Airline clubs aim to offer an escape for travelers from the stresses of flying. However, not all airlines clubs are created equal. Our goal is to visit as many as possible to keep you informed on your next trip. Today we will be reviewing the DFW Terminal D Admirals Club before going over all the ways you could find yourself enjoying this club on your next trip.
The entrance to the club has a large sign hanging above automatic doors, making it easy to find if you are in the area.
Seating
The Admirals Club extends across a large part of Terminal D and provides amazing views of the airport tarmac. Since Terminal D is the International terminal the majority of these planes are large transcontinental aircraft such as the Boeing 777.
The lounge is very long with floor to ceiling windows throughout and seats lining this entire area. The elevator opens closer to D23 with the bar to the rear, then walking out the front has the main desk and extra seating to the left or right.
Then farther down from the bar on the opposite side is a large area with even more seating. All of the seating areas are set up in small squares with seats, side tables, and lamps. This is a good place to sit if you are not concerned about the bar area or watching TV.
Then down on the exact opposite side of the lounge is the seating area in the image above. This photo was taken looking out from the bar area and is also where the computers are that are free for anyone to use. Over in the corner of this area they have some really comfortable lounger chairs that would be a great spot to set up shop if you have a long layover or delay.
Location
Located between gates D23 and D24, the Admirals Club is a convenient place to stop before your next flight out. Personally, it is my favorite lounge at DFW and provides great views of the aircraft parked at their gates through the wall of windows. The lounge entrance is also located very close to the escalators going up and down to the skylink, which is the easiest way to get around between terminals.
Above: View of an American Airlines 777-300ER from the Admirals Club departing from gate D23. This particular flight was headed to London Heathrow.
Another view of a Boeing 777 parked at the gate. With the location of this Admirals Club being above the Terminal it continually offers great views for any aviation geek to watch the activity going on that would not be afforded down at the main terminal level.
Food & Drink
This particular Admirals Club has two distinct areas set up with snacks and then one bar area featuring flat screen televisions. In my opinion the televisions are a little small and the wall has a lot of open space that could easily fit a larger screen. Nonetheless, they are still very good at having relevant sporting events or news on depending upon the time of day.
The bar area also has a high top table directly behind the bar for setting drinks or anything else if you want to hangout when the bar is full. The area also contains other small tables with chairs perfect for holding your drinks and snacks with room for working on a laptop.
Above: One of the snack areas closest to the bar area. It can be found by turning left out of the elevators, followed by another another quick left. They usually have a a coffee machine (also serves hot chocolate and hot water for tea), ice water, cookies brownies, vegetables, cheese cubes, various fruits, humus, pita chips, and a selection of two soups.
Also located in the Terminal D Admirals Club is the International First Class Flagship Dining area. This is the only area in the lounge that offers complimentary plated food options that would qualify as a meal and premium alcoholic drinks. Of importance, however, this area can only be accessed if you are flying in First Class Internationally on a 3 cabin equipped aircraft or a oneworld Emerald member traveling internationally.
Amenities
This club location contains all of the basic amenities one would expect but nothing over the top. Included on this list are showers, two bathroom locations on each side of the club, complimentary wi-fi, snacks, drinks, a business center, and designated work cubes for anyone needing a place with more privacy.
Note: This club does not offer spa services or any other amenities similar to this.
Club Staff
The club staff at this location has always been very accommodating, starting with the desk agents at the lower club entrance level. There have been multiple occasions when I have had flight delays and after a quick visit to the main desk on the upper level of the club I’ll know exactly why. During a recent trip I had a longer flight delay and grew concerned about the flight being possibly cancelled since it was related to aircraft maintenance. After speaking to the desk agent they were able to look everything up for me and let me know they were waiting for a new plane to arrive from the hanger. It was a relief to know the new timeframe and to be able to relax rather than worry about the flight possibly being cancelled.
The wait staff also tends to be very helpful here. They generally have people walking around the club cleaning up empty plates/glasses and offering to bring drink refills. It’s nothing over the top but it is a nice touch that makes things more convenient.
How can you get in the Terminal D Admirals Club?
Admirals Club locations offer many ways to gain entry:
- Admirals Club yearly membership
- Admirals Club day pass
- Flying in either Business Class or First Class Internationally on American or Oneworld partner
- Flying Internationally as a Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Executive Platinum Member
- Owner of the Citi AAdvantage Executive Credit Card
- Flying with anyone who has one of the above as they can bring in a guest free of charge
Pros:
- Excellent Location
- Great airport views
- Variety of seating options
- Multiple complimentary snack & drink options
Cons:
- Limited complimentary food options other than snacks
- Can be crowded at times
- Small televisions in bar area
Final Thoughts
Having visited all of the Admirals Clubs at DFW I find the Terminal D location to be far and away my favorite. Given its location in the international terminal paired with the amazing airport tarmac views the actual lounge itself is tough to beat. As is the case with all the Admirals club, the food options leave some room for improvement but they have been working on improving their snack options and now offer a freshly made guacamole bar at certain times of the day. Additionally, it would be nice if they offered a few more complimentary drink options beyond the wells and Bud Light, Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Budweiser. But overall, with the abundance of seating options, great airport tarmac views, quick wi-fi, showers, and multiple snack options, the Terminal D Admirals Club makes for an excellent place to wait before your next flight. What is your favorite Admirals Club location at the DFW airport?
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