I’m 23, based out of PHX, and my credit score hovers around 750. I travel frequently for work; sometimes up to 3 flights per week depending on workload, although other times I’ll be at one site for 3–4 weeks without flying.
I can choose my own flights/hotels, but all travel expenses go on a company card, so I’m not personally earning points from airfare/hotels.
Current cards:
- Chase Freedom Student
- Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Prime Visa
- Costco Citi Card
I’ve been looking at the Citi AAdvantage Executive card because PHX seems to be turning into more of an American Airlines fortress airport, and I already end up flying AA a lot because of schedules/routes.
Since I only have Sapphire Preferred, I currently don’t have any lounge access. I’ve heard Admirals Clubs aren’t the nicest lounges out there, but honestly I’m not looking for luxury. My main interest is:
- avoiding constantly paying airport food prices ($20–30 meals add up fast)
- having a quieter/more private place to sit and work or relax
- making frequent work travel less draining overall
My hesitation:
- High annual fee
- Most travel spend goes on a company card anyway
- Not sure if lounge access alone justifies it
- Not sure if it makes sense financially at my age
For people who travel often:
- Is the AA Executive card worth it primarily for Admirals Club access?
- How useful/crowded is the PHX Admirals Club?
- If your work travel is booked on a corporate card, do premium travel cards still feel worth having?
Would especially appreciate input from AA flyers or frequent work travelers.
Trying to decide if the Citi AAdvantage Executive card is worth it mainly for Admirals Club access
byu/loliconnosseur inCreditCards
Posted by loliconnosseur
4 Comments
I wouldn’t personally recommend a card just for lounges. Aa lounges especially. Not worth the cost.
For one year with the bonus, sure.
That’s pretty frequent flying – I actually vote yes as a fellow AA frequent flyer.
Admirals Clubs aren’t great, the food is definitely not a highlight (but you can make a snack or light meal out of it) – but a big benefit is that they’re not typically overcrowded like the bank lounges. It can actually be a quiet-ish space sometimes.
The real value to me though of the lounge access is when you hit IRROPS, you’re typically going to get way faster and better customer service in the lounge than you will on the phone or waiting in line at the airport. This has saved me so many times. Flight looking delayed? I’ve been rebooked proactively by a lounge agent. Massive disruption where you’re competing for limited seats? Agents are often more experienced, and you’ll almost definitely see one sooner. Etc.
The other underrated benefit IMO of the Executive card is the opportunity to earn 20K loyalty points a year. Given how much you’re flying, I assume you’re chasing AA status. It can make reaching Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum, or getting those SWUs if you care about them considerably easier.
I can get you the lounge for cheap
This doesnt answer your question but thought it might help. Depending on how your hotel and flights are booked, you can add your loyalty number to your travel portal. My work uses SAP concur. You can still possibly rack up miles and points.
Also the sapphire lounge is mid at best.