Earlier this month, an American Airlines executive promised a “continuous stream” of announcements related to its lounge network. It didn’t take long.
The airline revealed on Wednesday plans to renovate an older Admirals Club property at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C.
Specifically, the airline is planning a complete renovation of its Club in Concourse D, which will include expanding the facility to 10,000 square feet and accommodate 50% more passengers.
This would be a welcome change.
American Airlines currently operates three DCA lounges, but the experience in each lounge is completely different. Concourse E Admirals Club is only three years old and is one of the best clubs in its network. You certainly can’t say the same about the other outposts in Washington, D.C., though. Its Concourse D club definitely needs a makeover.
The comprehensive reform, set to begin in early 2026, will achieve this goal.
American Airlines DCA Lounge Upgrade
Renderings shared by the airline on Wednesday show the facility will feature the same cozy aesthetic that American Airlines uses in its newest lounges, including at its best DCA outposts and in Denver, complete with tan wood, brown leather and fireplaces.
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American Airlines
This should be a sizable upgrade to the current club, which sits above one of the busiest concourses in the Mid-Atlantic hub.
The airline also promises “stunning airside views” of the U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument from the updated Concourse D lounge. DCA is across the Potomac River from Washington, making the landmarks mentioned above great for photos if you have the right vantage point.
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Planned to be temporarily closed
The bad news: The current Admirals Club Concourse D location must close early next year to allow for this construction. This may force more members into the airline’s lounges in Concourses C and E.
If these places are crowded, remember: The airport is also home to several credit card outposts.
American Express has a Centurion Lounge at the airport, which opened about a year and a half ago. It is located in Terminal 2 (DCA Main Terminal), but closer to Gate B.
Read more: Everything you need to know about using the Amex Centurion Lounge
Just steps away from the soon-to-be-decommissioned Admirals Club is Capital One Landing.
American Airlines: ‘Exciting’ announcements coming
The new look for American Airlines’ DCA Admirals Club comes as the Fort Worth-based airline looks to up its game in the lounge space.
In 2025, the airline opened its new flagship lounge-Admirals Club portfolio at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and revealed plans for a premium outpost and Admirals Club expansion at its Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) hub.
American Airlines also debuted a new grab-and-go concept on CLT.
“I think we’ll continue to see a steady stream of exciting lounge announcements from us next year,” chief customer officer Heather Garboden said at an industry conference on Dec. 3. She singled out the airline’s plans to improve food and beverage offerings in its clubs.
“If you look at ten years ago, a break room was a place where you would have a cup of coffee and a snack,” Gaboden said. “So it’s definitely changed.”
How to Access the American Airlines Admirals Club
New Admirals Club membership starts at $850 per year for customers without AAdvantage elite status. However, you can do this by bringing Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see Rates and Fees), annual fee is $595.
AAdvantage members enjoy new Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (See Rates and Fees) Access to the Admirals Club network four times per calendar year is available for a low annual fee of $350.
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