Airline lounges are popping up in every major airport across the country, not to mention some smaller ones too. Airline lounges include more than just airlines with almost every major credit card holder entering the airline lounge market. American Airlines Admirals Clubs have been around for decades now. To stay competitive in the crowded market, American airlines has begun transforming the image of their Admirals Club lounges. At Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), the new regional jet concourse (Terminal E) has recently opened housing a brand-new Admirals Club. Compared to their older clubs and competing airline lounges their new offering at Reagan National is quite the trendsetter.
Lounge Access Eligibility
American Airlines Admiral Clubs can be accessed in many ways. You can purchase a single pass for $59 or purchase an annual pass for $650. Select credit card holders are granted lounge access such as the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard. We were to gain lounge access through our Qantas Airlines club membership. Qantas is a member of the Oneworld Alliance awarding us access to Admirals Clubs on American Airlines tickets.
First Impressions
We realized immediately that this is not your run of the mill Admirals Club. The American Airlines logo greeted us at the main level entrance where we then climbed a flight of stairs. On the second level we checked in with the lounge staff, presented our Qantas club card and were good to go.
Touring The Lounge
The DCA terminal E Admirals Club is divided into sections as opposed to a large open lounge. To the right of the entrance, is a bar area that includes a light snack buffet. Offering numerous seating options ranging from booths to tables. The buffet consisted of a light taco bar, a drink machine, snacks, coffee station and desserts. A rather unique feature on this side of the lounge are in the lounge are the standing telephone booths. This area is a perfect spot to make last minute phone calls. The booths are equipped with charging ports. On the other side of the lounge is an array of seating options with a large fireplace surrounded by many seating options, this created a cozy atmosphere distracting from the airport hustle and bustle. There is an adequate amount of power ports placed throughout the lounge.
Ancillary Revenue in a Lounge?
Overall American Airlines has nailed everything in their new Admirals Club. American Airlines offers a grab and go option where items such as water, snacks and beverages can be purchased for a fee. This felt out of place compared to other airline lounges who provide snacks and food complimentary except for some alcoholic drinks at the bar. For example, the United Clubs we have visited have grab and go areas where similar items can be retrieved free of charge. If someone is accessing the lounge, and do not have time to take advantage of their features, charging does not seem the right way. With the steep lounge admission fees, or the spend level to gain access, should be able to cover a bottle of water.
American Airlines Admirals Club at Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) exceeded our expectations and sets the tone for other airline lounges. The Staff were friendly, food was a high quality for a lounge and the ambiance and décor was beautiful. In the coming months be on the lookout for more renovated Admirals Clubs emerging. The new terminal A at Newark Liberty International Airport will be housing a brand new Admirals Club in the coming months. We expect to review terminal A and the new Admirals Club in the near future.
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