With the first Admirals Club location dating back to 1939 and a repurposed press room that would end up launching what would become the modern airport lounge system, American Airlines is a frontrunner in this space.
Its extensive lounge network includes more than 50 Admirals Clubs locations around the world as well as the Flagship concept for the most premium customers in five U.S. cities. While the Flagship lounges are available only to high-fare travelers and Platinum status holders, access to an Admirals Club location can also be purchased as a day pass for $79.
With Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) continuing to expand and see growing traffic, American Airlines has now also announced that it will expand the current Admirals Club location near Gate 22 at the Barbara Jordan Terminal to more than twice its current size.
American Airlines to build new Admirals Club lounge at Austin Airport
The new space will span more than 12,000 square feet and have the first terrace out of any Admirals Club in the U.S. Banking company Capital One has also just opened its first Landing lounge concept a LaGuardia Airport (LGA) that features a sprawling indoor terrace evoking the vibe of a Spanish courtyard that was converted from a rooftop patio closed off decades ago.
Construction and expansion of the existing Admirals Club space will take place throughout the year with the current lounge remaining open to visitors during that process.
Related: The first Southwest Airlines airport lounge is almost here
While scant details about the timeframe to opening and specifics of what the lounge will feature have been released, American is currently promising a distinctly Austin vibe and “expansive views of downtown Austin and the airfield” from the new terrace.
Airlines will typically add touches honoring the city in which the lounge is located through artwork and design (in the Philadelphia flagship lounge, there is art of the Constitution and the Liberty Bell) as well as a few signature drinks and dishes.
American Airlines
“New Admirals Club lounge will reflect the vibrant spirit of Austin”: American Airlines
“As we elevate our presence in Austin, we’re excited to bring a new level of comfort and hospitality to our customers,” American Airlines’ Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden said in a statement. “This new Admirals Club lounge will reflect the vibrant spirit of Austin while offering the thoughtful design and premium amenities our customers expect.”
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American Airlines also revealed that the expanded lounge will have three zones with different spaces for working, eating and relaxing — an increasingly popular concept also found in some of the recently-opened lounges from competitors. Traditionally, the construction process takes place for at least a year between the announcement and the opening of doors to guests so an opening can be expected for sometime in late 2026 or early 2027.
American Airlines is currently also working on a new Flagship location at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) that is slated to open sometime in 2027. Both Charlotte and Austin are cities in which American is hoping to carve out a stronger network given high competition in larger cities like Chicago.
Related: We got a peek inside the fancy new Capital One airport lounge
