On a trip to Washington, DC earlier this year, I made it a point to visit the Admirals Club in Terminal 2, Concourse E at Reagan National Airport (DCA). It is one of American Airlines’ newest airport lounges and represents a leap forward in Admirals Club design and comfort.

Admirals Clubs are American’s basic, you might say entry-level, airport lounges. They are primarily intended to serve domestic passengers. American also operates Flagship Lounges offering free premium food and beverages. Flagship Lounges cater to international business and first class passengers and top-tier members of American or Oneworld airline frequent flyer programs who are traveling internationally.

The DCA Concourse E Admirals Club is located on the mezzanine level. The entrance is tucked away on the left where Concourse E doglegs as you approach Gate E46. The lounge is open daily from 5 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. except it closes at 9 p.m. on Saturday.

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There are numerous ways to gain complimentary access, plus it is possible to buy a day pass. Other than premium alcoholic beverages, everything inside the lounge is without charge.  Detailed entry requirements are here.

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To better appreciate the E Concourse lounge, compare photos of the Admirals Clubs at my home airport in Charlotte (CLT), American’s second busiest hub. The Admirals Club on the C Concourse at CLT represents what a typical Admirals Club looked like two or three decades ago.

CLT’s other Admirals Club on B Concourse looked like the Admirals Club above until receiving an update several years ago.

But even that club has become outdated. Prior to the new and improved Admirals Club on DCA Concourse E, the club on A Concourse at Dallas/Fort Worth represented one of American’s better efforts in Admirals Club design.

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New and Improved DCA Concourse E Admirals Club

The looks of the seating areas in the DCA Concourse E Admirals Club knocked my socks off. The ambiance is comparable to some first class airport lounges. You can take a load off on several kinds of stylish chairs, stretch out on one of the couches, or curl up in a lounge chair in a secluded area.

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A sharp widescreen TV let’s travelers keep up with the game and current events.

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The elegant gas-fired firepit is the design feature I like most. Even though the heat is largely contained, for me watching a fire creates a warm, calming effect. While gazing at the fire, it is also possible to keep track of the action on the ramp.

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The area for dining is to the right as you exit check in. The sitting and dining areas are connected by a long corridor overlooking shops and restaurants on Concourse E.

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The bar and buffet are situated at front of the spacious dining area.

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The buffet provides a selection of soup, salad, deserts, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and a warm entrée.

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There are several options for places to dine or work.

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The emphasis on fashionable design extends even to the bathrooms. Stylish vanity fixtures dispense soap and water and even dry hands automatically.

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Overall Impression

With passengers being directed to be at the airport two or three hours before boarding and the prevalence of connecting flights resulting from hub-and-spoke airline route systems, airport lounges can be an important part of the travel experience. Airlines are in an ongoing competition to come up with nicer and nicer lounges.

The DCA Concourse E Admirals Club is currently the best American has to offer for domestic flights. Features such as a firepit, modern lighting fixtures, chic accent lights, and an eye-catching use of wood in walls and the ceiling create an ambiance that makes this lounge a very inviting place to relax and work before a flight.

Do you use airport lounges? What do you think of American’s DCA Concourse E Admirals Club?