Originally I did not plan to feature this part of the report since it was a routine LAX-SFO leg, but two factors changed my opinion.
a) Since my last visit to LAX, there is now a hallway that connects T4 with TBIT after security and this is a major development that will be useful to many travelers.
b) I was able to get access into the Oneworld Business lounge @ TBIT with a domestic ticket. From what I understand this lounge was recently renovated back in April 2015 and I think it will be interesting to report my first visit there.
We arrived in LAX and I deposited my companions in the AA Admirals Club. Passengers flying in F or J on a transcon route (MIA-LAX or JFK-SFO/LAX) have lounge access with AA. I inquired if my EXP status could allow me into the Flagship lounge and was denied because I was on a 2 class airplane, even though it was F.
I have reported on the Admirals Clubs @ LAX previously so I am not going into details. Here are a few pics of the usual offerings.
The usual crudites with a bean salad.
The soups were hiding in a small room after the bar.
A few selections that I shared.
I left the lounge on my way to TBIT. I was directed to go towards gate 40 by the Admirals Club staff and proceeded to take the escalators.
The hallway had huge windows that faced the tarmac and were great for plane spotting as you can see below:
Depending on how fit and quickly you walk, it takes about 5-10 min. to get to the TBIT side. You then take an elevator to reach the Oneworld clubs. There is QF F and a Oneworld Business that is managed by QF.
I first tried to access the QF F lounge and was told that I had to have an international segment in my itinerary to be allowed inside. The agent was polite but was adamant about the intl. leg requirement. Fair enough and under the Oneworld lounge access page under tier status it is stated in the following exception:
"American Airlines AAdvantage® members, regardless of their tier status or class of travel, are not eligible for lounge access when travelling solely on North American flights within or between the U.S., Canada, Mexico (except Mexico City), the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean."
However, there is another exception clause if you are trying to access a Oneworld lounge as a F or J passenger and it states the following:
"First and Business Class customers who do not hold Emerald or Sapphire tier status are not eligible to access American Airlines lounges when travelling on solely domestic flights within the U.S. or between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico [except Mexico City], the Bahamas, Bermuda and the Caribbean; customers travelling in First or Business class on U.S. transcontinental flights between JFK-LAX, JFK-SFO and MIA-LAX (and vice-versa) are eligible for lounge access."
I then walked a bit further and came across the Oneworld Business lounge.
I guess this bar located in front of the Oneworld J lounge gets a lot of "rejects" :P
Oneworld Business Lounge.
I inquired at the reception if indeed as a F passenger on a transcon route I had access to this particular lounge. The nice lady asked me to wait for a moment while she consulted with a supervisor. After a few minutes she came back and welcomed me inside the lounge. She gave me back my AA EXP card and advised me that there was a F lounge that I could use and could direct me there. At this point time was ticking so I decided to just stay at the J side and get acquainted with this lounge since it was my first time here.
Entrance.
The lounge is very spacious and is divided into different sections with 16 showers with Aurora Spa amenities. I believe that it was renovated back in April 2015 and it is managed by QF which is evident from the chinaware and utensils that were used in the dining room. Catering is designed by Australian chef Neil Perry.
Lounging area by the entrance.
Bar.
Communal fireplace .
Interior.
Buffet.
My selection.
After a while I returned to catch my SFO flight. Boarding commenced with priority given to passengers requesting extra assistance and families traveling with children. i was greeted by a FA during boarding and settled into my seat. I had an empty seat next to me and was planning to switch to the window once the door closes. Right before closing the door the gate agent upgraded a few passengers and I ended up with a neighbor.
Plane at the gate.
F cabin.
Service consisted of beverages with the snack basket. The crew was efficient and friendly and they offered a second beverage run before arrival. I had a Diet Sierra Mist with apple and potato crisps.
We arrived a few minutes earlier on a sunny Californian afternoon.
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Verdict
American Airlines
7.4/10
Cabin8.5
Cabin crew9.0
Entertainment/wifi5.0
Meal/catering7.0
Los Angeles - LAX
10.0/10
Efficiency10.0
Access10.0
Services10.0
Cleanliness10.0
San Francisco - SFO
10.0/10
Efficiency10.0
Access10.0
Services10.0
Cleanliness10.0
Conclusion
A routine flight with a very efficient and attentive crew. I appreciated that an effort was made to provide a second beverage run and check that passengers were OK.
The opening of a connecting hall between T4 and TBIT after security is a blessing and a great improvement for Oneworld frequent flyers. Having access to the Oneworld lounges at TBIT is a great benefit. I only wish that the rules for lounge access were clearer. Having an exception for every rule complicates things and makes the interpretation of policy confusing.
The Oneworld J lounge is a great place to relax and dine before one's flight. I imagine that over at the QF F it is even better with table dining and a more personal level of service. Perhaps I will get the chance to visit it on a future flight when I pass through LAX.
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The rules for lounge access are not easy to understand, that's why it's great to have a status from a non-US airline. Although these are great lounges, the normal AA Admirals Club are just carrott clubs and are not worth an entry.
I suspect that the reason why US airline clubs are so deficient compared to foreign ones is that it will be very costly to provide full catering with the amount of traffic and the way we eat here in the U.S. ;)
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6 Comments
The rules for accessing any lounges in the US aren't known for being easily understandable (a JD should be required for read them :) )
Thanks for your comment BESMRS.
The rules for lounge access are not easy to understand, that's why it's great to have a status from a non-US airline. Although these are great lounges, the normal AA Admirals Club are just carrott clubs and are not worth an entry.
Thank you Adan
Thanks for your visit Jules.
Nice spotting shots from LAX!
A pretty standard domestic flight I guess.
Have a good one, see you!
It was nice to have a view of the tarmac when I used the new corridor.
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