Citi AAdvantage Executive Authorized Users Now Get Admirals Club Lounge Access!

Million Mile Secrets

8 years ago

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I have terrific news for folks with the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard!

Last night, Doctor of Credit reported there were rumors that Citi would allow Citi AAdvantage Executive authorized users to enter American Airlines Admirals Club airport lounges on their own.

I spoke to a Citi representative this morning and can confirm it’s TRUE! Effective immediately, any Citi AAdvantage Executive authorized user can access 50+ Admirals Club lounges without being accompanied by the primary cardholder!

Authorized Users Can Now Relax and Unwind at American Airlines Admirals Club Lounges for Free – Even If They’re Traveling Without the Primary Cardholder!

I’ll share what I know and help you decide if you should get the card!

What’s the Deal?

Link: Citi AAdvantage Executive Card

Link: American Airlines Admirals Club

Until now, only Citi AAdvantage Executive primary cardholders could enter Admirals Club lounges on their own. You could bring in immediate family members or up to 2 guests, but authorized users weren’t given the same access.

Emily and I experimented with this in Los Angeles when I 1st got the card. Authorized users had to be accompanied by the primary cardholder to enter the lounge.

In the Past, Authorized Users Could Only Enter the Lounge When Accompanied by the Primary Cardholder

That’s changed!

Effective December 13, 2015, Citi AAdvantage Executive authorized users can access Admirals Club lounges on their own by presenting their card.

And they’re also allowed to bring their immediate family members (spouse / domestic partner and up to 3 children under age 18) or up to 2 guests. There’s no requirement to be flying American Airlines that day.

This is an incredible new perk! The Citi representative I spoke to said they received the email about it yesterday. And it’s so new that it’s not yet reflected on the Citi AAdvantage Executive benefits page.

And the representative confirmed it costs nothing to add an authorized user to the Citi AAdvantage Executive card. You can even do so online.

Are There Restrictions?

Only a few.

It does NOT cost any extra to add an authorized user to your Citi AAdvantage Executive card. And you can add more than 1 if you wish.

However, authorized users do NOT get full Admirals Club membership privileges. They can only access American Airlines Admirals Club lounges. But they can NOT enter:

The Arrivals Lounge at London – Heathrow
Flagship Lounges (Chicago, London – Heathrow, Los Angeles, and New York – JFK)
Lounges operated by oneworld and other partners that have a reciprocal agreement with American Airlines

Your Authorized User Doesn’t Have to Suffer in Airports Anymore With Admirals Club Access!

Plus, authorized users do NOT receive discounts on conference room bookings.

Note: Unlike primary cardholders, an authorized user’s Admirals Club lounge access is NOT linked to their American Airlines frequent flyer number. They must present their authorized user card to enter the lounge.

Why Visit Admirals Club Lounges?

Link: American Airlines Admirals Club Locations

When you visit an Admirals Club lounge, you’ll get a quiet place to unwind and relax before (or after) your flight.

It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport! And the agents in the lounge can help you with reservations, re-bookings, and special requests.

The Admirals Club in Paris Had Excellent Coffee and Substantial Snacks, Like Pizza

You’ll get complimentary:

Wi-Fi
House wine, beer, and spirits, plus coffee, specialty coffee, tea, and soft drinks
Light snacks
Work areas with access to copiers and printers
Personal computers, children’s play areas, and showers (certain lounges only)

You can also pay for more substantial meals (free at international locations) or premium drinks. My favorite thing about Admirals Club lounges is that I’m able to get work done away from the noise of the airport.

Oh, and the free food. 😉

Is This a Good Deal?

I have the Citi AAdvantage Executive card and happily pay the $450 annual fee because I use Admirals Club lounges a LOT.

Admirals Club membership normally costs $500 for new members. And a new household membership costs $825.

The $450 annual fee (not waived the 1st year) on the Citi AAdvantage Executive card was already a good deal for primary cardholders who use Admirals Club lounges often. Plus the card gets you (and up to 8 traveling companions) a free checked bag on domestic American Airlines flights.

Primary Cardholders Get a Free Checked Bag on American Airlines Domestic Flights for Themselves and up to 8 Companions on the Same Reservation

Now, if your authorized users visit Admirals Club lounges frequently, you can very easily make up for the annual fee!

With the Citi AAdvantage Executive card, you’ll earn 50,000 American Airlines miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the 1st 3 months of opening your account.

And you’ll also get:

First checked bag free (for you and up to 8 companions traveling on the same reservation) on American Airlines domestic itineraries (worth $25 per bag)
25% discount on in-flight purchases (like food, drink, and headsets) on American Airlines
Priority check-in, security (where available), and boarding
10,000 elite-qualifying miles if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year
2 American Airlines miles per $1 you spend on American Airlines
1 American Airlines mile per $1 you spend on everything else
No foreign transaction fees

For folks who already have this card, it’s a no-brainer to add trusted family or friends as an authorized user if they can use the Admirals Club lounge access.

If you’re thinking about applying, this is an excellent new reason to consider the Citi AAdvantage Executive card. And remember, authorized users can help you meet minimum spending requirements!

But keep in mind you’re responsible for any charges your authorized user makes. So be careful who you add!

Note: The sign-up bonus on this card was recently 75,000 American Airlines miles after meeting minimum spending requirements. And it’s been as high as 100,000 American Airlines miles.

I don’t know if these offers will return, but if you’re not in a hurry to get the card, it might be worth waiting for an improved offer.

Check out my series on how to book American Airlines award flights like a pro! And find out all the ways to earn American Airlines miles.

Bottom Line

Authorized users on the Citi AAdvantage Executive card can now enter American Airlines Admirals Club lounges on their own! They no longer have to be accompanied by the primary cardholder.

Even better, an authorized user can bring in their immediate family (spouse / domestic partner and up to 3 children under age 18) or 2 guests for free. They do not have to be flying American Airlines that day.

Authorized users can only access American Airlines Admirals Club lounges, NOT partner lounges or the Arrivals and Flagship lounges.

It’s free to add an authorized user! This is an incredibly generous new benefit, and a great way to introduce your trusted family and friends to getting Big Travel with Small Money!

What do you think of this new perk? Will you share your Admirals Club access by adding an authorized user to your Citi AAdvantage Executive card?

Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)