Lounge access in USA - have I got this right?

[Gumnut]

Hi AFFers,
I would like to double check something with you. Dr Gumnut goes to Ottawa soon, and since I've never been overseas and he only joined QFF 2 months ago we're trying to figure something out. His flights are all booked with QF flight codes for every flight. The trip is SYD - LAX - ORD - YOW all in J except for the ORD - YOW which is in Y. On return he is booked on YOW - ORD - DFW - SYD (via BNE) again all in J except YOW - ORD in Y. He is currently a QFF NB but by the time he touches down in LAX on the outbound he will be PS. The USA domestic legs are all operated by AA.

So after reading the OW lounge access conditions am I correct that he will be able to use the Admirals lounges at all airports in the USA regardless of being PS (OW Ruby) because he has an International J leg within each trip?

I thought I'd check here before I get his hopes up

I also suspect by the time he gets home he may make SG, which will be a nice little reward to get when he comes home.

 

[tuapekastar]

My best guess (why do lounge access rules need to be so complex?) is yes, with the possible exception of ORD outbound, as the segment flown appears to need to connect to the international one. I'm not sure whether ORD-YOW fits the category as it is 'once removed' from the SYD-LAX J segment. But I am by no means sure of that. Also, AA does not operate J between LAX and ORD (and vv), just domestic Y and F. And as you appear to be aware of, no AC at YOW.

So LAX outbound, ORD and LAX inbound, and possibly ORD outbound. I think.

Hopefully someone who knows these things better than I will chime in.

 

[Gumnut]

Ah, I see your point about the 'once removed', it's not very clear is it? :-| I'm thinking that he could possibly ask about the ORD AC while in the LAX AC, maybe the AA staff would know?

Oh and I forgot AA have F instead of J , I noticed that on the Seat Guru site so yes he's in F according to the seat he's been allocated, just that the QF booking says "Business (J)"
Thanks for your input tuapekastar

 

[serfty]

It can be a lot simpler than it seems. The 'one removed' is irrevevant - it simply need to be a same day international itinerary in business.

So Dr Gumnut should indeed have access wherever there is an A/C.

... International Premium Class Customers in First or Business Class ... Passengers eligible for access must provide their government-issued ID and a First or Business Class ticket or boarding pass valid for departure on the same-day or before 6:00 a.m. the following day. Stopovers are not permitted.

Don't forget to ensure to advise Dr Gumnut to get their "premium' drink chits upon entryat each lounge. If Dr runs out they can go up and ask for more.

[Aside: A Qantas Club member travelling on AA metal on a QF or AA flight number is entitled to reciprocal access to any available Admirals club in the flights outbound airport.

This is irrespective of international or domestic itineraries.]

 

[Gumnut]

Thanks serfty His travel is indeed all on the same day so Dr Gumnut will be pleased to hear that. Will tell him about the chits as well.