One World – Emerald Status

Oneworld Emerald is the top tier elite status, and as such, offers passengers holding such level of status unparalleled levels of services when taking to the air.

What do you Get?

1. Access to Preferred/Pre-Reserved Seating

– Where Offered –

Oneworld Emerald allows access to seating from the time of booking where non-status holders are only allowed to reserve 24 hours before departure. This extends to everyone on the same PNR (Passenger Number Record).

2. Extra Baggage Allowance

For international/domestic routes using the “weight” system, members are allowed an extra 20 kg in addition to the ticketed baggage allowance.

For international/domestic routes using the “piece” system, members are allowed 1 additional bag.

Although there are some exceptions

1. Benefit not available for BA “Hand Baggage Only/Basic” fares;
2. American Airlines allows at a minimum of 3 complementary checked bags for holders of Oneworld Emerald status and a 4th complementary checked bag for passengers travelling in First Class.

3. Fast Track

– Dependent on Airline and Airport –

Restrictions and local agreements cause significant variations in the ability to utilise this benefit but if available allows the holder to use the fast track line, with the potential to significantly reduce waiting time at the airport.

4. Lounge Access

– with some exceptions –

Oneworld Emerald holders are allowed to access the first and Business class loungers when they are flying on a Oneworld marketed airline.

5. Other Minor Benefits:

• Access to First Class priority check-in
• Priority baggage handlin
• Priority boarding
• Priority on waitlists and when on standby

What Airline Status’ are considered One World Emerald

First Class Lounge Exceptions

While holding Oneworld Emerald status gets you into 99% of the lounges within the Oneworld Alliance, there are two lounges which can only be accessed if you are travelling in first class with their respective airlines.

British Airways – Concord Room

BA’s top-tier lounge, the Concorde Room, is only available within London’s Heathrow Airport and New York JFK – though there are also smaller Concorde “Bars” at the Dubai airport and at Singapore Changi.

To get in, you must be flying British Airways first class and you can bring one guest. BA Executive Club Gold members who also earn 5,000 Tier Points are given a Concorde Room Card, which grants them access for themselves and one guest to Concorde Room lounges when flying any class of travel with British Airways or other Oneworld carriers.

Qatar Airways – Al Safwa Lounge

A little known exclusive lounge is the Al Safwa lounge with Qatar Airways. Like their British Airways equivalent, the only way to enter this lounge (without purchasing access) is to travel in first with Qatar Airways.