American Airlines Is Building a New Admirals Club at Chicago O’Hare
by Daniel McCarthy
Photo: American Airlines
American Airlines continues to invest in Chicago O’Hare International (ORD), announcing on Wednesday that it will build a new Admirals Club in the airport’s Concourse L.
At 10,000 sq. ft., the new space will be significantly larger than the existing Admirals Club in Concourse L, which will remain open during construction.
The new lounge will feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping airside views of O’Hare, and distinct zones, which American calls “neighborhoods.” Each will feature its own unique design and offerings that cater to travelers wanting to lounge, eat, work, or refresh—a signature offering for American.
In the announcement, American made sure to note that it has a “deep connection” to Chicago O’Hare, one that keeps growing not just with the new Admirals Club, but with new flights, including a new nonstop to Kahului International in Hawaii (OGG).
The growth of American at O’Hare has heated up competition with United Airlines, which considers O’Hare to be its hometown hub. That competition included American losing five gates to United late last year, and American subsequently purchasing two O’Hare gates from Spirit Airlines for $30 million. United also launched a billboard campaign around Chicago with the slogan “AAdvantage, United,” playing off of American’s loyalty program.
United still flies about 200 more daily flights out of O’Hare compared to American, and serves a few dozen more destinations from the airport.
American is also currently dealing with some pressure from both its flight attendants. The board of the union representing American Airlines flight attendants this week passed a unanimous no-confidence vote in the airline’s CEO, Robert Isom.





