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Back in January, I wrote about how American Airlines was finally going to open a Flagship® Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) this summer. Today, American provided some additional details around the culinary program and chef that will be designing the menu for this new lounge.
American Airlines currently operates three Admirals Clubs at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This lounge will be located in Terminal A-West between Gates A15 and A16. This is part of American’s plan to restore and increase service at its northeast hub. Robert Isom, American’s CEO, said that the airline is “getting back to where it should be” in Philadelphia after the pandemic. Service from the Pennsylvania airport should meet or exceed what was offered in 2019.
American flew more than 19 million customers through Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in 2024. The airline offers more than 355+ peak-day departures to 120+ destinations. This summer, American will launch five inaugural routes from Philadelphia. These include Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP).
James Beard Award Semifinalist® Chef Randy Rucker, will design the menu for this Flagship® Lounge. American says that he is “crafting a menu that tells the story of Philadelphia.” Dishes will feature fresh, seasonal ingredients. Philly to me is cheesesteaks and pretzels. I’m curious to see what the other flavors are here.
In addition to the chef-driven menu, American is introducing a first for its Flagship® Lounge in Philadelphia: a full-service bar. The bar will offer cocktails, Champagne, wines, and top-shelf spirits.
Access to American Airlines Flagship® Lounges is granted to passengers flying longhaul Business or First Class. This includes transcontinental, transatlantic, transpacific, and some flights to Hawaii on American Airlines and its oneworld® partner airlines, American Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members as well as Alaska MileagePlan™ MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold members on qualifying international flights, ConciergeKey℠ members regardless of cabin or flight, oneworld® Sapphire™ and Emerald™ flyers from other airlines, or with a single-visit pass (these cost $150 per person). One guest is allowed for all those with access above with the exception of ConciergeKey℠ members who may bring in immediate family or up to two guests.
American operates Flagship Lounges in the following cities:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) (my review here)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
Anthony’s Take: Philadelphia has long needed a Flagship® Lounge and it’s great that American will open one this summer. The airline has made the airport its gateway to Europe for flights in the Northeast and this premium ground experience is a nice add.
(Image Credits: American Airlines.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
