When traveling with American Airlines, passengers have the option to visit an Admirals Club lounge at the airport. It’s important to note that, for domestic flights, a ticket alone will not grant access to the club, regardless of the class of service. Unlike lounges in networks such as Priority Pass, Admirals Club locations have specific access requirements. Therefore, there are only a few ways for American Airlines passengers to gain entry to these lounges.
Purchase a Membership
You can purchase a membership to the Admirals Club, which allows the member and two guests to access the club with a boarding pass for same-day travel on a flight marketed or operated by American or any oneworld carrier.
The membership price depends on your American AAdvantage status level, with individual prices for new members ranging from $750 to $850.
You can also use AAdvantage miles to pay for a membership at a value of 1 cent per point ($850 = 85,000 miles).
Get a Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
For a $595 annual fee, you can get the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, which includes a “complimentary” Admirals Club membership. If you were going to pay for an Admirals Club membership anyway, it makes sense to get the credit card instead, because the annual fee is lower than the membership fee.
Buy a One-Day Pass
One-day passes to the American Airlines Admirals Club lounges cost either $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles. You must show a boarding pass for same-day travel on any departing or arriving flight that is marketed or operated by American, or marketed and operated by any oneworld airline.
The one-day pass is valid for 24 hours from the time of activation and can be used at departure, connecting, and arrival airport lounges.
A new disclaimer on the website notes that One-Day Pass access to Admirals Club lounges may be limited or unavailable based on lounge capacity.
Citi Strata Elite
Citi Strata Elite cardholders receive an annual benefit of four Admirals Club passes, available in the AAdvantage wallet. These passes can be used by the primary cardmember and any adult companions traveling together, and are valid at both domestic and international Admirals Club locations when flying on an eligible flight.
To enter, you’ll need to show an Admirals Club Citi Strata Elite pass and a boarding pass for same-day travel on an eligible flight. Eligible flights include any departing or arriving flight that is marketed or operated by American, or marketed and operated by any oneworld® airline. A government-issued photo ID may also be required.
Qualifying First & Business Tickets
Includes customers in first or business class on a qualifying departing or arriving international, transcontinental, or other domestic flight marketed and operated by American, a oneworld airline, or Aer Lingus.
While this may sound like domestic first class gets lounge access, it’s only for specific transcontinental and flights to Hawaii ticketed as Flagship First.
Qualifying AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum Members on International Flights
Includes customers on qualifying departing or arriving international flights marketed and operated by American, a oneworld airline, or Aer Lingus.
Non-AAdvantage oneworld Emerald and Sapphire Members
This is an interesting quirk in the program: oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members who earned status with a program other than AAdvantage have access to Admirals Clubs on all departing or arriving flights marketed and operated by American or a oneworld airline (regardless of cabin).
The exception to this rule is Alaska Airlines Atmos Titanium, Platinum, and Gold members, who receive lounge access only on qualifying international flights and transcontinental flights marketed as Flagship.
Final Thought
While having a Priority Pass card might not get you into these lounges, there are several other ways to gain entry. A day pass might make sense for a one-off use, but otherwise, you’d be better off getting the Citi AA Executive card than paying for a membership.
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