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

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.

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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.

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.

"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).

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.

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:

• The best credit cards for airport lounge access
• The do's and don'ts in an airport lounge
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• Best credit cards for American Airlines flyers