Category Archives for Lounges.
An Executive Platinum reader reported with photos on renovations that started today at the New York JFK American Airlines Admirals Club.
This week, I experienced a range of highs and lows flying American Airlines, from unexpected upgrades and surprisingly tasty inflight meals to discovering that the ambiance of the Admirals Club can surpass the Flagship Lounge’s premium offerings.
Delta opened its first dedicated Delta One business class lounge at New York JFK back in June. Their second one, in Los Angeles, opens October 10th.
American Airlines is getting an Admirals Club in San Antonio. It’s the first new airport they’re adding to the lounge network since Houston Intercontinental in 2017. And it’s one of only a few in the pipeline.
United Airlines is surveying changes to their United Club – from higher costs for memberships and for their premium co-brand credit card, to limitations on benefits. They are also contemplating changes to give some customers priority getting into the lounge, getting help with their bookings, and finding seats. Much of this is inspired by Delta Air Lines and their Sky Clubs.
Airport lounges used to be the domain of business travelers, with bars and business centers. But the face of travel, and premium travel, has changed. There’s far more premium leisure than there used to be and lounges frequently cater to families.
Sometimes it seems like club lounges are really just daycare centers?
Alaska just raised the cost of basic lounge access by $50, and inclusive of partner lounge access by $100, on February 1. It’s interesting to see them consider another price increase so soon, though presumably they’ll promote it in conjunction with a plan for more lounges, amenities, and food and beverage offerings – though many things they’d add will take time to roll out or won’t be available in all locations.
A passenger reviewing the Delta One Lounge at New York JFK shared her experience on the ground, and up in the air, as much from the perspective of her pooch as from a passenger. Her dog loved the new business class-only space, including the food, showing the pet dining and eating various courses from the table.
Washington’s National Airport is finally about to get an American Express Centurion lounge, based on photos showing construction largely complete and furnishing laid out in the space.
An airport lounge is supposed to be a place to refuge from the terminal. You have a quiet place to wait, some food and a place to for a complimentary drink. It’s not supposed to be a place where you get shaken down but several reports are that this is happening at United Clubs.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
