American Airlines plans to open the largest Admirals Club in its network at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), a lounge that will span more than 40,000 square feet when it's finished. American announced the project on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, and said construction will begin this year.
American's announcement gives no opening date. It says when work starts, not when the doors open. In the meantime, the existing Charlotte lounges stay open through construction. Here's what American announced, what the space will include and how Admirals Club access works today.
What American Announced
The new Admirals Club will sit in the airport's atrium on the mezzanine level. American describes it as centrally located, with expansive views of the concourse below.
It builds on an earlier plan. Last year, American announced plans to increase lounge space at Charlotte, including opening its first-ever Flagship lounge at the hub. Philadelphia already has a similar pair, the Flagship Lounge and Admirals Club at PHL.
"Designing a lounge that gives our customers more space to relax, work and recharge is our top priority," said Heather Garboden, American's Chief Customer Officer. "We're incredibly excited to bring our biggest Admirals Club lounge yet to CLT, where millions of customers pass through every year."
What the Lounge Will Include
American says the design draws on Charlotte's tree canopy and textile heritage. Once complete, the lounge will be split into distinct zones, including spa-style shower suites, bars and serveries, and multiple areas to relax, dine, work and recharge.
American calls Charlotte a busy connecting hub, so the shower suites are the feature most likely to matter on a long layover.
Why Charlotte
CLT is American's second-largest hub. According to American, it connects passengers to more than 180 destinations in 27 countries, with over 650 peak daily flights.
Ralph Lopez Massas, American's Senior Vice President of CLT Operations, said the plan for the new lounge "represents our continued investment in the customer experience and reflects our long-standing commitment to Charlotte."
What Stays Open During Construction
American says the current Charlotte lounges will remain open while the new one is built:
- Provisions by Admirals Club near Gate A1
- The Admirals Club in Concourse B
- The Admirals Club in Concourse C/D
For hours and locations of every lounge we track at CLT, see our Charlotte airport lounge guide.
How to Get Into an Admirals Club
For domestic travelers, the release lists these ways in. Admirals Club access comes with an Admirals Club membership, qualifying oneworld status or the Citi / AAdvantage Executive card. Citi / AAdvantage Globe and Citi Strata Elite cardholders can use one of their four Admirals Club passes each year, each valid for 24 hours.
You can also buy a One-Day Pass, valid for 24 hours, for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles. Our Admirals Club access guide covers the full rules, including who gets in on international itineraries and the limits on day passes.
What to Do Now
If you connect through CLT, keep using the Concourse B and C/D clubs or Provisions near Gate A1, all of which stay open during construction. If you're deciding whether to buy a membership or a card for Admirals Club access, decide on the network you use today, since the announcement gives no opening date for the new lounge.
Updated October 7, 2026: Admirals Club access.
