This morning I flew out of Tampa Airport, and I figured I’d review the Admirals Club there, since I was there right at opening time. I’ve visited this lounge a countless number of times over the years (I used to live in Tampa, and my family still lives there).
While this lounge isn’t anything to get excited about, it has friendly staff, great views, and it’s nice that American even has a lounge here (the only other lounge at Tampa Airport is the Delta Sky Club — there are no independent or other airline lounges here).
American Admirals Club Tampa location
The American Admirals Club Tampa is located in Concourse F, which is where all American Airlines flights depart from. Once you take the train to Concourse F and pass security, you’ll see Cafe by Mise en Place immediately in front of you (coincidentally this is a Priority Pass restaurant, and is actually very good).
Just to the left of that, and in the direction of gates F85-90, is the entrance to the Admirals Club, right next to the duty free store.
The Admirals Club is located one level above the terminal, and once you enter the lounge, you’ll see the elevator and escalator that can take you there.
American Admirals Club Tampa hours
The American Admirals Club Tampa is currently open daily from 5AM until 8:15PM, covering all American departures from the terminal. The hours do change based on flight schedules, but you can expect that if an American flight is operating, the lounge will be open.
American Admirals Club Tampa entry requirements
There are a variety of ways to access American Admirals Clubs, ranging from buying an Admirals Club membership, to having elite status and being on an eligible itinerary.
Personally I access Admirals Clubs using the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Legend Mastercard® (review), which is one of my all around favorite airline credit cards. The card has a $695 annual fee, and offers an Admirals Club membership for the primary cardmember.
In and of itself that represents cost savings compared to a membership, as the cheapest cost for an Admirals Club membership is higher than that.
See my guide to American Admirals Club access.
American Admirals Club Tampa seating & layout
The American Admirals Club Tampa consists primarily of one big room, with amazing views of the apron and runway. The lounge has really high ceilings, which make up quite a bit for the otherwise outdated design.
The main part of the lounge just has the typical selection of Admirals Club furniture, arranged into clusters. There are outlets at most of the side tables, so it’s not too hard to charge your electronics.
In the very back right of the lounge is the bar area, which also has several cafe-style tables, in case you prefer something other than a side table.
Near the bar and to the side is a small TV room, with seating for nine people.
Then there’s a business center room, consisting of five cubicles with rolling chairs and some printers.
That’s all there is to the lounge. I find that this lounge tends to be pretty consistently busy, but never overcrowded.
American Admirals Club Tampa food & drinks
One area where American Admirals Clubs lag is when it comes to the food selection, and that’s especially true at smaller stations (sometimes hubs have a bit more substantial of a selection).
In terms of drinks, there was La Colombe coffee, tea, an espresso machine, water, and iced tea. Other soft drinks and alcohol are available from the bartender. Can I just take a moment to point out how consistently American’s espresso machines seem to be broken in lounges? It seems like they’re out of order more often than not.
Is American just choosing terribly unreliable machines, does the airline take weeks to schedule maintenance, or what? Of course stuff goes wrong, but this is far too common of a problem.
As far as food goes, the selection consisted of english muffins, bagels, muffins, greek yogurt, hardboiled eggs, fruit salad, cereal, granola, whole fruit, scrambled eggs (with some accompaniments), and oatmeal.
While house wine, beer, and liquor are complimentary, there’s a menu at the bar with both premium drinks and more substantial food for purchase. You can find that menu below.
American Admirals Club Tampa bathrooms
The bathrooms at the Admirals Club Tampa are inside the lounge and to the right, just past the TV room.
The men’s room has three sinks, three stalls, and one urinal. I have no clue why that funnel was on the counter, but it was there for the duration of my stay.
The Admirals Club Tampa doesn’t have any showers, which is fair enough, since this isn’t an airport where many people are going to connect.
Bottom line
I’m grateful that American even has an Admirals Club in Tampa, since it’s not a hub or even a major focus city for the airline. The Admirals Club Tampa has friendly staff, nice views, and it’s never too crowded. I don’t leave any extra time to visit the lounge, but I typically drop in here for a few minutes every time I fly out of the airport.
If you have more time and have an eligible Priority Pass™ membership, I’d absolutely go to the adjacent Cafe by Mise en Place for a meal or drink instead.
The Admirals Club Tampa could definitely use a refresh, as it feels a bit outdated. But like I said, I’m grateful the airline even has a lounge here, so I’m generally a fan of this place.
What do you make of the Admirals Club Tampa?
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