SYNOPSIS
American Airlines has broken ground on a massive expansion of its Admirals Club network at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The carrier confirmed construction of a new 10,000-square-foot facility in Terminal 3’s Concourse L featuring floor-to-ceiling runway views. This project marks a direct counter-offensive against United Airlines in the battle for premium market share at the Midwest’s busiest hub. Executives plan to introduce the carrier’s “neighbourhood” design concept to modernize the passenger experience.
American Airlines officially commenced construction on a successor to its legacy Admirals Club in Concourse L at O’Hare International Airport. The new venue will occupy more than 10,000 square feet of prime terminal real estate. Planners positioned the lounge to offer expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that provide unobstructed sightlines of the active airfield and runways.
Work crews have already begun modifying the structure. American confirmed the existing Concourse L club will remain operational throughout the build phase to prevent service disruptions. The project replaces a smaller, dated facility that struggled to handle peak passenger volumes.
Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, stated the project aims to align the ground experience with the carrier’s premium inflight standards. The airline currently operates over 500 peak daily departures from Chicago. This facility represents the first “new style” Admirals Club renovation for the airline at O’Hare. It joins three other existing clubs and a Flagship Lounge currently serving Terminal 3.
This construction project signals a strategic pivot in American’s infrastructure development. The design creates distinct “neighbourhoods” within the lounge rather than a single open room. Architects divided the floor plan into specific zones for solitary work, communal dining, and quiet relaxation. This segmentation mirrors successful rollouts at Reagan National and Philadelphia International airports.
Operational data drives this expansion. American added 180 new destinations to its Chicago network since 2025. The increased passenger throughput at Concourse L demanded a facility capable of higher occupancy rates. The previous lounge lacked the square footage to accommodate the influx of premium travellers connecting through the “L” gates.
The engineering specifications emphasize natural light and local aesthetics. Designers incorporated materials that reflect Chicago’s architectural history. The decision to prioritize runway views addresses a common complaint among frequent flyers regarding the enclosed, windowless nature of older airport clubs.
Competition dictates the pace of investment. United Airlines, headquartered in Chicago, recently upgraded its own ground services at O’Hare. American’s capital allocation for this project serves as a defensive measure to retain high-value corporate contracts. The 10,000-square-foot footprint places this club in the upper tier of the airline’s domestic lounge portfolio.
THE OUTLOOK
American Airlines anticipates the new facility will open later in 2026. This launch will likely trigger a cascading renovation schedule for the carrier’s other O’Hare properties. Analysts expect the airline to evaluate the Concourse G and H/K clubs for similar upgrades based on passenger feedback from this new location.
The Concourse L expansion secures American’s hold on Terminal 3. It provides a tangible value proposition for credit card holders and elite status members. As passenger traffic hits record levels, the capacity increase ensures the airline can meet demand without overcrowding. This project cements O’Hare’s status as a critical fortress hub in the global aviation network.