Lounge access possible on arrival in LAX for QF11 first class?

[Springthing]

Not a frequent flyer and certainly not a frequenter of any F cabins, but I have treated myself and the missus to the comfy seats on QF11 later this year. I realise we'll have access to the first lounge on departure, but is there any option for lounge access airside on arrival in LAX for F passengers, or any class/tier? I believe QF use a 3rd party to operate the LAX lounge, and it will likely only be open around the traditional evening departures back to Oz, although QF seems to now have an increasing number of AM and PM departures.

Just curious about others' experiences.

 

[defurax]

If your final destination is LAX then there is no access to the lounge. You would need a boarding pass for a connecting flight to get through security and access a lounge. There is no arrival lounge landside.
If you do have a connecting flight on any OneWorld airline you can access the Qantas Oneworld lounge in TBIT or any of the AA lounges in T4, T5 and satellite regional terminal.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Concur with @defurax
No arrivals lounge access for QF F at LAX or indeed anywhere AFAIK

I’m in F on QF11 this weekend and if it’s changed I’ll be sure to report back.

 

[henrus]

I realise we'll have access to the first lounge on departure, but is there any option for lounge access airside on arrival in LAX for F passengers, or any class/tier?

So as mentioned above if LAX is your final destination then you will not be able to access any lounges (or even the ability return airside).

If you have a connecting flight in any cabin on a oneworld carrier then you'd be entitled to access any oneworld lounge during that connection.

Officially oneworld rules state :


Now I don't encourage the following but in theory there is nothing stopping you from booking a cheap ~$100 economy fare later that afternoon on Alaska or American Airlines to a nearby city (eg San Francisco) and passing through security, using the lounge and then "accidentally" missing the onward flight. I'm not sure where you'd store you luggage during this time but in theory it's possible.

I believe QF use a 3rd party to operate the LAX lounge, and it will likely only be open around the traditional evening departures back to Oz, although QF seems to now have an increasing number of AM and PM departures.

There are two lounges both operated by Qantas at LAX TBIT.

The first is branded as the Oneworld Business Lounge, this is currently open from 6:30am until about 10:30pm.

The second is a Qantas First Lounge, this is still closed but is expected to reopen shortly, once it reopens it'll match the opening hours as above.

 

[Springthing]

So as mentioned above if LAX is your final destination then you will not be able to access any lounges (or even the ability return airside).

If you have a connecting flight in any cabin on a oneworld carrier then you'd be entitled to access any oneworld lounge during that connection.

Officially oneworld rules state :
View attachment 281298

Now I don't encourage the following but in theory there is nothing stopping you from booking a cheap ~$100 economy fare later that afternoon on Alaska or American Airlines to a nearby city (eg San Francisco) and passing through security, using the lounge and then "accidentally" missing the onward flight. I'm not sure where you'd store you luggage during this time but in theory it's possible.


There are two lounges both operated by Qantas at LAX TBIT.

The first is branded as the Oneworld Business Lounge, this is currently open from 6:30am until about 10:30pm.

The second is a Qantas First Lounge, this is still closed but is expected to reopen shortly, once it reopens it'll match the opening hours as above.

Thanks for the detailed reply. That's an interesting OneWorld rule. In fact, I have a connecting AA domestic flight 4 hours after arriving on the same ticket as QF11, so in theory, the OW rule should get me access by waving my QF F ticket at an AA lounge? Can you provide a link to the info above?

Cheers

 

[Springthing]

Thanks for the detailed reply. That's an interesting OneWorld rule. In fact, I have a connecting AA domestic flight 4 hours after arriving on the same ticket as QF11, so in theory, the OW rule should get me access by waving my QF F ticket at an AA lounge? Can you provide a link to the info above?

Cheers

Ah never mind, I located a link to that OneWorld info. But unless I'm interpreting it incorrectly, my only concern is the 'exception' directly below the details you provided, which states you need to be Emerald or Sapphire tier. Its a bit contradictive to the previous paragraph you mentioned -

"The following exception applies:

1. 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.A or between the U.S.A and Canada, Mexico [except Mexico City], the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean) other than the exception listed below:"

That's weird...I mean, don't J class passengers travelling domestically in the US get lounge access automatically?

 

[Hvr]

That's weird...I mean, don't J class passengers travelling domestically in the US get lounge access automatically?

No they don't.

 

[henrus]

Thanks for the detailed reply. That's an interesting OneWorld rule. In fact, I have a connecting AA domestic flight 4 hours after arriving on the same ticket as QF11, so in theory, the OW rule should get me access by waving my QF F ticket at an AA lounge? Can you provide a link to the info above?

Here is the page on the oneworld website, click on the access for first or business class customers drop down:

Airport Lounges: oneworld Lounges & Airport Lounge Access

Enjoy airport lounge access at 600+ airport lounges worldwide through your oneworld Priority tier. Exceptions may apply.

www.oneworld.com

With an AA domestic flight and four hours connection it's well worth entering the TBIT terminal and using the Oneworld (or Qantas first lounge if open) both of which you'd be eligible for.

Regardless you could also access the AA lounges with AA publishing the following on their website:

Includes customers in First or Business on a qualifying departing or arriving international, transcontinental or other domestic flight marketed and operated by American, a oneworld® airline or marketed by JetBlue and operated by American.

Link to AA website : Admirals Club access − Travel information − American Airlines

 

[RichardMEL]

The AA domestic rule is not relevant here as the same day international F trumps that. You can get access in either TBIT or AA lounges in T4 or T5 as per above.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Thanks for the detailed reply. That's an interesting OneWorld rule. In fact, I have a connecting AA domestic flight 4 hours after arriving on the same ticket as QF11, so in theory, the OW rule should get me access by waving my QF F ticket at an AA lounge? Can you provide a link to the info above?

Cheers

Go to the AA Flagship Lounge in T4. EDIT: with 4 hours in November you can probably go to both that and QF F. There is an airside walkway between the two terminals that starts just inside security at T4 and ends near the entrance to the QF F Lounge.
OneWorld

 

[defurax]

You can also clear security at TBIT instead of T4, it's usually quieter in the morning and brings you closer to the QF lounges.

 

[jpp42]

You can also clear security at TBIT instead of T4, it's usually quieter in the morning and brings you closer to the QF lounges.

On my last trip I was planning to do this, to use the Qantas lounge instead of AA, but there was someone checking boarding passes at the head of the queue and they turned us away, since our BP showed a gate in T4. But the airside connector was open with no checking, so we cleared security at T4 and went back into TBIT via the connector anyway. Admittedly this was in January, when there were still a lot of odd Covid related rules. (As it turned out the Qantas lounge was closed anyway, so our return trip into TBIT was just extra exercise, but AA Flagship Lounge was open so we used that.)

 

[defurax]

On my last trip I was planning to do this, to use the Qantas lounge instead of AA, but there was someone checking boarding passes at the head of the queue and they turned us away, since our BP showed a gate in T4. But the airside connector was open with no checking, so we cleared security at T4 and went back into TBIT via the connector anyway. Admittedly this was in January, when there were still a lot of odd Covid related rules. (As it turned out the Qantas lounge was closed anyway, so our return trip into TBIT was just extra exercise, but AA Flagship Lounge was open so we used that.)

Interesting. Probably Covid related, but maybe a long term change. I'm lucky enough to have TSApre, so I don't have to be strategic about picking checkpoints anymore.

 

[NoName]

Somewhat related so thought I’d jump on this thread (apologies OP). Just brainstorming at this point so don’t shoot me if it’s a stupid idea but:

If I had an award booking in J or F say SYD-LAX-anywhere domestically on AA. Actual final destination LAX. Could I leave my bags with one of those paid services at LAX for an hour or so, duck back through security for a shower, freshen up and a meal in the lounge and then just leave and be a no-show for the other flight? Are there any consequences for this either with QF or with the TSA?

 

[RichardMEL]

Somewhat related so thought I’d jump on this thread (apologies OP). Just brainstorming at this point so don’t shoot me if it’s a stupid idea but:

If I had an award booking in J or F say SYD-LAX-anywhere domestically on AA. Actual final destination LAX. Could I leave my bags with one of those paid services at LAX for an hour or so, duck back through security for a shower, freshen up and a meal in the lounge and then just leave and be a no-show for the other flight? Are there any consequences for this either with QF or with the TSA?

if it was a one way award eg SYD-LAX-SAN(or whatever) then you could do this in theory. Ideally one would make the connection at LAX a long one, so you could have that buffer... re-enter security with the BP issued in SYD etc go do lounge things then cancel the sector and exit (come on, let AA know ).

if however it was part of a return, or a award with onward sectors you would likely have the rest of the ticket cancelled and you wouldn't want to do that.

in the end it is probably easier though to go have a shower at destination in LA (though if hotel and arriving at 0600 or something I understand that is not ideal).

 

[serfty]

On my last trip I was planning to do this, to use the Qantas lounge instead of AA, but there was someone checking boarding passes at the head of the queue and they turned us away, since our BP showed a gate in T4.

Interesting. Probably Covid related, but maybe a long term change. I'm lucky enough to have TSApre, so I don't have to be strategic about picking checkpoints anymore.

This was happening before COVID, especially at the arrivals level TBIT security. Half the time I managed to talk my way through " 'cause Qantas" the other times I ended up having a bit more exercise.

 

[serfty]

Are there any consequences for this either with QF or with the TSA?

TSA? I believe they take a dim view of this if they determine the no-show as deliberate. Whether they can do so or not is another matter.

As for Airlines, it probably goes to how such action may affect their bottom line and maybe a PAX demonstrating a history of such action.

Note, there can be legitimate reasons for not taking a flight. Earlier this year, I had booked a 6:30pm flight LAX to SFO. On another booking I had a late flight out of SFO... after checking in and going airside and using the lounges the flight was delayed to 8:00pm and then 9:50pm - I would miss the other flight out of SFO. I was able to cancel LAX-SFO for a full refund and depart the lounge (fortunately I was able to book a LAX hotel on points). The other booking I had to cancel for a credit. Note that I did not 'No show".

 

[NoName]

if it was a one way award eg SYD-LAX-SAN(or whatever) then you could do this in theory. Ideally one would make the connection at LAX a long one, so you could have that buffer... re-enter security with the BP issued in SYD etc go do lounge things then cancel the sector and exit (come on, let AA know ).

if however it was part of a return, or a award with onward sectors you would likely have the rest of the ticket cancelled and you wouldn't want to do that.

in the end it is probably easier though to go have a shower at destination in LA (though if hotel and arriving at 0600 or something I understand that is not ideal).

TSA? I believe they take a dim view of this if they determine the no-show as deliberate. Whether they can do so or not is another matter.

As for Airlines, it probably goes to how such action may affect their bottom line and maybe a PAX demonstrating a history of such action.

Note, there can be legitimate reasons for not taking a flight. Earlier this year, I had booked a 6:30pm flight LAX to SFO. On another booking I had a late flight out of SFO... after checking in and going airside and using the lounges the flight was delayed to 8:00pm and then 9:50pm - I would miss the other flight out of SFO. I was able to cancel LAX-SFO for a full refund and depart the lounge (fortunately I was able to book a LAX hotel on points). The other booking I had to cancel for a credit. Note that I did not 'No show".

Thanks guys. Yes would be on a one way award booking, probably with just -LAS tacked on so no additional pts cost. And yes would just go to the AA service desk and say I was feeling sick or something and had decided not to take the flight.

Will give it consideration.

 

[Danger]

Lounge Access Help Desk

Background to this thread We have noticed an increase in the posting of questions regarding what Airport Lounges are available at specific airports when travelling on specific airlines. While one can be assured of access at the airline lounge when travelling on that airline (provided you have...

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[henrus]

TSA? I believe they take a dim view of this if they determine the no-show as deliberate. Whether they can do so or not is another matter.

TSA don't care about this. Their job is airport security.

The only two countries that have ever made this a major problem is Singapore and South Korea.

Singapore was because people were living in Changi and South Korea because of K-pop.

At all airports even Australian international ones, if you don't want to travel then no one will force you although you're obviously going to lose the value of your ticket.