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British Airways has debuted its new lounge design concept with the grand opening of its new flagship lounge at Miami International Airport (MIA). First announced in 2023, this marks a bold evolution in the airline’s premium customer experience. The new Miami lounge represents the first application of British Airways’ global redesign, created in partnership with architecture and design firm Gensler, and serves as the blueprint for all future lounge designs worldwide.
As part of British Airways’ £7 billion transformation program, the new lounge redefines the airline’s approach to hospitality through a design that merges timeless British sophistication with local cultural influences. The result is a global lounge identity that feels both familiar and unique.
Each lounge under the new concept aims to create spaces that offer travelers a sense of calm and comfort before their flight. The design incorporates subtle “look-up” moments (playful visual surprises meant to delight guests). In Miami, one such feature greets guests at the entrance: a floor mural reflected in a mirrored ceiling that reveals the words “London Calling.”
The Miami space embodies the airline’s British charm and wit, while drawing strong inspiration from the city’s Art Deco architecture and coastal vibrancy. The lounge was developed with local contractors and suppliers, including TGA Consulting, Nunez Construction, and Bermello & Ajamil architects, using US-sourced materials that highlight craftsmanship and design quality.
The new Miami International Airport (MIA) lounge marks the first time in decades that British Airways has operated its own dedicated space at the airport. Spanning 13,000 square feet, it is the largest British Airways lounge outside London and is located in Terminal E (directly above the airline’s departure gate).
Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in natural light, offering panoramic views of the airfield and the Miami skyline. The interior blends clean modern lines, warm materials, and pastel tones. This is meant to evoke both British refinement and the bright, relaxed energy of South Florida.
At the heart of the new lounge is a full-service bar, positioned against the windows to make the most of Miami’s abundant sunshine. The bar serves as a social hub and features an extensive drink list that includes classic cocktails, mocktails, and local brews. A signature “Prickly Margarita,” created exclusively for this lounge, adds a distinctive local touch.
The space is divided into five interconnected zones including a central bar area, main dining room, quiet focus pods, relaxation spaces, and a lowered central lounge offering semi-private seating for those seeking solitude. Two shower suites and restrooms were inspired by traditional Miami beach deck chairs.
Dining plays a central role in the new Miami lounge. Guests can enjoy a self-serve dining area featuring dishes made with seasonal Miami produce. The menu includes creations such as local papaya and lacinato kale salad with toasted coconut and citrus honey vinaigrette as well as seared South Florida flounder with lemon, Kalamata olives, and rice.
For First Class passengers, British Airways has introduced a Concorde Dining Room, offering an elevated, restaurant-style experience with personalized table service. The menu includes refined dishes such as Wagyu beef strip loin with roasted trumpet mushrooms and truffle reduction, as well as roasted diver scallops. This is complemented by a selection of Champagne and English sparkling wines (including Pommery Cuvée Louise 2005).
The opening of the Miami lounge marks the start of a new era for British Airways’ global lounge portfolio. The design will next roll out to additional airports as part of the airline’s ongoing investment in customer experience, which has already included recent refurbishments at London Gatwick Airport (LGW), Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS), Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN), and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Anthony’s Take: I love this fresh, elegant aesthetic and all of the thoughtful features that went into the experience. This is a great template for future lounges.
(Image Credits: British Airways.)
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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.
