In the years before the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines battled to offer premium passengers a superior product — in the skies as well as on the ground. As part of this effort, American Airlines designed aptly-named Flagship Lounges. As we approach summer 2022, American has reopened all five of its snazzy lounges as air travel returns to normal.

Along with these reopenings, travelers now have new ways to access the lounges. Here's a look at all of the ways you can access American Airlines Flagship Lounges — and why you'll want to.

What are American Airlines Flagship Lounges?

Flagship Lounges are American Airlines' international business class lounges located in select hubs. These lounges offer "chef-inspired" buffet meals, self-serve liquors, premium wines and cocktail bars.

In addition to grabbing a drink and a bite to eat, you can relax in quiet rooms, watch TV in theater-style rooms or get a bit of work done before your flight. You can even freshen up in individual shower suites.

Flagship Lounge locations

American Airlines built Flagship Lounges in four of its largest hubs. All five were closed as travel came to a halt during the coronavirus pandemic, but all have since reopened.

Here are the hours for each of the reopened lounges:

Chicago-O'Hare (Terminal 3, concourse H/K) – open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Dallas-Fort Worth (Terminal D, between gates D21 and D22) – open daily from 5 a.m. to 10:15 p.m.

Los Angeles (Terminal 4, near gate 40) – open daily from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Miami (Concourse D, near gate D30) – open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

In addition, American Airlines is currently constructing a Flagship Lounge in Philadelphia and plans to open a lounge in London-Heathrow in the future.

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How do Flagship Lounges differ from Admirals Clubs?

American Airlines also operates a network of dozens of airport lounges called Admirals Clubs. These locations are available to lounge members, passengers on qualifying flights and travelers who purchase a day pass.

At Admirals Club lounges, passengers generally have access to free snacks and a limited selection of complimentary alcoholic drinks. Some locations also have shower suites, a business center and made-to-order avocado-based snacks. Admirals Club guests can pay extra for premium drinks and meals.

Meanwhile, Flagship Lounges offer a wide range of complimentary self-serve alcohol, a buffet of complimentary meals and shower suites in all locations.

How to access Flagship Lounges

You can check out an American Airlines Flagship Lounge for yourself in one of three ways:

Flying a qualifying flight.

Utilizing your elite status.

Purchasing access.

1. Qualifying American Airlines and Oneworld flights

You can visit a Flagship Lounge if you're flying on a qualifying route in business or first class on American Airlines or another Oneworld airline.

Qualifying international routes

Qualifying international routes include flights to:

Asia.

Australia.

Europe.

Middle East.

New Zealand.

South America (excluding Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela).

Qualifying domestic routes

Qualifying domestic routes fall into two categories: Transcontinental and flights between the mainland and Hawaii.

Transcontinental flights include flights between:

New York-JFK and Los Angeles.

Los Angeles and Boston.

Los Angeles and Miami.

Qualifying Hawaiian flights include flights between:

Charlotte and Honolulu.

Chicago-O'Hare and Honolulu.

Dallas-Fort Worth and Honolulu.

Dallas-Fort Worth and Kona.

Dallas-Fort Worth and Maui.