American Airlines

Worst international lounge I've ever been in. We're supposed to "pardon their appearance" due to their renovation. Why didn't they just set up card tables in the hallway? OK there were some alcoholic drinks on offer along with tasty items like cardboard muffins in plastic under the fluorescent lighting. Packed in for 4 hours with guys yelling into their cell phones the distant receptionists ignored all we waiting sufferers. Is it any wonder that American Airlines is having financial problems?

Have American Airlines not seen the way the rest of the world does it? What is a "pay bar"? What is it with ordering and paying for food? After paying $12000 for a return business class ticket I do not expect to pay for a beer or a sandwich in the lounge waiting for a flight. As for the "drinks vouchers" stamped with a date - cheap and nasty! It is a real pity because the lounge itself is richly appointed. It is a warm and comforting environment spoilt by the need to pay for food and drinks.

Having flown AA for 20 years the Flagship Lounge/Admirals Club experience is one of my most disappointing with AA. The typical Admirals Club is rather tired has a poor selection of food and drink and are often crowded. Internet access has become one of the main reasons I keep my membership. The Flagship lounges (I have experienced LHR/ORD/San Juan) are better but typically quite small. It is mind boggling to me that they do not have one at their hub in DFW - but even these are nowhere near the quality of BA/Cathay for 1st class passengers. Their shower facilities are fairly decent with Chicago being recently upgraded but again Flagship do not have these - Admirals Club only. All in all not close to international standards with some of the lounges having totally insufficient bathrooms for the capacity of the lounge (ORD G Concourse is a good example - 1 toilet for men in a club with a 100+ capacity).