American will become the first US carrier to offer a pre-flight lounge meal with full tableside service and elegant dining at select Flagship Lounge locations including the following hub cities: New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Miami International Airport (MIA). In addition, American has announced that they plan to modernize existing Flagship Lounges beginning this spring at JFK, LAX and ORD with “more expansive spaces, more modern furnishings and access for more premium customers.” The elevated Flagship Lounge experience will also make its debut at DFW, MIA and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
“We’re investing more than $3 billion in every aspect of the travel experience – whether that’s in our airports or in the cabins of the most modern fleet in the industry – because we want customers to choose American Airlines every time they fly,” said Andrew Nocella, American’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Flagship Dining is something no other U.S. carrier has offered, and this separates us from the competition. It makes American a clear choice for the customers who expect a refined, personal touch when they fly.”
Just last week, I blogged about how unimpressed I was with the Flagship Lounge at LAX, preferring Delta’s recently renovated LAX SkyClub…
After a less than impressive visit to the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at LAX, I was curious to see if there were plans for any systemwide Admirals Club renovations. Admittedly, I’ve been quite loyal to Delta over the last few years and only recently switched the majority of my business over to American after burning through the last of my SkyMiles (see Trip Report – My Own Row in Virgin Australia Business Class & Trip Report & Review – Delta ONE Sydney (SYD) – LAX) and so I was not up to date with the latest AA announcements. It turns out the American announced Admirals Club renovation plans back in April 2015 and they look to be quite the improvement over the current Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge configurations:
American Airlines is beginning the most expansive lounge makeover in the airline’s history. The Admirals Club lounges at Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) and São Paulo International (GRU) airports, both closed for construction, will lead the way for the modern makeover.
Over the next several years, lounges will receive a stylish, consistent look designed for today’s connected travelers.
Renovated clubs will be instantly recognizable to customers, with entryways featuring the American Airlines logo on sleek, white glass. Once inside, customers will be greeted by representatives who are stationed at modern check-in podiums, ready to assist with travel and upgrade needs. Lounge areas will receive a contemporary style overhaul with a mix of tan and gray tones and accents of rich red, along with lighting and other elements that blend in white oak wood and stainless steel.
To improve customers’ comfort as well as productivity, the redesigned clubs will feature a variety of custom-made furniture pieces – from communal tables to high-backed chairs outfitted with power outlets and USB ports, making it easier to charge personal devices and stay connected. Restrooms will also be given a modern treatment, with new countertops and tile throughout. A club’s individual location will be played up through artwork that represents the destination.
The renovation process will expand some clubs, such as the PHX Terminal A club, giving customers more space to relax and new seating options.
American will start construction on clubs in Miami, New York (JFK), Dallas/Fort Worth and Los Angeles this year, with clubs in Chicago, London and other key cities entering the renovation phase in the coming years. Ultimately, the makeover will touch all of American’s lounges.
American is also upgrading its food and refreshments. Earlier this year, Admirals Club lounges rolled out an enhanced and healthy selection of complimentary offerings such as Greek yogurt, oatmeal, hearty soups and sweet and savory snacks. More food enhancements are coming this summer.
Since that announcement, the Admirals Club lounges at Phoenix Sky Harbor International and São Paulo International have both opened their doors. In Miami, Construction is underway at the D15 Admirals Club lounge and has begun at the D30 lounge in Concourse D in the North Terminal.
You can keep track of all the Admirals Club renovation updates at American’s dedicated site here.
Lounge Tableside Dining related:
- Singapore Airlines Private Room & SilverKris First Trip Report
- Trip Report – Emirates First Class Lounge – A380 Terminal – Concourse A – Dubai
- Trip Report & Review – Cathay Pacific The Wing First Class Lounge – Hong Kong…Cabanas, Tubs, & Ironing
- Trip Report – Cathay Pacific Private Day-Break Room & First Lounges – Hong Kong
- Trip Report – Emirates A380 First Class LAX – Dubai (DXB) w/ Shower Spa Part 2
American related:
- Disappointing American First Class Experience on the A321 LAX-JFK
- A Much Better American A321 LAX-JFK First Class Experience than Adam’s “Horrible” Experience
- Trip Report & Review – American Airlines Flagship Lounge LAX Terminal 4
- Trip Report – Admirals Club Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) Terminal D
- Worst First Class to Asia? Trip Report – American’s 777-200 to Tokyo
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