American Airlines is upgrading the passenger experience in Chicago. Photo: American Airlines American Airlines is investing in Chicago passengers with the opening of a new and expanded Admirals Club lounge at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Concourse L.
The new lounge, with an area of over 929 square meters, will replace the existing lounge and provide passengers with more space to rest during the trip.
The lobby will feature local design elements that represent Chicago's vibrant community, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runways. The building will offer distinct areas, each with amenities tailored to travelers' needs.
Heather Garboden, American Airlines' Chief Customer Experience Officer, said: "We’re helping customers at ORD connect to the world with more than 500 flights daily and we want to offer a premium experience from start to finish,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, who announced the news this morning at the 2026 Choose Chicago Annual Meeting. “The new Admirals Club lounge will offer more seating and upgraded amenities and fully reflect the standards our customers expect when visiting one of our lounges."
American Airlines has expanding its presence in Chicago with a network of more than 180 destinations in the past year. In addition to the lounge in Concourse L, the company operates additional lounges in all concourses and a Flagship Lounge between Concourses H and K, aiming to enhance the travel experience throughout O'Hare Airport.
Beginning in December 2026, American Airlines will strengthen connectivity to Chicago with nonstop flights to Kahului, Hawaii (OGG) in comfortable Flagship Business seats and Premium Economy service, as well as new flights to Allentown, Pennsylvania (ABE), and Columbia, South Carolina (CAE) in May, with the option for passengers to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles on each flight.
American Airlines, founded in 1926, is the world's largest airline, connecting the United States to the world with over 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries.
In 2026, the company celebrates a century of innovation and groundbreaking passenger experiences, including the first lounge, scheduled baggage services, and the world's first loyalty program in aviation.