Introduction: Spring Break in Florida
Review: American Airlines (ERJ-140) Economy Class – Wichita Falls to Dallas
Review: The Club – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Review: American Airlines (A321) Economy Class – Dallas to Tampa
Review: The Café by Mise en Place – Tampa International Airport
Review: The Lure – South Tampa
Review: Delta Airlines (A321) Economy Class – Tampa to Atlanta
Review: The Club – Hartsfield Jackson/Atlanta International Airport
Review: Delta Sky Club – Hartsfield Jackson/Atlanta International Airport
Review: Delta Airlines (737-700) Economy Class – Atlanta to Fort Walton Beach
Review: The Crab Shack – Fort Walton Beach
Review: Mama Nu’s Kitchen – Fort Walton Beach
Review: American Airlines (CRJ-900) Economy Class – Fort Walton Beach to Charlotte
Review: Admirals Club – Charlotte International Airport
Review: Admirals Club – Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
We arrived at Terminal E at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport. If you have never flown to or through Charlotte, you are doing yourself a favor. The airport is consistently overcrowded and terminals are always under construction. The construction, similar to Interstate 35 in Dallas/Fort Worth, has been underway for YEARS. To make matters worse, the airport does not have any form of transportation to ferry passengers between terminals. I really, really dislike flying through Charlotte’s airport. The walk from Terminal E to the Admirals Club in Terminal C took me approximately 15 minutes.
The Admirals Club was located behind a food court going towards gates C1-C19. The entrance was understated. The foggy, glass doors were a nice touch.
The entrance led to the reception area where five agents waited to assist guests. I used the American Airlines Military Benefit of complimentary lounge access for military members to enter. I was in the lounge in a matter of minutes.
My initial thought of the lounge was that it was massive, which is commonplace for an airline’s hub lounges. The lounge bar was located immediately to the right. There were a few countertop seats and two small sitting areas. Keana, the bartender, quickly approached and me a drink. She stated there were complimentary drinks and others for a fee. I ordered a mimosa, for a fee, because it was early in the morning. The “fee” ended up being $20! No more mimosas for me.
Directly across from the bar was the front food station. As typical in Admirals Clubs, the options were continental breakfast options. Hard-boiled eggs, bagels, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, and a few other things were offered. If I wanted a hot meal, it could have been purchased from the menu in the bar. There was also an avocado toast station located in the centre of the lounge.
Just past the bar and front food station were two huge seating areas. The on the left was in the center of the lounge. I would not sit here due to the amount of foot traffic and lack of a view.
The seating area on the right was spacious as well, but had a wall separating it from the main area. Guests could enter the bar directly from here. Huge windows allowed unobstructed views of aircraft parking, something all airplane lovers could appreciate.
At the very back of the lounge was the second food station. This second station was a good idea because it could service more guests while eliminating a long walk to the front.
Another seating area was located past the food station. It was dimly light and seemed very intimate. Many guests were either napping or reading books.
Not pictured was the business center located on the far wall, next to the center seating area. It had quite a few private stations with USB and standard plugs.
I made my way back to the bar for one more drink, a screwdriver, while waiting for my flight to Dallas. Keana suggested I visit the new Admirals Club in Terminal B before my flight. I finished my drink my and made my way to the lounge. The American Airlines Military Benefit was of no use here, as the agent stated the lounge was at capacity. Le sigh.
Final Word
The Admirals Club at Charlotte was a welcomed recharge station away from the busy terminal. I also appreciate that military members, flying same day with the airline, receive complimentary lounge access. The food was not impressive, but more than enough to hold me over until I made it to Dallas. Thanks to Keana and the rest of the staff for making the visit pleasant.
