We are traveling BDL-CLT-MIA-UIO and returning by the same itinerary, all in 1st class. I am wondering if we can get access to the Admirals Club at all during this itinerary. It looks like International flights of 5 hours or more are the only ones that qualify and ours is just under. If we were to purchase all day passes, it looks like MIA is not eligible, which kind of defeats the purpose. Does any one have some advice on how to deal with this. We have, on average 2 hour layovers between each destination and would like to use the lounges, if there is time to do so and if it is allowed.

Where do you see that you can't use a pass to access the MIA lounges? I was able to do so, and the rules on the AA website seem to allow it. On the other hand, those lounges are being renovated, and may not be worth the cost.

Go here:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...e=admiralsclub

"One Day Pass

Available for $59 at select clubs, excluding Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD)."

Interesting. This is the link I used:

https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/...nge-access.jsp

We had free Admirals Club ( or a partner airline club) access with Business Class seats in Dallas, Hong Kong, Shanghai a few months ago.

And how does that relate to my situation HT?

<i>We are traveling BDL-CLT-MIA-UIO and returning by the same itinerary, all in 1st class. I am wondering if we can get access to the Admirals Club at all during this itinerary. It looks like International flights of 5 hours or more are the only ones that qualify and ours is just under.</i>

Since MIA-UIO is less than 5 hours, I think the strict interpretation will be that you don't get access. Now that said, I'd always ask; the counter people in the ACs have considerable leeway in granting access.

However before that I'd phone AA and see if they could move you to BDL-DFW-UIO instead. If the fare bucket you paid for is available (this will depend on your dates and ticketing class specifics) they <i>might</i> waive any change fee. Since Dallas - Quito is longer than 5 hours, you'd definitely get lounge access.

I don't pay for AC access in principle. Sixty bucks for a beer and food you have to pay for? Meh.

By the way, your MIA (or DFW) - UIO flight is in business class. AA doesn't offer first class on Mexico/Caribbean/Central American/Northern South America routes.

Unfortunately for Craig the international leg of his itinerary (MIA/UIO) is only 4 1/4 hours (he needs a 5 hour flight) so he won't qualify for "free" admittance to the Admirals Clubs in either CLT or MIA and as he already found out purchasing an Admiral's Club "day pass" won't give him access to the lounges at MIA.

All may not be lost, however. If OP has an AMEX Card he can purchase a day pass at the Centurion Lounge (http://thecenturionlounge.com/locations/MIA) but it will only be good at MIA and not CLT. It's located in Terminal D (the one that services many AA flights so it should be convenient to his gate even if he flies out of Terminal E (AA's other terminal).

Thanks for the great suggestions. No flight that works from DFW to UIO however - either totally booked or more likely, not flying on a Tuesday, when we plan to depart.