American Airlines’ third Admirals Club location at Ronald Reagan-Washington National Airport (DCA) stands out compared to other lounges. The lounge opened its doors in October 2022 and was the first to feature the “new and reimagined” design. American Airlines intends to implement the design concept found in the Admirals Club Washington National in many of its other clubs across the United States.
In October 2022, I had the opportunity to visit the lounge, which had only just opened to travelers. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the lounge a few additional times.
While Admirals Clubs are typically more stylish and often have a more premium feel compared to other domestic lounges operated by the big three airlines, the new Admirals Club Washington-National is in a league of its own.
Here’s what travelers can expect from the revamped Admirals Club at Washington National Airport.
American Airlines Admirals Club Washington-DCA in Concourse E
There are just a handful of Admirals Clubs that feature the new design. In addition to the Admirals Club Washington-National, American’s lounges at Denver International Airport, New York-LaGuardia, and Newark International Airport feature the new design.
American Airlines operates a total of 3 lounges at Washington National. Only one of these three features the new design and is worth a detour. The Admirals Club with the new design is located in Concourse E. The other clubs featuring the old design are located in Concourses C and D. So, you will want to be sure to visit the right lounge for the new Admirals Club experience.
You can find the club with the updated design in Concourse E near gate E46. The entrance to the lounge is somewhat hidden as it sits back from the main walkway.
The lounge is open 7 days a week from 5 AM to 10:30 PM. Compared to the other two Admirals Club locations in the terminal, the lounge is the last to open in the morning, but also the last to close in the evening. So, if you arrive before 5 AM, you’ll have to visit the lounges located in Concourses C and D.
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The Revamped Admirals Club Experience at Washington-DCA Airport
What makes the new Admirals Club stand out from other locations is the remarkably premium atmosphere. This premium atmosphere is the result of a more upscale and elegant design. I noticed a major difference between the new design and the existing designs before I even checked into the lounge.
The entrance to the Admirals Club Washington-National Concourse E club features a backlit stone American Airlines flight symbol.
The entire club has a warm feeling thanks to wood accents and soft colors. The change in materials and colors used in the new lounge design is a significant improvement over the previous Admirals Club designs.
American Airlines previously updated many of its lounges following its massive brand overhaul in 2013. From 2013 to 2018, numerous American Airlines-branded lounges were renovated. During this period, the new design focused on bright yet cool colors and accents.
Many of the clubs that feature the previous 2013-era design feel more corporate and sterile. With the warmer feel offered by the new club design, the Admirals Club Washington National had a more inviting atmosphere.
The design and atmosphere are a major improvement over the existing Admirals Club experience. However, the amenities offered at the club are similar to what can be found at other clubs. Other than a few added snacks like nuts and candies, the soft product offered at the revamped Admirals Club is unchanged.
Even without a ton of added amenities, American Airlines has made an effort following the pandemic to increase the service offered in its clubs. During my first visit to the Washington National location, breakfast items were served. A scrambled egg bar was offered alongside pastries, bagels, yogurt, and fruit.
During my subsequent visits to the lounge, lunch was being served. At the time, American Airlines was offering a make-your-own soft taco bar alongside veggies, chips, dip, and soups.
This location also features a full bar. Guests receive complimentary options, including soft drinks, house wines, well-liquor, and a featured domestic beer on tap. All other drinks, including premium cocktails and spirits, are available at an additional cost.
The new Admirals Club Washington National is split into two wings. One wing features a buffet, bar, and seating ideal for dining or getting work done. The other side of the lounge is more conducive to unwinding and relaxation.
At the center of the more relaxed side of the lounge is a beautiful gas fireplace. Around the fireplace are various seating areas. The furniture and decor in the club are noticeably more upscale than what is found at other locations.
The club also has the best views of any lounge at Washington National Airport, with expansive views of the north end of the airfield and Washington D.C.
Related: American Airlines and British Airways’ SoHo Lounge New York-JFK Review
What Other Admirals Clubs Will Receive This Design?
Some Admirals Clubs still feature a relatively new and updated design. These include clubs at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), and Miami International Airport (MIA). Since American Airlines invested heavily in updating these clubs less than five years ago, it’s unlikely that newer locations will see this design anytime soon.
American Airlines operates a network of almost 50 clubs across the globe. Some of these clubs, including those at Charlotte International Airport (CLT), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), are in desperate need of a facelift.
As of June 2024, the following Admirals Club now feature the updated design:
- Denver International Airport (DEN) – located in Terminal C (between gates 30 and 32)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) – located in Terminal A in the main atrium after security
- New York-LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – located in Terminal B before the escalators to gates 11-30
- Washington-National (DCA) – located in Concourse E at the beginning of the concourse
Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is slated to be the next location to feature this updated design.
How Can You Access Admirals Clubs?
There are a number of ways travelers can access American Airlines Admirals Clubs. These include a paid annual membership, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ MasterCard® card, elite status, and traveling in premium cabins on qualifying itineraries.
Paid Membership
American Airlines offers customers the ability to pay outright for an annual Admirals Club membership. I would imagine this is a relatively unpopular way of obtaining a membership. Nevertheless, paying for an annual membership is an option.
An annual Admirals Club membership starts at a whopping $650 for individuals and $1,250 for households. AAdvantage members with elite status do receive a discount on memberships. This discount isn’t much, with AAdvantage members holding Executive Platinum status receiving just $100 off an annual membership.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ MasterCard® Card
American Airlines’ premium co-branded credit card, the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard, comes with access to all Admirals Clubs and even select partner lounges. The ability to access Admirals Clubs with this card does come with a $595 annual fee. However, the card also offers additional benefits beyond Admirals Club access.
Other Ways to Access Admirals Clubs
There are a few other ways to access Admirals Clubs. Flying in premium cabins on eligible routes, holding ConciergeKey status, or purchasing a day pass are three other ways travelers can access Admirals Clubs. For the full list of ways to access Admirals Club locations, you can check out this detailed guide from AwardWallet.
Related: Review of the Admirals Club New York-LaGuardia
The Bottom Line
The new Admirals Club design and experience is a major upgrade over existing club locations. The new design is more inviting and far more premium than previous designs. For the most part, club amenities remained unchanged though this was to be expected as new amenities had not been announced.
In addition to the Admirals Club Washington National in Concourse E, this new design can be found at lounges in 3 other airports with a 4th lounge slated to receive this updated look.
What are your first impressions of the “new and reimagined” Admirals Club Washington National Airport? Would you allow extra time during your next connection to visit the Concourse E location at Washington National Airport (DCA)?
