There’s more to an Admirals Club membership than sometimes meets the eye. Of course there’s a comfortable place to wait for your flight with plenty of power outlets, snacks, bar, etc. American is also undertaking a major renewal project of its lounges. But there’s one benefit that I almost forgot about when departing Portland (PDX) this morning. American has partnered with Alaska Airlines to allow Board Room access for Admirals Club members in three locations.

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Thankfully, I saw the Board Room sign on the way to our gate this morning, which triggered my memory. A same-day boarding pass on an American Airlines flight is required along with your Admirals Club membership card. As a Citi Executive cardholder, I do not receive a standard membership card, but presenting the Executive card (which serves as your membership card) worked just fine.

The Portland Board Room location is on the smaller side, but it was mercifully uncrowded on this holiday weekend Sunday. It features Alaska’s famous pancake machine as well as a Starbucks machine for decent coffee. MrsMJ and I were able to wait for our American Airlines flight in comfort thanks to this benefit. Don’t forget it the next time your travels take you to Anchorage, Portland, or Seattle.

-MJ, July 5, 2015