Having a layover in Phoenix, AZ (PHX) gave me a chance to review “The Club at PHX”. You can access this lounge if you pay $35 or if you are holder of a Priority Pass, which you get for free with some credit cards like the American Express Platinum Card. But The Club was not my first choice for PHX. After landing I opened up my Priority Pass App and searched for the closest lounge. I got three options and wanted to go with the US Airways Lounge. US Airways Lounge because they merged with American Airlines and pretty soon the name “US Airways” will be extinct and the fleet and personell will be integrated into American Airlines. Thought that would be a good chance before that happens. Unfortunately they are very fast in converting their lounges over to American Airlines Admirals Club. Priority Pass doesn’t give you access to the Admirals Club.
Terminal 4 Map
I had to look for an alternative and went with The Club. The Club is located between Gate B22 and B23 in Terminal 4. After a short walk I was in front of the elevator which led up to the lounge. My first impression, after walking in and getting checked in, was not the best and it proved to be true. It was the interior which threw me off. The lounge looked like it was here since the airport was build and never got any upgrades, except a flat-screen TV. Old furniture, seats, tables and an old luggage rack right across from the check-in counter.
The Club at PHX
Also power outlets were very limited and hidden behind the seats. You have to go on a small hunt to find any. The lounge also lacks a flight monitor to check for gate changes. This is pretty important to me. Especially if I have a longer visit in a lounge, a lot can change in that time. I know there are apps, but they are not always accurate. In doubt I always go what the monitor inside the airport shows. In some cases that is wrong too, but if you end up missing your plane or something similar, you can at least bring up that you watched the monitors and acted accordingly.
For your appetite all the food and drinks inside the lounge are complimentary. The bar is located in the bigger room and has a good selection of drinks. In the small room is a snack counter with the usual items for a small domestic lounge. Nothing fancy but a good selection of snacks.
Bar
Snack Bar
Right below the snack bar you will find sodas and water. Coffee can be found in the floor connecting the two rooms.
From the big room you have a view onto the tarmac and train bridge. Nothing to impressive but at least you can view a couple of planes taxing to the gate.
View of the Tarmac
The Club offers free Wi-Fi from Boingo, the same free Wi-Fi as for the rest of the airport. Next to the bar is a small business center, a PC and printer if you need to print anything.
Restrooms are located outside of the lounge and feel like they have been here forever without any major remodeling.
The lounge was not to busy during my visit on a Monday afternoon. The staff was friendly and kept the snacks and drinks restocked. Overall it is a good lounge with some decent snack options. In my opinion it needs a makeover.
Big Room
Big Room
Small Room
Coffee
The Club at PHX
$ USD35
Pros
- Priority Pass accepted
- only $35 USD for a Day Pass
Cons
- Outdated
- Restrooms outside of the lounge