American Airlines has announced Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)as the next hub airport to receive the Flagship Lounge [initially reported by The Points Guy]. Flagship Lounges are a step up from your typical admirals clubs and are available to passengers flying on an International Flagship First or Flagship business ticket. Certain transcontinental routes out of New York JFK, Boston and Los Angles also offer Flagship lounge access for qualifying Flagship business passengers. While no formal timeline for the Philadelphia Flagship lounge has been announced, it will hypothetically enter service around the same time the new Flagship product will take to the skies.
A Growing Trend Among U.S. Carriers
Now American Airlines is not the only one investing heavily in their international premium product. Rival Delta Air Lines also announced that they will begin offering premium lounges for their Delta One premium international product. New York JFK will be the first Delta One Lounge slated to open. Meanwhile, United Airlines Polaris premium international product has Polaris lounges placed in key United Hubs. American Airlines looks to remain competitive by offering Flagship lounges at their key hubs. What is interesting about the upcoming Flagship Lounge Philadelphia is that it will also include a new admirals club adjacent to the Flagship lounge entrance. While no formal renderings have been announced, expect elements seen in American Airlines new Admirals clubs like fireplaces and a reimagined color palette, currently open in Denver and Washington National. As the year progresses American will hopefully shed some light on the new lounge.