First look: American's expanded — and stunning — Admirals Club in LaGuardia
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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).
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This includes a range of seating options, including a media room, dining tables and individual recliners.
There's a small triangle-shaped bar in the corner of the dining area and a self-serve buffet along the wall.
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.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.