AA Flagship Lounge Chicago O’Hare

I recently used my invitation for Flagship Lounge Chicago on my return. American Airlines has several types of lounges across the States and in outstations. From the standard Admirals Club lounges, some contract lounges and then the most premium end offerings called Flagship Lounges. These are intended for international Business & First Class passengers flying American or other OneWorld carriers. Some even have a designated Flagship First Dining area within the too. 

Flagship Lounges are available in key American hubs. Currently those are New York, Chicago, Miami, Dallas and Los Angeles. I had previously reviewed the New York JFK lounge. This time I was flying back from Chicago with Japan Airlines.

Access & Location

After my check-in, I was handed an invitation card to the lounge with a little map at the back. This involved walking in the opposite direction to where my gate would be. After security, you turn left towards the crosswalk between gates H6 & K6.

Access is granted for those flying AA Flagship international flights in Business or First or with OneWorld Emeralnd or Sapphire status with any OneWorld carrier. Paid access is possible for a whopping $150.

Flagship Lounge Chicago O’Hare

My trip to Chicago was only for a few days, and I had been working even the day I flew so I had given very little thought to what lounge I might actually be using on my flight out. I knew Japan Airlines did not have their own and the idea of an American Admirals club lounge did not excite me in the slightest. Therefore I did not arrive with too much time to check out this lounge

On entering past the reception that check you in, I was immediately greeted by a lovely lady offering a glass of Piper Heidsieck champagne. It was essentially a welcome champagne stand that I never got to take a picture of but have a clip of in my insta stories.

The first room you enter is much like a lobby area of the lounge but still the lounge proper, with expansive views. This was also more busy than other areas which is why I don’t have any pics from the entrance..

There are several zones with nice deep leather sofas organised in bigger grouping as well as two’s

Then there is a space with more interesting seating that seems a perfect place to work on your laptop.

Every seat had accessible side tables and electrical outlets..

This room is just on the right of the entrance area with extends the same view of the apron

Flagship Lounge Chicago Catering

The dining areas are all on the left of the lounge as you enter.. with formal eating tables and light refreshment stations

I was in the lounge from 9am to around 10.15am. I did have a quick coffee and croissant in my hotel, but was ready for a proper breakfast.. and boy was I surprised by the offering..

On inspecting the menu offering I was instantly impressed! This is a very extensive amount of food choice for breakfast! I do not even recall the Flagship Lounge in JFK having that much choice during dinner time!

Most of the catering was all spread out in a few stations with high quality crockery.. and I took a few sample pictures for the review

Almost all the food looked fresh and appetising but if you really wanted to be picky, there was also a fresh omelette station where you can have your eggs exactly how you want it!

Last but not least, the lounge also offered very good quality beverages from fresh juices and smoothies to the harder stuff

I tried a selection of different items and almost everything was of good quality. I had to stop myself as I wanted to leave room for a proper lunch on the flight! So then grabbed another coffee and just chilled by one of the seating areas looking out into the aircrafts.

Overall Thoughts

All I can say is I was super impressed with this lounge. Even though it was fairly busy when I entered it still maintained a nice relaxed atmosphere and didn’t feel too crowded. Unfortunately the quality of my photos do not do the place justice, it was an overcast day and I took them all in a hurry in the last 10 minutes before I dashed off for my gate!

What I find amazing is this lounge is accessible to OneWorld Sapphire members (BA Silver) and the quality of it blows any BA Club lounges out the water! I am almost gutted my next trip to Chicago I will be flying United and not a OneWorld carrier! The good news is American is also planning on opening a Flagship Lounge in London Heathrow, so watch this space!