MIA / Miami Flagship Lounge at D30 (new Nov 2017)
Sep 28, 2018, 7:17 pm
#76
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: American EXP; British Airways Gold
Posts: 1,896
So I've got to give credit when it's due -- today's food spread is actually quite good. The higher quality charcuterie is out, they have some decent (cold) steak, spicy thai shrimp, excellent wings, a pretty good heirloom tomato gazpacho, and the "made to order" station is doing fish tacos, which are REALLY good. So it seems the experience varies quite a bit, at least as it regards food.
Nov 24, 2018, 2:46 pm
#77
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
Programs: AA 1MM Lifetime Gold, AA Platinum, WS Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 7,607
I am trying to discern the admit policy for the FL at D30 from the Admirals Club at D30, other than the dining room for actual F passengers.
It looks like admit requirements are the same (as to the AC), other than Admirals Club members cannot go in on their membership alone?
Everyone with AA status (EP,PP, P) has to be on an international or select transcon, CK or OW top two levels any flight, AC members not at all and J or F international regardless of elite status? So AA elites get lower treatment than say CX elites of the same rank, interesting.
It's not helpful they define the AC admit policy in MIA on one page and FL access on another. But it appears to be less likely to be crowded if members are denied which keeps out domestic travellers who I assume are a good number of people in the MIA ACs.
I'm flying in J to and from Central America so it looks like this is a better choice in both directions. I used to go to E with the self serve bar and actual food (which I think used to be more restrictive than the ACs were) , now this looks like a self serve bar and actual food.
It looks like admit requirements are the same (as to the AC), other than Admirals Club members cannot go in on their membership alone?
Everyone with AA status (EP,PP, P) has to be on an international or select transcon, CK or OW top two levels any flight, AC members not at all and J or F international regardless of elite status? So AA elites get lower treatment than say CX elites of the same rank, interesting.
It's not helpful they define the AC admit policy in MIA on one page and FL access on another. But it appears to be less likely to be crowded if members are denied which keeps out domestic travellers who I assume are a good number of people in the MIA ACs.
I'm flying in J to and from Central America so it looks like this is a better choice in both directions. I used to go to E with the self serve bar and actual food (which I think used to be more restrictive than the ACs were) , now this looks like a self serve bar and actual food.
Nov 25, 2018, 8:04 am
#78
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...+lounge+access
At MIA, the entrance and check-in are shared between the D30 AC and the FL. When you have FL access, they stamp that on your BP and you scan the BP at the FL door. So, if you have FL access you actually get into both clubs. I like that because there are often desserts and soups that I prefer on offer on the AC side.
Nov 25, 2018, 12:17 pm
#79
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
Programs: AA 1MM Lifetime Gold, AA Platinum, WS Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 7,607
I wonder how many people have the club membership still? I guess with a lot of domestic or caribbean travel it would be handy. But not for this lounge.
I have not transited MIA for over a year and found that the lounges were too crowded in D but by and large the Oneworld lounge in E was great, and had proper food.
Now I guess it's an AC as well and this new lounge may be better than any of the ACs. I have several hours in MIA both ways so I can sample the wares and service. For once I'd like a departure gate near D30 but no matter where it's always D5 or E something.
I have not transited MIA for over a year and found that the lounges were too crowded in D but by and large the Oneworld lounge in E was great, and had proper food.
Now I guess it's an AC as well and this new lounge may be better than any of the ACs. I have several hours in MIA both ways so I can sample the wares and service. For once I'd like a departure gate near D30 but no matter where it's always D5 or E something.
Dec 2, 2018, 6:33 pm
#80
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
Programs: AA 1MM Lifetime Gold, AA Platinum, WS Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 7,607
Well it is quite SwankyTown vs. the other side and vs. the old D30 AC with lots of food and booze and no bartender, mind you this is 9:45 a.m. and not much demand for a shot or a beer at least for me.
I was told by the admission desk that E5 is still sort of like it used to be with self serve booze but opens at 1 p.m. probably like before, for the flights to Europe but on the return I have a 3 hour connection so I might have a look.
Lots of people on the floor where both clubs are located (when the up elevator opens) looking despondent they are sent left to the AC and not right to the FL. Before it was downstairs when people were disappoint when they found out Caribbean and Mexico means no admission at all. Now people get the same look when they get the lesser admission when they arrive upstairs.
I was told by the admission desk that E5 is still sort of like it used to be with self serve booze but opens at 1 p.m. probably like before, for the flights to Europe but on the return I have a 3 hour connection so I might have a look.
Lots of people on the floor where both clubs are located (when the up elevator opens) looking despondent they are sent left to the AC and not right to the FL. Before it was downstairs when people were disappoint when they found out Caribbean and Mexico means no admission at all. Now people get the same look when they get the lesser admission when they arrive upstairs.
Apr 8, 2019, 7:28 pm
#81
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,347
A manager here just told me that the reason it is so crowded here tonight is because they’re welcoming guests from the regular ACs! She went on to mention that they’re “shuttling” (whatever that means) people from the D15 lounge to the FL to get a taste of the experience. She mentioned the transition between providers but it wasn’t clear to me how that tied in, and I didn’t pursue it.
ETA: I wonder if D15 is completely closed for an audit like was reported earlier for one of the CLT clubs, so they’re sending people here to make up for it
ETA: I wonder if D15 is completely closed for an audit like was reported earlier for one of the CLT clubs, so they’re sending people here to make up for it
Apr 10, 2019, 1:53 am
#82
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,347
Tuesday was the first day operated by HMS Host. I had been in the day prior, so was able to note some minor differences.
They have cut back on condiments. I asked for one of the little jars of mustard they usually have out, and was told they are no longer offered (and the person cited the transition). I was chatting with an actual FL employee and mentioned this and she got one from somewhere after a lengthy discussion with the service staff...but in the ensuing 2 hours they never brought out a general stock. Similar experience with most of the items usually stocked near the bar (simple syrup, butters, horseradish, etc.) — no more, and was told they’re gone under the new company. On a positive note, the beef, when it was actually available, was WAY better than the Sodexo stuff. Better cuts, cooked better, with a better sauce and excellent mushrooms. Curiously, each time a new batch came out, it was cut and presented a bit differently...I suspect they’re trying to figure out what will work best.
One big thing I noted is that they had a LOT of trouble keeping items stocked. This ranged from the beef to bottles of wine and many things in between (at least 20 minutes went by without beef, and I stopped trying to get Miner Cabernet after 30 mins, leaving the only red as Pinot Noir).
I’m curious to see what other changes people notice. But, based on the nice beef dish, I’m not expecting this to be a disaster, but time will tell.
They have cut back on condiments. I asked for one of the little jars of mustard they usually have out, and was told they are no longer offered (and the person cited the transition). I was chatting with an actual FL employee and mentioned this and she got one from somewhere after a lengthy discussion with the service staff...but in the ensuing 2 hours they never brought out a general stock. Similar experience with most of the items usually stocked near the bar (simple syrup, butters, horseradish, etc.) — no more, and was told they’re gone under the new company. On a positive note, the beef, when it was actually available, was WAY better than the Sodexo stuff. Better cuts, cooked better, with a better sauce and excellent mushrooms. Curiously, each time a new batch came out, it was cut and presented a bit differently...I suspect they’re trying to figure out what will work best.
One big thing I noted is that they had a LOT of trouble keeping items stocked. This ranged from the beef to bottles of wine and many things in between (at least 20 minutes went by without beef, and I stopped trying to get Miner Cabernet after 30 mins, leaving the only red as Pinot Noir).
I’m curious to see what other changes people notice. But, based on the nice beef dish, I’m not expecting this to be a disaster, but time will tell.
Apr 14, 2019, 8:41 am
#84
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MDE
Programs: AA-PLT, HH-GLD, PP
Posts: 1,511
Tuesday was the first day operated by HMS Host. I had been in the day prior, so was able to note some minor differences.
They have cut back on condiments. I asked for one of the little jars of mustard they usually have out, and was told they are no longer offered (and the person cited the transition). I was chatting with an actual FL employee and mentioned this and she got one from somewhere after a lengthy discussion with the service staff...but in the ensuing 2 hours they never brought out a general stock. Similar experience with most of the items usually stocked near the bar (simple syrup, butters, horseradish, etc.) — no more, and was told they’re gone under the new company. On a positive note, the beef, when it was actually available, was WAY better than the Sodexo stuff. Better cuts, cooked better, with a better sauce and excellent mushrooms. Curiously, each time a new batch came out, it was cut and presented a bit differently...I suspect they’re trying to figure out what will work best.
One big thing I noted is that they had a LOT of trouble keeping items stocked. This ranged from the beef to bottles of wine and many things in between (at least 20 minutes went by without beef, and I stopped trying to get Miner Cabernet after 30 mins, leaving the only red as Pinot Noir).
I’m curious to see what other changes people notice. But, based on the nice beef dish, I’m not expecting this to be a disaster, but time will tell.
They have cut back on condiments. I asked for one of the little jars of mustard they usually have out, and was told they are no longer offered (and the person cited the transition). I was chatting with an actual FL employee and mentioned this and she got one from somewhere after a lengthy discussion with the service staff...but in the ensuing 2 hours they never brought out a general stock. Similar experience with most of the items usually stocked near the bar (simple syrup, butters, horseradish, etc.) — no more, and was told they’re gone under the new company. On a positive note, the beef, when it was actually available, was WAY better than the Sodexo stuff. Better cuts, cooked better, with a better sauce and excellent mushrooms. Curiously, each time a new batch came out, it was cut and presented a bit differently...I suspect they’re trying to figure out what will work best.
One big thing I noted is that they had a LOT of trouble keeping items stocked. This ranged from the beef to bottles of wine and many things in between (at least 20 minutes went by without beef, and I stopped trying to get Miner Cabernet after 30 mins, leaving the only red as Pinot Noir).
I’m curious to see what other changes people notice. But, based on the nice beef dish, I’m not expecting this to be a disaster, but time will tell.
On Wednesday there were a few mayonnaise and mustard jars available, but none on Saturday. One change that I did not like was the lack of paper to-go coffee cups, though I did not ask if that was a permanent change or if they were just out of them.
Everything else seemed the same to me.
May 29, 2019, 3:16 pm
#85
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA 1K and PP, AA PPro (3MM, former CK), Marriott Ambassador and LTT, Uber One
Posts: 1,347
This seems to be where we're discussing Flagship Dining for MIA, so:
I just asked for a second glass of Krug. I was told he didn't know if he could serve it because "you cant' just come in for alcohol". I was stunned. I came in stone cold sober, and enjoyed the first glass over at least 45 minutes, so he wasn't hedging because I was inebriated. He relented once I assured him I would order food. But is that really true, you couldn't use FFD to relax and work or socialize over a few drinks if you didn't want to eat?
I just asked for a second glass of Krug. I was told he didn't know if he could serve it because "you cant' just come in for alcohol". I was stunned. I came in stone cold sober, and enjoyed the first glass over at least 45 minutes, so he wasn't hedging because I was inebriated. He relented once I assured him I would order food. But is that really true, you couldn't use FFD to relax and work or socialize over a few drinks if you didn't want to eat?
May 29, 2019, 3:28 pm
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,466
This seems to be where we're discussing Flagship Dining for MIA, so:
I just asked for a second glass of Krug. I was told he didn't know if he could serve it because "you cant' just come in for alcohol". I was stunned. I came in stone cold sober, and enjoyed the first glass over at least 45 minutes, so he wasn't hedging because I was inebriated. He relented once I assured him I would order food. But is that really true, you couldn't use FFD to relax and work or socialize over a few drinks if you didn't want to eat?
I just asked for a second glass of Krug. I was told he didn't know if he could serve it because "you cant' just come in for alcohol". I was stunned. I came in stone cold sober, and enjoyed the first glass over at least 45 minutes, so he wasn't hedging because I was inebriated. He relented once I assured him I would order food. But is that really true, you couldn't use FFD to relax and work or socialize over a few drinks if you didn't want to eat?
May 29, 2019, 3:34 pm
#87
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
Jun 19, 2019, 2:48 pm
#89
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I made my first visit this morning. Handed the agent at the lower level checkpoint my MIA-MCO boarding pass, she scanned it, said "are you coming in off an international flight?" and after I said yes she handed me a little laminated card to show upstairs.
The main part of the lounge by the entrance looks a little Admirals Club-y. In fact, it's very similar to the redesigned D15 Club.
Back from the main lounge area is a quiet zone and some full recliners for sleeping in a darkened part of the club
By the entrance is a limited food station
Apparently the bar isn't open at 7 AM
Good food spread with smoked salmon (terrible bagels though), salad, fruit, French Toast, eggs, sausage, bacon and an omelet bar
It's nice having a big shower too. While I don't think this lounge is as nice as the DFW FL, it's really good.
The main part of the lounge by the entrance looks a little Admirals Club-y. In fact, it's very similar to the redesigned D15 Club.
Back from the main lounge area is a quiet zone and some full recliners for sleeping in a darkened part of the club
By the entrance is a limited food station
Apparently the bar isn't open at 7 AM
Good food spread with smoked salmon (terrible bagels though), salad, fruit, French Toast, eggs, sausage, bacon and an omelet bar
It's nice having a big shower too. While I don't think this lounge is as nice as the DFW FL, it's really good.
Dec 2, 2019, 1:23 pm
#90
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
I made my second visit last week, on Wednesday from about noon to 3 PM
Unlike JFK and LAX it seems there's usually plenty of space here due to its size
I was pleased to find this fondue station
Food was very good. The lobster sandwiches were tasty as were the hot options
They also had a turkey station for Thanskgiving.
Booze offerings were pretty good (though no Glenlivet) and the beers were lame but I liked having some local choices. I will note also that Wifi is inconsistent depending what part of the club you're in.
Unlike JFK and LAX it seems there's usually plenty of space here due to its size
I was pleased to find this fondue station
Food was very good. The lobster sandwiches were tasty as were the hot options
They also had a turkey station for Thanskgiving.
Booze offerings were pretty good (though no Glenlivet) and the beers were lame but I liked having some local choices. I will note also that Wifi is inconsistent depending what part of the club you're in.