6 ways American Airlines’ newly reopened Flagship Lounge has changed
After a nearly 18-month closure, American Airlines' Flagship Lounge network is once again open for business.
On Tuesday, Sept. 14, the Fort Worth-based carrier began welcoming eligible travelers into its first reopened premium lounge, located in Terminal 8 of New York's JFK airport. In the coming weeks, American will continue bringing the network back online, with the Miami outpost opening on Sept. 28, followed by locations in Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles.
In advance of the grand reopening, American invited TPG to get a preview of what AA's top travelers can expect. From overhauled food offerings to a new welcome beverage, there's lots to love about these top-notch lounges.
"We're thrilled to get them open again because we have premium cabins available for purchase. And so we want to make sure that we have the ground product to support that," said Raphael Girardoni, AA's managing director of premium guest services, in a pre-opening interview with TPG.
To Clarissa Sebastian, managing director of premium customer experience and onboard products, reopening the Flagship Lounge is about "better connect(ing) our ground with our in-flight experience and see(ing) all these pieces come together ... We think it'll be as exciting to the customers as it is to our team at American."
New chefs ...
One of the key differentiators between the "regular" Admirals Club and the Flagship Lounge is the food (and drinks) on offer. The buffets are stocked with heartier, higher-quality food intended to be a notch above typical lounge fare.
Plus, if you're flying in first class on one of AA's Airbus A321Ts or Boeing 777-300ERs, you'll be invited to dine at the Flagship First dining facility, which offers restaurant-style service in a dedicated space within the lounge.
To coincide with the reopening, American partnered with the James Beard Foundation to bring an award-winning local chef into each of the five lounges to curate a revamped menu.
In New York, you'll enjoy fare by Ayesha Nurdjaja, the chef behind Manhattan's popular Shuka and Shukette restaurants. Expect Eastern Mediterranean recipes for a modern take on some old-time classics.
American has already announced the chefs in Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth and Miami, with details on the Los Angeles location expected soon. You can read more about the chefs here, and see the JFK menu below.
... with delicious food
During the preview event, I only tasted a few dishes (and helped prepare one of them), but everything I tried was delectable and of restaurant quality.
As my appetizer, I enjoyed a roasted squash with a side of zaalouk, a tomato-based eggplant salad. Both of these items will be available on the buffet in the Flagship Lounge.
For my main course, I helped Chef Nurdjaja prepare her signature roasted cauliflower, which is the vegetarian option on the Flagship First dining menu. Set on a bed of tahini and topped with a pistachio chermoula, the finished product was good enough that I was tempted to ask for more.
If American can maintain this level of quality going forward, then you're in for a treat.
Krug is out
Before the pandemic, Krug was the Champagne on offer in the Flagship First dining facility. Well, there's some unfortunate news on that end: Krug has now been replaced with Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle.
Everyone has their own taste preferences, but from a cost perspective, AA is saving about $40 per bottle with the downgrade, according to list prices at press time.
Asked about whether Krug may eventually return, Girardoni said that he's not necessarily ruling it out in the future.
Bathroom amenities are in
In May, AA unveiled revamped amenity kits for its premium cabins, which include products from the airline's newest partner, D.S. & Durga.
That partnership now extends into its Flagship Lounges — you'll find D.S. and Durga Radio Bombay hand soap and lotions in the restrooms, as well as shampoo, conditioner and body wash in the shower suites.
You'll also find another new accessory in the shower suites: Dyson Supersonic hair dryers. Retailing for nearly $400, these are the best of the best when it comes to hair grooming. Just be sure to leave the hair dryer behind — they're tied to the wall to minimize theft.
There's Champagne for everyone
"Welcome to the Flagship Lounge. Can I offer you a glass of Champagne?" is the new greeting you'll receive upon entering the Flagship Lounge.
Going forward, there'll be a waiter stationed at the entrance of the lounge offering adults a glass of Louis Roederer 242 Brut, or a mimosa in the mornings.
This isn't just a temporary move — Girardoni told TPG that this new service element is being implemented networkwide. After a long ride to the airport, this is a really nice touch that sets the mood for a relaxing visit and flight.
More travelers can visit
The Flagship Lounge is reopening with an expanded list of entry criteria.
For one, anyone flying in either business or first class to or from Hawaii on one of AA’s long-haul flights can now use the Flagship Lounge before departure.
Additionally, as of Sept. 14, American now sells $150 single-visit passes to any traveler flying on an American or a Oneworld airline partner flight.
Asked about the relaxed entry policies, Sebastian told TPG that "it comes down to having new customers come in who perhaps haven't had the experience before, and our hope is that they come in, they try it and they love it. And then they'll continue to fly with us and potentially then try our premium cabins as well."
As for the Flagship First dining facility, more travelers may soon be eligible to visit. "We do think there is room to have more people join us in the dining facility. More on that soon," Sebastian said. For now, only those ticketed in Flagship First Class in three- and four-cabin aircraft are eligible to enjoy Flagship Dining.
Though American is opening the Flagship Lounge to more passengers, they should remain a more private oasis compared to the often overcrowded Admirals Clubs. "It will still be very exclusive. The idea is to never overfill this space," Sebastian concluded.
What isn't changing: The 'hard' product
While there are several improvements coming to AA’s premium ground experience, the lounges themselves will look the same as they did before the pandemic.
And that’s a good thing. Expect plenty of seating options, including private cubicles, relaxing chairs, phone rooms and quiet areas, along with access to fast and free Wi-Fi and convenient power outlets.
All told, American’s Flagship Lounges offer one of the best all-around pre-departure experiences you can find — made even better by the latest enhancements.
AA operates five Flagship Lounges, four of which also feature a Flagship First Dining facility. You’ll find the full directory and reopening details below:
- Chicago (ORD) — reopening later this fall, and this location doesn’t offer Flagship First Dining.
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) — reopening later this fall.
- Los Angeles (LAX) — reopening later this fall.
- Miami (MIA) — lounge reopening on Sept. 28, Flagship First Dining reopening on Sept. 30.
- New York-JFK — lounge reopened on Sept. 14, Flagship First Dining reopening on Sept. 16.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.