The first-ever American Airlines airport lounge opened in 1939 at New York's LaGuardia Airport — and now LGA is home to the carrier's newest.
Late last year, American opened a brand-new Admirals Club in the new Terminal B at LGA to coincide with the carrier consolidating operations into the terminal's Western Concourse.
While the new space was undoubtedly an improvement compared to the original one in the airport's dated (and now demolished) Central Terminal, it wasn't fully complete when it opened on Dec. 16, 2021.
Instead, American split the construction into two phases. The first phase opened last December, and now the second — and perhaps more exciting — phase is opening on Tuesday, July 26.
In advance of the grand opening, American invited TPG to get a first-look tour of the finished product — and we left quite impressed.
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First look at American's completed Admirals Club in LGA
Headlining the upgrade is an expansion in the number of seats and space to move around.
Together with Phase I, the new lounge now measures 22,000 square feet, which is 50% larger than the original LGA lounge that closed last year. Phase I opened with 130 seats and now the second phase adds 234 seats.
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There's seating for more than 360 flyers in total, which should definitely make the space feel more comfortable during peak travel periods (i.e. this summer) and during irregular operations.
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While the first phase felt somewhat like a teaser, the newly expanded club is definitely the "real deal." In fact, it marks the last major construction milestone for American at LGA.
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Several stand-out features of the expanded lounge include an additional full-service bar, serving a range of complimentary alcoholic beverages and premium drinks for purchase.
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There's even a six-bottle automatic wine dispenser, similar to the self-serve one you'd find in the American Express Centurion Lounge in San Francisco.
There's also an expanded self-serve buffet, which will feature American's standard food and (soft) beverage offerings.
While American has been working on the lounge's "hard product" — the design and physical aesthetic of the space — hopefully the carrier will further invest in its culinary offerings in the coming months and years. (If American needs any inspiration, it should look no further than Delta's latest Sky Club catering offerings.)
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The good news is that the LGA club will now be the first to have a permanent avocado toast and guacamole station, which has historically been offered on a pop-up basis at the airline's other clubs.
In terms of amenities, business travelers will appreciate that the expanded space includes a separate workstation area with five business pods and three enclosed phone rooms (that are available on a first-come, first-serve basis).
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There's also plenty of high- and low-top counter space for travelers to place their laptops and catch up on work.
American even added two private VIP conference rooms with the expansion. The larger one is outfitted with a 10-seat conference table. This room can be reserved for $65 an hour.
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There's a smaller room that's better suited for VIPs and families. This one features a small conference table, couch and individual recliners. It can be reserved for about $50 an hour (the price point hasn't been officially set yet.)
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Reservations for these spaces can be made when you arrive at the lounge or in advance by calling 800-237-7971.
Another welcome addition is a quiet area. This space offers a handful of individual recliners and even features three Eames chairs, another first for an Admirals Club. You'll notice that the lights are dimmed in this area to help you relax and possibly catch some shut-eye.
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Families with young children will likely appreciate the new game room with two polycade arcade machines. These machines are silenced, but you can tap into the audio by connecting a pair of wired headphones.
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The arcade machines are built into one of the most visually-appealing rooms in the entire lounge. It's essentially a mini-lounge within the lounge, with wood-paneling and accent lighting that gives it a luxurious feel.
American also added atmospheric custom design elements that reflect New York City. This includes several bookshelves throughout the space that are adorned with books about the city.
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My personal favorite feature is the new display that features 16 whiskey bottles from C.R. Smith’s original private selection.
When American's first club in the nation opened in LaGuardia in 1939, liquor laws didn't allow the carrier to sell alcohol.
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So, C.R. Smith, the airline's president at the time, kept a private whiskey collection at the club that he offered to "Admirals," which was the title given to some of American's best customers. (Now, they're called Concierge Keys.)
These bottles are now locked behind glass — and they're not available for your enjoyment, no matter how much money you spend on American flights each year.
The new lounge trades apron views for an open-air aesthetic overlooking the terminal and taxiways in the distance — which might be the only downside for some aviation enthusiasts.
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Meanwhile, for those looking to freshen up before or after an important meeting, you'll find an additional set of restrooms in the expanded lounge.
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The airline will also open two shower suites in August, but these will be located in the original lounge area.
The expansion builds on a strong foundation
The newly expanded area of the lounge is split from the existing space just after you enter. There's a narrow bridge over the escalators that brings you to the enlarged seating area.
But, regular American LGA flyers will likely already be familiar with the first phase of the construction that opened last December.
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This includes a range of seating options, including a media room, dining tables and individual recliners.
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There's a small triangle-shaped bar in the corner of the dining area and a self-serve buffet along the wall.
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There's even a tree in the center of this space, which helps add a sense of tranquility to an otherwise hectic airport experience.
Restrooms are available on this side of the lounge, but the new ones are larger.
Bottom line
America's now-completed new Admirals Club in LaGuardia has decidedly improved its lounge offering there.
At more than 22,000 square feet and with seating for over 360 travelers, this new space should be a relaxing escape during busy travel days.
The expansion that opens on Tuesday features several improvements, including private workstations, a game room, a second bar and buffet and even shower suites.
Though the Admirals Club looks nothing like the original one did when it opened in 1939, that's a good thing. The airline has upgraded its club (and entire LGA airport experience) to 21st-century standards.
Just be sure to pack your walking shoes because getting from the curb to the lounge to the gate will take many more steps than it did back in 1939.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
FAQs
Does a first class ticket on American get you into the Admirals Club? ›
Complimentary Admirals Club access is available to business and first-class passengers traveling on any international route (including flights to Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, which previously were excluded), premium transcontinental routes and select Hawaii flights.
How many loyalty points do you need for Admirals Club? ›Starting in the 2023 membership year, the following Loyalty Point Choice Rewards are available to help you get into an Admirals Club: 175,000 Loyalty Points: six one-day passes.
What is the difference between Admirals Club and Flagship club? ›Admirals Club guests can pay extra for premium drinks and meals. Meanwhile, Flagship Lounges offer a wide range of complimentary self-serve alcohol, a buffet of complimentary meals and shower suites in all locations.
What are the benefits of the Admirals Club? ›- Complimentary morning and afternoon snacks, plus full meals.
- Made-to-order specialties.
- Premium drinks and fresh coffee.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Television, newspapers and magazines.
- Access to business centers.
- Shower suites.
- Personal travel assistance.
Yes, select food and beverage items are complimentary at the Admirals Club. There are also additional items available for a charge.
What is complimentary in first class American Airlines? ›Domestic first class benefits
Benefits of flying in American Airlines domestic first class include priority airport check-in, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, a better seat, free drinks, snacks on shorter routes, and meals on longer routes.
AAdvantage members will earn 5 Loyalty Points for every dollar spent on American Airlines airfare (excluding taxes and government fees).
Do you tip in Admirals Club? ›Even though they're "free" to us, the servers don't care if you pay with cash, credit or a Priority Pass card. Many of them depend on tips to supplement their income, and here you should tip the same as you would if you were dining out on your own dime.
Can I bring a guest to Admirals Club with a one-day pass? ›Guest access
Immediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18) or up to 2 guests. Guests must be accompanied by the eligible authorized user and present boarding pass for same-day travel on American or a partner airline.
Amenities. Admirals Club lounges provide complimentary beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), light snacks, and Wi-Fi access.
Can all first class passengers use Admirals Club? ›
If you're flying in first or business class on select international, transcontinental or other domestic flights marketed and operated by American, its Oneworld airline partners or marketed by JetBlue and operated by American, you'll get complimentary Admirals Club access.
Does gold status get me into Admirals Club? ›AAdvantage Gold members receive a discount on Admirals Club membership. Instead of paying the $650 fee for a new member, Gold members pay $625. If you decide to renew your membership, you'll pay $575 instead of $600.
Can my wife use my Admirals Club membership? ›Membership includes access by either immediate family members (spouse or domestic partner and children under eighteen (18) years of age) or up to two (2) guests. Access by immediate family members or guests applies only when such individuals accompany the Member.
How many miles do I need to buy Admirals Club? ›Experience the Admirals Club for the first time or come back and visit with a One-Day Pass. Available for purchase online and at select locations for $59 or 5,900 AAdvantage® miles.
How to get free access to Admirals Club? ›Fly on a first class or business class ticket. You can access Admirals Club lounges if you are flying first or business class on an international itinerary between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, Mexico, and New Zealand.
What alcohol is complimentary Admirals Club? ›Another Service Admirals Club Members Have Asked For
American will offer alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer and spirits, free of charge to customers visiting any of its domestic clubs, in addition to complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices.
Amenities vary, but you can expect snacks and drinks, WiFi, workstations, hotspot printing, and comfortable seating. The Admirals Clubs in Terminals 4 and 5 also have showers!
Does Amex get you into Admirals Club? ›Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company. No, the American Express Platinum card does not offer an Admirals Club membership anymore. The card currently offers complimentary access to several other airport lounges through its Global Lounge Collection.
Do first class passengers get through security faster? ›First-class passengers enjoy several benefits before they even board the plane. For starters, they don't have to wait in the long economy check-in line, they get free checked bags, and they have an easier time going through security, as that first-class ticket may mean access to a different TSA line.
Can you keep the blankets in first class American Airlines? ›Business and first-class flights offer comfort items like blankets during the flight. You must leave them on board when you're leaving the plane as they can be reused.
What drinks are free on American Airlines first class? ›
Are drinks free in first class American Airlines? Yes, international and domestic first class passengers have access to complimentary drinks such as wine, beer and spirits.
How many points is 100 dollars? ›You need 10,000 Chase points for $100 when redeeming for cash back, travel, gift cards, shopping or experiences with most Chase credit cards. Some Chase travel rewards cards give extra value when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
How many dollars is 60000 American Airlines points? ›60,000 AAdvantage miles are worth an average of $804, according to WalletHub data. You will get the best value for your American Airlines AAdvantage miles when you redeem them for Travel, but there are multiple redemption options.
How much is 100000 American points worth? ›How much are 100,000 American miles worth? 100,000 American miles are worth about $1,500.
Do flight attendants accept tips? ›While their safety roles differentiate them from service workers and other professions we routinely tip, when it comes to acknowledging flight attendants, other tokens of appreciation—or even just a few kind words around the holidays—will likely be enthusiastically received.
Do you tip lounge bartenders? ›While tipping is never expected in airport lounges in the United States: It certainly is appreciated for some kinds of services. People working in airport lounges are at least paid minimum wage (unlike restaurant servers), but of course minimum wage and a livable wage aren't the same thing.
How much should you tip at an airport lounge? ›Usually I try to tip around 20% of what I think a meal like that would cost in a restaurant outside an airport. I consider it to be a small price to pay for a great experience.
How long can you stay at the Admirals Club? ›One Day Pass visitor must hold a same-day ticket for airline travel that allows clearance through security for flight departure and access to the Admirals Club location. $50 day pass valid for one day.
Will the admiral lounge let you in if you are with another airline? ›You can only use Admirals Clubs when flying same day on American Airlines, a oneworld partner airline, or JetBlue (though you can also Admirals Clubs on arrival) You can either bring your immediate family members with you (including spouse, domestic partner, and children under 18), or up to two guests.
Can I access Lounge twice in a day? ›Ans: No, you cannot use the same credit card twice to access the same airport lounge. You can swipe for two different lounges at the same airport. However, you need to wait for some hours if you want to do so.
Does First Class include lounge access? ›
Domestic First Class tickets in the US do not equal lounge access, but it is possible to enter these lounges by buying day passes or having status. Passengers around the world usually gain access to some sort of lounge with their first-class tickets.
Do AA Gold members get priority boarding? ›Priority boarding
Group 1 – AAdvantage Executive Platinum. Group 2 – AAdvantage Platinum Pro® and oneworld® Emerald. Group 3 – AAdvantage Platinum® and oneworld® Sapphire. Group 4 – AAdvantage Gold® and oneworld® Ruby.
Buy up to AAdvantage elite status for 2023
You can potentially buy up to a different status tier than what you currently have. For example, if you're an Executive Platinum member but have only requalified for Gold, you'd get an offer for Platinum.
American Airlines elite status can provide extremely valuable perks at every level. Even the lowest level of American Airlines elite status (AAdvantage Gold) provides a checked baggage allowance, access to business-class check-in lanes and Oneworld Ruby.
Can my friend use my lounge access? ›No. The only person who can access the lounge is the person named on the eligible Mastercard payment card. For security reasons, the lounge will verify the name of the cardholder against their boarding pass and their identification card / passport.
Can my family use my card for lounge access? ›lounges may deniy access if name on boarding pass and card holder name does not match. Otherwise I would have swiped my multiple cards to allow access to other members. 545° Have you tried Campa Cola before or heard about it?
Can someone else use my lounge access? ›No, you cannot share the membership with others as you will be required to be present for verification at the lounge or other outlet due to security reasons, and the name will be matched with our records and the boarding pass at time of entry.
How many miles do you need for lounge access? ›Membership type | AAdvantage member | AAdvantage Executive Platinum |
---|---|---|
Household (new) | $1,250 or 125,000 miles per year. | $1,150 or 115,000 miles per year. |
Household (renewal) | $1,200 or 120,000 miles per year. | $1,100 or 110,000 miles per year. |
There is only one credit card that will get you into an American Airlines Admirals Club lounge. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® includes an Admirals Club membership, allowing you to bring your immediate family or up to two guests, and up to 10 authorized users with you.
Are AA miles the same as Loyalty Points? ›Virtually all AAdvantage miles earned from flying on American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, GOL Airlines and Oneworld airline partners count as Loyalty Points. This includes all base miles and, when applicable, status bonuses and cabin bonuses.
Can I get in Admirals Club with Amex? ›
You'll need a membership card, not just the American Express Platinum card, to enter Priority Pass lounges. Here's how to get your American Express Platinum card Priority Pass benefit: Log into your Amex account with your username and password. Select the "Membership" tab, then click "Benefits."
What is free in the American Airlines Admirals Club? ›Amenities. Admirals Club lounges provide complimentary beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), light snacks, and Wi-Fi access. Most locations provide work areas, in addition to copiers and fax machines. At select locations, you can even utilize the conference rooms for discounted prices.
Does Amex get you into American Airlines lounge? ›Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to American Express Lounge locations. Guest access policies vary by location and are subject to change. Fees may apply for additional guests.
Can my spouse use my Admirals Club? ›An individual membership grants the primary member access to the Admirals Club, along with their immediate family (spouse or domestic partner and children under 18 years old) or two guests. In all cases, the member is required to be present for the others to enter.
Do Loyalty Points expire? ›Credit card points and miles won't expire as long as your account remains open. However, points and miles earned with airline and hotel loyalty programs do typically expire following a lack of activity.
How much is 50000 miles in AA? ›How much are 50,000 American miles worth? 50,000 American miles are worth about $750.
What is 60000 AA points worth? ›60,000 AAdvantage miles are worth an average of $804, according to WalletHub data. You will get the best value for your American Airlines AAdvantage miles when you redeem them for Travel, but there are multiple redemption options.