Source
r/americanairlines•
fascfoo

Became AA Platinum - Feel like I'm stuck in a logical conundrum re: Admirals Club access (Oneworld Sapphire)

Question

Recently became AA Platinum. Was wondering if this included Admirals Club access on domestic AA flights. A quick perusal of the benefits site seem to indicate this did NOT include AC access when flying domestic.

That said, AA Platinum does equate to OW Sapphire status

OW Sapphire includes lounge access on flights regardless of cabin in any OW lounge - which American lounges would fall under.

You can probably see where I'm getting at - does the "lack" of AC access for Platinum trump the benefit of AC access for OW Sapphire?

The pessimist in me says this won't work, but can anyone confirm?

EDIT: Thanks for all the legit answers everyone! To be clear, I wasn't clamoring to get into AC - have had plenty of meh experiences there but would be good to know if it was an option in a pinch

Posted Feb 18, 2023, 1:29 PM UTC · edited

029
Expert-Whereas-2021•

Your Platinum Status with American will only grant you access to admirals club or flash ship lounge locations when you’re flying on international routes, regardless of what class your seat is in. This is because it’s a domestic carrier status so it only becomes the one world sapphire equivalent when international travel is involved, the same thing goes for Alaska Airlines status. So only on international travel would your status get you, this includes connecting flights as well throughout the travel day.

14
barti_dogAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

I want to know more about flash ship lounges

8
mahjimoh•

Yes! “Flash ships” sound like something from Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.

2
Expert-Whereas-2021•

You can only access flagship lounge a few ways, as there is no membership program for that lounge specifically. 1: You are flying in first/business class on an international flight to select European, Asian, or South American destinations. 2: you have one world emerald or sapphire status with a one world international partner such as British airways, Iberia, or Japan Air. 3: You can purchase a one day pass for the lounge for $150 either online or in person at the lounge.

1
JoeInMD•

✈️

1
fascfooOP•

I've used the AA Flagship lounge in Ohare before - nicer finishes, much larger, better booze, food is next level (lamb chops, etc).

1
barti_dogAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

I should have marked my comment with /s. My comment was in reply to Expert-Whereas-2021 who mentioned "flash ship" 😁

1
fascfooOP•

Ah! I missed that. The whoosh is on me.

2
Expert-Whereas-2021•

The only domestic routes that are exceptions include coast-to-coast direct flights, or I believe flights going on to Honolulu, HI connecting through a hub like LAX or DFW

2
braddahman86AAdvantage Gold•

ORD/DFW. LAX to HNL doesn't have a flagship ticket. Although they have ran 787 sometimes over winter when it's busy as well as to/from PHX but they sell it as 2 class with no PE.

1
Successful-Ad7179AAdvantage Executive Platinum•

International routes with seats onboard ticketed as flagship, so narrow body flights to nearby countries will not count

1
Expert-Whereas-2021•

Correct, so Mexico and Canada and US territories wouldn’t count, Caribbean islands I’m not 100% on

1
Successful-Ad7179AAdvantage Executive Platinum•

don’t think Caribbean counts either unless they’re flying a 787/777 there. I flew “business” (free upgrade on a a321, same seats as regular domestic first just marketed differently) from MIA to panama city and it didn’t count so i doubt the caribbean would

2
Expert-Whereas-2021•

Yeah it’s only to select European, Asian, or South American destinations

1
opticspipeAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

Just think of how crowded the lounges would be. The only thing worse would be giving out access with a simple credit card sign up.

12
bengtcAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

You won't have club access on domestic flights, some exceptions apply

8
somegummybears•

You really want those build your own tacos, eh?

6
Distinct-Hold-5836Concierge Key•

This thread makes me thankful plat and EP don't come with open club access.

Then AAdmirals would look like the CLs do. *shudders*

6
barti_dogAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

The current lounge situation is already like a Greyhound station, tbh

2
Distinct-Hold-5836Concierge Key•

It's station dependent.

LGA is beautiful. As is DCA. DFW and ORD clubs can usually handle the traffic as well.

CLT is garbage. As is PHX.

3
UberNerdismAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

In PHX, if you have time and are willing to take the long walk, the AC in the B gates is much better than the other 2. Much larger than the others. And, B gate area has much less traffic than A gates.

1
sojalecheAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

AA status won’t give you access to Admirals Club on domestic flights. But non-AA/AS OW sapphire does grant access to AC and flagship lounge on domestic flights. This is why other than AA status, I manage to keep BA silver status, just to get flagship lounge access flying domestic

4
Brahette•

Listed on the Admirals page like this - Non-AAdvantage oneworld® Emerald℠ and Sapphire℠ members

Wouldn't apply in this situation because you would be trying to use it from the Aadvantage side.

3
TyVIlAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

Just get the CITI Executive AAdvantage card and problem solved.

3
barti_dogAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

I mean it is $450 annual fee, but it solves the Admirals Club access conundrum

2
[deleted]•

[deleted]

7
barti_dogAAdvantage Executive Platinum•

Guess i should have marked /s

2
GamecockAl•

My understanding is if you had One World Sapphire status on a foreign carrier (e.g., BA) you could access Admirals Clubs when flying domestically on AA. I used this trip to status match to ANA the. Used that status on United flights to get into their lounge. I think the US is the only country that doesn’t allow lounge access at the Sapphire level (or comparable in Sky Team or Star Alliance) when you have the status on the US airline and are traveling domestically. Suggestion is get a credit card w Priority Pass membership (or but a membership from them) and go to their lounges if any in airports you frequent. You can also buy a day pass to the Admirals Club (or get the Citibank Executive card which includes access) but you aren’t missing much. Long time DP and now lifetime Platinum. I tend to go to Amex Centurion Lounges or Priority Pass. Had Admirals Club access for years and don’t miss it. IMHO lowest end of airline Lounges. Flagship Lounge, on the other hand, is nice but have to fly international J (or select trans con J/F) to access it

2
MavenVoyager•

Lounges have become a tirade of denials and greed. Cheap alcohol and microwaved food (unless it's an First Class lounge). You are better off spending time at an airport pub, taking to people and socializing...and if you are traveling for work, then you can expense it as well. Unless international, I avoid lounges. They seclude me from what's happening in the real world.

Having said that, try Amex Platinum Card. They have a slightly better option.

-1