American Airlines Admirals Club Fees Now Cost More

In July, American Airlines announced it would be making improvements to its Admirals Club lounges. The airline also noted that Admirals Club fees would increase on July 23. If you travel with American Airlines often and like to relax in the lounge before boarding your flight, this news is worth knowing. Here's what to expect before your next flight.

Admirals Club access now costs more

Airports can be busy and stressful for all, regardless of your tolerance for crowds and noise. Some travelers prefer to seek out more quiet spaces, so they visit airport lounges before they board their planes. If you're an American Airlines loyalist, you should know that American Airlines Admirals Club fees recently increased.

American Airlines shared in a news release that new Admirals Club annual memberships will now cost $850 or 85,000 miles, and a one-day pass will cost $79, or 7,900 miles as of July 23. Previously, a one-day pass cost fliers $59 or 5,900 miles, or $650 or 65,000 miles for an annual pass.

Improvements are coming to American Airlines lounges

If you fly with American Airlines, this fee change could impact your checking account balance. But there's some good news. The airline also announced that Admirals Club lounges would undergo changes to improve the lounge experience for fliers.

Beginning in select cities on July 23, travelers will find heartier complimentary premium food options. This includes hot and cold breakfast and all-day menus with regionally inspired selections. These improvements are expected to roll out to all domestic lounges by early 2024.

The airline also announced that all domestic Admirals Club lounges now feature complimentary sparkling wine, craft beer, and spirits starting in July. Cocktails like mimosas and Bloody Marys will also be available to lounge guests. Some lounges will also undergo a redesign.

While Admirals Club lounge access will cost more, it sounds like the additional fees will help cover the above mentioned improvements. Before stepping foot in an Admirals Club, consider whether the fee is worthwhile and whether the extra cost fits your current budget.

Here's how to visit Admirals Club lounges for less (or free)

If you're disappointed in the fee increase, you may wonder how to get around paying more. There are ways to gain complimentary or discounted access to Admirals Club lounges via credit cards or status with the AAdvantage program.

The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® is an airline credit card for American Airlines loyalists who value premium credit card perks. While this card has a pricey annual fee, it includes benefits like 25% savings on eligible in-flight food and drink purchases, priority boarding, free checked bag perks, and valuable yearly spending credits.

But the card also offers a free yearly Admirals Club membership. If you fly with American Airlines and want lounge access, you may want to add this credit card to your wallet. Instead of paying $850 for a new yearly pass, you'll pay a $595 annual fee for this credit card. You can learn more about this card by reviewing our list of the best American Airlines cards.

If this airline credit card isn't for you, that's okay. You can get an annual Admirals Club membership at a discount by achieving elite status through the American Airlines AAdvantage program. Here's a breakdown of the cost of a new yearly membership for an individual, depending on the elite status tier achieved:

It's best to prepare for travel costs before you leave

Whether you visit airport lounges or not, it's essential to consider how any price increase will impact your personal finances. Travel expenses can quickly add up, so creating a vacation budget before your next trip can help ensure you're financially prepared for all costs.

A travel credit card may help you save on travel expenses and can allow you to earn rewards when you use your card to pay for travel purchases. Learn more about the best travel rewards credit cards to decide if a travel credit card is a good fit for you.