Since late June, American Air announced their lounges would start opening across the US. In other words, not all of them are open yet. However, the Admirals lounge at LAX is open, and I decided to check it out.

The first thing you’ll notice is the new plexiglass barriers in front of each lounge attendant as they check you in. They also have markers on the floor to separate people and distance them six feet apart.

As you check-in, they allow you to go up and wait for someone to seat you (as if you’re in a restaurant.)

As they seated me, I looked around. The lounge is pretty empty. Only half of it is open, and large distances separate each party. 

They require you to wear a mask unless you’re eating or drinking.

Bar and Food Service

Once you’re seated, you notice a card on the table that ensures they have cleaned and sanitized the table before your arrival. I thought that was a cute touch. 

They have signs on each table with rules about safety.

All food buffets are closed, but just like in a restaurant, they come around and ask if you want something to drink or eat. However, you don’t get options. They pretty much ask you if you want a “snack bag.”

I said yes and also asked for coffee. They brought back a bag with a bagel, jam, a bowl of nuts, a crispy rice treat, and a germ-killing moist napkin, which I kept for the plane.

The bar is open, which means anyone can order a cocktail. They also have snacks at the bar like skittles and trail mixes. But they are not self serve. You have to ask the bartender for some, but don’t worry, the snacks are free.

How Do You Get Into These Lounges?

There are several ways to get into these lounges.

The best way to get into these lounges is to have an American Airlines AAdvantage World Elite MasterCard. It’s how I get into these lounges.

Some airlines, like Alaska Air, will allow you to enter without a credit card. If you purchase a business or first-class ticket, they’ll let you in, although American Airlines doesn’t care if you have a business or first-class ticket. But if you do, you might get into a different lounge. The rules can get complicated, so let’s leave it at that for now.

There are other lounge memberships like Priority Pass, which I also have that allows you to enter the Priority Pass Lounges.

Priority Pass lounges are different than American Admirals club lounges, though.

In any case, I highly recommend the lounges.