American Airlines’ stunning new-look Admirals Club
Cast aside your preconceptions of those tired old Admirals Club as American reveals a dramatic redesign for its lounge network.
By Staff Writers, October 14 2022
American Airlines travellers departing from Washington D.C's Ronald Reagan Airport will soon have an exciting new AAdvantage Admirals Club lounge to enjoy prior to boarding.
The space has been completely transformed, now sporting a stylish and sophisticated design and views out to the U.S. Capitol building.
Found on the upper level near Gate E47, the new lounge is nearly 1,350sqm in size and is headlined by a warmly lit relaxation zone with indoor fire pit.
Sustainability forms a key part of the new Admirals Club, with window shades tuned to the astronomical clock.
Admirals Club lounges are open to first and business class passengers, together with AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro or Platinum members. Day passes are also available for AAdvantage members.
Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire status holders – including Gold and Platinum members of Qantas Frequent Flyer – leaving same-day on a Oneworld carrier are also welcome.
The fire pit makes for a charming companion to a glass of wine.
A stark contrast to Washington’s dated, cafeteria-like predecessor, the latest iteration features a strong emphasis on natural finishes.
Chicago-based DMAC Architecture & Interiors is responsible for the fresh design, with its team bringing a similar sensibility to its work on high-end boutique hotels and hospitality venues.
Drab recliners of the past have been replaced with cushioned leather-backed executive capsules with low ottomans.
Dappled blue carpets imbued with a map of Washington and backed by American's colour palette transform the former space into a spa-like oasis of calm.
An elegant bar with velvety seats, penny-tiling and warm streams of light make for a captivating retreat.
Grab a seat and order your favourite beverage to enjoy with some light snacks.
Elsewhere, a bright and welcoming dining area features exposed timbers, globe lights and an array of seating options for parties of all sizes.
On the other side, the day's three main meals can be enjoyed with seating for parties of all sizes.
For dignitaries and government representatives travelling with American, a VIP Room inspired by the Libraries of Congress awaits as a secluded spot for extra privacy.
The VIP Room is exclusive to government dignitaries.
Clarissa Sebastian, American Airlines’ Managing Director of Premium Customer Experience & Onboard Product, says the goal was to create the feeling of ‘coming home’ in its lounges.
“This design is the culmination of a partnership between American and an award winning architectural firm well known for their designs in the hospitality space,” Sebastian explains.
All up, the new Admirals Club features seats for 236 travellers.
“Each element was thoughtfully developed to create an environment of calm, with natural woods and open spaces, so our customers can relax and feel their best as they prepare for their flight.”
The new Admirals Club overlooks American's departure gates.
With Washington now open, American's attention turns to subsequent Admirals Club openings in New York-adjacent Newark Liberty International Airport, Denver International and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Each is in various stages of installing similar designs, with American adding subtle design inspirations will set each lounge apart to reflect the local area.
American Airlines’ reimagined lounges follow a similar design-forward aesthetic to Delta’s newly-unveiled Sky Club at LAX, which also feels akin to a premium hotel lounge bar.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1207
Don't you love how uncrowded and relaxed these concept pictures always show the lounges to be? It's a pity the real things are typically overcrowded zoos.
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
12 Sep 2011
Total posts 333
Looks like an evolution of AA Flagship First Lounges, using JFK T8 as a prime example... Or a remake of Swiss First Lounges at A + E Gates Zurich... But as previous poster mentioned, Admirals Lounges are often a zoo, a bit like Qantas Biz and QantasClub lounges......
05 Aug 2022
Total posts 1
Americans need to do some deep reflective introspection when it comes to design. This is a nauseating melange of finishes that don’t seem to have any coherent or complimentary connection to one another. I would suggest consulting precedents from abroad (Europe, Australia, South America, Japan) for design inspiration that produces inspiring details and moments. Qantas Excels in lounge design, mainly due to the fact that Australia is a country which has cultivated a refined attitudes toward design and values inspiration from abroad.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1207
If you believe Qantas excels in lounge design, I assume you have never been to the MEL Qantas Club. It is a dark noisy overcrowded mess filled with cheap furniture and has all the ambience of a Coles cafeteria.
Etihad - Etihad Guest
21 Jul 2019
Total posts 191
@Hookr
I agree with you to the extent that it is a "nauseating melange of finishes". I'm not keen on that disjointed look either. However, it's not the Americans to blame. This trend is global in its pretensions. And our very own home-grown Westfield corporation pushes this look in all its shopping centres locally and abroad! It's a trend which has permeated many sectors and many companies, e.g. hotels, shopping centres, and yes, airport lounges. Even your average tax-payer/rate-payer funded public space is not immune (take a look in your renovated local public library). Good news is, it will go away eventually. Like all other decorative styles/trends which have a lifespan of not more than 8 - 10 years maximum.
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1429
About time. I was there a month ago (the first time in three years) and the old lounge just brought back bad memories. No Washington trips on the horizon. Ohh well!!
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
12 Sep 2011
Total posts 333
As previously, looks very much like Flagship First Lounge JFK flagshipt First Dining rooms at JFk and LAX I've experienced aren't depicted, but they beat Qantas' First Lounges, as does Qatars's Al Safwa First Lounge by 1 million miles!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
I think AA's flagship lounges in Chicago and Dallas (the two I've experienced most) are outstanding lounges - equal to Qantas First in Sydney and miles ahead of every other Qantas First lounge I've visited.
This update for Washington looks great
19 Jun 2012
Total posts 30
Is it me, or is this new design too far off-brand?
It looks too cozy, comfortable and modern - hopping onto an AA 737 after this lounge will feel quite jarring!
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 477
Fantastic, AA has knocked it out of the park here. US carriers really do seem to be investing in premium product over the past few years, look at United's Polaris business class and lounges, Delta One suites and new Delta One lounges.
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