Airport lounges in the United States have drastically improved in recent years. That’s especially true of American Airlines, which has revamped its top-tier spaces as Flagship Lounges. But how do those differ to the carrier’s typical Admirals Club lounges?

Here’s what to expect on the lounge front with American Airlines, whether you’re flying at the pointy end or have a shiny frequent flyer card or lounge membership.

What’s on offer in an American Airlines Admirals Club?

The Admirals Club is American Airlines’ standard tier of lounge. Think of it as the US equivalent of a Qantas Club. In fact, it’s often the only type of American Airlines lounge available: especially outside of AA’s key airport hubs.

Being the most common of AA’s lounges, the Admirals Club is the easiest to access. But that’s countered by a leaner food and beverage offering. There’s still a light buffet, where you can pick up a bagel or some cereal for breakfast, and salad bites later in the day. But for anything more substantial, you’ll need to order and pay.

On the beverage side, expect a standard white wine, red wine and beer to be complimentary. The house vodka, gin, whiskey and rum are also gratis. But again, for anything else, you’ll pay.

If the situation calls for it, you can even buy wines by the bottle. As a guide, the paid wines cost US$9-13 per glass or US$27-39 per bottle (all plus sales tax as varies by state, and tip). Premium spirits cost US$7-11, again plus tax and tip. If you’re curious, here’s the full menu from my most recent Admirals Club visit.

While facilities can vary between specific lounges, it’s common to expect onsite bathrooms and shower facilities at most lounges. Fast and free Wi-Fi is also standard, with a variety of seats catering for work, dining or kicking back before your flight.

Review: American Airlines Admirals Club, Orlando

What sets the American Airlines Flagship Lounge apart?

As the name suggests, American Airlines’ Flagship Lounge is designed for the more premium travellers. Think those flying key routes in Business Class or First Class, and travellers with AA’s invitation-only ConciergeKey status – made famous by George Clooney in Up in the Air.

It also welcomes eligible frequent flyers from AA’s international partner airlines, including Qantas Gold and above. In other words, this lounge is AA putting its best foot forward to please those who’ve come from afar, are travelling there, or who practically live at 40,000 feet.

The Flagship Lounge is a rare breed, with only five in existence – found in Chicago, Dallas Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York JFK. There’s a sixth planned for Philadelphia, but it’s not open yet.