New DCA Admirals Club
I tried to make lemonade on the way to the recent MtM Diamond meetup in Memphis. My regional airport doesn’t have a nonstop flight to Memphis, and I settled on Reagan National (DCA) as the optimal connection option. The miles price was outstanding (6k miles one-way), and I was hoping my Executive Platinum elite status would deliver upgrades (it did, twice). Those brags aside, I wanted to check out the new DCA Admirals Club located in Terminal 2 Concourse E, which opened last October. I used a Citi AAdvantage Executive card for access. My first flight was late, so I only had about 30 minutes in the lounge before my connecting flight. I didn’t experience enough for a full review, but I definitely have thoughts. Here are my first impressions of the new space.
#1. Attractive Design and Decor
I was greeted by an crisply-lit AA logo upon entering the front door of the lounge. While an elevator was conveniently located to the right, I opted for the taking the stairs to the left up. Both the elevator and the stairs flow directly into lounge reception. I’m a big fan of this new Admirals Club design concept, including the lighting and rich woods throughout the lounge.
Directly behind reception is the main dining area and bar. This portion of the lounge is stocked with plenty of tables and chairs. The bar is ample but would optimally be bigger, probably not possible given the dimensions of the lounge. The self-serve dining and drinking options are to the left of the bar. Bathrooms are farther back across from some handy standing cubicles, providing a bit of privacy. I liked that option as a natural place to take a phone call or make adjustments to my belongings.
After flowing back past the front desk is a more relaxed, sweeping sitting area. The initial option has a living room feel – couches, chairs, and a low-slung TV. Off to the left is another smaller beverage station with a few minor snack options. More ample seating is farther back.
I particularly enjoy the separation of the more hectic dining area from the sitting area on the opposite end. So many other clubs seem to hold intermingling dining and lounging areas, which creates a more chaotic, confusing environment, in my view. Amex, are you listening?
#2. Views Abound
Floor to ceiling windows are seemingly throughout the lounge’s perimeter. Visitors sitting alongside the interior can see down into the pleasing Concourse E below. Throughout the east side of the lounge, individuals can enjoy a view of the Crystal City area of Arlington, VA and a bit of the George Washington Parkway. At the far end of the lounge sitting area are generous airside views, including DC sites like the Washington Monument.
This DCA Admirals Club greatly benefits from all the windows. While the lounge is by no means small, it feels much bigger than its moderate size.
#3. It’s Still American Airlines
I’ve visited several Admirals Clubs domestically, ranging from good enough to dusty and overcrowded. American’s preference to cheap out in comparison to their rivals is already obvious in this gleaming lounge.
There were no lids or stirs for self-serve coffee. I didn’t even see space for these items anywhere, implying that they don’t normally offer them. Probably the tackiest lounge feature in recent memory, the fridge containing drinks for sale, is prominently displayed in the secondary beverage area. It being out of order was even more comical.
The morning food options primarily revolved around a hash brown scramble, hard-boiled eggs, breads, and a few cold items. That’s okay, I guess, but Delta’s Sky Clubs, among others, are far superior in their offerings.
The bathroom area was a bit of a mess – everything seemed wet. Indeed, we can blame some of that on the behavior of lounge visitors. The men’s room door was oddly propped half-open with a doorstop. People awkwardly took turns entering and exiting sideways. No workers were around.
Conclusion
In my view, while the last one is a major consideration, the first two are enough for me to visit again. I look forward to taking in this lounge at a more relaxed pace in the future. AA loyalists who frequent DCA often may want to consider a Citi AA Executive card for ongoing access. I’m excited to visit the new DCA Admirals Club again, and I’m just as intrigued to see how it holds up (or doesn’t) over time.
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Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
We arrived early last month for a flight from DCA and took the long walk down to Concourse E to see the new club. Definitely worth it. It has a more residential feel and I’m looking forward to seeing the New Newark club, which I understand has a similar feel.
I have been in Delta and United Clubs that had far worse catering, and to some extent, I applaud the (apparently) conscious decision to cut down on plastic waste. The bathrooms were spotless when I visited, so as you say, that can be on the previous occupants. AA has good points and bad points, but I hear that about EVERY airline – and sometimes, AA personnel really shine.
Great perspective!
AA Executive Platinum. I am starting to just avoid AA. It is an ode to mediocrity. Equipment, staff, lounges.
Thanks for the review. One has to wonder why AA doesn’t follow Delta’s lead.
Agreed, Lee! Anything closer to Delta is a step in the right direction.