oneworld Lounge Access Guide

The oneworld alliance connects 13 member airlines, offering reciprocal lounge access across their global network. This guide explains who can access oneworld lounges and under what conditions.

oneworld Member Airlines

American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines (JAL), Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines, and Alaska Airlines.

Access by Ticket Class

First Class Passengers

Lounge Access: Any designated oneworld lounge, including both first class and business class lounges.

Guest Policy: One guest permitted (must be traveling on a oneworld flight the same day).

Requirements:

• Same-day oneworld first class boarding pass
• Paid ticket or award ticket (staff travel excluded)
• Access extends until 6:00 AM the following day for layovers

Excluded Lounges:

• American Flagship First Dining (DFW, MIA)
• Chelsea Lounge at JFK
• British Airways Concorde Room (LHR)

Business Class Passengers

Lounge Access: Designated oneworld business class lounges only (not first class lounges).

Guest Policy: No guest privileges.

Requirements:

• Same-day oneworld business class boarding pass
• Full-fare business class ticket (some "light" business fares may not qualify)
• Staff travel does not qualify
• Access extends until 6:00 AM the following day for layovers

Excluded Lounges: No global exclusions for business class lounges.

Access by Elite Status

oneworld Emerald Status

Emerald is the highest tier in the oneworld frequent flyer program, earned through airlines like American Airlines (Executive Platinum), British Airways (Gold), and Qantas (Platinum).

Lounge Access: First class lounges, business class lounges, and frequent flyer lounges.

Guest Policy: One guest permitted (must be traveling on a oneworld flight the same day).

Requirements:

• Same-day oneworld boarding pass (any cabin class)
• Must present Emerald status card or digital equivalent
• Valid on connecting itineraries throughout the journey

Excluded Lounges:

• American Flagship First Dining (DFW, MIA)
• Chelsea Lounge at JFK
• British Airways Concorde Room (LHR)
• Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge (DOH)
• Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge (DOH)
• Some British Airways outstation dining facilities

Important US Domestic Exception: AAdvantage Executive Platinum and Alaska Mileage Plan MVP Gold 100K members do not receive lounge access for domestic US flights. This restriction applies only when traveling domestically within the United States on American or Alaska Airlines.

oneworld Sapphire Status

Sapphire is the mid-tier status, earned through programs like American Airlines (Platinum Pro), British Airways (Silver), and Qantas (Gold).

Lounge Access: Business class lounges and frequent flyer lounges only (not first class lounges).

Guest Policy: One guest permitted (must be traveling on a oneworld flight the same day).

Requirements:

• Same-day oneworld boarding pass (any cabin class)
• Must present Sapphire status card or digital equivalent

Excluded Lounges:

• Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Class Lounge (DOH)
• Qantas Domestic Business Lounges (within Australia)
• Some airline dining facilities

Important US Domestic Exception: AAdvantage Platinum Pro and Alaska Mileage Plan MVP Gold 75K members do not receive lounge access for domestic US flights.

oneworld Ruby Status

Ruby is the entry-level tier, offering benefits like priority check-in and boarding but no lounge access.

Special Rules & Exceptions

Connecting Flight Rules

For passengers connecting between flights on the same day (or before 6:00 AM the following day):

• Lounge access is determined by the highest cabin class on your itinerary
• A first class long-haul segment grants access to first class lounges throughout your journey
• Business class long-haul grants access to business class lounges for the entire trip

Same-Day Departure Requirement

All oneworld lounge access requires a same-day departure on a oneworld carrier. You cannot access lounges:

• The day before your flight
• After your final oneworld segment (unless on a layover extending past midnight)

Partner Airline Considerations

• Lounge access applies when flying on marketed and operated oneworld flights
• Codeshare flights operated by non-oneworld carriers may not qualify
• Some oneworld connect partners have limited reciprocity

Lounge Types Explained

First Class Lounges

Premium lounges with enhanced amenities, fine dining, and spa services. Examples include British Airways Galleries First, Qantas First Lounge, and Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class.

Business Class Lounges

Standard premium lounges with comfortable seating, buffet dining, and business facilities. These are the most common oneworld lounges worldwide.

Frequent Flyer Lounges

Lounges specifically designated for elite status members, sometimes separate from class-of-service lounges.

Quick Reference Table

*Subject to exclusions listed above

Tips for Travelers

1. Carry your status card - Digital cards in airline apps are accepted, but physical cards can help at lounges with connectivity issues.

2. Check specific lounge policies - Individual lounges may have additional restrictions during peak hours.

3. Arrive early for premium lounges - First class lounges and flagship facilities may have capacity limits.

4. Understand your connecting rights - Your highest cabin class determines access throughout your journey.

5. US travelers note the domestic exception - American and Alaska elite members should plan accordingly for domestic trips.

Last updated: January 2025