American Airlines Flagship Lounge

American Airlines Flagship Lounge – Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

Unveiled mid-September 2017, The American Airlines Flagship Lounge at Chicago O’Hare welcomes exclusively premium and elite passengers departing on international flights, including Business Class passengers, Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum customers, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members.

The Flagship Lounge is off-limits to paid club members and one-time pass holders, who receive access to the Admirals Club on the third floor.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge ORD design

Located at the junction of Concourses H and K below the main Admirals Club, in the footprint of the former Conference Center, the Flagship Lounge occupies an expansive 17,000 square foot space with seating for 300 passengers.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge – Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

While modern, the design is resolutely conservative. With Earth tones, clean lines, and efficient lighting, American Airlines isn’t breaking any new ground; but guests can revel in expansive views over the tarmac, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows which wrap the space.

Power and USB ports are available at every seat. Seating options include individual comfortable solo seats, convivial pods for groups, high-top seating, communal tables, and dining booths and tables. The seating arrangement is relatively sparse, yet the open layout offers limited privacy overall—despite its sheer dimensions, the lounge is bound to be busy at peak times.

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.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge ORD amenities

American Airlines Flagship Lounge – Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

The highlight of the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at Chicago O’Hare airport is the expansive food and beverage selection.

Guests will find a substantial assortment of appetizers, snacks, salads, hot and cold entrees, and desserts, with a good balance between healthy and heartier fare. There is also a chef station besides the buffet with rotating specials.

Unlike the New York JFK location, the Flagship Lounge at Chicago O’Hare airport doesn’t offer cooked-to-order entrees or private Flagship Dining; such high-end amenities remain exclusive to hubs where American Airlines operates international or domestic premium service.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge – Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

The self-serve bar boasts a selection of wines, Champagnes, liqueurs and spirits, as well as a “mix-your-own cocktail” station with rotating recipes on display. Espresso, juices, and soft drinks are also available, with a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine which lets patrons choose from hundreds of drinks concoctions with a touch screen.

The Flagship Lounge features several elegant shower suites outfitted with a sink, and a toilet, and CO Bigelow bath amenities in wall-mounted dispensers.

American Airlines Flagship Lounge ORD bottom line

American Airlines Flagship Lounge – Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

Available exclusively for American Airlines and oneworld premium and elite customers traveling internationally, the American Airlines Flagship Lounge at Chicago O’Hare is a comfortable and well-appointed lounge featuring a generous food and beverage selection which would be the envy of Admirals Club patrons.

The Flagship Lounge is a convenient place to work and boasts great views of the tarmac, but lacks any real privacy, and can be busy at peak times. It doesn’t quite compete with United’s Polaris Lounge in terms of amenities—the hometown airline offers a full a-la-carte restaurant, a staffed bar, and private napping rooms amongst other luxuries—but remains nevertheless a substantial upgrade for business class and elite passengers.