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American Airlines Admirals Clubs® are about to cost more. One-day passes, annual memberships, and even the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® will all see rate increases soon. The question is whether the amenities will improve enough to justify the price of admission.
One-Day Passes
Currently, one-day passes cost $59 (or 5,900 miles). American gets credit because its passes are valid for a 24-hour period, which is unlike United Airlines or Delta Air Lines where you cannot use one pass for multiple lounges in a day (you need multiple for connections). The cost will increase to $79 (or 7,900 miles) on July 23rd.
Annual Membership
The cost to become an annual member is also increasing on July 23rd from $650 to $850. This rate will be discounted between $25 for AAdvantage Gold members through $100 off for AAdvantage Executive Platinum members. American allows up to two guests to enter with the member. United Club℠ memberships currently cost between $650 for general MileagePlus members to a discounted $550 for Premier 1K® members (up to two guests are permitted on each visit for free). Delta Air Lines Sky Club® memberships cost $695 annually for an Individual Membership (where guests cost $50 each). Delta’s Executive Memberships cost a whopping $1,495 each year and allow up to two guests per visit.
Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
One of the ways that many got access to the Admirals Club® was by holding the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. This card offers a membership plus access for up to two guests. It used to cost $450, but that’s being bumped up to $595. One benefit is being removed and many are lamenting it. Cardholders could add up to 10 free authorized users. All of these people also got access to the lounge. This is now being changed to cost $175 for up to three additional users and then $175 each after that.
What Do You Get For the Increased Cost?
American has said that it is going to enhance food offerings, expand complimentary drink menus, and roll out more newly redesigned Admirals Club® locations in the near future. Starting July 23rd, lounge guests will find a heartier variety of complimentary premium food. This includes hot and cold breakfast items and all-day menus featuring regionally inspired selections like Cuban pork sliders in Miami and mini crab cakes in Washington, DC. The enhanced food offerings are expected to roll out at all domestic Admirals Club® locations by early 2024.
Anthony’s Take: I’m not a huge fan of American Airlines. I’ve found the Admirals Clubs® to also trail the food and beverage offerings of the Delta Sky Clubs® and United Clubs℠. The newly designed lounges look nice, but we’ll see what is actually offered once this rolls out.
(Image Credits: American Airlines.)
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