Qantas FF/QC member here but looking at some internal domestic flights in US next year so just getting head around access rules there . It seems that simply having even a First Class ticket won’t get you lounge access on domestic? Seems only real way is elite membership to partner programmes ? I know QC gets you into most Admiral Lounges but SAN Diego don’t have one only an Airspace .
Don’t count on it. Last week I ended up at Burger King after Alaska Airlines declined me for entry in SeaTac.
I would go for American Airlines flights since it’s Oneworld and you won’t have any lounge entry issues on AA flights. (Even AA codeshares don’t allow lounges)
US Domestic First class does get you access to lounges, but it depends on the route and carrier. eg, AA F gets you access to the lounges, but only when on a 3 class flight between JFK or MIA and SFO or LAX.
I know a number of highest tier travelers in the US. Status often not a factor for Lounges. So many people over there with high status the Lounges would be heaving constantly. Most of them just buy a lounge membership.
That’s correct, no access for 1st class ticket without status
Actually, the primary factor is club membership. Status effectively grants you club membership. The vast majority of people you see in the AA lounges are paid club members. Remember the AA lounges have been around long before status was invented. They are called Admiral's Clubs - emphasis on the 'club' bit, which denotes the need for membership.
You have your QC membership that will get you into all the AA ones. To be quite honest they are pretty marginal (apart from the Flagship ones which are nice). They give you a quiet place to sit and a drink and a few snacks.
That’s correct, no access for 1st class ticket without status
Actually, the primary factor is club membership. Status effectively grants you club membership. The vast majority of people you see in the AA lounges are paid club members. Remember the AA lounges have been around long before status was invented. They are called Admiral's Clubs - emphasis on the 'club' bit, which denotes the need for membership.
Apologies, you are correct. I tend to forget as my Qantas Platinum status gets me into AA lounges.
Members of AAs loyalty program are not permitted into US domestic lounges, regardless of class flown. However members of a foreign (QF, CX, BA etc) ow program are: providing they are flying F or J. Status - I think - is irrelevant in these cases
Honestly..why would you bother. My trips over there have taken me into the Admiral club lounges in LAX (Ex QF flight going on to Chicago - generously given 3 drink vouchers at the ent.. only "food" were pretzels. Going from San Fran to Orlando..lounge at departure (early) -standard poor coffee + mini muffins and JFK going to Heahtrow.. 3 free drink vouchers but you pay for all food. Seating is "comfortable" if you can find one, and don't forget the tip for all drinks!
The AA Admirals Clubs are going through extensive renovations and now offer a much greater variety of food and seating in many - but not all - clubs. That said, if you have access to the Flagship Lounges (LAX, ORD, JFK, MIA for now), that's the way to go.
A quick search on both airlines' sites will tell you all you need to know.
As a QC member: "When travelling with American Airlines, as a Qantas Club member you and a guest are welcome at American Airlines Admirals Club lounges. Simply present your Qantas Club card together with your boarding pass at the lounge reception. Both you and your guest need to be travelling together further that day on a flight marketed and operated by the partner airline whose lounge you wish to visit." (https://www.qantas.com/us/en/frequent-flyer/the-qantas-club/benefits.html?int_cam=us%3Athe-qantas-club%3Aarticle%3Abenefits%3Aen%3Ann)
From AA for Admirals Club access without QC membership:
Thanks for all the comments. I was aware of the QC access but as said in OP was most interested in San Diego which has no Admirals Club. I agree the lounges per se are not a selling factor but was looking at a Red Eye out of SD to NYC so was interested in options to fill in between leaving unit and flying out at 22:30. Apart from that was simply surprised about the lack of entry for First Class passengers but that simply reflected lack of knowledge on my part :)
A few years ago I presented my then QF silver card and said I wanted to buy a months membership to gain entry to the AA lounge ,The Lounge Dragon said to a colleague 'This man is trying to give us money''
She told me just go in and enjoy the Lounge , I couldn't believe it
It wasn't the only AA Lounge that let me in on that trip
Have to agree with some comments above. We could only get into Virgin America lounges flying first but no one else without membership or in the case of AA they did would let us in with Amex cards
Flashman181
Flashman181
Member since 11 Apr 2018
Total posts 27
Qantas FF/QC member here but looking at some internal domestic flights in US next year so just getting head around access rules there . It seems that simply having even a First Class ticket won’t get you lounge access on domestic? Seems only real way is elite membership to partner programmes ? I know QC gets you into most Admiral Lounges but SAN Diego don’t have one only an Airspace .
aggie57
aggie57
QF
Member since 04 Apr 2014
Total posts 136
That’s correct, no access for 1st class ticket without status
ryanpst
ryanpst
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 27 Jun 2013
Total posts 72
Don’t count on it. Last week I ended up at Burger King after Alaska Airlines declined me for entry in SeaTac.
patrickk
patrickk
Qantas
Member since 19 Apr 2012
Total posts 737
I have no problem with AA but for the others forget it. Codeshares don’t count.
Himeno
Himeno
Member since 12 Dec 2012
Total posts 295
US Domestic First class does get you access to lounges, but it depends on the route and carrier.
eg, AA F gets you access to the lounges, but only when on a 3 class flight between JFK or MIA and SFO or LAX.
TZB88
TZB88
QFF
Member since 16 May 2016
Total posts 18
I know a number of highest tier travelers in the US. Status often not a factor for Lounges. So many people over there with high status the Lounges would be heaving constantly. Most of them just buy a lounge membership.
John Phelan
John Phelan
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 28 Oct 2011
Total posts 262
Actually, the primary factor is club membership. Status effectively grants you club membership. The vast majority of people you see in the AA lounges are paid club members. Remember the AA lounges have been around long before status was invented. They are called Admiral's Clubs - emphasis on the 'club' bit, which denotes the need for membership.
Flying mermaid
Flying mermaid
Qf
Member since 26 Apr 2015
Total posts 6
You have your QC membership that will get you into all the AA ones. To be quite honest they are pretty marginal (apart from the Flagship ones which are nice). They give you a quiet place to sit and a drink and a few snacks.
aggie57
aggie57
QF
Member since 04 Apr 2014
Total posts 136
Actually, the primary factor is club membership. Status effectively grants you club membership. The vast majority of people you see in the AA lounges are paid club members. Remember the AA lounges have been around long before status was invented. They are called Admiral's Clubs - emphasis on the 'club' bit, which denotes the need for membership.
Apologies, you are correct. I tend to forget as my Qantas Platinum status gets me into AA lounges.
cloud-9
cloud-9
British Airways - Executive Club
Member since 28 Mar 2014
Total posts 10
Members of AAs loyalty program are not permitted into US domestic lounges, regardless of class flown. However members of a foreign (QF, CX, BA etc) ow program are: providing they are flying F or J. Status - I think - is irrelevant in these cases
Racala
Racala
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 May 2018
Total posts 66
Honestly..why would you bother. My trips over there have taken me into the Admiral club lounges in LAX (Ex QF flight going on to Chicago - generously given 3 drink vouchers at the ent.. only "food" were pretzels. Going from San Fran to Orlando..lounge at departure (early) -standard poor coffee + mini muffins and JFK going to Heahtrow.. 3 free drink vouchers but you pay for all food. Seating is "comfortable" if you can find one, and don't forget the tip for all drinks!
pzlams
pzlams
QF
Member since 12 Dec 2014
Total posts 1
There's a lot of confusing information here.
The AA Admirals Clubs are going through extensive renovations and now offer a much greater variety of food and seating in many - but not all - clubs. That said, if you have access to the Flagship Lounges (LAX, ORD, JFK, MIA for now), that's the way to go.
A quick search on both airlines' sites will tell you all you need to know.
As a QC member: "When travelling with American Airlines, as a Qantas Club member you and a guest are welcome at American Airlines Admirals Club lounges. Simply present your Qantas Club card together with your boarding pass at the lounge reception. Both you and your guest need to be travelling together further that day on a flight marketed and operated by the partner airline whose lounge you wish to visit." (https://www.qantas.com/us/en/frequent-flyer/the-qantas-club/benefits.html?int_cam=us%3Athe-qantas-club%3Aarticle%3Abenefits%3Aen%3Ann)
From AA for Admirals Club access without QC membership:
oneworld® Emerald and Sapphire
Includes customers on all flights marketed and operated by American or a oneworld® airline (regardless of cabin). (https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/clubs/admirals-club-access.jsp)
From AA for Flagship Lounge access:
oneworld® Emerald and Sapphire
Flashman181
Flashman181
Member since 11 Apr 2018
Total posts 27
Thanks for all the comments. I was aware of the QC access but as said in OP was most interested in San Diego which has no Admirals Club. I agree the lounges per se are not a selling factor but was looking at a Red Eye out of SD to NYC so was interested in options to fill in between leaving unit and flying out at 22:30. Apart from that was simply surprised about the lack of entry for First Class passengers but that simply reflected lack of knowledge on my part :)
akronflyer
akronflyer
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 29 Jul 2014
Total posts 145
Gazza129
Gazza129
Member since 11 Nov 2017
Total posts 13
Have to agree with some comments above. We could only get into Virgin America lounges flying first but no one else without membership or in the case of AA they did would let us in with Amex cards