Admirals Club DCA Concourse E
In our tremendously personal points and travel hobby, I avoid adjectives like “ultimate.” (I’m even challenged to type it when something’s branded that way, like Chase Ultimate Rewards.) We rarely, if ever, can agree on a common definitions when applying them to unique loyalty programs, products, and service aspects. But I’ll throw around “favorite” more freely, something I innately feel and is indisputable. And so I will do that today with the Admirals Club DCA location in Concourse E. It’s my favorite entry-level airline club in the States, which also is my favorite location for views. Indeed, I’ve seen small improvements ever since my first visit a couple years ago.
And, not coincidentally, it’s the airline lounge I visit most often. It’s far from perfect, but it feels more like home than any other club. I figured ruminating on my latest visit would be a fun endeavor. Maybe a few of you will enjoy it, as well. Here I go, in no particular order.
Food’s Trending Up
About two years ago, the Citi AAdvantage Executive card was refreshed with different benefits and higher annual fees. In the same announcement with what I would describe as a “yeah, but” move, American assured travelers the Admirals Clubs would improve:
American is elevating the lounge experience with even more ways for customers to relax and feel their best at Admirals Club lounges across the United States. In the coming months, customers can look forward to enhanced food offerings, expanded complimentary drink menus and newly redesigned Admirals Club locations.
Of course, many American Airlines travelers skeptically read this. But a couple years in, I’m starting to notice the dining enhancements, most prominently at this DCA club location. The chicken tikka masala a few months ago was scrumptious. This past weekend, the jalapeno popper macaroni and cheese and the brisket sliders were delightful. The salad and vinaigrette were on-point. The vending machine was removed from the fridge, and it now offers complimentary fruit and Greek yogurt. I can’t remember when I last talked about Admirals Club food unsarcastically.
And was that tiramisu a lounge attendant handed me? Affirmative!
Bubbly Employees at Admirals Club DCA Concourse E
Back in January, I described why I value airline clubs over bank ones. I still feel that way. A big part is the service I get from American reps at clubs. I’ve found reps at the DCA Concourse E location are in better moods than other locations (not that they are terrible elsewhere). They handle support requests very routinely in my experience – these agents are unflappable. It’s more of a “let’s see what we can do” than a reflexive “no” on certain aspects. Plus, the airline broadly staffs the front desk here; I’ve consistently noticed three agents. During my most recent visit, workers also manned the secondary desk to help with flight-related needs. It’s not always open, but I happily take advantage of this spot when possible so I don’t clog up the agents at main entry.
The Men’s Room Door Is Closed
One of the ongoing peculiarities of this Admirals Club location is that I’ve noticed the men’s room door has always been propped open. By some miracle, that changed a few days ago. My survey will continue, and I’ll report back my future findings. I’m sure you’re enthralled.
Those Two Chairs Are Still There
What I consider the two comfiest chairs in the lounge are still there. But success wasn’t instant this time, as they were occupied upon our arrival. But my little one and I scored them about 45 minutes into our visit, and they still fit like a glove. Unfortunately, that leads me to my next topic.
Two Things That Still Suck
An Unlit Fireplace
As documented here and elsewhere, American seems to enjoy turning off its lounge fireplaces. I noticed this first when sitting down in my favorite spot a few days ago – an unlit, unwelcoming fireplace with cloudy glass. I can understand legitimate reasons for turning it off occasionally exist. And it is August, but why power down a centerpiece aesthetic feature of your nicer lounges? Unlike at the Chelsea, I didn’t care enough to ask here. I probably will next time.
People
Next, from my reclined perch, I noticed two individuals committing the same lounge offense (pictured above). The guy nearby dug his boot heel into where people sit, while another in the background extended his legs, hairiness, and trainers where people eat and drink. These actions are nothing new, but still disrespectful and selfish in my book.
Admirals Club DCA Concourse E – Conclusion
My travel schedule is still developing for the fall, and I have no concrete plans to pass through Admirals Club DCA Concourse E yet. But I can confidently say I’ll be back here sooner rather than later. Regardless, I’m getting used to the improved food and beverage options at this location, along with the oddly-familiar political faces I’m periodically passing by. It’s an Admirals Club with AA’s newer design and decor, a comfy space not too small or big. I’ll try to keep my expectations between those two extremes, also.
How was your experience at Admirals Club DCA Concourse E? What’s your favorite domestic Admirals Club, Sky Club, or United Club?
Are you not supposed to use a footrest as a footrest?
It’s an end table. Which people do use for dining.
People use the ottoman as a pseudo table as well.