How To Get Into US Airline Lounges

Every airline has its own set of rules and quirks when it comes to its lounge access rules. Navigating these rules is like going through an overly complex maze.

So, what are the rules for accessing the lounges of major US airlines? Let’s not forget that some airlines operate different types of lounges each with their own set of rules.

American Airlines Lounge Access

AA operates several types of lounges, from a unique arrivals lounge in London to Admirals clubs and Its flagship lounges. Here, we cover the main two lounges operated by American Airlines, the famous Admirals Clubs and Flagship lounges.

American Airlines Flagship lounges

Like a lot of airlines, AA operates two tiers of lounges. At the same time, Admirals Clubs are the mainstay of its lounge network. It also has premium flagship lounges that provide a sit-down meal service and much more. Currently, there are four flagship lounges, with a fifth planned for Philadelphia and rumored to be opening in 2024. The four current AA flagship lounges are located in the following cities.

• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Miami (MIA)

Access Rules

To access AA Flagship lounges, you need to meet one of the following:

• Fly a qualifying first or business-class ticket.
• Hold Alaska MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold.
• AA elites with Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum.
• AA ConciergeKey elites.
• Partner program members with Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire elite status.
• Purchase a single-day pass for $150.

American Airlines Admirals Clubs Access Rules

There is an astonishingly large number of ways you can access AA Admirals clubs, from flying in premium cabins to holding the right co-brand credit card. With some proper planning, you should be able to access an Admirals club every time you fly. You can access AA Admirals clubs in any of the following ways.

• Fly with AA on a business class or first-class ticket.
• Have Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status and have a same-day boarding pass with a one-world partner.
• AA elite members holding Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Platinum are granted access when flying internationally on a Oneworld airline ticket.
• Purchase a day pass to access the lounge – these are only available at select destinations and lounges.
• Purchase an annual Admirals Club membership that grants you access and your immediate family (spouse/partner and up to two guests). The price depends on your current elite status with AA. New memberships range from $850 to $750, while renewals are a little cheaper, ranging from $800 to $700.
• Hold the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which grants you and your immediate family access to Admirals Clubs
• Military personnel traveling in Uniform can access domestic and international Admirals Clubs

Delta Airlines Sky Clubs

Despite recent new restrictions aimed at combating lounge overcrowding, you still have many options to access Delta Sky Clubs, as follows.

• You can access Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta One, either domestic or internationally.
• Sky Team first and business class travelers can access Delta Sky Clubs.
• SkyTeam Elite Plus can access the lounge when taking a qualifying alliance flight.
• Delta Medallion members can access Sky Clubs Via their purchased lounge membership.
• Delta Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members can access sky clubs when flying Delta One, First Class, or Premium Select.
• Holders of the following Delta Co-brand credit cards can access Delta Sky Clubs
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express receives 10 free visits per year.
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express receives 10 free visits per year.

United Airlines Lounge Access

United has a somewhat more complex access policy than others since the airline operates two tiers of lounges, United Polaris Lounges, and United Club lounges. The access rules for each are different, and you may be able to access one but not the other.

United Polaris Lounges

United Polaris lounges are its flagship product and the hardest to access for a couple of reasons. First, they have the most restrictive access rules. Secondly, there are not that many Polaris lounges around. So not only will you have to meet the entry criteria, but also you will have to be flying from an airport with a lounge. The six Polaris lounges in the US are located as follows:

• Chicago-O’Hare.
• Houston Intercontinental.
• Los Angeles.
• New York-Newark.
• San Francisco.
• Washington-Dulles.

United Polaris Lounges Access Rules

The Polaris lounges have the most restrictive rules of all. You can only access A Polaris lounge in one of the two situations.

• Take a flight on a United Polaris Class aircraft. Where you will be allowed access upon departure and arrival and during any connections you have.
• Take a flight in a premium cabin on a Star Alliance carrier. Flying first or business class with a partner, you can access the United Polaris lounges at your departure airport.

United Club Access

There are far more United Clubs than Polaris lounges, which are the bread and butter of United lounges. You can access these lounges in any of the following circumstances:

• Take a flight on United in either business or first class.
• Fly in Business or first class on a Star Alliance partner airline.
• Earn United Premier Gold status or higher – Gold members and above can access lounges flying internationally at their departure airport.
• Star Alliance Gold members with a partner airline can access United Clubs when traveling on any member airline or with United.
• Purchase a United Club day pass for $59 per person.
• Buy a United Club membership that is valid for one year. Membership costs between $650 and $550, depending on your status level.
• Receive complimentary access when holding some United Credit cards.

Alaska Airlines Lounges

Before delving into Alaska Airlines lounge access rules, it is worth noting that Alaska Lounge’s footprint is tiny compared to other airlines. In fact, the airline only has a few lounges located at the following airports.

• Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
• Portland International Airport (PDX)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

Alaska Airlines Lounge Access Rules

You can access Alaska Airlines lounges in any of the following circumstances.

• You can use the Alaska lounges when traveling with Alaska (paid or award) subject to the following:
  • The flight is over 2,100 miles- if no flight exceeds this, you can purchase a day pass.
  • You are flying to Hawaii.
  • It is an international long-haul destination.
• Purchase an Alaska lounge day pass.
• Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald Members can access Alaska Lounges when traveling with Alaska or a Oneworld partner.
• You can purchase an Alaska lounge membership at two different levels.
  • Alaska Lounge membership grants access to Alaska lounges only.
  • Alaska Lounge + membership grants access to Alaska lounges, AA Admirals clubs, Qantas lounges, and some United Clubs.

Final Thoughts

Accessing an airport lounge when traveling is a game changer to your travel experience. You can relax in the relative style and luxury, not to mention get some work done or chill out away from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

That said, it is no surprise that getting into lounges can be complicated since they tend to be reserved for elites, premium cabin flyers, and other stakeholders. However, once you have figured out how to get access time and time again, you can plan accordingly and enjoy your airport experience.