American Airlines Launches Provisions Lounge Concept at CLT
Share
This summer, American Airlines opened the first Provisions by Admirals Club lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The innovative concept focuses on speed, convenience, and accessibility for travelers who want lounge-quality amenities without an extended stay. The new space is part of American’s plan to upgrade its lounges and meet the needs of today’s travelers.
A New Type of Lounge
On August 19, American Airlines opened the new Provisions by Admirals Club at CLT, a first-of-its-kind space designed for travelers on the move. Located in Concourse A near gate A1, the concept brings a fresh approach to airport comfort. Unlike traditional lounges that cater to longer layovers, this one is tailored for passengers seeking a short, quality stop before their next flight. The clean, efficient layout offers minimal seating and high-top tables, creating an easy, fast-flowing environment for guests with limited time.
By merging lounge-level service with grab-and-go convenience, American is responding to a travel culture shaped by shorter layovers and greater digital independence.
American’s Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden described the new model as a response to evolving customer needs. “We are constantly evolving our lounge strategy to meet the needs of our customers,” she said. “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.”
Inside the 2,000-square-foot space, travelers will find one-on-one customer support and a rotating menu of sandwiches, salads, snacks, and fresh fruit. Vegetarian options are available, underscoring American’s effort to make the space inclusive and flexible. The lounge will be open from 06:15 AM to 10:45 PM, with access following the same policies as traditional Admirals Club locations.
Breakfast is served from 06:15 AM to 11 AM, featuring pastries, snack mixes, yogurt, fruit, and meal boxes. From 11:00 AM to 10:45 PM, guests can enjoy snacks, desserts, and hearty meal boxes. A self-serve drink station offers bottled and canned beverages, along with coffee and tea to take on the go.
The concept also complements American’s broader network of premium facilities, including upcoming Flagship Lounge projects in Philadelphia and Miami, which cater to longer stays and higher service tiers. The opening of the Provisions lounge comes as CLT, American’s second-busiest hub, has faced increasing lounge congestion. In August, American also announced plans for both a Flagship Lounge and a new Admirals Club at CLT, reinforcing its investment in one of its most important connecting airports.
Grab-and-Go Trends Across the Industry
American Airlines is not the first carrier to embrace the grab-and-go lounge concept. In 2019, Air Canada introduced the Air Canada Cafe in Toronto, which follows a similar model featuring quick-serve food and drinks that passengers can take with them. United Airlines has also launched grab-and-go lounge concepts catering to modern travelers seeking flexibility and speed.
In 2022, United opened its first United Club Fly in Denver, a compact express lounge offering self-serve coffee, snacks, and beverages for travelers with tight connections. Guests scan their credentials at automated gates, grab what they need, and continue on their journey within minutes. The design has proven popular among frequent flyers who value efficiency without sacrificing quality. In February 2025, United expanded the concept by opening a second Club Fly in Houston.
Collectively, these concepts reflect an industry-wide shift toward modular, efficient lounge formats. Airlines are recognizing that not every traveler wants to spend extended time in a lounge. Many prefer to recharge, refuel, and reconnect digitally before boarding.
A Fresh Chapter in Lounge Evolution
The Provisions by Admirals Club represents American Airlines’ next step in reimagining the pre-flight experience. By combining efficiency, convenience, and personal service, the airline is setting a new standard for how travelers experience comfort on the ground.
As airlines continue to adapt to faster, more flexible passenger lifestyles, Provisions stands out as both a practical and forward-thinking solution. Whether grabbing a coffee between connections or picking up a meal before boarding, travelers at CLT now have a new way to experience the Admirals Club, refreshed for a faster world.