Lounge Access at LAX, AA Marketed, FJ NAN-SFO, AA onward

[flyinpod]

Hi, I’m booked from Nadi Business through to SFO -Lax - IAd with American Airlines. The domestic/ transfer component of the journey states First Class. I assumed this meant I would have lounge access but from reading online this may not be true? Can someone enlighten me please. I have some long waits at these connections. This is all on one PNR, one ticket number. No stopovers. Thanks

 

[Max Samuels]

If you have time (and I mean hours and hours), I prefer to exit TBIT completely, get some (fresh) air, walk around to AA T4, and check-in there. And if you're WP, you can use the Flagship First Check-in, which includes an escort through to the top of the security line via a private elevator.

I have always found the "bags checked all the way through" thing kind of misleading.... sure... the bag tag says "somewhere else via LAX", but you have to collect it, go through customs, and then re-check in at the domestic counter. Whether it be inside TBIT or T4 or wherever. Best case scenario, you save 5 seconds by them not having to print out a bag tag. But in my experience, at least 50% of the time the bag tag is so ratty that they reprint it anyway, and also take the opportunity to stick their own priority stickers etc...

 

[gilldo]

Anyone accessed the LAX AA lounge more than 6-8 hours in advance of their flight?

 

[Max Samuels]

Anyone accessed the LAX AA lounge more than 6-8 hours in advance of their flight?

Yep - they don't care. Can also use the QF one and it is open all day (and empty most of the day!)

 

[justinbrett]

I have always found the "bags checked all the way through" thing kind of misleading.... sure... the bag tag says "somewhere else via LAX", but you have to collect it, go through customs, and then re-check in at the domestic counter. Whether it be inside TBIT or T4 or wherever. Best case scenario, you save 5 seconds by them not having to print out a bag tag. But in my experience, at least 50% of the time the bag tag is so ratty that they reprint it anyway, and also take the opportunity to stick their own priority stickers etc...

That's not true. The bags go straight on the connections belt at TBIT after customs, you don't need to go to a counter or check in. You certainly don't have to walk them to another terminal. It is not the check area for TBIT or T4. Yes, it is staffed with counters if you wish, but they'll usually tell you to put it straight on the belt. It requires no interaction from them for your bag to leave. When it's busy or you are late (and handed an orange transfer folder) there is often staff standing around to tell you to drop your bag and to keep moving. I can't remember ever visiting a counter.

 

[Max Samuels]

That's not true. The bags go straight on the connections belt at TBIT after customs, you don't need to go to a counter or check in. You certainly don't have to walk them to another terminal. It is not the check area for TBIT or T4. Yes, it is staffed with counters if you wish, but they'll usually tell you to put it straight on the belt. It requires no interaction from them for your bag to leave. When it's busy or you are late (and handed an orange transfer folder) there is often staff standing around to tell you to drop your bag and to keep moving. I can't remember ever visiting a counter.

Sorry I guess the point I was trying to make is that it is not really checked through as you physically have to wait for the bag at the carousel (for ages), pick it up, drag it through customs, then drag it to the belt (sorry I said counter) and drop it off. And guess what? If your tag is damaged..... off to the counter for a re-print! I don't call that a "seamless" experience?

if you read the rest of what I said "If you have time (and I mean hours and hours), I prefer to exit TBIT completely, get some (fresh) air, walk around to AA T4, and check-in there." I didn't say it was easier - I just said I preferred it.

Obviously, if your connection is tight, drop on the belt and run to your gate! But that wasn't the question

 

[drron]

Anyone accessed the LAX AA lounge more than 6-8 hours in advance of their flight?

Yes see my post above.9 hours in the flagship lounge for us.