Thailand Trip Part 2 – American Airlines Concourse C Admirals Club Charlotte, NC

The Admirals Club on Concourse C is by far the larger of the two Admirals Cubs at Charlotte – Douglas International Airport. I rarely visit this lounge because the recently remodeled Admirals Club on Concourse B is usually more convenient. I had to walk past this lounge after passing through the security lines for Concourse E and decided to drop in. This post provides a few photos and an overview of the lounge location, hours of operation, layout, amenities and access rules.

The Concourse C lounge is in dire need of remodeling to conform to current Admirals Club décor. I’m told that’s not going to happen in the near future. This lounge can’t be closed for remodeling like the B lounge because of the heavy volume of traffic it handles at American’s second largest hub. And there is no vacant space in the terminal that could be used for a temporary lounge. Admirals Club members will be stuck with the present space and look for at least a few more years it seems.

Access

Access to Admirals Clubs comes in a variety of forms. Frequent flyers on American Airlines usually purchase a membership. The price varies depending on status or lack thereof in the American AAdvantage frequent flyer program.  Individual memberships ranges from $550 – $650 for an initial annual membership. Renewals are slightly cheaper. My access is curtesy of an American Airlines Executive MasterCard that has a $450 annual fee and additional travel benefits. Certain international business and first class passengers and Emerald and Sapphire members in the oneworld alliance also have access. In addition, anyone flying on American or a oneworld partner can purchase a day pass for $59, space permitting.

Location And Hours 

This Admirals Club is situated just off the main plaza area of the terminal between Concourses C and D.  You can access the lounge from either concourse.  It is the most centrally located lounge in the airport.  It is open Sunday – Monday 5:30 a.m. – 10:45 p.m.; Tuesday 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Wednesday – Friday 5:30 a.m. – 10:45 p.m.; and Saturday 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m..

Layout

Once you get past the check-in area, the lounge is divided into three large open seating areas, two food service areas, and a bar. I didn’t notice restrictions for social distancing in the seating areas. One food service area is directly behind the check-in stations. Next is what I’d call the central seating area.

The bar, which also has some seating, is to the right of the main seating area as you face the windows. The bar has free house beer , wine and spirits and premium brands for sale.

Restrooms are to the left of the central seating area. The other food service area is just past the main seating area as you move towards the windows. The food service areas serve a range of complimentary light snacks and non- alcoholic beverages. I usually go for oatmeal, a toasted bagel or fruit in the morning and soup and cookies at other times.

There is another large seating area straight ahead near the windows.

The other seating area is to the right of the central seating area.

Seating is comfortable but dated.

Here are two photos from the B Concourse club for comparison.

Amenities

Amenities include food and beverages, wifi, electrical outlets, and an escape from the hectic airport atmosphere. The best amenity, perhaps, is the presence of the agents at the check-in area. There are usually three to five on duty. They know their stuff and can assist with just about any issue related to American Airlines flights.

Neither the C or B lounges have showers. That is a major deficiency for international travelers. Business travelers may wish that at least one Admirals Club had conference rooms.

Overall Impression

Except for size and the need of remodeling, the Concourse C Admirals Club is a typical American Airlines Admirals Club. It is a basic airport lounge. A basic airport lounge beats no airport lounge.