You can now access Flagship Lounge airport locations by American Airlines with a Single Visit Pass for $150.00, which is valid for same-day, one-time use at the Flagship Lounge in which it was purchased — and besides the $150.00, all you need is a boarding pass for same-day travel on an eligible flight regardless of the class of cabin to which you were seated, and official identification with a photograph of yourself which was issued by a government entity…
American Airlines Flagship Lounge Single Visit Pass For $150
…but the capacity of the specific Flagship Lounge will determine whether a Single Visit Pass will be available; a guest is not included with a Single Visit Pass; and you must be a minimum of 21 years of age to purchase and use a Single Visit Pass.
The definition of a single visit is neither clear nor specific.
Also, an eligible flight includes any departing flight or arriving flight which is marketed or operated by American Airlines or marketed and operated by any airline which is a member of the oneworld alliance. Same-day priority verification cards will be accepted.
Starting with the location at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, American Airlines will begin reopening Flagship Lounges and Flagship First Dining throughout the fall; and the location at Miami International Airport comes next starting on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.
American Airlines is bringing celebrated chefs to Flagship Lounges and Flagship First Dining to serve up delicious and creative menu offerings. This program is in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, which is an organization with a mission to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind the food culture of the United States; and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.
Each location will feature an acclaimed local chef with offerings designed exclusively for their hometown Flagship Lounge — but in the meantime, what was offered in 2019 for breakfast included smoked salmon with sliced hard boiled eggs, sliced tomatoes, sliced red peppers, and capers; mango and Brazilian nut salad; seasonal fresh fruit; a Venezuelan guasacaca salad; and little plates of Serrano asparagus.
Why I Would Not Pay $150.00 for a Single Visit Pass to a Flagship Lounge
I remember back in 2009 when an employee of Delta Air Lines who was associated with Delta Sky Clubs asked why I would not consider becoming a member — sort of a spontaneous survey in person — and I responded with the following reasons:
- I rarely arrive for a flight long enough in advance to spend enough time to enjoy the amenities of a Sky Club
- I do not drink alcoholic beverages
- I carry at least one portable electronic device for music — which is important to me — as well as games and other entertainment to keep my mind preoccupied
- Although it may be slower, many airports offer free Wi-Fi access to the Internet
- Options for admission into airport lounges which are less expensive are available; but I had never paid for those either
- The public washrooms at airports are typically reasonably maintained, so I do not need to use a washroom inside of a Sky Club; and I would personally rather shower at home or in a hotel room than at an airport lounge
- The miscellaneous items available do not interest me, as I:
- Typically do not need to print any documents — although some exceptions have occurred
- Have no interest in putting a golf ball — if a lounge is equipped with a putting green
- Do not hold or attend formal meetings at airports
- Usually do not read the newspapers and magazines available
- Rarely watch television
- Do not drink coffee or tea
- For the price of admission, there is typically not enough of an offering to create a meal — and if a meal can be created with what is offered, dining in an actual restaurant at which one can choose what one wants is usually considerably less expensive
Many — if not most — of these reasons can be applied to the American Airlines Flagship Lounge.
Final Boarding Call
Although I did like many aspects of the Flagship Lounge at Miami International Airport and would certainly return again if or when the opportunity presents itself, I was generally not impressed with the offerings. However, I would certainly not pay $59.00 — let alone $150.00 — for a Single Visit Pass to a Flagship Lounge based my experiences…
…but perhaps the overall experience of the Flagship Lounge at Miami International Airport will improve significantly once it reopens on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.
As for how long one can stay as a “single visit” in a Flagship Lounge on a Single Visit Pass, I have no idea. That may likely be determined by the representative who checks one into the Flagship Lounge; so I doubt one can stay all day long…
Photograph ©2019 by Brian Cohen.
