British Airways photo
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Miami International Airport isn’t exactly known for luxury. This summer, when Global Traveler magazine named it the best airport for layovers, Miami sounded off, reacting in disbelief. Later, in an analysis that more accurately resonated with locals, the airport was named the worst on the entire planet for lost luggage.
But the tide may be turning. MIA has recently announced a spate of new amenities for travelers, from private nap rooms available for rent starting in November, to an extravagant private terminal set to open inside the historic Pan Am Airways building at a later date yet to be announced.
This week, British Airways became the latest entity to open a lounge at the airport. At 13,000 square feet, it’s now the largest lounge outside of London solely operated by the airline.
Located in Terminal E, right above its departure gate, the lounge offers views of the airfield, and its design takes inspiration from Miami’s Art Deco architecture. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a floor mural that, when viewed through the mirrored ceiling above it, reveals the words “London Calling.”
The lounge’s full-service bar is the focal point here. Guests will find a self-serve dining area with “Miami produce with a British twist,” according to a statement from the airline. Examples include “local papaya and lacinato kale salad with toasted coconut and citrus honey vinaigrette,” as well as “seared South Florida flounder fish with lemon, Kalamata olives, fried capers, and rice.”
British Airways photo
As they do in flight, First-Class travelers will get extra perks inside the new lounge. While other guests — Business Class passengers, British Airways Club members with Silver status and above, Oneworld customers with Sapphire status and above — will have access to the aforementioned self-serve dining, First-Class customers can eat inside the Concorde Dining Room. À la carte food options here include Wagyu beef strip loin, and guests can sip Champagne and English Sparkling Wine.
Beyond the bar and dining spaces, the new space also features focus pods and a central lounge with partitions for remote work, as well as two shower suites.
British Airways, which recently renovated lounges in Seattle and Washington Dulles and opened another lounge at Dubai International Airport, says the two openings signal the design direction the airline will take with future spaces at airports around the world.
