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American joins 'grab-and-go' rush, will open new lounge concept in Charlotte

July 15, 2025
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4 min read
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American Airlines is getting set to open a new grab-and-go lounge location at its busiest East Coast hub, a first-of-its-kind setup for the carrier.

Later this summer, the Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier plans to open a new lounge concept called “Provisions by Admirals Club” along the A Concourse at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).

Located near Gate A1, it’ll be American's first permanent grab-and-go outpost, allowing travelers to pick up a quick drink, snack or sandwich on the way to their gate.

Travel perks: 9 domestic lounges that are worth going out of your way for

It’s a much-needed expansion of American’s lounge offerings at its CLT hub, where its two standard Admirals Clubs regularly fill to capacity. That’s especially true of its small B Concourse facility that ... doesn’t exactly rank among the nicest clubs in its network.

American Airlines planes at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

Provisions by Admirals Club

This new Provisions concept is designed for “speed, simplicity and convenience,” American said in a statement unveiling the grab-and-go facility Tuesday.

Renderings of the outpost shared by the carrier show a carpeted facility with windows overlooking the runway, high-top tables and spots to grab a to-go drink or meal. There will also be a customer service station available for members needing travel assistance.

Rendering of Provisions by Admirals Club. AMERICAN AIRLINES

“This new concept provides a needed respite for our customers traveling through one of our biggest hubs. Whether they’re looking for a quick snack or help on their travel journey, they can find what they need at the Provisions by Admirals Club lounge,” Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer, said in a statement.

Growing 'grab-and-go' trend

Airlines have used grab-and-go lounge locations for years as a sort of consolation option when full-service clubs have been closed for renovations or construction — or when the facilities reach capacity. American, for one, employed a temporary grab-and-go station or Admirals Club members earlier this decade at Charlotte while its largest club underwent construction.

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But more recently, a growing number of airlines — including each of the three largest U.S. carriers — are increasingly eyeing grab-and-go locations as a way to offset crowding in their main clubs.

For instance, TPG was there when United Airlines unveiled its newest Club Fly location earlier this year at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

United's Club Fly location in Houston. SUMMER HULL/THE POINTS GUY

Similarly, a top Delta Air Lines executive said in January that grab-and-go would be one potential way the carrier could look to serve Sky Club members who only needed a quick cup of coffee and a bite to eat, instead of the true sit-down lounge experience preferred by a traveler on a long layover.

As for American, it’s a good time for the carrier to reevaluate its lounge portfolio at CLT: despite being the dominant carrier at the North Carolina hub, its two Admirals Clubs don’t match up to the airport's American Express Centurion Lounge or the brand-new Delta Sky Club.

Delta Sky Club CLT
Delta Sky Club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

This Provisions outpost should at least alleviate some of the crowding in its primary club locations.

How to access American Airlines Admirals Clubs

There’s a few ways travelers can access American’s new Provisions by Admirals Club location in Charlotte:

  • Have an annual Admirals Club membership, including the complimentary membership earned by carrying the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees).
  • Be an AAdvantage Platinum member (or higher) traveling on a same-day long-haul international flight.
  • Pay for a day pass, which costs $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles — though, for a grab-and-go location, this may not be the best bang for your buck (or mile).

Related reading:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

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  • 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.
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  • $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.
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  • $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.
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