American Airlines reimagines airport lounge experience
American Airlines has unveiled a multi-million dollar plan to reimagine its airport lounge experience, including introducing new ‘Flagship Lounges’ at six US airports.
Starting this spring, American will open exclusive ‘Flagship Lounge’ locations at New York JFK, Los Angeles, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami and Philadelphia airports. The airline revealed that the lounges - accessible to first and business class passengers - will be larger and ultra-modern, with elegant furniture and increased connectivity. Healthy hot and cold food and beverage options will also be available.
American's larger and ultra-modern Flagship Lounges The airline also announced its new ‘Flagship Dining’ concept - a complimentary pre-flight meal with full table service. Scheduled to debut at JFK Airport in early 2017, and later in the year at Dallas-Fort Worth, LAX and Miami International, 'Flagship Dining' will offer complimentary, full-service table dining, with seasonal menus based on locally-sourced ingredients. “We want our customers to have a luxurious escape no matter the reason for their trip. Our goal is to deliver chef-driven creations and local flavors, giving customers a five-star restaurant experience when they travel. The only thing left to do is board the plane,” said Fernand Fernandez, American’s vice president – Global Marketing.
Flagship Dining - to be introduced in 2017 Next year, American will introduce the Flagship Dining concept in first class cabins on board its three-class international and transcontinental flights. Additionally, over the next five years, American’s existing Admirals Club Lounges will be updated with new furnishings, dynamic lighting, improved connectivity and a fresh, consistent design across the network. Locations are also being added at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Orlando International Airport (MCO).
American's new Admirals Club Lounge at Orlando (MCO) To top it off, American’s arrivals lounge at London Heathrow will be receiving a makeover this month. The space will be renovated with private showers and dressing areas, food and beverage service and valet pressing service, the airline said. “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.
