American Airlines is getting into the grab-and-go lounge game with the introduction of Provisions by Admirals Club. While I find the name to be a bit clunky, I much prefer American Express’ new quick service lounge name, this is a concept I’m happy to see introduced for Admirals Club members.
American Launches Provisions by Admirals Club for Travelers on the Go in Charlotte
American Airlines is rolling out its first Provisions by Admirals Club location in Concourse A at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). The new space will be located next to Gate A1 and is expected to open later this summer.
While American operates from all concourses at the airport, Concourse A is primarily used by other carriers, so I’m a bit confused by the location. The Charlotte Airport, aside from the newly expanded Concourse A is tight but, when I first saw the news, I assumed the space would be located near the popular Admirals Club at the intersection of Concourse C and D.
According to American, the new lounge concept ensures that customers with limited time between flights have access to a lounge space for a quick break during their travel journey. The new lounge space will be tailored to meet the needs of today’s traveler, offering quick access to personalized service and fresh food and beverage options, all within an intuitive, efficient layout.
In addition to the items outlined above, American is promising the following features in the Provisions by Admirals Club lounge:
- One-on-one customer support: Representatives are available on-site for personalized service and travel assistance.
- Flexible food options: Customers can choose from a variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks and fresh fruit. Vegetarian sandwich and salad options will also be available.
- Streamlined experience: The space will feature a clean design with high-top standing tables and minimal furniture to create an environment that supports quick visits and high-volume traffic.
This new grab-and-go concept is the latest improvement from American, which announced earlier this year it was undergoing an effort to become more premium. Part of that change involved the appointment of Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer, who has been doing a fantastic job. Here’s what she had to say about the new lounge concept:
“We are constantly evolving our lounge strategy to meet the needs of our customers. This new concept provides a needed respite for our customers traveling through one of our biggest hubs. Whether they’re looking for a quick snack or help on their travel journey, they can find what they need at the Provisions by Admirals Club lounge.”
This will no-doubt be a more user friendly option for passengers in a rush, especially those who are arriving and departing from the A and B Gates. Access requirements will be the same as the current Admirals Club access policies.
My Thoughts
As someone who typically has tight connections in Charlotte, American heavily banks this hub here, I love the option to have a grab-and-go space. While the design leaves something to be desired, based on the rendering from American this place looks like they just walled-off an existing gate, the idea isn’t to spend much time here so I’m not as bothered by it.
I do my best to avoid connecting through Charlotte as it seems that I can never have a smooth experience here but, this should be a good option for Admirals Club members who don’t have the time to visit the full service clubs in the airport.
My only complaint is the location as I believe American would have been better served to put this lounge near the connector for Concourses C, D, and E, where the majority of its flights at the airport depart from.
Summary
American Airlines is launching a new grab-and-go concept, dubbed Provisions by Admirals Club, at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) later this summer. The new space will be located near Gate A1 and will offer passengers with tight connections a variety of snacks and beverage options to go.
