Review: American Airlines Flagship Lounge Chicago, ORD

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This isn’t just an Admirals Club update, it’s an all out reincarnation.

With your invitation in hand, hit the elevator button for the second floor, and prepare to be wowed, American style. Gone are the days of the stale and desperately impotent lounge offerings by U.S. carriers for International business and first class passengers. American is bringing some hardcore game. Fresh décor, Bollinger champagne bars, and drop dead gorgeous looking and fantastic tasting food. Let’s take a look at the American Airlines Flagship Lounge Chicago, ORD.

First impression

If you couldn’t tell by my intro…I was impressed. Two greeters stand outside of automatic doors to collect your invitation, and as those doors open, Flagship is revealed. Fresh, modern, spacious, and very well staffed. This is a lounge that competes with foreign competitors.

Turn left and head on to the dining area.

You’ll immediately see a champagne and wine bar. Bollinger is served.

The food is delicious, handsomely presented, and in copious amounts. There was also a great omelet station. I felt like I was in the restaurant of a great hotel, not an American Airlines lounge.

The bar? Top shelf and smaller producers.

Detail distinguishes the ordinary from the exceptional, and it’s clear to see that AA has paid attention to the details.

Seating:

We were there during prime morning hours, and while the lounge was crowded, there was ample room. Hopefully the admittance of both  One World Sapphires and Emeralds, as well as International biz and first passengers, doesn’t diminish the lounge with foot traffic. If it’s like it was today, in the future, it’ll be a bit crowded, but not overwhelmingly so.

Showers:

Glass tile, Large stalls, and C.O. Bigelow products. Who can complain?

Overall:

I can’t wait to come back, and have the LA lounge open up. If it’s anything like this one, which I’d imagine it will be, it’ll save me a trek to Tom Bradley if my flight departs out of terminal 4. I was very impressed, and if AA continues to develop lounges at this caliber, they’ll be a solid competitor internationally.