Airlines & Amex Launch “Speed Lounges” for Quick Airport Respite
New, compact concepts aim to ease overcrowding and offer faster service
Airport lounges are shrinking, with American Express and American Airlines piloting new, smaller lounge formats designed for travelers needing a brief stopover rather than an extended stay.
Provisions by Admirals Club Debuts Soon
American Airlines is set to introduce its “Provisions by Admirals Club” lounge later this summer at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This new concept emphasizes speed and convenience, a stark contrast to the carrier’s larger, more amenity-rich Admirals Club locations.
The Provisions lounge will span 2,000 square feet, significantly smaller than the airport’s existing Admirals Club spaces, which measure 4,500 and 23,300 square feet respectively. An airline spokesperson noted that the size of Admirals Club lounges varies globally.
Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge Coming in 2026
American Express plans to launch its own compact lounge concept, “Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge,” in 2026 at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport. This “speakeasy-inspired” space will cater to guests who typically spend less than an hour in lounges, offering quick refreshments before flights.
“Many of our visitors spend less than an hour in our Lounges, and we’ve created Sidecar specifically for them.”
—Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel
Addressing Lounge Congestion
Airline industry experts suggest these smaller lounges are a strategic response to growing overcrowding in traditional airport lounges. Increased access through premium credit card perks has led to packed spaces, diminishing the relaxing experience for many travelers.
One frequent flyer described the situation as, “It’s a hot mess. It’s ridiculously crowded.”
Capacity Solution and Cost Efficiency
The new, smaller lounges are expected to alleviate capacity issues, akin to adding express lanes on a highway. From a business perspective, their reduced footprint translates to lower operational costs and makes them more feasible to secure space for within busy airports.
This model is viewed as a potential win-win for airlines, airports, and passengers alike. “I have a lot of confidence that a concept like this is going to work,”
stated Dulani Porter, an executive vice president at strategy agency Spark.
Potential Drawbacks for Some Travelers
However, some travelers may find these compact lounges insufficient if they seek the full suite of amenities offered by larger lounges, such as extensive dining options, ample seating, and services like showers or workspaces.
Edeana Blaku, a marketing executive, noted the impracticality of smaller lounges for extended flight delays, where traditional lounges offer a welcome respite. “With a smaller lounge, it’s just not feasible,”
she commented.
Future Expansion Potential
Should these initial concepts prove successful, experts anticipate other lounge providers will adopt similar strategies. Currently, American Express and American Airlines have not announced plans for additional locations of these smaller lounges.
Access to these initial locations will be contingent on meeting specific criteria, such as holding a premium credit card like the Amex Platinum or Citi/AAdvantage Executive cards. American Airlines also offers a $79 one-day lounge pass.
