American Airways is making a serious funding in Chicago, the place it has added a ton of further flights to and from O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) over the previous 12 months — all because it ramps up competition with Windy Metropolis rival United Airways.
Up subsequent? A giant lounge improve.
American on Tuesday introduced plans to construct an all-new Admirals Membership facility at ORD.
This 10,000-square-foot membership will function the airline’s new Concourse L outpost — not removed from the place passengers clear safety in Terminal 3.
American already operates three Admirals Golf equipment (and a extra premium Flagship Lounge) at ORD, together with a typical membership that serves Concourse L passengers.
Learn extra: The best airport lounges at O’Hare International Airport — and how to get inside
This new lounge would exchange the present L facility and function a major enchancment from the present area. The provider is promising extra capability, nods to the Windy Metropolis and sweeping views of the airport’s airfield.
It will sport the brand new design aesthetic that American has rolled out to a few of its latest golf equipment, together with the one proven under at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
“The brand new Admirals Membership® lounge will supply extra seating and upgraded facilities and absolutely replicate the requirements our clients anticipate when visiting one in every of our lounges,” Heather Garboden, the Fort Value-based provider’s chief buyer officer, mentioned in an announcement Tuesday.
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The airline didn’t reveal a date for the opening of its new O’Hare Admirals Membership however famous that building to create area for the power is already underway.
American had promised a “steady stream” of lounge news coming into 2026. The provider already has lounge overhauls in the works at its Charlotte Douglas Worldwide Airport (CLT) and DCA hubs.
American doubles down on O’Hare
We must always word that that is the most recent in a collection of strikes American has made to double down on its Midwest hub.
Since final summer time, the airline has added flights from ORD at a torrent tempo. In the course of the first half of 2026, its complete departures from the airport are set to be up 17% versus final 12 months, in keeping with information from aviation analytics agency Cirium.
High rival United Airways, which is predicated in Chicago, has taken discover.
United has responded to American’s progress by including a barrage of its own flights from ORD, vowing to “draw a line in the sand” on the airport amid the airline business’s hottest turf battle.
United additionally lately deployed billboards round its hometown with a message clearly pointed at American. (AAdvantage is the title of American’s loyalty program.)
In the end, this not-so-friendly competitors probably advantages clients: Extra flights and competitors on routes usually carry down fares.
Now, American flyers in Chicago will see an enchancment to the airline’s lounge lineup on the airport.
Tips on how to entry American Airways Admirals Golf equipment
To enter American’s Admirals Golf equipment, you should purchase an annual membership. First-time enrollment charges for nonelite standing members begin at $850 for the 12 months.
Nonetheless, there are a number of less expensive methods to gain access.
Plus, American Airlines AAdvantage members with AAdvantage Platinum standing (Oneworld Sapphire) and higher can enter its lounges when touring on eligible long-haul itineraries.
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