American Airlines to build expanded Admirals Club at Austin airport, adding its first outdoor terrace space
A larger lounge is planned for the Barbara Jordan Terminal
American Airlines says it will build a new, expanded Admirals Club lounge at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), a project that would add the first outdoor terrace in the carrier’s Admirals Club network. The airline states construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, while the current Austin lounge remains open during the build.
The new lounge is planned for the west side of the Barbara Jordan Terminal and is expected to cover more than 12,000 square feet. American describes the footprint as roughly double the size of its existing Austin Admirals Club, which the airline lists as located inside security across from Gate 22.
Outdoor terrace and “zoned” spaces for different traveler needs
American’s announcement frames the Austin project as part of a broader effort to update its lounge experience with designs tied to local identity and with amenities intended to support business and leisure travelers. In Austin, the airline says the new facility will include distinct zones aimed at common airport use cases—areas designed for relaxing, dining, working, and recharging.
A central differentiator is the planned open-air terrace, which American says will provide views of downtown Austin and the airfield. Outdoor seating in airline lounges has become more common at several U.S. airports in recent years, but American characterizes this as a first within its Admirals Club portfolio.
How the announcement fits Austin’s airport growth and airline competition
The lounge project arrives as Austin-Bergstrom continues to expand terminal capacity and passenger processing space through ongoing construction programs. Airport construction updates published by the City of Austin have highlighted work affecting the west side of the terminal and areas near Gate 22, including temporary changes to circulation and access as projects progress.
For airlines, Austin remains a competitive market shaped by growth in Central Texas and shifting route strategies across major carriers. American says it currently operates nearly 50 daily flights from AUS to 11 destinations, positioning the lounge expansion as a premium-service complement to its schedule in the region.
Access: memberships, eligible status, and day passes
American’s stated access rules for Admirals Club lounges include entry through paid memberships, certain elite status levels on qualifying itineraries, and select co-branded credit cards. The airline also markets a 24-hour one-day pass option for Admirals Club access, priced at $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles, though availability can vary by location and capacity management practices.
What remains unknown
An opening date has not been announced.
Detailed design plans and final amenities for the Austin terrace space have not been released.
Operational impacts during construction beyond keeping the current lounge open have not been specified.
American’s plan would make Austin a showcase location for its Admirals Club updates, pairing a larger footprint with the network’s first outdoor terrace.