Last edit by: JDiver
Admirals Club access rules for members changed, membership costs increased 1 November 2019.
This is true regardless of membership type, excluding lifetime members. Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard Authorized Users must fulfill the same requirements. (Lifetime Admirals Club members may access Admirals Clubs even if theyre flying non-AA partners, e.g. Southwest, United.)
Declared Business Purposes or rental of a conference facility without a same day boarding pass will not suffice to allow access.
As far as we know, authorized guests accompanying a member do not have to present a same day boarding pass.
No discount is available for a household membership, which will cost $600 regardless of the sponsoring guests AAdvantage status.
One Day Passes are available at $59 per person, available for purchase at all Clubs except those where Club refurbishment or construction is going on (currently, ORD and PHL). One Day Passes are not available online.
Changes to membership link to this page on aa.com
Access changes
Starting November 1, 2019
Boarding passes for same-day travel on American Airlines or partner airlines are required for entry.1
1 Any departing or arriving flight: marketed or operated by American Airlines, marketed and operated by any oneworld partner carrier, or marketed and operated by Alaska Airlines
Access changes
Starting November 1, 2019
Boarding passes for same-day travel on American Airlines or partner airlines are required for entry.1
1 Any departing or arriving flight: marketed or operated by American Airlines, marketed and operated by any oneworld partner carrier, or marketed and operated by Alaska Airlines
Declared Business Purposes or rental of a conference facility without a same day boarding pass will not suffice to allow access.
As far as we know, authorized guests accompanying a member do not have to present a same day boarding pass.
No discount is available for a household membership, which will cost $600 regardless of the sponsoring guests AAdvantage status.
One Day Passes are available at $59 per person, available for purchase at all Clubs except those where Club refurbishment or construction is going on (currently, ORD and PHL). One Day Passes are not available online.
Admirals Club rates increased, new restrictions: 1 Nov 2019
#241
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Palm Beach/ New England
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, DL GM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,376
The only Admirals Club that I think this might affect is Atlanta, where Delta has a few flights in the same terminal as AA. Houston IAH, the United flights are quite far from the Admirals Club. I doubt that this change will lessen the crowds in any significant way.
And, yes, the lounges have become much more crowded since the Citibank credit card access was introduced.
#242
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
The only Admirals Club that I think this might affect is Atlanta, where Delta has a few flights in the same terminal as AA. Houston IAH, the United flights are quite far from the Admirals Club. I doubt that this change will lessen the crowds in any significant way.
And, yes, the lounges have become much more crowded since the Citibank credit card access was introduced.
#243
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
I think at ORD other than the International terminals the concourses are connected. SFO you could access the AC flying certain other airlines. I believe there's an inter terminal train at DEN similar to ATL. CLT all concourses are connected. RDU you could fly DL and I think WN and still use the AC, AUS ditto. There may be a few more airports in which using the AC is quite possible with a connection of 75 minutes or longer.
#244
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 think at ORD other than the International terminals the concourses are connected. SFO you could access the AC flying certain other airlines. I believe there's an inter terminal train at DEN similar to ATL. CLT all concourses are connected. RDU you could fly DL and I think WN and still use the AC, AUS ditto. There may be a few more airports in which using the AC is quite possible with a connection of 75 minutes or longer.
#245
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,215
At least DCA has a priority pass restaurant. I went to it last time I was there and had some extra time to kill--it's behind the United security pier, so I had to go through security twice, but I was able to get a ton of food for free!
#246
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFO, CLT
Programs: AA Bonsai EXP (2.9 MM), AS MVPG
Posts: 1,385
Just off the top of my head, the new restrictions will affect members flying other airlines at least at the following domestic locations (possibly more): ATL, AUS, DCA, DEN, DFW, IAH, ORD, LAX, MCO, SNA
#247
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 6,985
I'm as frustrated as anyone about the crowding in lounges, but I can't envision that on any given day the number of club members using the lounge when flying a non-AA airline could be very high, but maybe its more than I thought.
Regards
#248
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 204
Let's get our facts straight:
Access requirements and eligibility information:
A valid United Club membership card and boarding pass for same-day travel
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...ge/access.aspx
United does not require that the boarding pass be on UA or a partner. HUGE DIFFERENCE.
Access requirements and eligibility information:
A valid United Club membership card and boarding pass for same-day travel
https://www.united.com/web/en-US/con...ge/access.aspx
United does not require that the boarding pass be on UA or a partner. HUGE DIFFERENCE.
#249
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: Free agent AAdvantage LT GLD
Posts: 221
I'm AUS based and fly everyone but have the AA world eite card and use the AC often as there is only 1 small(ish) terminal so it's easy. DL is opening a lounge here soon but like UA they will be restricted to their own airlines/alliances. No priority pass or Centurion lounge. I will definitely drop the card and AC membership at my next renewal. Hopefully another option will magically appear by Nov. I'd pay a fair amount ($1k?) for lounge access in AUS when flying anyone.
#251
Join Date: Jan 2019
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 40
Flight changes
To me the main benefit to the AC is if I need help with a flight and when I am traveling with my family. Help with a flight in the AC is only useful if traveling on American do the change doesn't bother me from that perspective. Do you know if they will limit guests? I love taking my kids in to get the crappy snacks (seriously, they love it!). Maybe I just missed whether they are changing that?
#252
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
To me the main benefit to the AC is if I need help with a flight and when I am traveling with my family. Help with a flight in the AC is only useful if traveling on American do the change doesn't bother me from that perspective. Do you know if they will limit guests? I love taking my kids in to get the crappy snacks (seriously, they love it!). Maybe I just missed whether they are changing that?
#253
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Alexandria, VA - DCA
Programs: BA Gold, American Airlines, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 5,075
I'll not give up my CitiExec card (wife carries too) but am disappointed I will no longer have access to the AC at LHR if flying VS in Premium Economy. That was a good combo while it lasted.
#254
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: UA Plat
Posts: 754
I just got my annual $450 Executive Card renewal charge today. I called Citi and asked if the terms of AC lounge access with the card were changing. The agent said that the Bank had not been made aware of any changes for 2019. I also did not get notice of any changes on my ccard statement. It still says "Your American Airlines Admirals Club membership gets you in the door at more that 50 comfortable lounge locations worldwide so you can relax and unwind while you're waiting for your flight." Pretty scammy if there are indeed changes starting Nov 1, 2019.
#255
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,303
I just got my annual $450 Executive Card renewal charge today. I called Citi and asked if the terms of AC lounge access with the card were changing. The agent said that the Bank had not been made aware of any changes for 2019. I also did not get notice of any changes on my ccard statement. It still says "Your American Airlines Admirals Club membership gets you in the door at more that 50 comfortable lounge locations worldwide so you can relax and unwind while you're waiting for your flight." Pretty scammy if there are indeed changes starting Nov 1, 2019.