Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

A new 14,500-square-foot airport lounge has opened at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, showcasing a modern design and upgraded amenities.
The space features stylish decor inspired by Washington, D.C.'s monuments, with unique touches like a decorative fireplace and cherry blossom motifs.
Amenities include multiple seating areas, private phone booths, workstations, a nursing mother's room and an exclusive VIP area.
This lounge sets a new standard for the network, with similar designs planned for upcoming locations in Austin, Denver and Newark.

What to consider

Showers are not available, as the airport primarily serves domestic flights.
USB-C charging ports are limited, though most seats have AC outlets and USB-A ports.
Access to the exclusive VIP room is highly restricted and not available to most travelers.

What you'll miss from the article

A detailed walkthrough of the lounge's design elements, seating options and unique amenities that distinguish it from previous locations.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

American Airlines' Admirals Club network is entering a new era with the opening of its latest outpost.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will officially open its new 14,500-square-foot Admirals Club in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) — the first of its kind to feature American's newest design motifs.

Gone are the drabby recliners and uninspired artwork. Instead, you'll find stylish touches, crisp lines and modern finishes that may convince you to book a longer connection.

While the biggest news is the upgrade for American's DCA flyers, this new design concept is only just beginning to take off. The airline's upcoming clubs in Austin, Denver and Newark will all sport the upgraded design when they open.

For now, though, it's all eyes on Washington, D.C., where the new club couldn't come soon enough. Read on for an inside look.

Admirals Club DCA shines in DCA's new pier

Currently, American operates two clubs at DCA — one in the C pier and another in the D pier — but both of them still feature outdated designs.

When DCA opened the Gate 35X replacement last April, American confirmed that it would open a new lounge on the upper level overlooking the new E pier.

Fast forward 18 months and this signature new club is ready for its big debut.

You'll find the light-washed, stone-lined entrance between the Capitol File News and soon-to-open P.F. Changs near Gate E47.

airport restaurants — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The entrance might be somewhat shocking for long-time American flyers. That's because it's so much more inviting, welcoming and regal than anything we've seen before in an Admirals Club.

Admirals Club DCA stairs — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Admirals club — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

This stands in stark contrast to the airline's other DCA lounges, which are hidden away — accessible only via a fire stairwell or slow elevators.

lounge entry — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

This new stone-lined entrance features a dramatic staircase and a single elevator decorated with illuminated cherry blossom artwork. (It's nice to see the Texas-based airline paying homage to the capital's famous blooms that line the Tidal Basin each spring.)

Admirals Club DCA art — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The entrance, inspired by D.C.'s iconic monuments and museums, leads to an even more exciting space inside.

The 2 seating areas

After arriving on the upper level, you might do a double take when you see the new reception area with American's logo etched into the stone-lined welcome desk.

From the minute you step in, it's clear that this is a big upgrade in Admirals Club design.

seating area — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Turning right will bring you to the lounge's servery, as the airline calls the food and beverage area in this space.

Here you'll find a snazzy bar surrounded by plenty of seating areas ranging from standard two-top dining tables to high-top counters to private nooks.

Admirals Club DCA seating — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

No matter where you turn, your eyes will be in for a treat with the new design. The bar is lined with mosaic tiles. The sconces match the upscale ceiling pattern. The subtle gray fabric on the bench seating feels inviting.

Admirals Club DCA designs — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

wall designs — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

tables and wall designs — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The American flight symbol is even etched into the walls lining the perimeter of the dining room.

This attention to detail feels much more like something you'd find in one of Delta's newest Sky Clubs than in an Admirals Club.

Admirals Club DCA — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

While we couldn't get a sense of whether American will bring its famous cheese cubes, crackers and hummus bowls to the new lounge, the renderings make it seem like we should be in for a big culinary upgrade when the lounge opens.

The other side of the lounge is located to the left of the entrance area. This is where you'll find most of the club's seating and relaxation areas as well as a fireplace.

A fireplace in an Admirals Club

Yes, you read that right: The centerpiece of the main relaxation area is a decorative fireplace that feels especially homey and inviting.

American Admirals Club DCA Reagan National — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Surrounding the fireplace is plenty of seating. There are couches and recliners lining the interior area of the lounge, while individual chairs along the perimeter of the space offer travelers amazing views of the airport's northern operations, the Washington Monument and beyond.

In total, the lounge boasts seating for 236 guests.

new DCA lounge American — American's E-Concourse Admirals Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The lounge has the basics covered: You'll find AC outlets and USB-A ports at nearly every seat, though you'll have to dig a little bit deeper to find a USB-C port. (I only spotted a handful of these newer ports during our tour.)

American has even added a modern take to the TV area. Gone is the wall of plasma displays with rows of chairs lined up like a movie theater.

Instead, you'll find just two TVs built into the floor level with some seating nearby. This way, the screens blend into the overall lounge aesthetic without feeling too much like a doctor's waiting room.

American didn't just invest in high-quality furniture in this seating area. The carrier even thought through the details of the carpeting.

For one, the carpeting is much thicker than what you'd find in the airline's existing lounges, which should help to absorb some ambient noise.

Beyond that, the design is unique: It's based on an abstract mapping of D.C. and cherry blossoms. The blue hues are a nod to the carrier's color palette, American's manager of lounge products, Gill Sukhtej, told TPG during the tour.

You won't find any nap rooms or spa suites in the new club, but you will find a quiet area with dome-shaped chairs designed to resemble the Capitol Building (which is visible from the Club's north-facing windows).

seating area and art — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The dome-shaped light fixtures hanging in this area are lined with sentence fragments from important speeches from the nation's history. Some of the phrases are even spelled backward. (Game idea: See how many you can identify during your visit.)

Big amenity upgrades

Even if American had stopped there, the airline still would've knocked it out of the park with the new lounge design. However, the carrier's latest motifs extend to the various amenities that you'll find in the space.

There is one set of restrooms located near the servery area. Each gender-specific bathroom features multiple vanities and a handful of stalls with green/red indicators to show whether they're occupied or not.

Admirals Club bathroom — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

The dark hues of the restrooms are accented by stylish lighting fixtures and plenty of mirrors that make the space feel quite luxurious.

The lounge also features three private phone booths, each featuring accent lighting and wood paneling along the walls. You won't find any seating in this area — American wanted to ensure that no one would turn the lounge into their personal office, Sukhtej said during our tour.

In addition to the enclosed phone booths, you'll find eight workstation areas lining the hallway near the bathrooms. These nooks are standing-room-only and are great spots to take a quick call or focus on polishing off a slide or analyzing a spreadsheet. (One of these nooks is oversized for those who use wheelchairs.)

private nook — ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

You won't find any showers in this space. Sukhtej explained that since DCA is primarily a domestic hub for the airline, showers aren't an essential lounge amenity. (Interestingly, the airline added two showers to its expanded lounge in New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA), another primarily domestic hub for the carrier.)

Other than the restrooms and phone booths, you'll find one private nursing mother's room near the entrance.

There's also an exclusive VIP room just to the right of the reception desk. This room features a conference table, individual recliners, a reading nook and private bathrooms. I'd imagine that this area is reserved for only the most important travelers and dignitaries — being Concierge Key alone likely won't cut it.

Bottom line

With the new DCA lounge, American has made it clear that it can deliver an impressive hard product.

The physical space is modern and inviting, and it's a big leap forward in the airline's Admirals Club design. If you're looking for the nicest American club in the country, this one might just be it.

Now, the real question is whether American can deliver on the softer elements — the food, drinks and service — to really elevate the lounge experience.

Will you need to subsist on cheese cubes, dollops of hummus, carrots, chocolate chip cookies, house vodka and — if you're lucky — a piece of avocado toast in this beautiful new Admirals Club?

If the answer is no, then American might've just hit a home run.

Why fight for the armrest when you can rest easy? The difference between cramped flying and classy flying is just a matter of points away with the free TPG App!

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

TPG editor's rating

at American Express's secure site.
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.

Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

American Airlines' Admirals Club network is entering a new era with the opening of its latest outpost.

Gone are the drabby recliners and uninspired artwork. Instead, you'll find stylish touches, crisp lines and modern finishes that may convince you to book a longer connection.

For now, though, it's all eyes on Washington, D.C., where the new club couldn't come soon enough. Read on for an inside look.

Admirals Club DCA shines in DCA's new pier

Currently, American operates two clubs at DCA — one in the C pier and another in the D pier — but both of them still feature outdated designs.

When DCA opened the Gate 35X replacement last April, American confirmed that it would open a new lounge on the upper level overlooking the new E pier.

Fast forward 18 months and this signature new club is ready for its big debut.

You'll find the light-washed, stone-lined entrance between the Capitol File News and soon-to-open P.F. Changs near Gate E47.

The entrance might be somewhat shocking for long-time American flyers. That's because it's so much more inviting, welcoming and regal than anything we've seen before in an Admirals Club.

This stands in stark contrast to the airline's other DCA lounges, which are hidden away — accessible only via a fire stairwell or slow elevators.

The entrance, inspired by D.C.'s iconic monuments and museums, leads to an even more exciting space inside.

The 2 seating areas

After arriving on the upper level, you might do a double take when you see the new reception area with American's logo etched into the stone-lined welcome desk.

From the minute you step in, it's clear that this is a big upgrade in Admirals Club design.

Turning right will bring you to the lounge's servery, as the airline calls the food and beverage area in this space.

Here you'll find a snazzy bar surrounded by plenty of seating areas ranging from standard two-top dining tables to high-top counters to private nooks.

The American flight symbol is even etched into the walls lining the perimeter of the dining room.

This attention to detail feels much more like something you'd find in one of Delta's newest Sky Clubs than in an Admirals Club.

The other side of the lounge is located to the left of the entrance area. This is where you'll find most of the club's seating and relaxation areas as well as a fireplace.

A fireplace in an Admirals Club

Yes, you read that right: The centerpiece of the main relaxation area is a decorative fireplace that feels especially homey and inviting.

In total, the lounge boasts seating for 236 guests.

American has even added a modern take to the TV area. Gone is the wall of plasma displays with rows of chairs lined up like a movie theater.

American didn't just invest in high-quality furniture in this seating area. The carrier even thought through the details of the carpeting.

For one, the carpeting is much thicker than what you'd find in the airline's existing lounges, which should help to absorb some ambient noise.

Big amenity upgrades

The dark hues of the restrooms are accented by stylish lighting fixtures and plenty of mirrors that make the space feel quite luxurious.

Other than the restrooms and phone booths, you'll find one private nursing mother's room near the entrance.

Bottom line

With the new DCA lounge, American has made it clear that it can deliver an impressive hard product.

The physical space is modern and inviting, and it's a big leap forward in the airline's Admirals Club design. If you're looking for the nicest American club in the country, this one might just be it.

Now, the real question is whether American can deliver on the softer elements — the food, drinks and service — to really elevate the lounge experience.

Will you need to subsist on cheese cubes, dollops of hummus, carrots, chocolate chip cookies, house vodka and — if you're lucky — a piece of avocado toast in this beautiful new Admirals Club?

If the answer is no, then American might've just hit a home run.

Why fight for the armrest when you can rest easy? The difference between cramped flying and classy flying is just a matter of points away with the free TPG App!

Admirals Club DCA shines in DCA's new pier

The 2 seating areas

A fireplace in an Admirals Club

Big amenity upgrades

Bottom line

Comments

Comments

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TPG featured card

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

Admirals Club DCA shines in DCA's new pier

The 2 seating areas

A fireplace in an Admirals Club

Big amenity upgrades

Bottom line

Comments

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros