American Airlines introduced Flagship Dining at Dallas Forth Worth International Airport in their Admirals Club in terminal D. The dining experience is supposed to offers a one of a kind dining experience not offered by any other US Airline. Full table service, a seasonal adjusted menu, and an exclusive access reserved for First Class passengers and oneworld emerald elites. My experience in January 2017 instead proved itself as just another breakfast buffet. The options were better than the yogurt and bagels offered to the masses in Admiral clubs, but fine dining is not what Flagship Dining currently offers at DFW.
American Airlines Flagship Dining breakfast is carb forward and heavy. Bread options are plentiful, along with a few protein choices which include smoke salmon, salami and yogurt. Surprisingly, the only eggs which are part of the dining options are boiled. Yet for $11.99, an omelette can be ordered from the omelette station in the main section of the Admirals club. Want more, pay more I guess. The highlight to the flagship dining is easily the fresh fruit juices and smoothies along with the plentiful mimosa! There were two lovely attentive ladies working the lounge area. They both worked hard to keep tables clear and coffee and mimosa glasses full. Otherwise, full table service is not part of the experience. Flagship Dining is a nice benefit, but it is a not full dining experience which can be found at other OneWorld first class lounges.
American Express Centurion Lounge Breakfast
Meanwhile, just down the concourse from the Admirals club is the Dallas American Express Centurion Lounge. The Centurion Lounge restricts access to Platinum and Centurion credit card holders, but offers a similar buffet along with Spa services and a well equipped bar, all for free! Flying first class or having elite status will not grant access to this exclusive lounge. Yet for those who have access, breakfast items may look more appealing in this competing lounge.
The American Express Centurion Lounge offers hot food for breakfast and expands on just the typical continental breakfast which most lounges offer. Food options included scrambled eggs, quiche, waffles, and an array of fresh fruit. The breakfast at the American Express Centurion lounge offers a decent spread of both proteins and carbs. In addition, the full bar will satisfy any alcohol craving you may have during the early morning hours! This lounge also has servers which will clear tables and refill drinks from the bar.
Final thoughts
Both the Admirals Club Flagship Dining and the American Express lounges offer a decent spread for breakfast. Each time I am in Dallas, I opt to eat and spend my time at the American Express Centurion Lounge over the Admiral club for two reasons: Food and Spa. If you have access to both, hop between the clubs and decide which one fits your palate better. Both offer a decent array of food, so where you go will depend on what you’re in the mood for.
