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Forums Frequent flyer programs British Airways Executive Club BA Silver – Lounge access when flying US domestic

  • MrSJ 44 posts

    Hi there, can someone keep me right here..
    If I’m flying US domestic economy with BA Silver – OneWorld sapphire, do I have lounge access?

    Last week I was denied entry because it wasn’t long haul, which didn’t seem right to me. I tried to argue it but they were haven’t none of it. There was a bit of a queue so didn’t want to cause a scene, but I’ve got another flight today and I’d like to be prepared.
    The OneWorld website is fairly vague. Any insight would be appreciated

    Stu_N 130 posts

    As Long as you’re on a OneWorld airline (American or Alaskan, most likely) you’ll have access to their lounges under OneWorld rules. BA Silver = OneWorld Sapphire = Business lounge.

    The confusion arises because AA and AS both run a paid-for lounge program for their own members flying domestically. An AA OneWorld Sapphire doesn’t have lounge access when flying AA unless they pay for that. Other airlines’ OWS members do.

    BA Flyer IHG Stayer 2,761 posts

    Where was this?

    Personally I think the IW lounge database is quite clear on who gets in on what status / ticket

    AndrewT 359 posts

    The OP didn’t say which airline, but the AA website is quite clear for their Admirals lounges. As above AA Sapphire = No, other OneWorld Sapphire = Yes.

    Ihar 369 posts

    As above. Never liked the AA lounges – even the Flagship lounges aren’t so great. At certain airports they are also plagued with capacity issues and long lines. Once had a queue 8 deep at BA T5 lounge – some people were at risk of a heart attack 😁

    NorthernLass 9,440 posts

    You definitely get lounge access, it sounds as though there was some confusion re US and OW rules. As Silver I was given access to the pretty decent (and empty!) lounge at DCA en route to Key West and was allowed to guest in my OH and the teenager.

    drdan 128 posts

    The domestic AA lounges.. spend maybe 30 mins in..no more…

    Free fountain come etc and snaky style bits… Deffo not worth a long visit.

    Blair Waldorf Salad 1,268 posts

    “snaky style bits” – what are these? My abiding memory of Admirals Clubs is blowhards crowding the bar discussing their retirement plans and cinnamon rolls that look like someone unwrapped them from plastic

    NorthernLass 9,440 posts

    Jumping on this, I will be Gold/Emerald flying AA economy MIA-GCM next March, will I be able to use the AA Flagship lounge at MIA?

    AJA 1,325 posts

    Jumping on this, I will be Gold/Emerald flying AA economy MIA-GCM next March, will I be able to use the AA Flagship lounge at MIA?

    Yes that should be ok. I think even as BA Silver you get access.

    NorthernLass 9,440 posts

    Yay, thanks. We’ve done the painful MIA experience so many times but never made it into a lounge yet!

    AndrewT 359 posts

    If starting a journey at MIA you can also use the Flagship check in, but you will have to wave your BA Gold card as they have a list of the days Flagship passengers and will otherwise decline to invite you in as you won’t be on the list.

    Quite cool being escorted to the front of the security queue, although perhaps a good idea to avoid catching the eye of all those who may not necessarily appreciate being queue jumped. Just to be clear, Flagship check in is for Gold only not Silver.

    NorthernLass 9,440 posts

    Thanks, I’ll file that away as well – anything which makes the experience more pleasant, lol.

    *Disclaimer, haven’t actually been through MIA for about 8 years due to cancelled Covid trips and otherwise studiously avoiding, so maybe it’s improved?

    SamG 1,859 posts

    Was it a BA lounge ? Some of those e.g. Philadelphia do not usually allow domestic passengers in due to capacity constraints

    drdan 128 posts

    “snaky style bits” – what are these? My abiding memory of Admirals Clubs is blowhards crowding the bar discussing their retirement plans and cinnamon rolls that look like someone unwrapped them from plastic

    I meant snack..snacky things…

    Currently in the IAH terminal D lounge as a BA First passenger for maybe the 4th time. it makes for a lousy business lounge at best.

    e14 386 posts

    “snaky style bits” – what are these? My abiding memory of Admirals Clubs is blowhards crowding the bar discussing their retirement plans and cinnamon rolls that look like someone unwrapped them from plastic

    I meant snack..snacky things…

    Currently in the IAH terminal D lounge as a BA First passenger for maybe the 4th time. it makes for a lousy business lounge at best.

    Huh, the AA lounge is in A ?
    Did you try the Cent Lounge ?
    I do miss the two BA lounges (well the F lounge which had a lot of local craft beers, the Elissa IPA certainly had some kick to it)

    anirishgirl2022 51 posts

    I am BA silver but for some reason this has not equated to one world sapphire on my AA boarding card- I’ve been silver since July and from before I booked my internal AA flight. Despite their best efforts at check in the ground staff wouldn’t overrule the baggage allowance it was saying I was one world RUBY but I did however get access to the lounge without any question. It’s early Saturday morning at JFK the lounge was pretty empty.
    I had spent 3 hours on the phone back and forth to BA and AA and the BA agent just hung up when he said it was now resolved – clearly it hasn’t.

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