JDiver

Yes, she misunderstood. Whilst one, or most often two, drinks chits are preferred to qualifying international passengers, more can certainly be requested.

knit-in

Forgive my lack of knowledge on Admiral Clubs, having not been in one (as far as I can remember), but is the alcohol top of the shelf that it requires a multi- step process to procure? Almost all my travel is international J, but in my experience all over the world, other than the lounge in CAI which was dry, the alcohol served in most business class lounges, while not super high quality, is rather free flowing.

This morning, however, the missus reported having a rather generous and delicious English breakfast at the AA Arrival lounge in LHR, which came as a pleasant surprise to her after, what sounded like, a rather ordinary trip across the pond.

Just to note here, she didn't misunderstand the "more chits can be requested" part, because she wasn't concerned by it. That seems to be correctly understood. I thought the misunderstanding might have been the whole drinks-for-coupons (chits?) part, which seemed incredulous to me.

JIMBOLIGUY

Remember that ACs are also paid membership clubs. Base liquor is included but higher end is not. In those airports without Flagship lounges, this is how they have devised a way to provide access for business class passengers and provide them with a "better drinking experience" than those of us that pay for access (which can buy the "better drinking experience").

Its just a different way to address the market - so not so unbelieveable.

petey2428

Hi all,

I have a flight next Saturday (memorial day weekend) on Latam to Peru at 11:20 pm in J. If I want to spend about an hour at the AC lounge, what time should I leave Manhattan? I will probably be taking the train from Penn Station (where I plan on storing my luggage) and then transfer to the airtrain. I have never flown out of JFK before and could use some guidance. Thanks!

Fraser

Working backwards here....

11.20pm departure
10.35pm boarding starts
9.30pm at Admirals Club

You've not said if you're checking bags or if the "luggage" is cabin baggage...T8 should be pretty quiet at that time, it's certainly not peak hour.

It's about 10mins from walking to AirTrain, purchasing ticket and the ride to the terminals on the AirTrain assuming you don't have to wait. Trains from Penn Station to Jamaica are very regular indeed, about every 10mins. It takes about 20-25mins depending upon whether or not you're on an Express.
http://lirr42.mta.info/schedules.php

So with no knowledge on my end about LATAM queue times or your luggage situation I'd say somewhere around 8.15pm leaving Manhattan.

petey2428

Thanks for the input! Is there an express line for business class passengers?

AANYC1981

[QUOTE=Fraser;28329048]Working backwards here....

11.20pm departure
10.35pm boarding starts
9.30pm at Admirals Club

LOL, glad to see I'm not the only one that uses the working backwards thinking on my airport planning

Fraser

There is a Priority line, yes.

brewdog11

I wish AA would clearly express that more can be requested to lounge staff. While half of the time I get no resistance when asking for more, I've certainly been politely-yet-firmly told "you can have one more, and that's it." I've also faced rudeness when asking for more: "how many do you think you should get...?" Pax shouldn't be made to feel greedy or unreasonable when asking for more drink chits.

It is also more difficult to get more than one at LUS clubs. It is almost 100% dependent on the generosity of the lounge rep. Of course, this is an improvement over not being able to get one at all if your int'l segment isn't departing from an LUS gateway.

Of course, if you're at DFW on a long layover, this problem can easily be solved by visiting every AC before your flight. That way, you can squeeze out a guaranteed four to eight chits before your flight.

monu58

Do citi prestige card holders have access to these lounges? i am flying jfk - sea on july 19th.

if so, is it the same perks as priorty pass where i can bring family with me?

Thanks

deeruck

What is the dining area to the right as you enter the new B concourse Admirals Club? I was in the remodeled club for the first time yesterday, and this area was roped off.

akcae

Flagship Dining, only accessible to those in AA F on 3-cabin int'l or transon flights.

chuck1

I went today to Flagship Dining - amazingly delicious - ranks up there if not better than CX HKG or QF SYD first class dining.

Watermelon salad with whipped feta, arancini with mozzarella cheese, salmon with risotto, apple tart with vanilla ice cream. Unique cocktail menu.

My advice - get there early enough to eat here and skip the plane!

nrr

I love cheese, French in particular--but none of the these...

beachfan

Food at the bridge today was meh at best. Overdone, burger (meat seemed low quality but I'm bot an expert) , salad drenched in dressing, flatbread cold. Service was good and it wasn't crowded. Buffet was a little better, but nothing to plan for. Glad I got a couple of slices at Joes on Carmine before I left for JFK.

Lots of beer choices though, and I liked the San Pelligtino and Aqua Panna .