I agree 110%.
Some airlines advertise their club will give you perks other than lounge access (QF for one,) AA doesn't, but I have had some very nice things happen due to AC AAngels. In fact, I have to get some choccies for the SFO AAngels when I cycle through there Dec 15. And I renew there as well, since they get some kind of credit for that.
Originally Posted by Ready2Go
Yes, the AC is definitely the way to go. Particularly because the OP said this all happened at JFK, where they are outside security so it's a snap to go there first thing when you get to the airport.
I know people like to complain about the ACs not having free liquor, etc. etc. But I feel my membership more than pays for itself with things like this. I get upgrades, get on as a standby, and get accommodated in irregular ops situations far more often than I did before I became a member.