American Airlines is continuing to elevate the customer experience in Chicago with bold investments in premium customer experiences for Chicago travelers, and plans to open a new, expanded Admirals Club® lounge at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) Concourse L.
Spanning more than 10,000 square feet, the new lounge will eventually replace the existing lounge in Concourse L, giving customers more space to relax during their travel journey.
The lounge will feature local design elements that reflect the vibrant community of Chicago, as well as sweeping airside views via floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the runway. Customers can expect the same signature design elements they see in updated lounges today, including distinct zones — a.k.a. “neighborhoods” — that feature their own unique offerings designed to suit travelers’ needs.
“We’re helping customers at ORD connect to the world with more than 500 flights daily and we want to offer a premium experience from start to finish,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, who announced the news this morning at the 2026 Choose Chicago Annual Meeting. “The new Admirals Club® lounge will offer more seating and upgraded amenities and fully reflect the standards our customers expect when visiting one of our lounges.”
American has deep roots in Chicago and continues to expand its presence at ORD. Over the past year, the airline grew its Chicago network by more than 180 destinations, and this spring break, American will operate more than 500 peak daily departures. With Admirals Club® lounges in each concourse, as well as a Flagship® lounge between Concourses H and K, American is focused on making the journey as comfortable as possible throughout its entire ORD footprint.
Beginning in December 2026, American is strengthening its commitment to Chicago with new nonstop service to Kahului, Hawaii (OGG), offering Flagship® Business lie-flat seats and Premium Economy, along with new service to Allentown, Pennsylvania (ABE), and Columbia, South Carolina (CAE), in May for expanded global connectivity. With premium seating on every flight, American remains the only hub carrier in Chicago that allows customers to enjoy an upgraded experience on every trip while earning and redeeming AAdvantage® miles.
Easy access with the AAdvantage® program
American Airlines is making it easier than ever for AAdvantage® members to enjoy premium lounge experiences.
For those traveling domestically, Admirals Club® lounge access is available through an Admirals Club® membership, qualifying oneworld status or the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® cardholders can also use one of their four Admirals Club® Globe™ passes, valid for 24 hours. Customers can also purchase a One Day Pass, valid for 24 hours, for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage® miles.
About American Airlines Group
American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.
Featured image credited to American Airlines
