Airlines in USA hike lounge membership

As of today, American Airlines has increased the cost of lounge membership, following hot on the heels of Delta and United who have already increased their prices.

American Airlines Admirals Club membership has been increased by $100 to $650 for Individual memberships, while household memberships will cost an additional $325 to $1250.

Unlike airlines in the rest of the world (Qantas being a notable exception) where lounge access is given to Business and First Class passengers, and those with Frequent Flyer status, in the US for lounge access passengers need to purchase memberships or one-time passes.

An American Airlines Admirals Club membership bought with points will however decrease by 10,000 to 20,000 miles depending on Frequent Flyer status.

Also, as of November 2019, you'll need a same-day boarding pass for a flight operated by American Airlines or oneworld. Previously, you could enter at anytime. This so called 'open doors' membership was a feature of many European Airlines too, but British Airways, Lufthansa, and many other airlines axed this a decade ago.

Daypasses are still available for $59 at Boston, Charlotte, Dallas (DFW) and Pittsburgh.

However, Delta Air Lines is axing daypasses for it's clubs, and the Delta Sky Club membership annual rates will increase from $495 to $545, and yearly executive memberships will cost $845, up from $745.

Delta Platinum and Gold members can continue to purchase day passes for $29.

United are also changing their access rules, and to gain acess to the United Club members now need to be flying on United or another Star Alliance airline that day. Membership costs $550, plus a $50 joinging fee.

However, one big perk of United Club membership remains - it still comes with Star Alliance lounge access around the world to most lounges: effectively it is Purchased Star Alliance Gold membership.