Americans raise Admiral’s Club fees, but tease some upgrades

Visiting American Airlines’ Admiral’s Club is getting more and more expensive and (hopefully) more appealing.

On Monday, the Fort Worth-based carrier announced an increase in admission fees to airport lounges, starting July 23 – the same day that changes are being made popular Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.

American is increasing its annual membership fee to $200, and it’s also increasing its one-day fee to $20 (from $59 to $79 one-time).

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The airline is also increasing the cost of mileage to access the club: Memberships will start at 85,000 miles, while a one-day pass will soon cost 7,900 miles. (Both of these conversions represent a value of 1 cent per mile, much less TPG’s valuation is 1.77 cents per mile.)

USA for sale to individuals and households Admiral’s Club Membership, and it also offers discounts to holders of elite status. You’ll find a full breakdown of annual update rates at the end of this story. Note that renewals will be processed at the new rates, effective September 10.

Of course, these new fees are frustrating for anyone who has enjoyed current rates for the past few years. At $850, the entry-level annual membership in the Admiral’s Club currently costs much more than the Delta Sky Club membership ($695) and the United Club ( 650 dollars).

(Despite the fee increase, access to the Admiral’s Club through Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard still an attractive value and one that I will likely continue to leverage.)

To make up for the fee increase, American promises a number of improvements to the lounge experience including a revamped buffet, more beverage offerings, and a redesigned space.

The food service upgrade includes a “complimentary deli” with new hot and cold options for breakfast and all-day meals. The airline showcases regionally inspired dishes, such as Cuban pork in Miami and mini crab cakes in Washington, D.C.

Furthermore, American will be adding takeaway snack offerings at “select lounges” in the coming weeks.

Improvements to food delivery will begin rolling out in select cities on July 23, and will expand to all of the Admiralty Clubs in the country by early 2024.

In terms of drinks, American is ramping up alcohol offerings with complimentary sparkling wines, craft beers, spirits and cocktails, such as mimosas and bloody marys, which will be available across the entire network of lounges in the country starting starting this month.

Finally, the airline is reiterating its plans to open two new lounges in the coming months — one in Denver and the other in Newark. These new clubs have been in works for many yearsand both are expected to feature new American design motifs launching in October at new club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

While travel seems to be become more expensive Overall, it’s interesting that American is now leading the pack with increased lounge fees, especially since the airline has long offered perhaps the least appealing lounge experience of the Big Three airlines. of the United States.

Delta continues to build Newer and more beautiful Sky Cluband United have promised some serious upgrades to its clubs, some of which are was exhibited in Newark (with upcoming opening in Denver starting later this summer).

With the exception of the new DCA lounge, the experience at the Admiral’s Club isn’t nearly as upscale as at Club United and certainly Club Delta Sky — after all, just take a look at the buffet.

Assuming the Americans make good on their promises, this is sure to be a welcome improvement for the guests of the Admiral’s Club.

First of all, I can’t wait until the last airline moves from cheese balls, crackers and appetizers as all-day racks.

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