American Raises Lounge Rates as Fliers Demand More Amenities
Following similar moves by Delta and United earlier this year, American will be raising most membership rates for its Admirals Club airport lounges effective May 1.
American quietly rolled out the rate increase on its website Thursday, which will raise annual prices for membership between $25 to $50 depending on your elite status with the airline. Rates for non-elites will remain unchanged.
Airlines are upgrading their airport lounges to maintain a competitive edge, and deliver amenities business travelers demand, such as ample power outlets and work areas. (Read more: United Unveils New Lounge, Plans More Remodeling)
The new annual club prices vary based on your American elite frequent flier status.
- General member (non-elite) prices remain the same for individuals at $500 for new memberships, and $450 for renewals. Rates for joint membership with a spouse also remain unchanged at $825 for new memberships, and $775 for renewals.
- AAdvantage Gold (25,000 miles flown annually) prices for individuals rise to $475 from $450 for new members, and to $425 from $400 for renewals. Rates for joint membership with a spouse rise to $750 from $725 for new memberships, and to $700 from $675 for renewals.
- AAdvantage Platinum (50,000 miles flown annually) prices for individuals rise to $450 from $400 for new members, and to $400 from $350 for renewals. Rates for joint membership with a spouse rise to $675 from $625 for new memberships, and to $625 from $575 for renewals.
- AAdvantage Executive Platinum (100,000 miles flown annually) prices for individuals rise to $400 from $350 for new members, and to $350 from $300 for renewals. Rates for joint membership with a spouse rise to $575 from $525 for new memberships, and to $525 from $475 for renwals.
As a comparison, Delta charges fliers $350 to $450 for an individual, annual lounge membership. United's lounge rates range from $400 to $500 per person, plus a $50 initiation fee for new members.
American also allows redemption of frequent flier miles for lounge membership and those rates are also increasing for elites, ranging from 45,000 miles to 125,000 miles depending on your elite status and membership type.
Delta was the most recent airline to hike lounge rates on March 1, citing club renovations and new amenities such as outdoor terraces. (Read more: Delta to Raise Most Lounge Rates by $50 for Individual Travelers)
And United upped their lounge rates on January 1 after lounge upgrades. (Read more: United's Annual Lounge Rates to Increase by $25 for Individuals)
For more information on American Admirals Club and the new prices, click here.