Admirals Club Benefits - Worth it? (consolidated)
May 8, 2010, 12:35 am
#106
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, AS MVPG, HH Diamond, NCL Platinum Plus, MSC Diamond
Posts: 21,422
Aug 30, 2011, 8:05 am
#107
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: MIA
Programs: AAdvantage EXP, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, Hertz PC, Delta PM, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,031
Considering I started the post years ago, thought I would uodate that after four consecutive years of AC membership, I have decided that, for me, it's not worth it.
Reasons:
1. Clubs are overcrowded. Especially in MIA, both are busy always with minimal food, drink selection. DFW D is also another busy one.
2. I have had better luck finding an empty gate to sit in and read a book, and generally without having to listen to someone else's cell phone call, even in the "Silent Zones"
3. AAngels have had their wings clipped, none of them have done anything for me that I couldn't done on the phone.
FWIW: My favorite club is ORD H-K, and I'll still use this one from time to time using Amex.
(Side note: I found the DL SkyClub to generally be better in food, drink, and number of locations).
Reasons:
1. Clubs are overcrowded. Especially in MIA, both are busy always with minimal food, drink selection. DFW D is also another busy one.
2. I have had better luck finding an empty gate to sit in and read a book, and generally without having to listen to someone else's cell phone call, even in the "Silent Zones"
3. AAngels have had their wings clipped, none of them have done anything for me that I couldn't done on the phone.
FWIW: My favorite club is ORD H-K, and I'll still use this one from time to time using Amex.
(Side note: I found the DL SkyClub to generally be better in food, drink, and number of locations).
Aug 30, 2011, 8:35 am
#108
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: AUS TUS
Programs: AA PLT, UA GLD
Posts: 993
I just visited a club using a coupon and I don't think I would pay $300 for a year's cookie. for those people who use the shower, maybe it's good value...
I almost always transfer through DFW, they have free samsung lounges, and strangely always have empty seats. with an iphone I could watch a video there. although I have to pay for a mocha from starbucks next door, it tastes much better than the free coffee from AC
I almost always transfer through DFW, they have free samsung lounges, and strangely always have empty seats. with an iphone I could watch a video there. although I have to pay for a mocha from starbucks next door, it tastes much better than the free coffee from AC
Sep 22, 2014, 10:23 pm
#109
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Tit, Hilton Diamond, BA Gold, Carlson Gold, UA*S,
Posts: 1,363
It's been a while since I was in the Admiral's Club at breakfast time, and the offerings are just shocking.
I was in the club in MIA and it seems that it is just ridiculous yogurt coated trail mix or some spicey snacks that are available - at BREAKFAST! Everything else is just food-for-purchase!
Why can't they put out some basic stuff like Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes? Something! Put it in one of those silly plastic dispensers if you want to keep track.
Can't even get a decent snack or take anything away without paying for it.
I don't understand why they cannot put some bread out (or bagels like United do) - that can be toasted?
How much is a loaf of bread for God's sake??
Answer me this riddle? WHY do they put out the peanut butter and jam?
What am I supposed to spread it on? My muffin?
It's embarrassing.
I was in the club in MIA and it seems that it is just ridiculous yogurt coated trail mix or some spicey snacks that are available - at BREAKFAST! Everything else is just food-for-purchase!
Why can't they put out some basic stuff like Rice Krispies or Corn Flakes? Something! Put it in one of those silly plastic dispensers if you want to keep track.
Can't even get a decent snack or take anything away without paying for it.
I don't understand why they cannot put some bread out (or bagels like United do) - that can be toasted?
How much is a loaf of bread for God's sake??
Answer me this riddle? WHY do they put out the peanut butter and jam?
What am I supposed to spread it on? My muffin?
It's embarrassing.
Sep 22, 2014, 11:37 pm
#111
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: ORD
Posts: 986
It would be nice to have something a little healthier.
Sep 23, 2014, 8:41 am
#112
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Tit, Hilton Diamond, BA Gold, Carlson Gold, UA*S,
Posts: 1,363
Sep 23, 2014, 9:44 am
#113
Suspended
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Diamond, AAdvantage EXP, Hyatt Explorist, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 7,344
I miss the bagels and cream cheese…..they used to be out in most if not all clubs based on my memory. Now it's just dry/cold croissants which are gross.
Sep 23, 2014, 2:30 pm
#114
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, DL SM, HY Disc, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 12,507
I've had access to the AC again since March with the credit card, which I have for the EQM and not the club. The food selections in most AA clubs are horrible except for the cherry tomatoes at 4pm. The US club offerings are just as un-nutritious but at least the biscoff and some of the package chips are somewhat pleasing.
I like the LAX club as the area around the bar is airy. And in the AUS club I like that there is a set of cubicles overlooking the gate area, I wish more clubs would do that. (ORD G has something similar.) But ORD H/K hasn't changed since I first stepped foot in there in 1997 - if AMEX goes and puts a Centurion Club in Terminal 2 they'll get my attention.
Sep 10, 2015, 11:39 am
#115
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: New York, New York
Programs: AA Gold, Alaska MVP; Free Agent Super Duper Diamond Treasure Chest ;)
Posts: 4,682
Flying round trip to LHR from JFK on BA economy. Any lounge access on either side with the Admiral's Club full/ 30 day membership? BA flies out of Terminal 7 at JFK.
Jun 27, 2017, 10:52 am
#116
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,439
Why pay for AC membership?
Full disclosure: I am not an AC member. I get free day passes with my Business Extra account. If I don't have a day pass, I just find some comfy place near the departure gate to wait and immerse myself in Killer Sudoku.
I have been in the LAX AC a few times since they started construction that was supposed to be finished in "Spring 2017". We are almost to July 2017, past Midsummer, and it's still not done. I've read here in FT that they don't expect the LAX lounge to be finished until October 2017. I've also read, here on FT, that the JFK lounge is sub-optimal.
I look around me and see a crowded and noisy room. I can't say this is the "oasis of calm" they advertise. I wonder, to myself, "Who in their right mind would pay $400 (+/-) a year for this? Is this really that much better than just waiting at the departure gate or sitting in an airport restaurant?"
So, please enlighten me. Is it worth your annual membership dollars? Has anyone taken it up with the airline and, perhaps, received a discount or rebate for their annual membership fee? If your annual membership is paid by OPM, would you pay for it out of your own pocket, if your employment situation changed?
I have been in the LAX AC a few times since they started construction that was supposed to be finished in "Spring 2017". We are almost to July 2017, past Midsummer, and it's still not done. I've read here in FT that they don't expect the LAX lounge to be finished until October 2017. I've also read, here on FT, that the JFK lounge is sub-optimal.
I look around me and see a crowded and noisy room. I can't say this is the "oasis of calm" they advertise. I wonder, to myself, "Who in their right mind would pay $400 (+/-) a year for this? Is this really that much better than just waiting at the departure gate or sitting in an airport restaurant?"
So, please enlighten me. Is it worth your annual membership dollars? Has anyone taken it up with the airline and, perhaps, received a discount or rebate for their annual membership fee? If your annual membership is paid by OPM, would you pay for it out of your own pocket, if your employment situation changed?
Jun 27, 2017, 11:01 am
#118
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Most people who travel enough to need use of them also don't have to pay for them (certain companies will). I know mine won't though. I don't think it's worth $400; I might though if I was traveling weekly since AA irrops has become the norm for me. If I only travel once a month, not worth it.
Jun 27, 2017, 11:23 am
#120
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
My AC cost is worth it.
Caveat: "Raised in San Francisco, taught to love God ... AND hate Los Angeles"-Herb Caen
I guess it depends on what you are looking for.
LAX specific-LAX is a zoo on a good day, from leaving the house to boarding. Line/Status Nazi's, overzealous TSA, disappointed you are just cattle, instead of famous, and (ex AC AAngels) GA's that are ONLY concerned about getting the flight out AND nothing else. If one can get over temporary construction time frame over runs, in a quieter than an airport Chili's environment, ...
The rest of the universe-IMHO, AC's are that oasis that give us AAngels that still get us out of town when we have a CXL, WX, etc., , shield us from bimbo's that sit in one seat and put their bags in the seats on other side, screaming, misbehaving children that should be on Benadryl instead of sugar, fighting over plugs to charge dying equipment, (insert bad behavior here), ad nauseum, ...
It's all relative. YMMV re: $450 (or less) My AC cost is worth it.
I guess it depends on what you are looking for.
LAX specific-LAX is a zoo on a good day, from leaving the house to boarding. Line/Status Nazi's, overzealous TSA, disappointed you are just cattle, instead of famous, and (ex AC AAngels) GA's that are ONLY concerned about getting the flight out AND nothing else. If one can get over temporary construction time frame over runs, in a quieter than an airport Chili's environment, ...
The rest of the universe-IMHO, AC's are that oasis that give us AAngels that still get us out of town when we have a CXL, WX, etc., , shield us from bimbo's that sit in one seat and put their bags in the seats on other side, screaming, misbehaving children that should be on Benadryl instead of sugar, fighting over plugs to charge dying equipment, (insert bad behavior here), ad nauseum, ...
It's all relative. YMMV re: $450 (or less) My AC cost is worth it.
Last edited by Dallas49er; Jun 27, 2017 at 12:02 pm