It all began in 1939, when a corner of the New York City airport
terminal transformed into something extraordinary. At a time when most
travelers were waiting for their flights in simple chairs at the
terminal, American Airlines thought to create the unimaginable: a
place where people could comfortably sit and enjoy a cocktail.
From that idea, the Admirals Club® lounge — the first-ever airport
lounge — was born. This space was an exclusive haven designed for
American's most loyal customers to enjoy before taking to the skies.
Membership wasn't something customers could buy; it was given to top
customers, like celebrities, dignitaries and leaders who helped shape
the Golden Age of travel.
Where journeys begin
Over the years, the Admirals Club® lounge became a place where
journeys began before the adventure even started. Walls echoed with
conversations of film stars and business titans, creating memorable
(and sometimes legendary) moments — all within an atmosphere of
polished service and hospitality.
Expanding comfort, care and connection
As the decades passed, American recognized that these lounge
experiences could be more than just quiet spaces — they could be a
true extension of the travel journey rooted in comfort, care and
connection. So the airline took it one step further, and in the 1980s
and 1990s, American expanded the lounges coast to coast and around the
globe.
To cater to more customer types, these new spaces featured extensive
seating for more guests to enjoy, business centers for those looking
to conduct important meetings and the now-famous signature bar where
customers could sit and sip a cocktail before takeoff.
A new era: Flagship lounges
The mid-2000s brought futuristic styles, the inception of social media
and the smartphone, which ushered in new customer needs and desires.
In 2016, American transformed the lounge experience it had created by
introducing the Flagship® lounge. These spacious, modern destinations
redefined what premium travelers could expect from an airport lounge.
With specially curated dishes, fine wines to enhanced service
touchpoints and self-serve wine and spirits bars, the Flagship®
lounges gave customers an elevated experience that matched the quality
of the onboard product, creating a seamless sense of care from lounge
to landing.
From priority seating to personalized spaces
Through the years, American continues to redefine what the lounge
experience should be, making customers feel like guests rather than
passengers just passing through. In 2022, American partnered with
British Airways to open the Joint Premium Lounge™ experience at John
F. Kennedy International Airport, offering premium amenities, cuisines
and spaces.
2025 brought a new take on the famous Flagship® lounge at Philadelphia
International Airport - with a la carte dining featuring local flavors
and a new interior design featuring mood lighting and amenities all
geared toward creating a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, this
space has something for every kind of traveler to enjoy.
The lounge of today and tomorrow
Today, American's lounges are in constant metamorphism. Refreshed
interiors, locally inspired menus, upgraded technology and
thoughtfully designed seating areas show customers that every detail
matters. Whether a customer needs a quiet spot to recharge or get work
done, a hearty meal before a long-haul flight or a welcoming smile,
American's lounges are there to make the journey smoother, more
comfortable and more enjoyable.
In 2025, American opened a first-of-its kind lounge for the airline —
the Provisions by Admirals ClubSM lounge. This new space caters for
the traveler short on time but still looking for a quick respite from
the terminal. Designed for speed, simplicity and convenience, this new
lounge concept meets the needs of today's travelers, offering quick
access to personalized service and fresh food and beverage options.
In the coming years, American will create new lounge experiences in
Miami and Charlotte, North Carolina, by opening new Flagship® lounges
that will continue the airline's commitment of creating personalized
spaces that make every trip a memorable one.
In the 85 years since that first Admirals Club® lounge opened its
doors, the mission remains the same: create spaces that turn travel
into an experience, not just a trip. Our lounges are more than just
waiting rooms, they're living chapters of American's story and every
customer who walks in becomes part of it.
