American Airlines to Open New Admirals Club at Chicago O'Hare

The new 10,000-square-foot lounge will replace an existing Admirals Club in Concourse L.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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American Airlines has announced plans to open a new Admirals Club lounge at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The new lounge, spanning over 10,000 square feet, will be located in Concourse L and will eventually replace the existing Admirals Club in that concourse. The new lounge will feature local design elements and sweeping runway views, as well as distinct 'neighborhoods' to cater to different traveler needs.

Why it matters

American is significantly growing its presence at Chicago O'Hare, aiming to make up ground lost to rival United Airlines in recent years. The new Admirals Club is part of American's efforts to enhance the premium experience for customers at the airport, where it now operates over 500 peak daily departures.

The details

The new Admirals Club is already under construction and will be American's first 'new style' lounge at Chicago O'Hare. It will feature local design elements and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the runway. The lounge will be divided into distinct 'neighborhoods' to cater to different traveler needs. American currently has three Admirals Clubs at ORD, and the new lounge will replace one of the existing ones.

  • American Airlines plans to open the new Admirals Club in Chicago in the coming months.

The players

American Airlines

A major U.S. airline that is significantly growing its presence at Chicago O'Hare Airport.

Heather Garboden

American Airlines' Chief Customer Officer, who described the plans for the new Admirals Club lounge.

Scott Kirby

United Airlines CEO, who has said the company will not let American grow unchecked in Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Heather Garboden, Chief Customer Officer, American Airlines (onemileatatime.com)

“I'm drawing a line in the sand in Chicago, and we're not going to let American grow unchecked.”

— Scott Kirby, CEO, United Airlines (onemileatatime.com)

What’s next

American Airlines has not provided an exact timeline for the opening of the new Admirals Club lounge at Chicago O'Hare, but it is already under construction.

The takeaway

American's investment in a new, upgraded Admirals Club lounge at Chicago O'Hare is part of the airline's broader efforts to regain ground against rival United Airlines at the strategically important hub. The new lounge will offer a premium experience for American's growing number of customers passing through ORD.