This fall, American Airlines will be upgrading its lounge experience at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia. The new Admirals Club will be approximately 14,000 square feet and seat 236 customers.

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A full list of lounge amenities will be made public closer to the launch date of the new DCA Admirals Club. Photo (render): American Airlines

Reimagined Admirals Club

American Airlines is redesigning its Admirals Club lounges at airports across the United States, starting with the club at DCA. Starting this fall, American Airlines passengers and passengers on oneworld partner airlines will be able to experience the new look of the design at Reagan National. Clarissa Sebastian, Managing Director of Premium Customer Experience & Onboard Products, said,

“The new Admirals Club interior design is inspired by our customers, who tell us that their favorite aspect

of visiting our lounges is feeling like they’re ‘coming home'. “This design is the culmination of a partnership

between American and an award-winning architectural firm well known for their designs in the hospitality space. Each element was thoughtfully developed to create an environment of calm, with natural woods and open spaces, so our customers can relax and feel their best as they prepare for their flight.”

American Airlines partnered with DMAC Architecture & Interiors to create and fulfill a unique vision for the new club. As part of the redesign, each lounge will reference local landscapes and landmarks that share the history of the respective city. The goal is to tell a story and "create a sense of place". American and DMAC were extremely intentional about building sustainability into the project, which will see branded elements made from renewable American walnut placed in every lounge.

"Our focus in working with American is to create a meaningful environment for guests to experience the airline's inspirational brand and airport lounge in a fresh, new way. Lounges will include a collection of thoughtfully designed memorable spaces, with opportunities for guests to engage, retreat, and rejuvenate. The new design of the Admirals Club lounges offers a bespoke hospitality experience in which every detail is curated for guests to feel cared for at each touch point during their visit." - Dwayne MacEwen, Founder and Principal, DMAC Architecture & Interiors

The Admirals Club at DCA is not the only one that will be receiving a facelift. American currently plans to redesign its lounges at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), and Denver International Airport (DEN).

How to access American's Admirals Clubs

Passengers can access American's Admirals Club lounges through five different ways. The first is through the itinerary. Passengers flying in Flagship First or Flagship Business on qualifying flights can access lounges. Qualifying flights include departing or arriving international, transcontinental, or other domestic flights marked and operated by American, and flights operated by a oneworld airline or marketed by JetBlue and operated by American.

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No official launch date has been announced for the newly improved Admirals Club. Photo (render): American Airlines

Passengers can also access the Admirals Club lounges based on AAdvantage (American's frequent flyer program) status. Those with the AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, and AAdvantage Platinum statuses are able to access American's lounges, regardless of the fare type on the ticket purchase. Those who have Emerald and Sapphire status within the oneworld alliance are also able to access the lounges regardless of the fare type on the ticket. In addition, those with certain cobranded credit cards, paying members, and Admirals Club One-Day Pass customers can access American's large network of lounges.

Have you ever visited an Admirals Club? If so, where was it, and how was your experience? Let us know in the comments below.