Introduction
Emily: I’ve wanted to go to Croatia for the last several years. I heard wonderful things about the country and how beautiful (and relatively affordable) it was compared to the rest of Europe. It’s located in Eastern Europe and is just a few hours from Venice, Italy, making it a great side trip.
Last year, my friends and I organized a group trip to visit Rovinj, a small coastal town on the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. It’s a gorgeous town full of romance. Everything is stunning there, from the streets to the houses. The food is also excellent.
We went for a kizomba dance festival. Later in the trip report series, I will introduce you to kizomba and describe what an incredible dance it is! The dance festival was amazing and Croatia is definitely a place I want to return and spend more time exploring! The trip’s retail cost was ~$17,000 but I paid ~$900.
Ready to Go at the American Airlines Admirals Club Lounge, New York – JFK Airport
Captivating Croatia Trip Report Index:
- Part 1 – Introduction and Planning
- Part 2 – Admirals Club Lounge, New York (JFK)
- Part 3 – Air Berlin Flight to Croatia
- Part 4 – Getting to Venice
- Part 5 – A Night in Venice – Gritti Palace Hotel Overview
- Part 6 – A Night in Venice – Gritti Palace Hotel Room
- Part 7 – Apartment in Rovinj Croatia
- Part 8 – Activities in Rovinj Croatia – Discovering the Old Town
- Part 9 – Activities in Rovinj Croatia – Exploring the Old Church
- Part 10 – Activities in Rovinj Croatia – Day Trip to Plitvice Lakes
- Part 11 – Activities in Rovinj Croatia – Dance Festival Review
- Part 12 – Eating in Rovinj Croatia
- Part 13 – Shopping in Rovinj Croatia
- Part 14 – Return Flight on United Airlines
- Part 15 – Conclusion & Reader Giveaway
Admirals Club Lounge – JFK Airport, New York
The routing for my 1-way award flight was Austin to New York (JFK) on American Airlines. Then New York to Dusseldorf, and Dusseldorf to Venice on Air Berlin.
On our way to Croatia, my friend and I had a several hour layover in New York. If you’re traveling internationally, it’s best to not risk having short connections.
If your 1st leg gets delayed, then you could easily miss your overseas flight! So I like to allow at least a few hours for any unexpected delays or cancellations.
Because I have the Citi Executive AAdvantage card, my friend and I were able to enter the Admirals Club Lounge for free! It was a large lounge with multiple areas to sit.
Primary Citi Executive AAdvantage Cardholders (and Authorized Users!) Can Enter Admirals Club Lounges for Free!
There was a separate media room where people could watch TV.
A Quiet Spot to Catch up on Sports or News
There was a full bar. Everything looked fairly new and recently updated.
House Wine, Beer, and Standard Drinks Are Free – but If You Want Anything Fancier You’ll Pay
You could choose light snacks to eat, and coffee (several kinds!) or tea to drink.
We Grabbed a Quick Bite and a Coffee to Refuel Before Our Next Flight
The heartiest food available was soup…
The Soup Was Decent, but Not Enough to Make a Full Meal
I opted to buy lunch outside the lounge, but couldn’t pass up a few cheese cubes.
Cheese, Olives, and Other Nibbles to Enjoy With a Glass of Wine While You Wait
And I had a cookie and a brownie for dessert! Thanks, Admirals Club Lounge!
No Shortage of Goodies for Your Sweet Tooth!
There were small tables and chairs where you could eat, visit, or do work.
The Admirals Club Lounge Wasn’t Very Busy That Day, So There Was Lots of Room to Spread Out
There was even food to go. Too bad you had to pay for it!
Grab a Sandwich or Entree to Bring on Your Next Flight – No Waiting for Meal Service Onboard!
My favorite part of the lounge was the Eames style lounge chairs. There were partitions to separate every 2 chairs, so this provided a very nice private space in which to relax.
Stylish and Spacious Areas to Chill Out
There was a kids’ play area that was separated by a door from the rest of the lounge, which helped contain any noise.
A Terrific Option If You’re Traveling With Your Family
I had fun playing around!
Even Big Kids Can Get in on the Fun!
You Can Do It, Too!
Link: Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive
You can get free Admirals Club Lounge access if you have the Citi AAdvantage Executive card. You do NOT have to be flying American Airlines that day!
And now Citi Executive AAdvantage authorized users get free Admirals Club Lounge entry, even if they’re traveling on their own!
With the Citi AAdvantage Executive card, you’ll earn 50,000 American Airlines miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the 1st 3 months of opening your account.
And you’ll also get:
- First checked bag free (for you and up to 8 companions traveling on the same reservation) on American Airlines domestic itineraries (worth $25 per bag)
- 25% discount on in-flight purchases (like food, drink, and headsets) on American Airlines
- Priority check-in, security (where available), and boarding
- 10,000 elite-qualifying miles if you spend $40,000 or more on the card in a calendar year
- 2 American Airlines miles per $1 you spend on American Airlines
- 1 American Airlines mile per $1 you spend on everything else
- No foreign transaction fees
We don’t earn a commission on this card, but we’ll always tell you about the best offers!
Bottom Line
The Admirals Club Lounge in the New York JFK airport was a great way to take a break away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the airport. I liked getting free, fast internet and free drinks and snacks.
You can get free Admirals Club Lounge visits too, if you have the Citi AAdvantage Executive card. Or if you’re an authorized user!
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