American Airlines Opens First Grab-and-Go Lounge at Charlotte

American Airlines has officially opened its first-ever grab-and-go Admirals Club at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), introducing a streamlined lounge concept designed for speed, convenience, and efficiency.

Dubbed Provisions by Admirals Club, the 2,000-square-foot space marks a significant departure from the traditional lounge model at one of American’s most critical hubs.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

Located in Concourse A near gate A1, the facility caters to travelers with limited time on the ground, offering packaged food, beverages, and quick access to assistance without the extended dwell typically associated with lounges.

“We’re excited to open this new lounge space for our customers at CLT,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “Millions of customers travel through CLT on American every year, and the Provisions by Admirals Club lounge is focused on providing those customers with an easy and convenient solution during their travel journey.”

What’s Inside the New Lounge

Unlike full-service Admirals Clubs, the airline says Provisions is built for efficiency rather than extended stays. Seating is minimal—primarily a handful of high-top chairs beside floor-to-ceiling windows—underscoring the “grab-and-go” design. Instead of buffets or bartenders, guests will find self-service stations stocked with light fare and drinks.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

Breakfast, served from 6:15 to 11 a.m., features pastries, yogurt, fruit, and meal boxes. From late morning through closing at 10:45 p.m., selections shift to salty snacks, sweet treats, and heartier meal boxes, with vegetarian options available throughout the day. Beverages include canned and bottled drinks, coffee, and tea.

Photo: Courtesy of American Airlines

To support quick but personalized interactions, two representatives are stationed in the lounge to assist with travel questions or service needs.

Who Gets Access

Entry rules mirror those of traditional Admirals Clubs. Travelers can gain access with:

• An Admirals Club membership
• A Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive credit card
• AAdvantage Platinum status (or higher) when flying long-haul international
• oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members traveling on American
• One-time passes, available for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles

By maintaining the same access policies, American ensures that Provisions serves as an additional option for eligible travelers, not a replacement for its existing clubs.

Part of a Wider Industry Trend

The opening comes amid industry-wide attempts to tackle lounge overcrowding, an issue that has dogged frequent flyers for years. What began as temporary “grab-and-go” stations during lounge renovations has evolved into a lasting model embraced by major carriers.

United Airlines was the first U.S. airline to make the concept permanent, debuting its Club Fly at Denver in 2022 and later at Houston. Delta has since added grab-and-go counters inside select Sky Clubs in Atlanta and New York.

The market-style, grab-and-go club features a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, premium snacks. Photo: Courtesy of United Airlines

Credit card lounges have followed suit—Capital One integrates market-style takeaway areas, while American Express plans to roll out its “Sidecar by Centurion Lounge” speakeasy-style spaces in 2026.

“We are constantly evolving our lounge strategy to meet the needs of our customers,” Garboden said. “This new concept provides a needed respite for our customers traveling through one of our biggest hubs.”

Why It Matters

Charlotte is American’s second-largest hub by departures and a critical connecting point for both domestic and international travelers. For time-pressed flyers facing short connections or crowded terminals, Provisions provides a middle ground: access to the core benefits of a lounge—food, service, and a measure of calm—without requiring a lengthy stopover.

Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Douglas International Airport

The initiative also signals how U.S. carriers are experimenting with different lounge formats to balance demand and capacity. With competitors already finding success in this space, American’s move ensures it remains competitive in an evolving market where customer expectations continue to shift.

For travelers passing through CLT, the debut of Provisions by Admirals Club represents more than just another lounge—it’s a signpost for where the industry is hopefully headed: faster, leaner, and built around flexibility.