An Exclusive Preview of American Airlines’ Redesigned Admirals Club Lounges

Historically, airport lounges catered primarily to business travelers. However, as “luxury leisure” travelers begin to outnumber their corporate counterparts, lounges are shifting towards a cozier, more inviting atmosphere.

A notable example is the transformation of American Airlines’ Admirals Club lounges into more tranquil retreats. The first to unveil this new design is the Admirals Club at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., set to welcome guests later this month.

Spanning 14,500 square feet, this lounge exudes a residential vibe rather than a corporate one, featuring eco-friendly design elements, relaxation areas, and a strong local influence. Additional Admirals Clubs with this updated design are planned for Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), and Denver International Airport (DEN). American has not yet specified when these new lounges will open.

American Airlines enlisted the expertise of Chicago-based DMAC Architecture & Interiors to conceptualize these newly constructed lounges. Renowned for their work in hotels, restaurants, and spas, this is DMAC’s first venture into airport lounge design. Gill Sukhtej, American’s lounge products manager, emphasized the importance of selecting a firm skilled in hospitality.

“DMAC’s expertise lies in creating a distinctive experience that encompasses more than just visual designs. It’s about the lighting, the acoustics, and all those sensory details that play a crucial role in this design,” Sukhtej shared with Dinogo during an exclusive preview of the DCA Admirals Club on October 12.

“We didn’t need to start from scratch,” remarked Dwayne MacEwen, founder and principal of DMAC Architecture & Interiors. “However, we approached this with open eyes, eager to enhance the experience and perhaps shift the expectations of what customers should encounter.”

A strong sense of place

Every new lounge will incorporate design elements inspired by the local scenery and landmarks of its city. Upon entering the Admirals Club lounge in DCA’s Concourse E at Terminal 2, next to gate E47, travelers will be greeted by American’s Flight Symbol logo and a gracefully winding staircase designed to reflect iconic D.C. landmarks like the Washington Monument.

“We aimed to create a space that feels like it was carved from a single block of stone—very stark and more reminiscent of a museum than a typical airport lounge. But I believe that fits perfectly with our location,” MacEwen explained. (An elevator is also available for those who prefer not to use the stairs.)

In the Lounge Pavilion—the relaxation zone of the new Admirals Club—observant guests will spot custom side tables near the fireplace featuring raw edges that echo the design of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

The Capitol building—visible from the lounge—has influenced the design of the pendant lamps above the cocoon-like armchairs in the Quiet Room, which are intended to foster privacy. If you examine them closely, you'll see the dome-shaped shades are crafted from words extracted from significant speeches made in D.C. Additionally, the city’s renowned season is reflected in the decor, with Kusama-esque Cherry Blossom Infinity Windows—designed with mirrors to create an endless reflection of faux cherry blossoms—located at the entrance of each restroom.

Sustainability and Wellness

In terms of sustainability, the lounge incorporates locally sourced American walnut, high-efficiency LED lighting that adjusts with the natural light, and low-flow fixtures in the restrooms.

While the lounge doesn’t provide spa services, it has been designed to offer a serene, retreat-like atmosphere above the bustle of the concourse below. For instance, the walls feature four inches of batt acoustical insulation, ensuring a quieter environment than the rest of the airport. There are also several private phone booths and standing desk areas adjacent to the dining room for those needing to take work calls. For families, a private restroom and a mother’s room equipped with an armchair and sink are available for nursing or pumping during travel.

Food and Beverage Options

In the Dining Pavilion, guests can enjoy complimentary buffet-style service, featuring breakfast eggs and afternoon tacos. More substantial offerings, such as power bowls and local favorites like crab cake sandwiches, are available for purchase. Complimentary local beers are on tap from Virginia Beer Company, DC Brau, and Atlas Brew Works. To enhance vendor diversity, American Airlines has collaborated with McBride Sisters Wine Company—one of the few Black-owned wineries in the country—to serve its chardonnay in the new lounges.

How to Access Admirals Club Lounges

There are multiple ways to access this new lounge at DCA and nearly 50 other Admirals Clubs around the globe. First, passengers traveling in first or business class on a qualifying American or oneworld Alliance airline flight are granted automatic entry. The same applies to those holding AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum Pro, AAdvantage Platinum, oneworld Emerald, or oneworld Sapphire status.

You can also purchase an Admirals Club membership for $850 per year. However, this membership is included as a complimentary benefit of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which has an annual fee of $595, making it a more cost-effective option. Additionally, it’s currently featuring its largest welcome bonus in years. Cardholders can bring up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with them. You can also add up to 10 additional cardholders to your account at no extra cost, each receiving Admirals Club access along with two guests each.

Lastly, you can purchase a day pass for Admirals Club lounges for $59, available online or at select locations.