As I’ve said a million times, my favorite benefit of elite status is lounge access. I love that because I maintain American Airlines Executive Platinum elite status I can access OneWorld international First Class lounges for free. The best part is that I can access these lounges regardless of the class of service I am flying that day. The only requirement to access the lounges is that I also be traveling with a OneWorld carrier. Considering I nearly always fly with OneWorld partner airlines this is never an issue.
For example, when flying to and from London I can use the British Airways lounge(s), the Qantas Lounge, Cathay Pacific’s lounge, and even the American Airlines Admirals Club. These are some of the best lounges in the world (except for the Admirals Club), and I can use them even when traveling on a deeply discounted economy class fare.
While I absolutely love this benefit, I find that it’s a benefit most frequent flyers don’t even know they have. If they do have an idea about the benefit most don’t know when it works and when it doesn’t. So, instead of being turned down at the lounge they would rather not even try. Thankfully, it appears American Airlines has come up with a solution to solve this exact problem.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge Reminder
Over the past few years American Airlines has introduced a few Flagship Lounges throughout the United States. So far, the airline has opened Flagship Lounges in Chicago, New York (JFK), Los Angeles, and Miami. In the future the airline plans to open additional Flagship Lounges in Dallas, London, and Philadelphia. I’ve loved every one of the Flagship Lounges I’ve visited so far and find them to be a welcomed addition to the American Airlines international travel experience.
With that, it seems American is currently reminding passengers who have access to a Flagship Lounge about the benefit a few days prior to their scheduled departure. I have an upcoming flight from Chicago to London which departs later this week. Earlier today I received the following email from American which reminds me of my Flagship Lounge benefit.
The email explains where the lounge is and then reminds me that I have access to the lounge. Specifically, for my upcoming trip I have access thanks to my Executive Platinum elite status. At the bottom of the email is a hyperlink which takes you to the Flagship Lounge landing page.
Final Thoughts
Personally I love this move from American. In fact, I wish American would send more emails like this to elite customers. I’d especially love to see more emails like this sent out to newly minted elite customers as I suspect a large percentage of elite customers have no idea what benefits are offered to them or not.
I’d also love to see future emails like this sent out all elite members any time there is a change to benefits. For example, if the baggage allowance changes, why not sent an email out a day or two before your flight. Likewise, if the baggage allowance at your destination differs from the domestic policy an email would be helpful.
Either way, I appreciate emails like this that reminds elite members of their hard-earned benefits. I suspect several Platinum Elite customers don’t even realize that they have Flagship Lounge access even when traveling in economy. I believe emails like this will help elite members get more from their benefits which should only help American retain customers for years to come.
