What to Expect at New Miami American Airlines Lounges

Big news, Miami travelers. American Airlines is leveling up your layover at Miami International Airport (MIA). The airline announced plans to build a new Flagship lounge and expand its Admirals Club footprint, nearly doubling its premium lounge space at MIA. Translation: More room to stretch out, sip champagne, and pretend you're not still technically in Terminal D.

The upgrades come as part of American's ongoing investment in Miami, where the airline already operates more than 400 daily flights to 160-plus destinations, according to a statement released Wednesday, June 25.

"We're excited to expand and elevate the premium experience for our Flagship customers and also provide a more spacious and calming environment in our Admirals Club lounges," said American's Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden. "Our strong partnership with airport leaders and county officials has allowed us to identify solutions that will make our customers' experience even better, and we're eager to work with them in building out this enhanced space."

New Flagship Lounge at MIA: What to Expect

American currently runs three lounges at MIA: an Admirals Club at gate D15, and both Flagship and Admirals lounges near gate D30. Under the new plans, the existing Flagship lounge (which opened in 2017) will be transformed into a larger Admirals Club. A new Flagship lounge, complete with champagne greetings and à la carte dining, will be built from scratch.

While the airline hasn't announced a construction timeline yet, the vision is for the lounges to all feel more luxurious than ever before. American's new Flagship lounges, similar to the one that just opened in Philadelphia, are typically designed with "neighborhoods" that include spa-style showers, quiet work pods, kid-friendly zones, outlets for power-hungry laptops and phones, locally inspired food, and curated art.

"Building on more than three decades of investment in greater Miami, this is yet another milestone that solidifies Miami as a world-class destination and American as its hometown airline," says American's Vice President of MIA Operations Juan Carlos Liscano. "Miami is our international gateway, where we serve more than 30 million customers annually — and growing — with more than 400 peak daily flights to 160+ destinations. "The lounge experience plays a key role in enhancing that travel journey, offering a quiet and comfortable respite from the busy terminal, which is why we are so eager to give our Miami customers — including those connecting through our hub — new and improved spaces to relax, work, and play."

American is also rolling out its biggest summer schedule ever from MIA, including a new nonstop to Rome, and remains the only airline flying to 90 unique destinations from the airport.

Exciting news! @AmericanAir is making travel through MIA even better. Get ready for a brand-new Flagship lounge and an expanded Admirals Club, nearly doubling its lounge space for travelers. https://t.co/ToaBJHC9n9

— Miami Int'l Airport (@iflymia) June 25, 2025

So, Who Gets In?

If you're flying internationally in a premium cabin, have Platinum status or higher, or carry an Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald badge, you'll likely get access to the new Flagship lounge once it opens. Domestic travelers can still score entry to the Admirals Club with a membership, day pass ($79 or 7,900 miles), or the right credit card (like the Citi AAdvantage Executive).

Can't get into a lounge? Don't worry — MIA still delivers. Earlier this year, Food & Wine named it one of the best airports in the country for food and drink, thanks to standout spots like Estefan Kitchen Express, Café Versailles, and Jackson Soul Food. Turns out, the best part of your trip might start before you even board.