Here's American Airlines' New Access Policy for Flagship First Check-In
Yesterday, American Airlines unveiled its new Flagship First Dining — inside the just renamed and recently renovated Flagship Lounge. But, there's another Flagship-branded service that changed this week: Flagship First Check-In.
And there's good news for American Airlines top-tier elites: Executive Platinum members (and one guest) can now use the Flagship First Check-In on qualifying international routes.
Let's take this opportunity to dive into the Flagship First Check-In access policy to see who qualifies and on which routes.
Benefits of Flagship Check-In
Flagship Check-In is designed by American Airlines to provide its top customers an exclusive check-in experience. Each location has a private area, walled off from the rest of the check-in desks. Inside, there are a few desks with agents to check you in and tag your checked luggage. Here's how it looks at JFK:
Once checked-in, the JFK Flagship First Check-In has seating areas, if you need to wait for other passengers or want to collect your stuff before heading into security.
Once you're ready to clear security, each Flagship First Check-In provides "expedited security access." From arriving at the airport to reaching security, the process could take only minutes — allowing qualifying passengers more leeway on how early to arrive at the airport or more time in the lounge.
Locations
American Airlines currently has five Flagship First Check-In areas:
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD) — Terminal 3, Checkpoint 8
- London Heathrow (LHR) — Terminal 3, Next to main check-in, Look for First Class Check-In signs
- Los Angeles (LAX) — Terminal 4, Use exclusive curbside entrance
- Miami (MIA) — North Terminal, Concourse D
- New York's JFK — Departure level, to the right of the American Airlines check-in desks
Qualifying International Routes
You're going to see the phrase "qualifying international routes" a lot in the sections below. So, let's define that first. Generally, these routes are intercontinental flights: to Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealand. While not quite intercontinental, flights to Central America also qualify.
Flights to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean aren't qualifying routes. The only exception to this is that flights to Mexico City (MEX) count as qualifying international flights.
ConciergeKey
The Flagship First Check-In access policy is the most straightforward for AA's most valuable customers: ConciergeKey members. CKs and up to two guests or immediate family can use the Flagship First Check-In no matter which route they're flying.
First Class on AA or Other Oneworld Carriers
If you're flying first class on a qualifying international route, you (and one guest) can use the Flagship First Check-In. This is true if you're flying first class on American Airlines or one of its partners (i.e. British Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Qantas). However, be careful that you check in at the correct terminal. For example, British Airways and Iberia depart out of JFK's Terminal 7 rather than AA's Terminal 8.
AA also grants access to Flagship First Check-In if you're flying first class on American Airlines' key transcontinental routes: New York's JFK to Los Angeles (LAX), JFK to San Francisco (SFO) and Miami (MIA) to LAX. However, you have to be flying first class on a three-class aircraft to get access — either on the 777-300ER or A321T. On transcontinental routes, you don't get to bring a non-qualifying guest into Flagship First Check-In with you.
American Airlines Executive Platinum Elites
This is the part of the access policy that changed this week: American Airlines Executive Platinum members on qualifying international routes can now use the Flagship First Check-In area. You're allowed to bring one non-qualifying guest into the check-in area with you.
Oneworld Emerald Elites
Top-tier elites on other Oneworld carriers can also use Flagship First Check-In. For qualifying international routes operated by American Airlines, Oneworld Emeralds are able to enter with up to one guest. For all other flights operated by AA, these elites still get access — but won't be able to bring a guest.
In order to get access, you'll need to prove your status via your frequent flyer card or already-printed boarding pass that reflects your status.
Have you experienced Flagship First Check-In?
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.