Now open: American's first-ever grab-and-go airport lounge in Charlotte
If you're looking for a quick bite between flights, American Airlines has a new solution for you.
The airline just opened its first-ever grab-and-go lounge, dubbed Provisions by Admirals Club, at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The space, which measures roughly 2,000 square feet, is designed exclusively for travelers to pop by on the way to their flight — whether they're hoping to get a snack or a cup of coffee.
There are no tables or seating options for travelers. I'm not even sure if you'll find a power outlet for some last-minute juice.
Provisions occupies a previously unused space next to Gate A1 at CLT.
The only true amenity in the outpost is personalized flight assistance, provided by two representatives on staff who can help with irregular operations or day-of-travel questions.
In terms of food, American says it'll serve breakfast from 6:15 a.m. until 11 a.m. and all-day options from 11 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Provisions will be stocked with packaged snacks, pastries, yogurt and fruit options during the morning hours, followed by salty and sweet treats during the afternoon and evening. Meal boxes will also be available throughout the day.
If you're looking for caffeine, you might want to go elsewhere. Drip coffee and tea will be available, but don't expect any baristas or coffee machines here.
Canned and bottled nonalcoholic drinks will be available as well.
In terms of access, Provisions inherits the same access rules as any other Admirals Club, so be sure to check out our detailed guide to see if you qualify.
Grab-and-go lounges have become all the rage these days, with airlines like Air Canada and United already investing in these spaces. Credit card issuers are also getting in the game, with packaged takeaway options at every Capital One Lounge and Amex opening a speedier Centurion Lounge experience at upcoming Sidecar outposts.
This Provisions location at American's Charlotte hub represents its first foray into the grab-and-go concept.
While I haven't been to American's new outpost yet, the pictures show that the space looks far less inviting and premium than the competition. I'll reserve judgment until my full review when I visit the space, but American does deserve preemptive kudos for one thing: its alacrity. The airline announced Provisions on July 15 and opened it on Aug. 19, just over a month later.
Now, one could argue that the airline didn't need to do much work to repurpose some space near a gate holdroom. But, more options are better than fewer — especially in Charlotte, the carrier's second-busiest hub that handles tons of connecting traffic.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.