American Airlines is set to introduce an Admirals Club at San Antonio International Airport, marking the first addition to its lounge network since Houston Intercontinental in 2017. This new development follows a previous announcement in fall 2021 regarding an Admirals Club in Austin, which has yet to materialize due to leasing and construction delays.
The forthcoming Admirals Club will feature the airline's latest design motif, a departure from the older 'modern hospital' style seen in earlier lounges. This update aligns with the anticipated opening of Philadelphia’s Flagship Lounge, which has faced years-long delays but will also adopt the new design.
San Antonio International Airport is currently constructing a new terminal, a project that has encountered resistance from Southwest Airlines. Despite being the largest carrier by market share at San Antonio, Southwest has refused to sign the new airport lease. The airline operates six gates and seeks ten in the new terminal, ostensibly to limit competition. However, it has not disclosed any specific service expansions contingent on acquiring additional gate space. Delta Air Lines also plans to move into the new terminal and establish a Sky Club.