I’m sitting in the American Airlines Aadmiral’s Club, flight delayed, waiting on inbound aircraft.This lounge doesn’t even sell food, which I’m lamenting at the moment (normally I abhor the practice). The only available snacks are three leftover donuts from breakfast (it’s 11:30am). There’s coffee and water. I’ve been sitting here for about 90 minutes and there hasn’t been a bartender yet (it’s 5 o’clock somewhere…besides, even a sods or virgin bloody mary would be nice). No newspapers on the rack, either.

I can access the lounge through either my American Express Platinum card or my British Airways status. But free wireless – a new introduction for American lounges – is only available to club members and those entering on day passes. One-time passholders get free internet, I do not. Thus I’m posting through my laptop and tethered blackberry.

As one prominent Flyertalk member is known to say, “The game isn’t as fun as it used to be!”

At least I’m not flying United through Chicago, my flight isn’t cancelled, and I’m heading to a warmer climate.  My upgrade (such as it is) cleared — which is pretty good considering I’m not a regular American flyer, but have lifetime status as a result of accumulating over a million lifetime miles in my account through promos.  See, there are things to be thankful for…