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Zach Griff of The Points Guy posted this morning that an Admirals Club in Miami International Airport (MIA) had a sign posted outside of the lounge stating that one-time passes and military members were currently not being accepted due to overcrowding. Understandably, this has created quite a bit of annoyed folks on Twitter/X.
Lounge overcrowding has long been an issue, but what do you think about this move from @AmericanAir in Miami?
Due to capacity constraints, the airline temporarily stopped offering access to military members. pic.twitter.com/I3Au1viDD7
— Zach Griff (@_ZachGriff) January 4, 2024
This is not the best move for American Airlines, but I can understand the carrier trying to figure out a way to lessen the number of people packed in the lounge.
American’s access policy for military members is posted above. With the exception of two lounges, active duty military can use the lounges with proper military ID and a same-day boarding pass.
I have no issue with military being granted access to lounges and being allowed to preboard. They make sacrifices that I cannot even fathom and these small gestures are a nice way to thank them. I take issue with families being able to preboard as reproducing does not make you special and children are not going to want to sit on the plane longer than they have to for their flight.
Other US Airlines Lounge Access Policies for US Military:
Delta is the only US airline that does not offer active duty military access to its lounges (American Express does waive the annual fee for cards that grant access, but that is a step that needs to be done in advance and the military member needs to have the credit card).
Alaska Airlines
Alaska offers US military traveling on government-sponsored travel complimentary access to its lounges. All other active duty military members can purchase discounted day passes.
United Airlines
United offers active duty military members complimentary access to its lounges.
Anthony’s Take: This is not a good PR move or look for American Airlines. I think that the lounge should be accessible on a first come, first served basis and that all others in the event of being at capacity should be put on a waitlist. This excludes one-day passes as those should not be honored during peak travel times.
(Featured Image Credit: @_ZachGriff via Twitter/X.)
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5 comments
Active military need discounts, not perks.
The website clearly states “based on capacity”. That sign seems something they pull out when the lounge is full vs them telling someone no when they get up to the counter. Don’t see what the story is here.
Oh stop with the virtue signaling. Much needed move by AA. If you’re really pro military in lounges then why haven’t you written pieces calling out Delta, United or Alaska for not giving military complimentary access?
I disagree. First off, regular AA lounges are simply not all that great which makes this a bit of a tempest in a teapot. Second, this is a surprisingly sensible move by AA management. Something has to be done and unlimited military and day pass access is a good place to start. Third, while it’s nice to do something for active military members (and airlines do plenty), maybe things have gone a bit far when lounge access is automatic rather than on an ad hoc basis.
Delta doesn’t even offer free military lounge access, so why should AA get any press for limiting one lounge? I have an credit card so I should be granted access before anyone who would enter free. Military aren’t guaranteed access, if the lounge is full then they can’t enter. They can find another lounge.