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American Airlines announced today that it will open a brand-new Flagship lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) in North Carolina. Additionally, the airline will expand its Admirals Club lounge footprint to significantly increase lounge space for travelers in transit through Charlotte.
Unfortunately, construction details and timing have yet to be shared. Here's what we do know about the new Flagship lounge in Charlotte.
What We Know About the Charlotte Flagship Lounge
While details of the new Flagship lounge in Charlotte aren't yet available, it will hopefully build upon the modern Flagship Lounge that recently opened in Philadelphia. It will maintain the premium amenities frequent guests know and love, like a champagne greeting and locally inspired menus by award-winning chefs.
The lounge is adopting a neighborhood design, which divides the lounge into different spaces that are ideal for any type of traveler. One of the neighborhoods — known as Villas — will offer spa-style shower suites, workstations, and a kid-friendly family room.
As of now, the only rendering American Airlines has shared of the Charlotte Flagship lounge is of this central lounge space, complete with comfortable seating and a warm ambiance. If we're lucky, this will be the best lounge in the network, but time will tell.
Related: American Airlines Flagship Lounges — Where They Are and How to Access Them
Strategic and Global Context Behind the Charlotte Flagship Lounge
Currently, American operates three lounge spaces in Charlotte — two Admirals Clubs (Concourse B and C/D) and a grab-and-go Provisions by Admirals Club in Concourse A. However, it is long overdue for a premium lounge concept for Flagship travelers.
Charlotte is American's second-largest hub, and is the only international hub without a premium lounge for business and first class passengers. It makes sense that the sixth Flagship lounge at U.S. airports would be built here, and it's surprising it didn't happen earlier. American connects millions of passengers every year to more than 170 destinations in 27 countries from Charlotte, and the existing lounge spaces simply don't cut it.
On that note, it's not clear yet if the expanded Admirals Club presence will mean a brand new lounge or a redesign of existing lounges. These lounges are in desperate need of a revamp, so it's welcome news for anyone who frequently transits through Charlotte.
The investment is just one of several steps to solidify Charlotte as a major hub. PSA Airlines, one of American's regional partners, will relocate its headquarters to Charlotte in January 2026.
Related: American Airlines 787-9P Flagship Suite Preferred Review
Bottom Line
It's about time for American Airlines to invest in its second-largest hub. The introduction of a Flagship lounge and expansion of Admirals Club spaces in Charlotte is welcome news to any local or frequent traveler.
That said, Flagship lounges are American's most exclusive lounge concepts, so entry will be much more difficult than Admirals Club locations. Fortunately, you will be able to buy a single visit pass for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage miles if you are desperate to experience a bit of luxury before your flight. We're excited to learn more about the opening as new information becomes available.
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