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For certain customers of American Airlines, a beautiful soothing space will soon be available between flights. And honestly, you might never want to leave.
The airline is in the process of redesigning and updating its Admirals Club lounges, as reported by Travel + Leisure. First to get its new makeover this fall is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, where a lengthy linear fireplace and asymmetrical timbered ‘walls’ define a lounge space with an innovative wood ceiling made of renewable American walnut.
After DCA, the next airports to receive an architectural refresh will be Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS) in Texas, and Denver International (DEN) in Colorado.
Over a period of several years, American plans to update its Admirals Club lounges throughout the US 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,’ says Clarissa Sebastian, managing director of Premium Customer Experience & Onboard Products, at American’s website. The architects of this relaxing vibe are DMAC Architecture & Interiors out of Chicago, who have designed everything from modern homes, athletic clubs and hotels to frog sculptures.
So what’s inside these lounges? Complimentary stuff, of course: meals, beverages — including house wine, beer and spirits at the full service bar (premium cocktails are available for purchase), WiFi, digital magazines and newspapers, shower suites, a business center, and perhaps the most important thing besides a break from the hordes sprawling in the other part of the airport: personal travel assistance if your flight is delayed or canceled.
The club lounges are only accessible to those who purchase a membership or hold certain credit cards, have the elusive ConciergeKey status (for which you must be invited; this is VIP up the yin-yang), or are AirPass members, US military in uniform, qualifying first class or business class passengers, or with the purchase of a day pass for $59 or 59,000 miles.
Or those who storm the door (shall we?).