HELP! Lounge access with First class air tickets?

[bonniejoy03]

Help. Each airline is confusing me more about the availability of using the officers club/lounge club with a 1st class air ticket. Does anyone have exact information for USAir and American Air? USAIR said that if you have a first class ticket, you can enter their lounge gratis. AA said "no." No Lounge access for first class passengers.

[omegaet]

bonniejoy03...can't comment on USAir's policy. AA can get sticky on Admiral's Club entrance based on whether the ticket was a full fare purchase, upgraded from certain coach fares in or 100% award (I've seen this issue come up mostly at domestic clubs involving domestic travel). You should probably speak with a supervisor for clarification (it's also spelled out on AA.com).

This is one of those cases where AMEX Platinum makes a difference with both of these carriers in regards to club entrance.

Never accept the first, second or third 'rejection' to a request.

[bonniejoy03]

Hi O. THanks. Two agents at AA said "no." AA.com says "yes." I sent an email to customer service at AA. This would be a paying ticket. (I couldn't believe that it was only about $36 dollars more than economy and economy was sold out? It was interesting. I also sent an email to customer service at USair. (we will be flying first class one way in the near future.) Will wait to hear the written response from USair and AA.

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Good to know since I was planning on using the AA lounge in Miami and we have 1st class international tickets (not full fare of course). I do know that United/Continental lets you use the lounge with 1st/business class international tickets but not domestic so maybe AA has the same policy?

[LL_Travelfan]

This is one of those cases where AMEX Platinum makes a difference with both of these carriers in regards to club entrance.

Never accept the first, second or third 'rejection' to a request.

We used to get Priority Club memberships through AMEX/Merrill Lynch Platinum. AA Admiral's Club refused the Priority Club membership card some time ago, but USA still accepts the Priority Club card. United also no longer takes the Priority Club card.

Your suggestion to never accept the first, second or third rejection is a good one, and I practice it often. Never take NO for an Answer.

[omegaet]

Good to know since I was planning on using the AA lounge in Miami and we have 1st class international tickets (not full fare of course). I do know that United/Continental lets you use the lounge with 1st/business class international tickets but not domestic so maybe AA has the same policy?

denise......AA will allow you in the Admiral's Clubs in MIA, if you have a 1st Class tkt and traveling internationally (South & Central America qualify for sure).....just be sure when you check-in, to request your 'admission stamp' and two free drink tickets (if the agent doesn't offer them automatically). There are two very nice clubs in Concourse D from which your flight will likely depart. Oh, no provisions for smoking......both have nice shower facilities as an alternative!

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No free drinks in the Admiral's Club? United/Continental clubs still give free drinks (not that I will be drinking that early in the morning) - admission stamp - what is that for?

A shower would never compensate for smoking - we usually go outside and smoke (no US airports have provisions for smoking inside anymore), shop in the duty free store (for smokes of course) and then hit the club for a bit before our departure - usually for tea/coffee and snacks

[kyshel]

No free drinks in the Admiral's Club? United/Continental clubs still give free drinks (not that I will be drinking that early in the morning) - admission stamp - what is that for?

A shower would never compensate for smoking - we usually go outside and smoke (no US airports have provisions for smoking inside anymore), shop in the duty free store (for smokes of course) and then hit the club for a bit before our departure - usually for tea/coffee and snacks

As a former smoker (9 yrs without--YAY) ATL still has smoking rooms in the concourses. We call them "fishbowls"--smokers scurry in, light up and make the funny fishmouth face with every drag...
There is actually a whole thread on TA dedicated to airports that permit smoking. One of the funniest things I ever saw was in CAI--an Egyptian soldier with a Kalashnikov over his shoulder, having a smoke under the sign that read "NO SMOKING".

[omegaet]

No free drinks in the Admiral's Club? United/Continental clubs still give free drinks (not that I will be drinking that early in the morning) - admission stamp - what is that for?

A shower would never compensate for smoking - we usually go outside and smoke (no US airports have provisions for smoking inside anymore), shop in the duty free store (for smokes of course) and then hit the club for a bit before our departure - usually for tea/coffee and snacks

Only the first two bar drinks are free (and they issue two tickets at check-in counter for first and business class passengers). There is no cost for non alcoholic beverages and there are usually multiple food/snack locations within the clubs. There are excellent espresso machines (Café Cubano) in both clubs which can 'wire you' for you flight!

Reconsider the use of one of the showers - possibly not as satisfying as a nicotine fix, but then there are no Surgeon Generals warning associated with taking a shower.

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I saw so many folks in Paris smoking under no smoking signs - I think I saw more smokers in Paris than anyplace I have ever been. I wonder how they are doing now that they have "gone American" and most every place is no smoking now!