Thursday, August 13, 2009

Airline Begins 70 Days of Celebration with Birthday Sweepstakes, Special $70 Savings Offer

TOKYO Seventy years ago, in 1939, American Airlines opened the airline industrys first VIP lounge at LaGuardia Airport in New York. In honor of the occasion, American is kicking off 70 days of celebration with a birthday sweepstakes* and a $70 savings offer on annual memberships. Beginning this month, a variety of events are planned at Admirals Club® lounge locations worldwide.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, visitors to the Chicago OHare H/K Admirals Club lounge are in for a treat. Chef Duff Goldman from the popular television program Ace of Cakes will present a birthday cake, which he will bake especially for the occasion, to the Admirals Club. Customers are invited to enjoy a piece of cake and meet Chef Duff as the Admirals Club 70th birthday celebration continues.

On Sep.15, customers at Japans Narita Admirals Club lounge will have the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese culture, including a tea ceremony and Japanese performance, and tour a photo gallery displaying 70 years of Club history.

For customers residing in Japan, American Airlines is offering a $70 savings on annual memberships, both new and renewal. Customers can register at the Admirals Club birthday celebration Web site www.aa.com/AC70years or ask the Narita Club staff for assistance.

"For seven decades, the Admirals Club has been known for exceptional hospitality and outstanding service, providing travelers with a quiet place to relax or conduct business, said Nancy Knipp, President Admirals Club. Were very appreciative of our customers and look forward to showing our gratitude during our 70 days of celebration and the years to come."

*The sweepstakes applies to customers 21 or over who reside in the 50 United States and District of Columbia.

NARITA ADMIRALS CLUB QUICK FACTS:

• Located next to Gate 71
• 13,300 square feet
• Seating capacity: 265
• One conference room seating up to 10: equipped with A/V equipment, it is available for booking
• Self-service bar and food area with complimentary snacks and beverages
• 50" Widescreen flat-panel TVs: 2
• Private spa-like shower suites: 5
• Personal computers: 16
• Business Center with 12 Lenovo personal computers featuring high-speed Internet access, Microsoft Office Suite, fax and copy service
• Cyber Café featuring four Lenovo personal computers with high-speed Internet access
• Multiple options in regards to Internet accessibility
• Complimentary Wi-Fi coverage throughout the entire lounge
• More than 100 Ethernet port connections throughout the Admirals Club providing complimentary, high-speed Internet access and Duplex electrical outlets
• Two IBM printers for any connection type (wired or wireless); members can submit print jobs via email or web page uploads.
• Separate area with seven private work carrels
• Quiet zone with comfortable seating
• Two telephone booths with credit card capability
• Blend of traditional and modern art throughout the lounge
• Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

American has more than 40 Admirals Club locations worldwide. Pricing for new memberships is based on the level of American AAdvantage status:

• AAdvantage®
  New Membership -- $500 annually or 80,000 AAdvantage Miles annually
• AAdvantage Gold®
  New Membership -- $450 annually or 65,000 AAdvantage Miles annually
• AAdvantage Platinum®
  New membership -- $400 annually or 55,000 AAdvantage Miles annually
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum®
  New Membership -- $350 annually or 50,000 Miles AAdvantage Miles annually

Admirals Club lounge one-day passes are available for $50 and may be purchased at www.aa.com, Self-Service Check-In machines, or at any Admirals Club location. Up to two additional One-Day Passes may be purchased for $25 each.