American Airlines is making major investments in Chicago, adding a significant number of flights to and from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) last year, all in an effort to bolster competition with Windy City rival United Airlines.
What’s next? The lounge has been greatly upgraded.
American Airlines announced plans Tuesday to build a new Admirals Club facility at ORD.
The 10,000-square-foot club will serve as the airline’s new Concourse L outpost, not far from where passengers pass through security in Terminal 3.
American already operates three Admirals Clubs (as well as a fancier flagship lounge) at ORD, including a Standard Club serving Concourse L passengers.
Read more: The best airport lounges at O’Hare International Airport — and how to get in
This new lounge will replace the existing L facility and provide significant improvements to the current space. The airline is promising more capacity, paying homage to the Windy City and offering sweeping views of the airport.
It will feature the new design aesthetic introduced by American Airlines for some of its newest clubs, including the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Club pictured below.
“The new Admirals Club® lounge will offer more seats and upgraded amenities and fully reflect the standards that customers have come to expect when visiting our lounges,” Heather Garboden, the Fort Worth-based airline’s chief customer officer, said in a statement Tuesday.
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The airline did not reveal an opening date for the new O’Hare Admirals Club, but noted that construction work to create space for the facility is already underway.
American Airlines has promised to release “a steady stream” of lounge news into 2026. The airline has conducted lounge overhauls at its Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and DCA hubs.
U.S. doubles down on O’Hare
We should note that this is the latest in a series of moves by American Airlines to strengthen its Midwestern hub.
The airline has rapidly increased flights from Oled since last summer. In the first half of 2026, the total number of departures from the airport is expected to increase by 17% compared with last year, according to aviation analytics company Cirium.
Chief rival United Airlines, based in Chicago, has taken notice.
United Airlines has responded to American Airlines’ growth by adding a series of flights from ORD, vowing to “draw a clear line” at the airport in one of the airline industry’s fiercest turf wars.
United Airlines also recently deployed billboards around its hometown with messages clearly directed toward American Airlines. (AAdvantage is the name of American Airlines’ loyalty program.)
Ultimately, this less friendly competition could benefit customers: more competition for flights and routes typically lowers fares.
Now, American Airlines travelers in Chicago will see improvements to the airline’s airport lounge lineup.
How to Access the American Airlines Admirals Club
To join the United States Admirals Club, you can purchase an annual membership. Initial registration fees for non-elite members start at $850 per year.
However, there are several more cost-effective ways to gain access.
In addition, American Airlines AAdvantage members with AAdvantage Platinum (Oneworld Sapphire) and above status will have access to its lounges when traveling on eligible long-haul travel.
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