American Airlines flyers get IAH lounge
American Airlines has opened a new lounge at Bush Intercontinental Airport, putting the final touches on its local combination with US Airways.
The move also ends a more than 15-year hiatus where American didn’t provide a retreat for its more lucrative customers.
The soft opening of its Admirals Club in Terminal A was mid-April, but City Council members gave their formal blessing Wednesday by authorizing an amendment to American Airlines’ lease. The grand opening is slated for June 12.
“This is not a major hub for them,” said Pete Garcia, a Houston-based airline consultant. “However, it is a very important business market.”
American has about 35 daily flights from Bush Intercontinental to its hubs in Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles,
Miami, Philadelphia and Phoenix. Before merging with US Airways in 2013 and consolidating customer-facing operations in June 2015, American offered about 20 daily flights to four destinations.
“As a consequence of its larger combined operations, American will open an Admirals Club Lounge in Terminal A,” according to the City Council agenda item.
The new club is part of a $3 billion investment that American is putting into the customer experience in airports and on its planes. Some airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International, are receiving American’s Flagship First Dining with complimentary full-service tableside dining. This service begins Thursday at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The Admirals Club in Houston provides complimentary snacks and alcoholic beverages, and it will offer sandwiches and salads for purchase after the grand opening. It has 87 seats, ottomans for propping up feet, a business center and plenty of outlets.
Scott Carter of FuquayVarina, N.C., was taking full advantage of those outlets on Wednesday. He was charging his phone, computer, tablet, headphones and battery charger.
Carter travels to Houston about 12 times a year and was excited to finally see a lounge at Bush Intercontinental.
“I have to get a lot of work done,” he said. “It’s just much more challenging out inthelobby.”
Carter said the lounge is nice and has everything he needs, but it’s not quite on par with those at American’s hub airports. He didn’t expect American to open a massive lounge in an airport where United Airlines and United Express operate an average of 483 daily flights.
American is leasing 4,393 square feet for the Admirals Club and 120 square feet for the club manager’s office, according to the City Council agenda.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Admirals Club experience to our customers in Houston,” American Airlines spokesman Matt Miller said. “It’s been a long time coming, and we’re excited to bring it back.”
It is the 12th lounge to open at Bush Intercontinental, including a USO for military members and their families. United also has a lounge in Terminal A.
“The completion of this lounge is the final part of a significant investment by American to consolidate its operations with US Airways and refurbish all of its ticketing, curbside and hold room areas,” the Houston Airport System said in a statement.
An Admirals Club membership is required to enter the airport lounge. New one-year memberships for an individual range from $450 to $550, depending on AAdvantage status, and that traveler can bring up to two guests into the lounge. The club is also accessible to those with a Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard, which has a $450 annual fee. All authorized users on the credit card can bring two guests.
Day passes can also be purchased for $59.
Troy Macias, of Tampa, Fla., has the credit card. He flies to Houston at least twice a quarter and has long noticed Bush Intercontinental’ slack of an Admiral s Club. He was happy to have a space to work on Wednesday.
“It doesn’t feel like you’re in an airport,” he said. “You can actually take meetings and have phone calls without it being so disruptive.”
Barb Howlett, from Syracuse, N.Y., said Houston’s club was more modern, cleaner and brighter than others she’s visited.
Garcia said airlines have been more profitable lately, thanks to low fuel prices, and they’re investing that money into services and products for customers.
And Miller emphasized American’s commitment to Houston.
“Houston is a hugely important market for American,” he said, “and we look forward to serving Intercontinental for many years to come.”