American Airlines announced plans to open a Flagship® lounge and expand its Admirals Club® lounges at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The investment will significantly increase premium lounge capacity and mark the arrival of the Flagship® lounge experience in Charlotte, one of the airline’s busiest hubs.
The airline said additional construction details and a timeline will be shared at a later date. The new facilities will introduce expanded space and upgraded services, aligning Charlotte with other American hubs that already offer Flagship® lounges.
Premium Experience Expansion
“As an airline, we’re committed to meeting the needs of our customers, and we’re excited to continue to invest in our lounges at CLT,” said Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer, American Airlines. “These improvements will introduce a premium experience for our Flagship® customers and provide more space in our Admirals Club® lounges.”
The Flagship® lounge concept includes a champagne greeting, locally inspired menus created by award-winning chefs, and spaces designed for style and function. Earlier this summer, American opened its newest Flagship® lounge at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), its fifth Flagship® location and ninth premium lounge globally.
Charlotte’s Strategic Role
American currently operates three lounges at CLT: Admirals Club® locations in Concourses B and C/D, and Provisions by Admirals Club℠ in Concourse A, a grab-and-go concept introduced as a first for the airline. The new Flagship® lounge and expanded Admirals Club® spaces will build on these offerings with additional seating, dining, and privacy options.
“Charlotte is incredibly important to American’s network,” said Ralph Lopez, Senior Vice President of CLT Operations, American Airlines. “We serve millions of customers as they travel through CLT, and we’re excited to continue to elevate their experience when traveling with us.”
CLT is American’s second-largest hub, serving more than 170 destinations in 27 countries. The airline employs 15,500 team members in Charlotte. PSA Airlines, one of American’s regional subsidiaries, will relocate its headquarters to the city in January 2026.
Airport Partnership
Charlotte Douglas International Airport leadership welcomed the announcement. “CLT is delighted by our hub carrier American’s announcement that it will bring its premium Flagship® lounge to Charlotte,” said Haley Gentry, CEO of CLT. “We look forward to the continued partnership to enhance the travel experience for our passengers.”
Access to Lounges
Customers can access Admirals Club® lounges through membership, oneworld status, or the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. Day passes are available for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage® miles. For the Flagship® lounge, AAdvantage® Platinum® members and above, as well as oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, are eligible when traveling internationally in a Flagship® cabin. Single Visit Passes are offered for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage® miles.
American said the expansion reflects its ongoing efforts to improve the premium customer experience while reinforcing Charlotte’s role as a key hub within its global network.
