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American Airlines Details Admirals Club Renovations

Aug. 08, 2016
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2 min read
AA-Rio-Lounge-2
American Airlines Details Admirals Club Renovations
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Back in February 2016, American Airlines announced it would be completing major renovations to its network of Admirals Club lounges. Without a doubt, many were in dire need of a face lift, so AA's latest updates will surely come as a welcome change for American Airlines frequent flyers.

The completed Admirals Club in Rio de Janeiro (GIG).

To date, the renovations to Admirals Club lounges in Rio de Janeiro (GIG), Phoenix (PHX), and São Paulo (GRU) have been completed, while many more are still in the works.

A peek at the newly completed Admirals Club in Phoenix (PHX).

Admirals Club Flagship lounges are currently available in New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD), but all are currently undergoing renovations projected to be completed in 2017. Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA) and Philadelphia (PHL) will all see brand new flagship lounges built from the ground up.

Beginning in 2017, Flagship dining experiences will be available in select cities offering three-class service (DFW, JFK, MIA, and LAX). In 2017, Flagship lounge services will be extended to those traveling not only in first class, but also to passengers flying in business class on American's transcontinental service. New lounges will be opening in Houston (IAH) and Orlando (MCO) later this year as well, possibly to compete with American Express Centurion lounges.

So who can get in? As of July 23, 2017, the Citi Prestige Card will no longer offer complimentary Admirals Club access. Since Admirals Club fees have increased recently, another way to gain free access is to sign up for the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard. With an increased sign-up bonus of 60,000 miles after you spend $5,000 within the first three months, this is another great option for AA fans. Authorized users can also be added free of charge so they'd be able to enjoy lounge access and other benefits as well.

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What do you think about the long-awaited renovations happening at some Admirals Clubs?

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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

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  • 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.