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American Airlines is changing the annual membership price for access to Admirals Club airport lounges. From July 25, 2016, annual award mileage rates and membership fees will increase by 5000 miles, or $50, for an individual membership, and 10,000 miles, or $100, for a family membership. Day passes will increase by $9 to $59 per day.
The increases form part of a multi-million dollar expansion and improvement plan for Admirals Club, the largest lounge development program in American Airlines history. You can still renew your membership at the current rate up to 120 days before expiration so it would pay to check your account status in the lead up to the new pricing.
The other significant change coming to Admirals Club is the end of 30 day Admirals Club memberships. It's a shame to see this program get parked. If you only take one big vacation a year, the monthly membership is an excellent way to have Admirals Club access for the short period you might make real use of it, without having to pay for a full year.
This membership option will be discontinued on July 25, 2016. The last day to purchase will be July 24, 2016. Existing memberships will be honored through their expiration.
Can You Get Admirals Club Access Without Using Cash Or Points?
Yes, you can. Citi has one credit card that includes access to Admirals Club lounges as one of the benefits. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® gives you a full Admirals Club membership. You can add up to 3 authorized users on the card for $175 (then $175 for each user after that), which also gives them access to Admirals Clubs.
The card has an annual fee of $595, nearly the cost of a new membership. But when you factor in the other benefits that come with the card, the perks plus access to Admirals Club lounges are more than worth the $595 annual fee.
Final Thoughts
Although it's a shame to see a price increase for Admirals Club memberships, American's overhaul plan of its lounges is the most extensive in the company's history.
If you are a regular American Airlines flyer, you should seriously consider adding the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® to your portfolio. It comes with a huge range of benefits, including access to Admirals Club, and can help in your quest for affordable world-class travel experiences.
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