E ffective as of Monday, July 25, 2016, rates will increase for annual membership in the American Airlines Admirals Club by $50.00 or 5,000 AAdvantage miles per year for individual annual memberships; and by $100.00 or 10,000 AAdvantage miles per year for household annual memberships due to the millions of dollars American Airlines is spending to renovate its Admirals Club lounges around the world.
A one-day pass will cost $59.00 — an increase of nine dollars over the current rate of $50.00.
American Airlines Admirals Club Annual Rates to Increase As of July 25, 2016
Membership rates are based on your AAdvantage elite level status when you purchase. On Monday, July 25, 2016, annual membership fees and award mileage rates will increase; and the results of those increases are shown in the table below in bold dark red type.
You can renew your membership at the current rate up to 120 days before expiration.
| Membership Type | AAdvantage Basic Member | AAdvantage Gold | AAdvantage Platinum | AAdvantage Executive Platinum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual — new | $500.00 up to $550.00 or 80,000 miles up to 85,000 miles |
$475.00 up to $525.00 or 70,000 miles up to 75,000 miles |
$450.00 up to $500.00 or 65,000 miles up to 70,000 miles |
$400.00 up to $450.00 or 55,000 miles up to 60,000 miles |
| Individual — renew | $450.00 up to $500.00 or 70,000 miles up to 75,000 miles |
$425.00 up to $475.00 or 60,000 miles up to 65,000 miles |
$400.00 up to $450.00 or 55,000 miles up to 60,000 miles |
$350.00 up to $400.00 or 45,000 miles up to 50,000 miles |
| Household — new | $825.00 up to $925.00 or 125,000 miles up to 135,000 miles |
$750.00 up to $850.00 or 110,000 miles up to 120,000 miles |
$675.00 up to $775.00 or 95,000 miles up to 105,000 miles |
$575.00 up to $675.00 or 75,000 miles up to 85,000 miles |
| Household — renew | $775.00 up to $875.00 or 115,000 miles up to 125,000 miles |
$700.00 up to $800.00 or 100,000 miles up to 110,000 miles |
$625.00 up to $725.00 or 85,000 miles up to 95,000 miles |
$525.00 up to $625.00 or 65,000 miles up to 75,000 miles |
Cardholders of the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite credit card will continue to pay $450.00 per year — as there is no increase in the annual membership fee, which includes access for authorized users — regardless of elite level status in the American Airlines AAdvantage frequent flier loyalty program.
30-Day Individual Membership Option to be Discontinued
The 30-day individual membership option — which costs $99.00 per visitor and has the same benefits as annual memberships but for a 30-day consecutive period — will be discontinued on Monday, July 25, 2016. The last day to purchase this option will be Sunday, July 24, 2016. Existing memberships will be honored through their expiration date.
If you purchase an annual membership during your 30-day membership, $50.00 can be applied towards your new annual membership. No membership card will be issued. Membership may commence the day of purchase; or you may select a date in the future that is within 90 days of the purchase date.
The 30-day individual membership option provides access to all Admirals Club lounges. At partner lounges, guest access is subject to the policies of each lounge partner. No discounted renewal rates are available. You must be 18 years of age to purchase or hold an Admirals Club membership. Membership may not be purchased with AAdvantage frequent flier loyalty program miles. The membership fee cannot be refunded; and membership itself cannot be transferred.
Summary
The reasons for the increase in membership rates at Delta Sky Clubs of Delta Air Lines effective as of Friday, March 1, 2013 was to continue delivering upgrades and amenities such as opening new Sky Clubs and renovating existing Sky Clubs; removing conference rooms to provide more seating; introducing the Luxury Bar; and the Sky Decks in New York and Atlanta which opened later that year.
As of Tuesday, August 18, 2015, United Airlines followed suit with increases in membership rates of United Clubs; plus its annual membership spouse discount of $250.00 per year was discontinued.
Hopefully, the increases in membership rates for those who pay them will be worth it and have a higher value than the lower rates before the renovations — but I would not really know, as I do not purchase memberships to the lounges operated by airlines.
Source: American Airlines.
