Lounge Access as QF Plat with Children

[tyrolean]

Hi Folks,

as QF Plat I will have my first AA domestic flight with Mrs. Tyrolean and our two kids (9 and 12).
We will fly AA First Class, but that does not give us lounge access.
Do I get access to the lounge in MIA with the kids? Oneworld says one guest only.
Does it make sense to buy a day pass? Or spend the time better in any airport restaurants?

My onward connection with UA and then LH in Business-Class is on a different ticket, so no help for that.

 

[serfty]

Are you flying AA out of MIA?

 

[tyrolean]

Are you flying AA out of MIA?

Yes. Domestic flight with AA.

 

[serfty]

*O rules are indeed one guest with no special provision for children.

AA's rules for AC members include all family under 18.

Since you would be accessing under *O rules then the former applies.

However, I have seen anecdotes of children being permitted in such cases, I have also seen anecdotes of the opposite.

My suggestion is to try to gain access and if not successful then pleasantly walk away.

 

[Jamie R]

Just back from the US and did two domestic AA flights (SFO and JFK departures) flying in Y with spouse and two kids (11&12). I am QF WP (the others no status) and aware of AA lounge rules (1 guest). Both times I approached the Admirals counter with a smile and asked if it wasn't too crowded if it was possible to allow the whole family in. Both times they allowed us in. It always pays to ask politely, understanding they are doing you the favour if they say yes. Also accept that they are within the rules to say no and if they do, pleasantly walk away.

Let us know how you go.

 

[tyrolean]

Just back from the US and did two domestic AA flights (SFO and JFK departures) flying in Y with spouse and two kids (11&12). I am QF WP (the others no status) and aware of AA lounge rules (1 guest). Both times I approached the Admirals counter with a smile and asked if it wasn't too crowded if it was possible to allow the whole family in. Both times they allowed us in. It always pays to ask politely, understanding they are doing you the favour if they say yes. Also accept that they are within the rules to say no and if they do, pleasantly walk away.

Let us know how you go.

Will report in June...

 

[Sdtravel]

This thread might be useful.
Admirals Club access with QC, how many guests?

I have no personal experience but am holding out that it all works out as im in a similar situation. Looking to guest 2 pax into AA lounge using by QF status flying AA Domestic First SFO to LAS via LAX.

 

[UP4014]

I've always found the staff at AA lounges to be very accommodating and generous with their help. But, you might come across the one who isn't so be ready for that as well.

 

[tyrolean]

I had no luck. I asked friendly and was turned away very harsh. On my first flight out of MIA we were on standby for an earlier flight. I asked the Lounge Dragon how my chances were, (how many seats, how long is the waiting list). Without even looking at the booking she answered, that I would have no chance. It is AA elites first, and there are so many! In the end we made it on the earlier flight...

The second time we were turned away very harsh as well. So in both cases I took one daughter to the lounge for a quick snack and drink and then we spend the time at the gate. Still a bit weird that domestic F Tickets come without lounge access, but these are the rules. The lounge in MIA was OK but my wife did not miss much.

The third attempt was with UA (*G and connecting to an international C-Flight). We were turned away there as well. Only directly before the international flight we were allowed in (because of the C Ticket and not because of the Status).

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The third attempt was with UA (*G and connecting to an international C-Flight). We were turned away there as well. Only directly before the international flight we were allowed in (because of the C Ticket and not because of the Status).

Who's the star gold with? An international star gold should give you access before any flight in the USA, subject to capacity restrictions (of which there are a few at the moment with UA from what I have read. Something about lounge construction.)

 

[tyrolean]

Who's the star gold with? An international star gold should give you access before any flight in the USA, subject to capacity restrictions (of which there are a few at the moment with UA from what I have read. Something about lounge construction.)

The Status is with LH. It was the same as with AA. One guest only and children count as a guest. The international Business Class ticket only gives you access before your international flight, but not before your feeder flight in Economy.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The Status is with LH. It was the same as with AA. One guest only and children count as a guest. The international Business Class ticket only gives you access before your international flight, but not before your feeder flight in Economy.

Non-USA star gold and oneworld will give you access before domestic flights in the USA. USA airlines stop their own status members getting access (you need to buy it through lounge membership). But a Lufthansa star gold will get you in unless there was a particular problem with capacity at the lounge you were trying to use. (I understand with the refurbishment to Polaris lounges, some lounges may have temporary restrictions at the moment due to overcrowding, but that's mostly for one-time lounge passes from what I'm reading.)

 

[tyrolean]

Non-USA star gold and oneworld will give you access before domestic flights in the USA. USA airlines stop their own status members getting access (you need to buy it through lounge membership). But a Lufthansa star gold will get you in unless there was a particular problem with capacity at the lounge you were trying to use. (I understand with the refurbishment to Polaris lounges, some lounges may have temporary restrictions at the moment due to overcrowding, but that's mostly for one-time lounge passes from what I'm reading.)

I got acces, but again Children do count as guests. So only the half of the family went in. The international tickte was no help. In Chicago we all coud use the lounge because of our Business Ticket.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I got acces, but again Children do count as guests. So only the half of the family went in. The international tickte was no help. In Chicago we all coud use the lounge because of our Business Ticket.

My bad. I lost the point about guest access for the children.

 

[juddles]

I think AA are nowhere near QF in their consideration for children, but they don't have to be - it is not in the "rules". But by the same token, USA lounges are pretty average, why bother? .......

 

[MEL_Traveller]

But by the same token, USA lounges are pretty average, why bother? .......

Because USD10-11 for a miserable sandwich in the main concourse is pretty unreasonable. Plus drinks on top. Lounge snacks are fine, and alcohol is free.

 

[juddles]

Because USD10-11 for a miserable sandwich in the main concourse is pretty unreasonable. Plus drinks on top. Lounge snacks are fine, and alcohol is free.

Have AA lounges changed? (I avoid them) It used to be a single drink voucher, or two for me as Emerald.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Have AA lounges changed? (I avoid them) It used to be a single drink voucher, or two for me as Emerald.

Soup, salads, unlimited free drinks (house liquor). Drink chits if you want top-shelf liquor.

 

[serfty]

Have AA lounges changed? (I avoid them) It used to be a single drink voucher, or two for me as Emerald.

Just go back and ask for more ... I was never denied when I did so ... I learned that from AFF circa 2005. (That was back in the era that all drinks had to be paid for if you did not have a chit.)

As for AA, their Admirals Club policy for children with members is better than the Qantas Club policy on this.

It used to be fine for children with Qantas Elites accessing A/C - this changed after AA was absorbed from the inside by USair.

 

[justinbrett]

The lounge in MIA was OK but my wife did not miss much.

Which one did you go to? I was at their flagship lounge in MIA in December about 4 different times and thought it was great - probably the best AA lounge I’ve been to - even had a self service bar and proper hot food - free.

Better than QF Club in SYD T1 that’s for sure.