American Airlines' Dallas Flagship Lounge to Open May 16

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American Airlines opened 15 new gates at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport this past week. The new gates were part of a larger renovation of the airport's Terminal E satellite gates, a small facility located off the main terminal. In addition to the new gate area, which features the popular Whataburger chain, American Airlines also announced the opening of the airline's long-awaited flagship lounge, which will open its doors to select passengers traveling through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) on May 16.

At 24,570 square feet, the DFW lounge will be slightly smaller than American's flagship lounge in Miami (~29,000 sf) but larger than both the Chicago and Los Angeles locations, which measure 14,500 sf and 17,000 sf, respectively.

The Flagship Lounge and Flagship First Dining areas cater to the airline's top-tier elite frequent flyers as well as select premium cabin passengers. The new lounge and dining room are located in Terminal D, which houses the airport's international arrivals as well as the majority of international departures. Terminal D is the airport's newest terminal, having opened in 2005.

The brand-new space at DFW will likely feature décor similar to that found at the airline's existing flagship lounge facilities. Additionally, amenities will include a selection of hot and cold buffet options, made-to-order dishes at action stations, premium wine, spirits and liquors, and showers. Select passengers who receive access to the Flagship First Dining facility located within the lounge will be able to enjoy a sit-down restaurant-style experience featuring made-to-order plates, including items inspired by local cuisine.

Unfortunately, unlike other airline lounges, access to American's flagship lounge is restricted to top-tier elites and select premium cabin passengers. Access to Flagship Dining is even harder to come by, with only select elite frequent flyers and select international first class passengers receiving access.

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Here is a list of travelers eligible to access the Flagship Lounge and Flagship Dining facilities:

• Concierge Key members are allowed access, regardless of class of service and itinerary. Guest access for Concierge Key members includes immediate family or two guests.
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members can access on qualifying international flights, regardless of class of service. Exec Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members cannot access on solely North American itineraries.
• Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members are allowed access if departing or connecting to any flight marketed or operated by AA or a Oneworld partner, regardless of cabin. Emerald and Sapphire members can bring in one guest.
• Flagship Dining Access: Eligible passengers include those traveling in Flagship® First on American's three-class international flights. Qualifying international flights include flights between the US and Asia, Australia, Europe, and South America. Travelers who are on eligible international itineraries are allowed to bring one guest.

For those unable to access to the flagship lounge, American Airlines will also open a renovated Admiral's Club in Terminal D. Access to American's Admiral's Clubs is far less restricted with day-passes available and access for select credit card holders, including the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.

This week, The Points Guy team will travel to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport to experience the lounge firsthand. Be sure to keep up with TPG for a first look at the new American Airlines Flagship Lounge and Flagship Dining space at DFW in the coming days.

Disclaimer: The author of this post is related to a flight attendant who works for American Airlines.

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