American Constructs New Admirals Club at O’Hare amid United Dispute
American Airlines is significantly enhancing its presence in Chicago with the construction of a new Admirals Club at O’Hare International Airport (ORD). This comes amid intensified competition with United Airlines, which also services the busy Windy City travel market.
New Admirals Club Plans at O’Hare
The proposed Admirals Club will span approximately 10,000 square feet. It will be located in Concourse L, near the security checkpoint of Terminal 3. This facility aims to replace the existing lounge and provide improved amenities for travelers.
- Location: Concourse L, Terminal 3 at O’Hare International Airport
- Size: 10,000 square feet
- Features: Increased capacity and upgraded amenities
- Design: Reflects the latest aesthetic trends of American’s lounges
Current Lounge Offerings
American Airlines currently operates three Admirals Clubs at ORD, as well as a premium Flagship Lounge. The new facility will stand as a remarkable improvement over the existing setup, with more seating and enhanced features.
Competition with United Airlines
This announcement marks another strategic move by American Airlines to strengthen its foothold in the Chicago market. The airline has already increased its flight offerings from O’Hare significantly. From summer 2025 into the first half of 2026, American’s departures from ORD are projected to rise by 17% compared to the previous year.
United Airlines, based in Chicago, has responded to this growth by also expanding its own flight schedule at O’Hare. Both airlines are engaged in a competitive drive that promises to benefit customers through increased options and potentially lower fares.
Advantages of the New Lounge
Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer at American Airlines, highlighted that the new Admirals Club will offer enhanced seating and amenities, aligning with customer expectations. While no specific opening date has been announced, construction is currently underway, and American has pledged to provide ongoing updates about the lounge and other enhancements through 2026.
Accessing the Admirals Club
Several ways exist for gaining access to the Admirals Clubs:
- Annual membership starting at $850 for non-elite members.
- AAdvantage members with Platinum status or higher can access lounges when traveling on eligible long-haul flights.
The enhancements at O’Hare exemplify American Airlines’ commitment to improving customer experience amid fierce industry competition. As these developments unfold, travelers can look forward to upgraded facilities that complement the expanding flight options in the Midwest.
