American Airlines has unveiled its impressive new Admirals Club Lounge at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), due to open later this month.
Measuring 1,347 square metres – approximately five tennis courts – the lounge is the largest in the airport, offering seating for 236 guests and includes mood lighting that adjusts to the astronomical clock and reduced acoustics.
Design features specific to DCA include lampshades made from the words of President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, murals depicting national monuments and a lift decorated with an illuminated cherry blossom design.
The stone-lined entrance is grand and welcoming, drawing guests through to a large split area, including a dining area with buffet counters and a bar and a lounge area complete with a large decorative fireplace surrounded by comfortable lounge seating. Guests will also find reclining chairs and dome seating with views towards the Washington Monument and beyond. A homely feel comes from smaller living room areas, and using natural materials adds to the sense of calm.
Stylish bathrooms, private fully-enclosed phone booths, eight workstations and a family room are available for all guests. A VIP room inspired by the Liberty of Congress is also available for dignitaries and special guests.
American Airlines is the leading carrier for DCA and plans to bring similar lounges to Austin, Denver and Newark.
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has moved operations from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 of Chicago’s O’Hare International airport and, in the process, has unveiled its new 2,050 square metres Sky Club lounge, providing a seating capacity for 400 guests.
The new lounge is four times the size of its predecessor, and design features include – stone countertops, wrapped columns, custom furniture and lighting, and art pieces from local artists inspired by the city of Chicago. The new lounge space is luxurious with a cosy ambience and provides guests with an elevated premium experience.
Guests can choose to dine from two buffet areas with seasonal hot and cold offerings and a full-service bar. The new O’Hare Delta lounge is also the first to offer its customers an exclusive wine bar providing a range of premium white and red wines. Other facilities include four shower cubicles, private booths and a family room.
The airline’s move to T5 eliminates the need for international customers to transfer terminals and re-enter security. The new Sky Club lounge will also offer passengers on select flights direct access to their flights via connecting boarding bridges.
Delta’s O’Hare Sky Club lounge is the fourth to open in 2022, following New York La Guardia, Los Angeles International and Tokyo Haneda airports.
Delta operates 40 daily peak departures from O’Hare to eight of its U.S. hubs with plans to grow capacity as passenger numbers continue to increase.
Read the full First-Class.com review of American Airlines Business Class
Read the First-Class.com review of Delta Air Lines Business Class
