Jun 1, 2020, 4:17 pm
Last edit by: AAway
Admirals Clubs began opening 22 June 2020. (Flagship Lounges and Flagship First Dining have no immediate plans for reopening.)
Link to AA lounge changes and updates page
As of May 7, 2021:
We adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and use enhanced cleaning measures throughout our clubs.
You're required to wear a face covering in the club, but you may briefly lift or lower it while eating or drinking.
Seating in these clubs is also not available at this time.
The official notification from AA on 4 Jun 2020 (link):
“American Airlines will begin reopening Admirals Club lounges in phases, beginning June 22, after making improvements to adapt the clubs and product offerings to reinforce the well-being of customers and everyone who works in the clubs. See post 61 for a recent Club experience.
The following locations (did) open June 22 with pre-packaged snack offerings and a full-service bar for customers to enjoy complimentary and premium beverages. Hours vary by location and capacity and offerings could be limited due to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines or local orders or restrictions. List updated 15 July 2020. Link to Club openings, changes.
As food and beverages are served again, these are discussed in https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...ug-2020-a.html
.
Food and drink service
As we begin to reopen, we'll have modified food and drink service. Here is what you can expect: (link to Club f&b thread)
.The following safety actions have been taken.
Link to archived 2020 posts from this thread.
Link to AA lounge changes and updates page
As of May 7, 2021:
An update on our lounges
Admirals Club® lounges are reopening in phases with new improvements to reinforce your well-being.We adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and use enhanced cleaning measures throughout our clubs.
You're required to wear a face covering in the club, but you may briefly lift or lower it while eating or drinking.
Reopened clubs
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Austin (AUS) – Gate 22
- Boston (BOS) – Terminal B
- Charlotte (CLT) – Concourses B and C
- Chicago O'Hare (ORD) – Concourse H/K; Concourse G (re-opened August 2021); and Concourse L (re-opened July 2021)
- Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW) – Terminals A, B, C, D, and E
- Denver (DEN) – Concourse A
- Houston Intercontinental (IAH) – Terminal A
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Terminal 4, Terminal 5 and Eagle Regional Terminal
- Mexico City / CDMX (MEX)
- Miami (MIA) – Gates D15, D30
- Nashville (BNA) – Concourse C
- New York Kennedy (JFK) – Terminal 8 (in the Flagship® Lounge)
- New York LaGuardia (LGA) – Concourse D
- Orange County (SNA) – Gate 8
- Orlando (MCO) – Gate 55
- Paris, France (CDG)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Terminals B/C
- Phoenix (PHX) – Gate A7 and B5
- Raleigh / Durham (RDU) – Terminal 2
- San Francisco (SFO) – Terminal 1
- São Paulo (GRU)
- St. Louis (STL) – Concourse C (Only open Monday - Friday 5am-6:30pm)
- Tampa (TPA) – Gate 85
- Washington Reagan (DCA) – Terminal B & C
- Buenos Aires (EZE) - In front of Gate 8 - Terminal A
Clubs reopening as service centers
These locations are open as service centers and are available to offer travel assistance:- Pittsburgh (PIT) – Main Lobby
Seating in these clubs is also not available at this time.
Temporarily closed Admirals Clubs
- Honolulu (HNL)
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Miami (MIA) – Gates E
- Newark (EWR)
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Terminal A and F
- Phoenix (PHX) – Gate A19
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (GIG)
- Toronto, Canada (YYZ)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Dallas / Fort Worth (DFW)
- London Heathrow (LHR) – International First Class Lounge
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Miami (MIA)
- New York Kennedy (JFK)
- DFW
- LAX
- MIA
- JFK
The official notification from AA on 4 Jun 2020 (link):
“American Airlines will begin reopening Admirals Club lounges in phases, beginning June 22, after making improvements to adapt the clubs and product offerings to reinforce the well-being of customers and everyone who works in the clubs. See post 61 for a recent Club experience.
The following locations (did) open June 22 with pre-packaged snack offerings and a full-service bar for customers to enjoy complimentary and premium beverages. Hours vary by location and capacity and offerings could be limited due to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines or local orders or restrictions. List updated 15 July 2020. Link to Club openings, changes.
As food and beverages are served again, these are discussed in https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/amer...ug-2020-a.html
.
Food and drink service
As we begin to reopen, we'll have modified food and drink service. Here is what you can expect: (link to Club f&b thread)
- Complimentary pre-packaged snacks
- Disposable, single-use glassware
- Full-service bar
- Touchless menus with signage and QR codes. Physical menus will be available upon request.
- Self-serve areas will remain closed for now.
.The following safety actions have been taken.
- Plexiglass shields at reception and service desks.
- Foot-operated door openers to enable touchless operation of restroom doors (where feasible).
- Hand sanitizer stations for customers.
- Signage and floor decals to remind customers to practice social distancing.
Link to archived 2020 posts from this thread.
Admirals Club / Lounges: Openings, Closures, etc. 2021-2022
Jan 10, 2021, 7:02 am
#16
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA EXP; 1W Emerald; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold; UA dirt
Posts: 7,816
I will advance three theories on the status of Flagship dining's status.
First, lets remember that Flagship dining is effectively a full-service restaurant with an open bar. In 3 out of the 5 locations with Flagship lounges, you have some pretty onerous restrictions on restaurants and sit down service. I think that in order to offer a consistent approach, AA could argue that the limitations on dining in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are so strict that they have opted against being open and have taken an all-or-none approach on these particular lounges.
Second, international First class travel and paid business travel is off significantly, so the usage rate on these lounges may not justify their continuing to be open.
Third, American isn't doing so well financially. Those lounges are probably not inexpensive to staff and to stock. I have no idea what they cost on a per person per day basis to run but between the labor cost, the food cost, the alcohol cost, and overhead cost, they can't be cheap. I'd bet that the average person consumes $10 worth of food and drink at a FL prior to a flight, and those who really indulge at the FL lounges probably consume $25 worth of food and drink. Multiply that by 1,000 passengers per day and you're at $25,000 in food/drink costs alone....
First, lets remember that Flagship dining is effectively a full-service restaurant with an open bar. In 3 out of the 5 locations with Flagship lounges, you have some pretty onerous restrictions on restaurants and sit down service. I think that in order to offer a consistent approach, AA could argue that the limitations on dining in Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are so strict that they have opted against being open and have taken an all-or-none approach on these particular lounges.
Second, international First class travel and paid business travel is off significantly, so the usage rate on these lounges may not justify their continuing to be open.
Third, American isn't doing so well financially. Those lounges are probably not inexpensive to staff and to stock. I have no idea what they cost on a per person per day basis to run but between the labor cost, the food cost, the alcohol cost, and overhead cost, they can't be cheap. I'd bet that the average person consumes $10 worth of food and drink at a FL prior to a flight, and those who really indulge at the FL lounges probably consume $25 worth of food and drink. Multiply that by 1,000 passengers per day and you're at $25,000 in food/drink costs alone....
Jan 10, 2021, 9:19 am
#17
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,313
Ummm.... literally nobody said Flagship lounges are going away. The speculation was purely on when they reopen and clearly that will be demand driven. Do you agree or disagree with that assumption?
International first class has been going away before the pandemic panic every occurred, not gone, but reducing over time (this isn't an opinion, but rather a verifiable fact). Again, I did not assert FFD is going away, but certainly that I could see that as a risk. Do you disagree or disagree?
If you disagree with anything I've stated, then how about stringing together a counter argument that is a bit more substantial than "the pandemic is not forever!"
Regards
International first class has been going away before the pandemic panic every occurred, not gone, but reducing over time (this isn't an opinion, but rather a verifiable fact). Again, I did not assert FFD is going away, but certainly that I could see that as a risk. Do you disagree or disagree?
If you disagree with anything I've stated, then how about stringing together a counter argument that is a bit more substantial than "the pandemic is not forever!"
Regards
Ummm....MileTrek had said what you said that nobody said...It is sitting there for all the world to read, but apparently you did not:
I hope that's "strung together more substantially " to your satisfaction. No need for the condescending snark in your reply.
Regards yourself.
Last edited by LovePrunes; Jan 10, 2021 at 9:27 am
Jan 14, 2021, 10:17 am
#18
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Chicago & Hong Kong
Programs: CX D, AF P, AA EP, UA G, Hilton D, Marriott Ti, IHG Plat
Posts: 94
Flew into DFW on Flagship Business today and was aware that the Flagship lounge was closed, which is understandable. Proceeded to the Admiral's Club outside A23 and asked about drink vouchers but was told they are no longer giving them out. I headed to the bar to try my luck but was told I would need to pay for anything other than Miller Lite. I understand that is the policy for standard Admirals guests, but this is completely ridiculous for someone who would ordinarily have access to the Flagship lounge. Why can't AA realize that passengers spending 5k+ on a ticket should be given, at a minimum, drink vouchers to the Admirals Club?
Obviously, the $6 for a drink is nothing compared to my ticket cost so I sucked it up but none the less it leaves a taste of being cheated.
Obviously, the $6 for a drink is nothing compared to my ticket cost so I sucked it up but none the less it leaves a taste of being cheated.
Jan 14, 2021, 10:26 am
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Flew into DFW on Flagship Business today and was aware that the Flagship lounge was closed, which is understandable. Proceeded to the Admiral's Club outside A23 and asked about drink vouchers but was told they are no longer giving them out. I headed to the bar to try my luck but was told I would need to pay for anything other than Miller Lite. I understand that is the policy for standard Admirals guests, but this is completely ridiculous for someone who would ordinarily have access to the Flagship lounge. Why can't AA realize that passengers spending 5k+ on a ticket should be given, at a minimum, drink vouchers to the Admirals Club?
Obviously, the $6 for a drink is nothing compared to my ticket cost so I sucked it up but none the less it leaves a taste of being cheated.
Obviously, the $6 for a drink is nothing compared to my ticket cost so I sucked it up but none the less it leaves a taste of being cheated.
On the other hand, United is doing the right thing which is providing Polaris Lounge eligible passengers a premium snack and drink coupons.
Jan 14, 2021, 10:32 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Denver • DEN-APA
Programs: AF Platinum, EK Gold, AA EXP, UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 21,602
Flew into DFW on Flagship Business today and was aware that the Flagship lounge was closed, which is understandable. Proceeded to the Admiral's Club outside A23 and asked about drink vouchers but was told they are no longer giving them out. I headed to the bar to try my luck but was told I would need to pay for anything other than Miller Lite. I understand that is the policy for standard Admirals guests, but this is completely ridiculous for someone who would ordinarily have access to the Flagship lounge. Why can't AA realize that passengers spending 5k+ on a ticket should be given, at a minimum, drink vouchers to the Admirals Club?
Obviously, the $6 for a drink is nothing compared to my ticket cost so I sucked it up but none the less it leaves a taste of being cheated.
Obviously, the $6 for a drink is nothing compared to my ticket cost so I sucked it up but none the less it leaves a taste of being cheated.
Jan 14, 2021, 2:50 pm
#23
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: DFW
Programs: OWE AA EXP;*A TK Gold; Marriott LTT; Hyatt Globalist; IHG Plat; National VIP
Posts: 3,097
AA suspended all drink coupons for the unforeseeable future. This also includes Flagship First passengers, non-AAdvantage OW status members, and AAdvantage Platinum or higher members traveling on an international flight.
On the other hand, United is doing the right thing which is providing Polaris Lounge eligible passengers a premium snack and drink coupons.
On the other hand, United is doing the right thing which is providing Polaris Lounge eligible passengers a premium snack and drink coupons.
Jan 14, 2021, 2:56 pm
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Yes, it's only specific to UA Polaris passengers.
Jan 19, 2021, 6:16 pm
#25
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
What is the current lounge situation at LHR?
AA moved to T5 right? Since there is no Admirals Club anymore, have they said whether club members can use the BA lounges? I'm considering a trip in May.
AA moved to T5 right? Since there is no Admirals Club anymore, have they said whether club members can use the BA lounges? I'm considering a trip in May.
Jan 19, 2021, 6:23 pm
#26
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Yes, Admirals Club members could use the Galleries Club in Terminal 5 solely when they are flying on American Airlines.
Obviously, AA Platinum and higher could access the Galleries Club when they are flying with another oneworld partner as well.
Obviously, AA Platinum and higher could access the Galleries Club when they are flying with another oneworld partner as well.
Jan 19, 2021, 6:24 pm
#27
Join Date: May 2015
Location: DCA
Programs: AA EXP, DL FO, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 6,712
Good to know. Not that I'd want to pay cash for a BA flight anyway.
Jan 22, 2021, 5:50 pm
#28
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: Choice Hotels
Posts: 762
Today I showed up about an hour before my flight at the Admirals Club in San Francisco. The new terminal is very nice, and the new Admirals Club is beautiful. Good views of the tarmac, great places to sit, and an amazing staff. Once I got upstairs, a very friendly agent asked if I had been at the lounge before. When I said no, she gave me an overview of the layout and explained where everything was located. She was exceptionally friendly. The bartenders were also very friendly. I had a nice, long conversation with one of them about travel, and they truly made me feel welcome. There were only three other people in the lounge in San Francisco while I was there. I got some avocado toast, some other snacks, and a couple of drinks. When I ordered a tequila sunrise, bartender suggested I try it with pineapple juice. I did, and it was great. Tequila and pineapple juice might be a new go to drink. Considering the gratis tequila situation, there is still free tequila available in San Francisco.
After a short, but very nice flight down to Los Angeles on Skybest, I decided to take a very short visit to the club in Los Angeles. Whenever I checked in, the agent explained the restricted service. I told her that was fine, and I walked upstairs. A friendly agent seated me and asked if I wanted something to drink. Apparently, Los Angeles does not to have any more complimentary tequila. I ordered a double vodka tonic instead, and I said yes when she asked if I wanted a snack bag. She brought me my snack bag and drink very quickly. I didn't have much time, so I ate some cheese and crackers and chugged my cocktail.
My flight into Phoenix appeared to be one of the first of the flight Bank. Phoenix was very empty, and the lounge was quite empty whenever I arrived. While I was sitting in the lounge, I observed several flights coming in for the evening bank, and it became a bit more busy. The bartender was very friendly, and she made my visit quite enjoyable. Phoenix did not have any complimentary tequila. The bartender explained that tequila and Scotch would no longer be complementary. So I guess that is The New Normal. Upgraded vodka and whiskey, but if you like scotch or tequila then you can just go take a s*** in the bathroom and eat it. She served me multiple drinks, and I enjoyed the guacamole, soup, and snack options. Overall, I was very pleased with my experiences in the three Admirals clubs today. I only wish they had complimentary tequila.
After a short, but very nice flight down to Los Angeles on Skybest, I decided to take a very short visit to the club in Los Angeles. Whenever I checked in, the agent explained the restricted service. I told her that was fine, and I walked upstairs. A friendly agent seated me and asked if I wanted something to drink. Apparently, Los Angeles does not to have any more complimentary tequila. I ordered a double vodka tonic instead, and I said yes when she asked if I wanted a snack bag. She brought me my snack bag and drink very quickly. I didn't have much time, so I ate some cheese and crackers and chugged my cocktail.
My flight into Phoenix appeared to be one of the first of the flight Bank. Phoenix was very empty, and the lounge was quite empty whenever I arrived. While I was sitting in the lounge, I observed several flights coming in for the evening bank, and it became a bit more busy. The bartender was very friendly, and she made my visit quite enjoyable. Phoenix did not have any complimentary tequila. The bartender explained that tequila and Scotch would no longer be complementary. So I guess that is The New Normal. Upgraded vodka and whiskey, but if you like scotch or tequila then you can just go take a s*** in the bathroom and eat it. She served me multiple drinks, and I enjoyed the guacamole, soup, and snack options. Overall, I was very pleased with my experiences in the three Admirals clubs today. I only wish they had complimentary tequila.
Last edited by thunderdeacon; Jan 22, 2021 at 5:57 pm
Jan 22, 2021, 6:09 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: NYC/PHX
Programs: IATA, Sabre, AvgeekAgent
Posts: 1,958
Seriously, thanks for sharing the pics/update on SFO. With the "upgraded" stock running low, AA's got to be prepping an order from McCormick Distilling to restock the wells in the ACs (sans tequila, of course).
Jan 22, 2021, 7:52 pm
#30
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,313
the bartender explained that tequila and scotch would no longer be complementary. So i guess that is the new normal. Upgraded vodka and whiskey, but if you like scotch or tequila then you can just go take a s*** in the bathroom and eat it.... I only wish they had complimentary tequila