Originally Posted by
GlobalMatt
I don't understand why this is needed in AUS. Maybe expand the current lounge by another 5,000sqft? But I will say that I'm surprised they aren't putting that money into other markets.
-I feel like an upgrade to existing PHL/CLT lounges would be better warranted (adding showers to CLT seems like a no-brainer).
-Why not add FFD to ORD's FL? (Using existing Sq footage)
-Why not put another AC closer to D gates at LGA?
-Improve AC's at LAX/SFO
-Improve the MIA flagship check-in experience (it looks like an outdated Bank of America) and/or hire security in MIA to punch back at unruly pax (lol)
I can think of a lot of other markets than AUS that could benefit from improvements given the business that flies out of the other locations mentioned. I'm not saying pluck 15k sqft facilities in these markets, but maybe dish out some improvements elsewhere, than a major upgrade to an otherwise, and relatively, smaller market.
The entire D concourse will be demolished within one year. AA will be opening a larger (at least 12k sqft), new Admirals Club in the mezzanine level of the new concourse of terminal B (fka the central terminal) as soon as the "bridge" is complete. LGA will be appropriately served -- it has real competition.
I agree that CLT needs a makeover (I prefer the small B concourse club unless I am leaving from a far D or C gate -- much nicer and a higher staff to pax ratio than the combined C/D club).
My disappointment is that AA is not expanding into domestic cities where they should compete. MCI is opening a brand new airport next year and AA (the largest of the Big 3 there) has apparently forfeited the entire lounge space to Delta, according to local sources at the city council. BOS has a club far too small for its O & D traffic, to say nothing of the JetBlue partnership. The shared AS clubs are nice on the west coast, but is AA really content to reduce its own lounge offerings to LAX plus OC and SFO (SAN is not a real club, and LAS apparently doesn't warrant a club)?