American Airlines and British Airways Co-Locate to Offer a Joint Lounge Experience at Philadelphia International Airport

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- American Airlines (AA) and British Airways (BA) today announced the joint operation of British Airways Galleries Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), further strengthening the joint business relationship between the two carriers. This is the second joint lounge operated by American and British Airways; the first – the Denver Admirals Club® – opened in November 2010.

British Airways Galleries Lounge is located in Terminal A-West, next to the A-East security entrance on the second level. With this move, customers will now have access to a lounge inside the security checkpoint - a significant enhancement for American Airlines Admirals Club guests departing from Philadelphia.

"American's co-location with British Airways in Philadelphia is another example of our shared efforts to provide a more seamless and enhanced travel experience as a result of our joint business agreement," said Nancy Knipp, American's President – Admirals Club. "Moving into the British Airways Galleries Lounge conveniently positions our guests closer to American's gates while offering them the state-of-the-art amenities and relaxing lounge experience they have come to expect and enjoy in our Admirals Clubs."

The jointly-operated Philadelphia lounge will be staffed by both American and British Airways premium service representatives to serve customer needs. The lounge is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with the full suite of American Airlines services and premium service representatives available from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., when American operates flights at Philadelphia. Complimentary light fare, snacks and self-serve soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits will be available for all American Airlines guests.

Steve Clark, Head of North America, Asia Pacific Customer Service and Operations for British Airways, said, "This is yet another great testament to the benefits of the joint business between American Airlines and British Airways. Now all of our customers will benefit from the Galleries Lounge and be able to work or relax in the lounge before they depart."

In celebration of American's co-location with British Airways in Philadelphia, American is offering a $50 discount on new Admirals Club memberships or $25 off an annual renewal membership when purchased at the Philadelphia lounge between now and Oct. 31, 2011. Individual Admirals Club memberships for new members range from $350 to $500 annually, and AAdvantage® miles can also be used to purchase Admirals Club memberships. One Day Passes are available for $50, and a 30-Day membership – a brand new membership option – is available for $99. One Day and 30-Day memberships can be purchased online with a U.S. credit card or at any Admirals Club location. One Day Passes can also be purchased at any self-service check-in machines.

The PHL British Airways Galleries Lounge opened in July 2007 and is based on the concept designed for the Galleries Lounges at London Heathrow's Terminal 5. The 5,665-square-foot lounge is airy and open with restful seating, the Blue and Champagne Bars and ample room to relax. In addition, the lounge offers work and entertainment zones that include computer terminals and printers, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi access.

American, a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, operates more than 40 Admirals Club locations and four Flagship Lounge® locations in airports throughout the world. The company continues to focus on reinvesting in its products and services with lounge refurbishments. For example, American recently built a brand-new Admirals Club lounge at San Francisco International Airport as part of the airline's terminal move, and also completed extensive renovations to its London Heathrow Admirals Club and Flagship Lounge facilities and to its Boston Admirals Club in 2010.

For more information on Admirals Club lounges and British Airways lounges, log on to www.aa.com/admiralsclub and http://www.britishairways.com/travel/lounges/public/en_gb.

About American Airlines

American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 10,000 daily flights to 149 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).

About British Airways

British Airways is the UK's largest international scheduled airline. It flies its customers at convenient times to the best located airports across the world. It is one of the world's leading global premium airlines and its principal place of business is London with significant presence at Heathrow, Gatwick and London City. British Airways also operates a worldwide air cargo business, largely in conjunction with its scheduled passenger services. The airline operates one of the most extensive international scheduled airline route networks and, together with its joint business agreement, codeshare and franchise partners, flies to more than 400 destinations worldwide. British Airways is also a founding member of oneworld, the alliance of airlines around the globe, which together serves some 700 destinations, and offers the best connections. Whether customers are in the air or on the ground, British Airways takes pride in providing a full service experience. More information is available at www.ba.com.

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SOURCE American Airlines