Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) was the connecting point for our 4,000 mile (6,400 km) journey from Anchorage, AK to Charlotte, North Carolina. There was a three hour layover at DFW. We passed most of that time in the American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal A.
Other posts from our Alaska trip in May 2021.
Three Days And Zero Nights In Utqiaġvik, Alaska May 2021
Covid-19 Flight Review – American Airlines A321 First Class Charlotte, NC to Phoenix, AZ
Lounge Review Twofer – American Express Centurion Lounge And Escape Lounge Phoenix, AZ
American Airlines A321neo First Class – Phoenix, AZ To Anchorage, AK
Anchorage Airport Hotel Photo Review – Alex Hotel & Suites Anchorage, AK
Lounge Review – Alaska Airlines Lounge Anchorage, AK
Alaska Airlines 737-700 Domestic First Class Anchorage, AK to Utqiaġvik, AK
The King Eider Inn Utqiaġvik, Alaska
Hunting The Bowhead Whale In Utqiaġvik, Alaska
Denali Brewing Co., Talkeetna, Alaska
Best Things To Do In Talkeetna, Alaska
Access to Admirals Clubs comes in a variety of forms. Frequent American flyers usually purchase a membership. The price varies depending on status in the American AAdvantage program. Individual memberships ranges from $550 – $650 for an initial annual membership. Renewals are slightly cheaper. Our access was curtesy of my American Airlines MasterCard that has a $450 annual fee. International business or first class passengers and elites in the oneworld alliance also have access. In addition, anyone flying on American or a oneworld partner can purchase a day pass for $59 if space permits.
The Terminal A club is located across from Gate A24, which happened to be the departure gate for the flight to Charlotte. Check in is on the concourse level. The club is one level up.

Tip: In the event of travel disruptions these reps are invaluable. They can rebook flights and there is no waiting in a phone queue that can be longer than an hour during system disruptions like major storms. In those situations, buying a day pass can be a bargain for travelers without elite status as they can get immediate, face-to-face service and wait out delays in comfort.
Admirals Clubs provide a pleasant break from the noise and commotion of the concourse and airport restaurants. Soothing décor, cozy seating, hot and cold snacks, free wifi, free house beer, wine and liquor, runway views, and plentiful electrical outlets are the attributes of Admirals Clubs I like the most. These clubs also have showers but they are closed due to Covid.
The Terminal A club is large lounge with several seating areas.
The food service area offers non-alcoholic beverages and snacks that vary with the time of day.
Breakfast choices include whole and sliced fruit, pastries, yogurt, oatmeal, cold cereal, hard-boiled eggs and bagels.
House and premium drinks for a fee are available in the bar.
Admirals Clubs also have business centers and work areas. This club has two conference rooms that can be rented by the hour.
Carry on luggage can be stored in lockers.
Flight monitors are always important to keep up with the status of flights. Our flight to Charlotte, Flight 790 is showing a 33-minute delay. The delay would actually be much longer. That will be another post.
American’s business class lounges, Flagship Lounges, have much better food and free premium drinks. They have been closed since Covid but are scheduled to begin reopening next month. Things are looking up but that can all change depending on the course of the pandemic.
Overall Impression
When Covid struck many airport lounges closed or offered only very limited services. It was nice to see that the services and amenities in this stylish Admirals Club had almost completely returned to pre-Covid standards. Admirals Clubs are very basic for airline lounges in terms of the type of free food and beverages available. However, this lounge was a nice respite from the hassles of the terminal during the three-hour layover that was extended by a flight delay.
those travel reps do seem like they would be quite handy to have available.
is any of the food free in these sort of lounges?
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There are many different types of airport lounges with various policies on food nd booze. In Admirals Clubs all of the food on the buffets is free. Many Admirals clubs also have meals that can be purchased in addition. I’ve never bought one of those but once did pay $10 for a wonderful Mexican omelet that was made at a special kiosk. American Airlines Flagship lounges have much better buffets and all food and premium drinks are free. Flagship lounges are business-class lounges for international travel with different access rules. The travel reps are outstanding during travel disruptions and have saved my bacon multiple times.
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it seems like having access to free food and drink would make the lounges much more appealing…
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“Free” food and drinks are a major part of the appeal of airport lounges. But TANSTAAFL. The food and drinks are paid for in membership and admission fees. And I believe when I use a lounge of an American Airlines partner like Qatar or Japan Airlines for example, American is charged something for it.
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I guess these clubs work best for frequent travelers…
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Frequent flyers get the most benefit out of a membership. Depending on the length of a layover or the need for travel assistance, anyone can get great value out of a day pass. Although it wouldn’t apply to us, an Admirals Club day pass also includes access for up to three children under 18 who are traveling with the adult. The benefit and value of a lounge and lounge membership depends a lot on individual circumstances.
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that would be a great deal if you have kids under 18. My kids would have drank all the soda available 🙂
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😊
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Looks like a relaxing place to wait for a flight!
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It is the calm before the storm. 😄
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looks very nice in an old fashioned sort of way
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I’m stuck in the ’70s I guess. 😄
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As you say, a pleasant respite during layovers.
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American treats people pretty good here. Then we have to get on the plane. 😄
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😎
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