I was in the swanky new American Airlines Flagship lounge — here's what it was like
The carrier unveiled its new Flagship and Admirals Club lounges in Philadelphia in May.
Earlier this spring, American Airlines (AAL) opened two new lounges at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
The new Admirals Club in Terminal A-West replaces an older location in a different part of the airport.
And the new Flagship lounge accessible to high-fare and elite status travelers on transcontinental international flights — that short hop over to Mexico will not qualify — brings the airline's most premium lounge offering to the City of Brotherly Love.
Earlier this month, I was able to tour the lounge on a visit to Philadelphia. While I had previously been to the airline's Flagship lounge in Dallas, it was particularly exciting to stop by lounges just a few weeks after they opened: practically glistening with novelty.
As someone who grew up traveling frequently but always in economy, the luxury touches that airlines use to reward their most revenue-generating passengers always feel like an entry into an entirely different world.
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Champagne, caviar and Philadelphia touches: what is in the new American Airlines Flagship lounge?
Both the Flagship lounge and American's primary Admirals Club are located a floor above the main terminal area near Gate A15. In keeping with the signature touches in the five other American Airlines Flagship lounges dotted in airports across the country, those who scan their ticket through the eGates are offered a freshly poured glass of champagne.
The wood-lined entrance opens onto a lounging area with a fireplace and top views of the flight line and primary runways, while the 13,750-square-foot space is divided into multiple seating spaces designed to meet guests' every need.
A relaxation area is closer to the wine and spirits bar, a main dining area with several table booths appears in front of artwork celebrating the Declaration of Independence and separate breakout rooms, in which one can hold a meeting or retreat for a quiet nap. Image source: Veronika Bondarenko Image source: Veronika Bondarenko
Bronze and modern design finishes play off of the natural wood and light that the space was designed to accentuate. My favorite touches were the large, armchair-style pods in which one could tuck away from the world while still facing the large window to watch planes lined up on the flight line.
The Flagship lounges have showers and a fine dining menu
Elegant nods to Philadelphia and its history adorn the space. You'll find small statues of the Liberty Bell near the fireplace, art books about the city’s history and architecture in every nook, and a menu serving some of the iconic dishes for which Philadelphia is known. Image source: Veronika Bondarenko Image source: Veronika Bondarenko
The buffet offered hoagies bursting with Italian meats, while the full menu, from which travelers can order by scanning a QR code, includes traditional and vegan versions of the Philly cheesesteak, the Philadelphia pretzel, as well as more general pasta and Caesar salad options.
During the time I spent in the lounge, staff also opened up a station in which guests could customize a roast pork sandwich like the ones served at Reading Terminal Market. Plus the a la carte buffet had a Vichysoisse soup with a garnish of red caviar (a particularly luxe touch that both tastes divine and photographs well).
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The menu is the brainchild of Randy Rucker, the top chef behind local restaurants River Twice and Little Water, and includes a selection of crafted cocktails with names like the Betsy Ross Boulevardier and Seventy Philly.
Between the champagne at the front, the side wine station, the sprawling main bar and the side section offering warm and cold soft drinks (along with a sleek wooden section with a selection of sodas on tap), there is no shortage of places to grab either an alcoholic or nonalcoholic drink in the Flagship lounge. Image source: Veronika Bondarenko
The ability to shower between flights is another feature that American uses to elevate the Flagship experience.
The modern design is particularly noticeable in the spacious and sleek restroom space, where the six shower suites can be reserved with an attendant (after use, each is cleaned and restocked with towels and Klur shampoo and shower gel products). Image source: Veronika Bondarenko
Meeting rooms and a main area that looks like it should be in 'Succession'
A small business center tucked away at the corner provides an iMac, printer, and phone booth for visitors' use, while the area around the fireplace can also serve as a workspace.
The dark tones and sprawling wooden table give the area near the front of the lounge the vibe of an elegant corporate boardroom or office in which market-moving meetings take place. Image source: Veronika Bondarenko
Maybe it's that dish you didn't have time to try on a short trip through Philadelphia or an armchair seat offering both space to nod off and a prime view of planes taking off. Luxury so often comes down to the little touches that leave you feeling like you just got something you didn't even know you wanted.
The new Flagship lounge was clearly designed with this kind of glossiness and comfort in mind, but the high entry bar is the main barrier that will keep most travelers from ever getting to experience it.
Watch for an upcoming story on the redesigned and more widely accessible Admirals Club space.
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