While I’ve covered the access requirements for American Airlines Admirals Clubs in the past, this post will focus on the access requirements for the carrier’s international business class lounges, also known as Flagship Lounges.
About American Airlines Flagship Lounges
American Airlines operates Flagship Lounges at almost all of its hubs. Unlike Admirals Clubs, which operate primarily on paid memberships from travelers, Flagship Lounges are reserved for American’s premium and international passengers. Premium passengers on American’s joint venture partners like Japan Airlines and British Airways also have access to these lounges.
These lounges are meant to provide a more elevated experience than you would find in an Admirals Club. Typically this involves elevated food and beverage options including premium liquor, wine, and champagne.
American Airlines currently operates Flagship Lounges at six airports (though the lounges in New York have different branding in partnership with British Airways) with two more in the works. Currently you can find flagship lounges at:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Dallas Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – Lounges are branded as the Chelsea, Greenwich, and SoHo Lounges in partnership with British Airways
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is expected to get a Flagship Lounge in the future, though no date has been given. A new Flagship Lounge is also being constructed at Miami International Airport (MIA) with the current lounge becoming an expanded Admirals Club.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge Access
American Airlines Flagship Lounges can be accessed via elite status (American and its OneWorld partners) or by ticket type, depending on your circumstances. Each entry method is outlined below.
Qualifying First and Business Class Flights
Passengers can access American Airlines Flagship Lounges when traveling on a on a qualifying same-day international, transcontinental or other domestic flight marketed and operated by American, a OneWorld airline or Aer Lingus.
Qualifying international and domestic flights in Flagship First and Business Class include:
- Flights between the U.S. and Asia
- Flights between the U.S. and Australia
- Flights between the U.S. and Europe
- Flights between the U.S. and Middle East
- Flights between the U.S. and New Zealand
- Flights between the U.S. and South America (Excludes Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela)
- Flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK)
- Flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Miami (MIA)
- Flights between Los Angeles (LAX) and Boston (BOS)
- Flights between New York (JFK) and San Francisco (SFO)
- Flights between New York (JFK) and Orange County (SNA)
- Flights between Chicago (ORD) and Honolulu (HNL)
- Flights between Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW) and Honolulu (HNL)
- Flights between Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW) and Kona (KOA)
- Flights between Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW) and Maui (OGG)
- Flights between Phoenix (PHX) and Honolulu (HNL)
Passengers traveling on a qualifying international Flagship First Class ticket are allowed to bring one guest free of charge. All other qualifying passengers are not allowed to bring a guest into the lounges.
OneWorld Emerald and Sapphire Status Holders
Members of non-U.S. based OneWorld frequent flyer programs (not American AAdvantage or Alaska Atmos Rewards) can access Flagship Lounges when departing, arriving or connecting to any same-day flight marketed and operated by American or a OneWorld airline regardless of cabin.
This includes short, domestic flights. My British Airways Club Gold Status gives me access to Flagship Lounges even when flying between Austin (AUS) and Dallas Ft. Worth (DFW).
Passengers with qualifying OneWorld status can bring one guest free of charge.
American Airlines ConciergeKey Status Holders
American Airlines ConciergeKey members, the airline’s highest, unpublished, status tier, can access Flagship Lounges when traveling on any same-day flight marketed and operated by American, a OneWorld airline or Aer Lingus. ConciergeKey members can bring their immediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18) or up to 2 guests.
American AAdvantage and Alaska Atmos Rewards Members
American Airlines AAdvantage members holding Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Executive Platinum status can access Flagship Lounges when departing, arriving or connecting on a qualifying same-day international flight marketed and operated by American, a OneWorld airline or Aer Lingus.
Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards members holding Gold, Platinum, or Titanium status access Flagship Lounges when departing, arriving or connecting on a qualifying same-day international flight marketed and operated by American or a OneWorld airline.
While members may be seated in any cabin, access is limited to passengers on flights with seats ticketed as Flagship between the U.S. and the following destinations:
- Asia
- Australia
- Europe
- Middle East
- New Zealand
- South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela)
Purchasing Flagship Lounge Access
If you don’t qualify for access via any of the options outlined above but still want to visit, American Airlines sells single visit passes to its Flagship Lounges. Access is available for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage miles per person and may be purchased at open Flagship Lounge locations.
The single visit pass is valid for same-day, one-time use at the Flagship Lounge where it was purchased. The sale of these passes is on a space available basis and passengers must be traveling on any flight marketed or operated by American or a OneWorld airline and be 21 or older.
Summary
Flagship Lounges are American Airlines’ premier lounges for First and Business Class passengers and elite members. American currently operates Flagship Lounges (or a Flagship Lounge equivalent) at six hub airports with more lounges opening soon.
These lounges are a step above what you will find in the carrier’s Admirals Clubs and are more in line with Delta One Lounges and United Polaris Lounges. Hopefully you found this guide helpful and if I missed anything please let me know!