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Navigating the airport can be one of the most stressful parts of any trip. Everyone is worried about getting to the gate on time, and the crowds can be endless.
The best way to escape the airport madness — besides traveling by train or car — is by gaining access to an airport lounge. These premium spaces are limited to eligible travelers and often include amenities like showers, free snacks and premium dining options.
With more than 50 locations worldwide, the American Airlines Admirals Club is an attractive place to relax before a flight. Here's how to gain access.
The is the only credit card that offers membership to the Admirals Club just for carrying the card.
The annual fee for this credit card is , while standalone registration to the Admirals Club is between $500 and $650 depending on your AAdvantage membership level.
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Single day access to an Admirals Club lounge is available at certain locations for $59. To get the full value of the annual fee from just lounge access, you would have to visit an Admirals Club lounge eight times during the year.
Maximize the value of the when you add . All users get their own card, and their purchases will earn you miles. Authorized users also get access to Admirals Club lounges, and the primary cardholder doesn’t need to be present. This is a unique perk that allows you to share lounge access with trusted family members.
The one downside to this is that authorized users don’t have full Admiral’s Club membership — just access. That means authorized users can’t visit partner lounges or get special pricing on conference rooms, for example.
Beyond lounge access, the comes with a few other perks to make traveling that much easier. Cardholders receive a credit of up to $100 every five years for either Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees.
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Additionally, the first checked bag on domestic American Airline flights for you and up to eight guests is free, and you receive priority boarding on American Airlines flights.
As mentioned above, travelers can pay $59 to access Admirals Club lounges at certain locations. As of Nov. 1, 2019, you must be traveling on an American Airlines or partner flight to be eligible to purchase a pass.
U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on an American Airlines-operated flight get complimentary access by presenting a boarding pass and military ID.
is a member of the Oneworld alliance, along with 12 other global airlines. As a part of this program, elite members of any of their partner frequent flyer programs gain perks like lounge access when flying internationally. The Oneworld alliance includes the following carriers:
Alaska Airlines is expected to officially join Oneworld in the summer of 2021.
If you are a member of any of these airlines' frequent flyer programs and have achieved elite status, you may have access to Admirals Club lounges. Each rewards program is unique, so visit to find yours and see if your status equates to Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status
AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Executive Platinum members receive lounge access when departing on a Oneworld or American-operated flight, excluding North American flights.
Even without status, flying first- or business-class on American or its Oneworld partners generally entitles you to lounge access before your flight as well.
Access to Admirals Club lounges can go a long way to minimizing the frustrations of travel. The is an easy way to gain membership and share access with trusted family members.
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