TrojanHorse

isn't there some sort of renewal for renewing at the just opened club in Term B at IAD?

JY1024

Yup - listed on the AC website: http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?...duAdmirals.jsp

We're celebrating the opening of our newest Admirals Club® lounge in Washington Dulles International Airport with a limited-time discount offer -- $50 off a new membership or $25 off a renewal membership. To qualify for the discount you must purchase your new membership or renew* your existing membership in person at the Washington Dulles lounge between February 1, 2009 and April 30, 2009.

qazw1

Amex - $450/year versus AC - $250/year. No Wifi in domestic AC lounges for Amex. Unless one flies multiple airlines, AC makes more sense.

aamilesslave

The PLT Amex price may vary if one is a corporate cardholder (e.g. $300 with a former employer).

funnyman1515

Done some searching and have come up empty - any discounts anywhere for new memberships as opposed to reneweing?

William2005

I agree, in that having the Amex had been key to my decision not to renew at $300. I discussed this issue with the A/C staff in San Francisco a couple of weeks ago, and they argued to me that there is an advantage to membership because in irregular ops they rebook the A/C members first, before nonmembers who came in using amex cards. They claimed a list of A/C members who were on a canceled flight is given to them immediately when a flight cancels. But that wasn't enough to convince me not to cancel at that price. And they did not offer any discount despite it being clear price was the reason I was not renewing.

So I did also factor in the Amex access as a factor in deciding nevertheless to renew at $250 at DFW yesterday. I decide to renew at that price, in part because (1) I have doubts about how long the Amex partnership will last, especially since it is such an incentive for A/C members to quit; (2) I am considering cutting the Amex when it comes up for renewal unless they offer a significant break on fee; (3) if either (1) or (2) come to pass I assume I would have to pay initiation fee plus nondiscounted dues to A/C in order to rejoin.

A pretty close call as evidenced by the fact that $250 vs. $300 made the difference, and I certainly see your point.

tobyh

Same here. Although I eventually decided to renew with miles.

chanp

Got it for 250 at lax on sat.

TrojanHorse

how did you get this? I mean did you ask? did they flat out offer when you checked in???

qazw1

Citibank Business card is $50 off for new membership and $25 off for renewals. You can check and see if that is still available.

qazw1

That's nice! If it was only a difference of $50, probably would choose the Amex option for those one in a while trip with another airline.

bcm0830

I called the IAD club, and they gave me the $25 "in person" discount when I renewed over the phone. I am upset, however, that I did not know some clubs were giving $50 off. I renewed last month before I lost EXP, so I paid $275.

My justification in renewing instead of using my Plat Amex is that since I always use the wireless in the AC, I would have to pay $19.99/month for T-Mobile access ($240). I figured the extra $35 was worth it on the off chance I benefit from that silly "priority" handling during irrops one day this year.

Nepenthe

There are a few threads discussing this. But, FWIW I know that with AMEX you don't get free Wi-Fi or drink coupons.

funnyman1515

Thanks qazw1, I'll check that out. Cheers!

Nepenthe

Sorry for the above. Just caught this post on the re-read.