Why waste time browsing the airport's duty-free shops when you could be relaxing in the comfort of your nearest AA Admirals Club? This ultimate guide will explore all the key details you should know about this lounge network before your next trip. Let's dive in!
So what's the scoop on the American Airlines Admirals Club?
What's the Admirals Club all about?
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If you're looking to alleviate the stress of air travel, consider visiting your nearest American Airlines Admirals Club. This membership-based program grants you access to over 45 lounges across the United States and 60 partner lounges worldwide.
The Admirals Club was conceived by Cyrus Rowlett Smith, the president of American Airlines, as a marketing strategy after he was named an honorary Texas Ranger. His goal was to make his most valued passengers feel like "admirals" of the American Airlines "Flagship Fleet," which was promoted using a nautical theme. In 1936, the first members of the Admirals Club were announced, including celebrities, politicians, VIPs, and loyal American Airlines customers.
Initially, there was no physical Admirals Club lounge; members simply received framed certificates to display in their offices. The world's first airport lounge was established in 1939, when American Airlines converted New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia's press conference room at the airport into the inaugural Admirals Club. The club maintained its nautical theme, with receptionists called "skippers" and bar staff referred to as "stewards."
For history enthusiasts, it's worth noting that the second Admirals Club was located at Washington National Airport (DCA), which lacked a liquor license, so members stored their own bottles there. At one point, the club was responsible for managing a collection of 9,000 bottles.
Until 1967, Admirals Club membership was by invitation-only. At that point, American Airlines decided to offer everyone the opportunity to enjoy the VIP experience by paying a yearly membership fee.
The perks of being an Admirals Club member
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The Admirals Club lounge is designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing environment away from the bustling terminal. As you enter the lounge, you'll find cozy armchairs to settle into where you can enjoy a soothing cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of wine while keeping up with the latest news on the TVs.
If you need to freshen up between flights, the lounge offers private shower suites for your convenience. You can then head to the bar or snack area to satisfy your appetite. In the morning, you'll find a selection of bagels, oatmeal, and fresh fruit and yogurt, while the afternoon offerings include hearty soups, healthy grain salads, and cookies. To keep your energy levels up, you can indulge in freshly-brewed "La Colombe" coffee and barista-style espresso and lattes.
If you need to stay connected to the office during your travels, you can visit the business center and work from one of the stylish chairs in front of each computer terminal. Alternatively, if your team is with you and you need a private space to brainstorm, you can book one of the Admirals Club's conference rooms. You can rest assured that you won't miss your flight, as the Admirals Club also has reservation agents on hand to assist you with your travel arrangements.
A spokesperson from American Airlines recently stated in a press release:
"Our goal is to create spaces that better align with how people live and spend their time today."
In 2016, American Airlines embarked on the largest overhaul of its Admirals Club lounge design in the brand's history. This included updated furnishings, enhanced lighting, improved access to power, and a cohesive design across the network. The first lounges to receive this makeover were in São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), followed by the Admirals Clubs at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Miami International Airport (MIA), with 12 more to come.
In October 2018, American Airlines and LAX launched a $1.6 billion modernization project for Terminals 4 and 5, where 2 Admirals Clubs are located. This marked the largest individual investment American Airlines has made at an airport in its 92-year history.
At the launch, Suzanne Boda, the Senior Vice President of American Airlines, expressed her excitement, stating the following:
"Our $1.6 billion investment will transform the customer experience at LAX. We're investing back into our business and the communities we serve."
Where can you find Admirals Clubs?
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Admirals Clubs offer a relaxing experience at major American airports. The John F. Kennedy Airport (Terminal 8) provides amenities, such as Wi-Fi, snacks, showers, and a dedicated children's room, operating from 4 am to 10 pm. LAX boasts 3 club locations, with the largest one at Terminal 4 featuring conference rooms and quiet spaces, open until 12:30 am. Miami has 3 Admirals Club locations, with the biggest one at Gate D30 offering Wi-Fi and an 8-person conference room. Orlando also has an Admirals Club for your convenience. Chicago and Charlotte each have 3 and 2 Admirals Clubs, respectively, although the Charlotte clubs require membership and don't offer day passes. In addition, some Admirals Clubs (JFK, LAX, CLT) offer stunning runway views.
Get more value from your AA Admirals Club membership!
Becoming an Admirals Club member allows you to access over 60 partner lounges worldwide. These include The Qantas Club in Singapore, which provides comfortable seating and delicious meals prepared by renowned chefs. The Japan Airlines' Sakura lounge in Frankfurt features advanced bathroom amenities. In addition, the Marco Polo lounge in Venice offers a vineyard-inspired atmosphere, serves authentic Italian cuisine, and has a media room for your entertainment.
How do I join the Admirals Club?
The Admirals Club provides various entry options for its members. Individuals can join for $550 per year, while a household membership costs $1,150 annually. Alternatively, you can gain access using your miles. Certain elite memberships, Citi® / AAdvantage® cards, ConciergeKey, AAirpass, or active US military personnel traveling on American flights on the same day, entitle you to complimentary access. Travelers flying first- or business-class on American or select Oneworld flights within the United States are also granted entry, sometimes with a guest.
How much is an Admirals Club One-Day Pass?
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If you're looking to try out an Admirals Club before committing to a membership, or find yourself in need of a comfortable space while in transit, you can gain access to Admirals Clubs across the United States for just $59 per day. Once you've purchased an Admirals Club One-Day Pass, you're free to use it at other Admirals Clubs in the United States on the same day. This can be really handy if you're hopping between destinations for meetings, as you can still enjoy a moment of relaxation in a familiar and welcoming environment.
And if you already have an Admirals Club membership and want to get a One-Day Pass for someone else, you can easily do so by purchasing passes either at the airport or online. Plus, if you don't have a membership yet and decide to join within 30 days of using your One-Day Pass, American Airlines will deduct the cost of the One-Day Pass from your annual membership fee. This means you'll then be able to enjoy access to the international partner lounges as well.
Exclusive Admirals Clubs available for booking
There are numerous Admirals Clubs to choose from, but 2 in particular stand out. The Admirals Club in Terminal A at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and the Admirals Club at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in Texas are noteworthy options.
The Admirals Club in Dallas offers more than just a place to relax. It features its own gym, allowing you to fit in a workout during your downtime. In addition, the club provides Bose headphones for guests to enjoy some peaceful time during their visit. On the other hand, the Admirals Club at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport has a unique amenity – its own putting green. Imagine being able to squeeze in a round of golf between flights!
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