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.
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.
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But even that club has become outdated.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.
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.
A sharp widescreen TV let’s travelers keep up with the game and current events.
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.
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.
The bar and buffet are situated at front of the spacious dining area.
The buffet provides a selection of soup, salad, deserts, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages and a warm entrée.
There are several options for places to dine or work.
The emphasis on fashionable design extends even to the bathrooms. Stylish vanity fixtures dispense soap and water and even dry hands automatically.
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?
I think they look great! I love having a lounge on my long distance travels.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed. As long as they are not super crowded, airport lounges can be great for refreshing and getting in the proper “frame of mind” for travel.
LikeLike
The Admirals Club looked pretty good to me before John but the new and improved is quite amazing. What are the ways to get it complimentary? I had no idea they even had these until i went on the yoga retreat and loved it. 💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good question Cindy. You can get in by being a member through a paid annual membership or holding a Citi American Airlines World Elite Mastercard (with an annual fee). The other options are flying in first or business class internationally or transcontinental on AA or one of its partners. A membership can be a good deal for people who fly a lot. 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
That makes sense! There are no free lunch’s like we’ve learned 😝
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I fly a lot (getting back to it hopefully) the annual membership plus the other credit card perks is well worth it. It is a cheap lunch if not a free one.😉😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dang, I hope you’re back to it sooner than later.. anything for a free lunch.. 💞😆😇
LikeLike
Those chairs look very comfy! We don’t often have access to lounges, but when we do we always enjoy it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lounges are key to my travel experience especially on connecting flights. I’m not selling credit cards on my blog but you might want to get one of many cards that include Priority Pass (over 1,200 lounges worldwide) or a Delta or Amex cad for Skyclub access. I appreciate that you took time to read and comment.
LikeLike
im duely impressed John it looks very comfy, and the fire is lovely! great place to wile away time before your flight indeed!
LikeLike
This looks like a super nice airport lounge, John! Maybe we will get to visit there one day. Thanks for sharing your insights.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lounges like this are one of the few things that airlines are doing to make the travel experience better. Of course passengers pay for it one way or the other. TANSTAAFL (There Ain’t No Such Thing as A Free Lunch) Thanks for taking a look, Kellye.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The designers of this club appear to have borrowed many design cues from mid-20th century modern style. I like what they’ve done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe that’s why I like it too.😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
🧡
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙏
LikeLike