American Airlines Flagship Lounge Chicago
The American Airlines Flagship Lounge at Chicago O'Hare is a comfortable and well-appointed lounge that is exclusively available to American Airlines and oneworld premium and elite customers travelling internationally. It features a generous food and beverage selection that would make Admirals Club guests envious.The Flagship Lounge has fantastic views of the runway and is a convenient spot to work, although it lacks true seclusion and can get crowded during peak hours. The hometown airline has a full a-la-carte restaurant, a staffed bar, and private napping rooms among other pleasures, so it can't quite compete with United's Polaris Lounge in terms of amenities, but it is still a significant increase for business class and premium travellers.
Chicago American Airlines Flagship Lounge review
The Chicago American Airlines Flagship Lounge is notable step up from the somewhat downmarket Chicago Admirals Club upstairs. Now that AA permit access to Sapphire as well as oneworld Emeralds, it needed to be a lot bigger than the old lounge, and that is indeed the case. A sizable 17,000 square foot area with seats for 300 passengers, it is quite a pleasant lounge, which is guaranteed to be busy during peak hours despite its enormous size. Situated at the intersection of Concourses H and K beneath the main Admirals Club, you just wave your boarding card at the desk and head up in the lift.
Although contemporary, the style is unwaveringly traditional American Airlines, with lots of beige. Indeed, A isn't doing anything particularly innovative with its use of earthy colours, simple lines, and bland strip lighting, but then again you have to remember what went before and compared to that, it's quite a revelation.
However, the lounge is light and bright, with floor-to-ceiling windows, and there are some impressive views of the tarmac and runways.
There are quit a variety of seat designs, including cosy single seats, communal tables, high-top seating, and dining booths and tables. Although there are lots of seats, there is little privacy overall due to the open form of the lounge.
A quiet area features a handful of recliners, though the lack of real separation from the rest of the lounge and the location steps away from the window make it an unlikely place to nap.
Food
The extensive food and beverage variety is the standout feature of the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at Chicago O'Hare airport, and marks a real difference compared to the Admirals Club.There is a fair balance between heartier food and healthier options in the extensive selection of appetisers, snacks, salads, hot and cold meals, and desserts available in the two hot and cold island cabinets, with strange parallelogram plates. In addition to the buffet, there is a chef station with changing specialities; typically pulled pork or beef burgers make an appearance.
The Flagship Lounge at Chicago O'Hare Airport does not include cooked-to-order entrees or private Flagship Dining, in contrast to the New York JFK facility; such upscale services are reserved for hubs where American Airlines runs international or domestic premium service.
Bar
There is a large self-serve bar offering quite a large variety of wines, Champagnes, liqueurs, and spirits in addition to a station where customers can "make their own cocktails" with a changing menu of recipes.There are also coffee, juices, and soft drinks available with a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine which lets patrons choose from hundreds of drinks concoctions with a touch screen.
Business Facilities
Power and USB ports are available at every seat.Bathrooms
In lounge.Showers.
Access
Admirals Club members, AAdvantage Platinum on long-haul itineraries, long-haul business or first-class oneworld or American Airlines tickets, non-AA oneworld Emerald and Sapphire frequent flyers.
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Chicago Airport Guide
| American Airlines Flagship Lounge Chicago | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating |
Video walkthrough and Image gallery by Loungeindex.com
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| Pros | Great food Good views Mix your own cocktails |
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| Cons | Can get very busy | |
| Location | Terminal 3, between gates H6 and K6 | |
| Terminal | 3 | |
| Opening hours | 0500-2200 | |
| Access | Admirals Club members, AAdvantage Platinum on long-haul itineraries, long-haul business or first-class oneworld or American Airlines tickets, non-AA oneworld Emerald and Sapphire frequent flyers | |