I’m flying from LAX-BOG (via MIA) in business class (LATAM ticketed fare although the LAX-MIA sector is on AA metal). I’m seeing conflicting views about whether I will be entitled to access the International Business Lounge at LAX. Qantas’ website suggests that any business class customer on a oneworld carrier would qualify. Is the LAX-MIA sector considered ‘international’ given the restrictions AA places on its business/first passengers? Oneworld’s website suggests that you can access the lounge on a domestic sector so long as you also have an international long haul (5+ hours) flight the same day. While the domestic sector (LAX-MIA) is 5+ hours, the international sector (MIA-BOG) is only 3 hours and 40 minutes. LATAM’s website states that admission will be granted if “flying business class and with the Sapphire oneworld category” but it isn’t clear whether the “and” should be an “or”. That is, do you need to be a business customer as well as Sapphire or will meeting one of those requirements allow admission?
I am a Qantas Club member and have Qantas Silver (oneworld Ruby) status so I realise that will not entitle me to separate admission. I am only attempting to rely on the fact that I hold a business class fare.
The minefield of flying in the US is a major headache and I’m not sure why oneworld hasn’t tried to sort it out by now. Any clarification would be greatly appreciated.