use as the AA confirmation email does not reference the status.

Each time it took 30 minutes and a supervisor's involvement to resolve this issue and reluctantly allow my 2nd bag to pass for free.

Seems there is no IT support for recognising the lower status than at ticketing and no front end knowledge on how it works.

Tip for travellers always be prepared to show agents their own company's policies.

 

[NM]

Just a clarification, Qantas Gold status is equivalent to OneWorld Sapphire, not Emerald. Qantas Platinum = OneWorld Emerald.

However, I believe your point is still valid as OneWorld Sapphire should get 2 free bags on AA.

Another good reason to travel HLO when possible (not always possible, of course).

 

[NM]

Also note that some Admirals Club AAngels don't know the mapping of

• QF Gold => Sapphire
• QF Platinum => Emerald

I managed 3 out of 3 recent visits to AA Flagship Lounges when handed the Flagship invitations at Admirals Club entry when they checked my Qantas Gold status showing on the AA boarding pass (which clearly stated Sapphire). I was not feeling the need to correct their mis-mapping of status and we enjoyed the Flagship Lounge enhanced experience over the standard Admirals Club offerings.

 

[encryptededdy]

I managed 3 out of 3 recent visits to AA Flagship Lounges when handed the Flagship invitations at Admirals Club entry when they checked my Qantas Gold status showing on the AA boarding pass (which clearly stated Sapphire). I was not feeling the need to correct their mis-mapping of status and we enjoyed the Flagship Lounge enhanced experience over the standard Admirals Club offerings.

non-North America Oneworld Sapphire grants access to the Flagship Lounge. Your access was not a mistake

 

[NM]

non-North America Oneworld Sapphire grants access to the Flagship Lounge. Your access was not a mistake

Hmmm, I was always of the understanding that Sapphire gets "Business Lounge" access and Emerald get "First" lounge access and AA Flagship Lounge was considered a First Class lounge. Certainly was the case a few years back.

But you are correct as shown on OneWorld web site for LAX T4 Flagship Lounge access.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

It’s been quite a while now that OWS has had access to flagship lounges at least 2019 from what i can see! You are right they used to be F lounges, but I think for the fare people were paying, the AAdmirals Clubs just didn’t cut the mustard!

On the topic of this thread, a friend (OWR via QF) booked a domestic economy award on AA. Status was recognised at the self service kiosk and the first bag tag printed for free.

Nice to see it working!

 

[albatross710]

Just a clarification, Qantas Gold status is equivalent to OneWorld Sapphire, not Emerald. Qantas Platinum = OneWorld Emerald.

However, I believe your point is still valid as OneWorld Sapphire should get 2 free bags on AA.

Another good reason to travel HLO when possible (not always possible, of course).

thanks I have updated my original post.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Hmmm, I was always of the understanding that Sapphire gets "Business Lounge" access and Emerald get "First" lounge access and AA Flagship Lounge was considered a First Class lounge. Certainly was the case a few years back.

This is why quite a few Americans get Qantas status for their primarily US based domestic travel.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

This is why quite a few Americans get Qantas status for their primarily US based domestic travel.

Yes, but given the scarcity of Falgship Lounges, a lot go for qantas club membership, which grants access to Admirals clubs, for a fraction of the AA membership equivalent. QC also means they can dispense with the 4 segments.

 

[SeatBackForward]

a lot go for qantas club membership, which grants access to Admirals clubs

QF used to publish this on their website, but I recently searched for this and couldn't find it. I think it's now entered the realms of an unpublished benefit which probably means it will be enhanced soon enough.

Edit: nevermind, the explicit recipricol access page isn't to be seen, but QC access to all AA clubs is clearly ticked here: https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas...airlines/american-airlines.html#lounge-access