Top-tier Qantas frequent flyers can enjoy some first class perks with Oneworld partner American Airlines, even if they're flying in economy.
For starters, Gold-grade Qantas Frequent Flyer members now enjoy entry to American Airlines' new Flagship Lounge at New York’s JFK Airport.
The old rules restricted access to first class travellers and Oneworld Emerald cardholders such as Qantas Platinum.
However, lower-grade Oneworld Sapphire members – a band which includes Qantas Golds, along with the likes of BA Executive Club Silvers and Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club Gold – are now also welcome to step through those frosted doors and enjoy the buffet spread...
... self-service bar (no queues or tipping)...
... as well as, work pods and even spacious shower suites.
This is a major step up from the more mainstream Admiral's Club lounges to which Qantas Golds were previously confined.
Read more: American Airlines unveils new Flagship Lounge in New York
American has also opened up its Flagship lounges to business class passengers, so expect these less-exclusive digs to get pretty crowded pretty quickly during peak travel times.
Other Flagship lounges will join the network this year at Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami; London Heathrow, Dallas / Fort Worth and Philadelphia will follow in 2018.
In addition, Qantas Platinum frequent flyers now qualify to use American's Flagship First Check-In areas.
These are special check-in zones formerly restricted to American Airlines' first class travellers on international or selected transcontinental flights – not the usual 'first class' checkin counter – with a dedicated 'premium customer service representative' to check your luggage and whisk you through to an 'expedited security line'.
As of this week the Flagship First Check-in areas will also welcome Oneworld Emerald passengers – which includes Qantas Platinums – when travelling in any cabin on any flight operated by American Airlines, according to these updated rules posted on the American Airlines website.
(Note that this ironically puts Qantas Platinums one rung above American Airlines' own AAdvantage Executive Platinums, who are not eligible to use Flagship First Check-In access if "traveling solely on North American itineraries.)
American Airlines operates Flagship First Check-In areas at New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, London Heathrow, Los Angeles and Miami, with plans to extend to Dallas / Fort Worth.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1429
Most US airlines treat their frequent fliers shabbily on domestic flights. Only business class gets access to any lounge on a domestic flight but a gold and above one world flier gets access on an economy ticket. They want to keep the local Hoi polloi out. Otherwise they would have to invest in bigger lounges. QF Canberra lounge is much bigger than most big city US lounges.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jul 2015
Total posts 219
The Admirals Lounge at Terminal D, DFW, is pretty good. Food is stock standard dips, salad and chips but showers are fine and a good place to while away a few hours. T
21 Jul 2011
Total posts 89
Well I can tell you that AA staff sure don't know these perks. I was refused access to AA F check in at JFK on Saturday. Arguing was pointless as was showing the AA website. Once you get to the lounge, it is so overcowded, it was hard to find a seat. The place was filthy, stuff on a table near me not cleared the whole time I was there. WIfi was so slow it was useless. The seats were also very uncomfortable. The buffet was DIRE like a school canteen. I didn't want food really so didn't really care. But to top it off, even though I was flying JFK to AKL in J (yes I know the transcontinental 320 has a real F) but being WP I didn't even get Group One boarding and when I went to board was told my group hadn't been called. AA leaves a LOT to be desired when it comes to looking after premium pax
02 Dec 2016
Total posts 91
bsb, The AA lounge at LAX (terminal 4) is tiny. Really useless at peak times. No room to sit down and limited food. Delta's (now old) lounge at terminal 5 is much better.
QANTAS
22 Jul 2014
Total posts 5
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