American, Southwest, Chase, Capital One
Six major new airport lounges are planned, including American Airlines' first with a terrace in Austin, Southwest's inaugural clubs, and United's largest
Six significant new airport lounges from American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Chase, Capital One, and United Airlines are in development. These projects, detailed in a report from View From The Wing, range from a carrier's first lounge to North America's largest.
American Airlines Admirals Club in Austin
American Airlines is constructing a 12,000-square-foot Admirals Club at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. First announced in 2021, the lounge will feature the airline's new design aesthetic and will be its first to include an outdoor terrace. It is located at the far west end of the airport, near where American will occupy nine gates alongside Alaska Airlines once a new concourse opens in the early 2030s.
Southwest Airlines' First Clubs
Southwest Airlines is preparing to open its first airport lounges, though it has not made a formal announcement. At least six locations are planned, with Austin and Nashville expected to debut next year. The openings will reveal the look of a Southwest lounge and the access rules tied to its new premium credit card from Chase.
Chase Sapphire Lounge at LAX
Chase is developing a Sapphire Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). A project submission to Los Angeles World Airports notes the lounge will offer "airside escort services" as a premium add-on feature for passengers seeking a more discrete journey within or between terminals.
Capital One Lounge in Charlotte
Capital One will open its largest lounge to date at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The approximately 14,000-square-foot space will be located on the mezzanine level of the Concourse A expansion. The report states this is the only known new lounge in Capital One's pipeline. The author's three favorite U.S. credit card lounges are from Capital One, with Chase lounges occupying the next three spots.
| Lounge | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines Admirals Club | Austin | 12,000 sq ft, first with outdoor terrace |
| Chase Sapphire Lounge | LAX | Premium airside escort service add-on |
| Capital One Lounge | Charlotte | ~14,000 sq ft, brand's largest |
| United Club | Houston (Terminal B) | 55,000 sq ft, largest in North America |
Charlotte and Houston Hub Expansions
American Airlines is also addressing lounge shortages at its Charlotte hub, where the main Admirals Club is described as overcrowded and in an old style. The carrier is building new Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge facilities there. Separately, United Airlines will open its largest United Club in Houston's Terminal B. At 55,000 square feet, the report claims it will be the largest lounge in North America and the seventh largest in the world, nearly matching the size of the Turkish Airlines Business lounge in Istanbul. The author concludes that Charlotte is transforming from an airport to avoid into one where connections are more tolerable.
