Friends,

American Airlines announced something today that caught my attention — not because it’s revolutionary, but because it feels like another small sign that their management is thinking more intentionally about delivering value across their product. And that is good news.

Later this summer, American will open a new grab-and-go lounge concept at Charlotte Douglas Airport called Provisions by Admirals Club. It’ll be located in Concourse A, near gate A1, and is designed for travelers in a hurry — with simple snacks, salads, and sandwiches to take on the go, plus Admirals Club staff on-site for quick customer support.

It’s not flashy. The rendering looks more like a repurposed gate area than a lounge. But functionally? I like the idea. Charlotte’s existing Admirals Clubs are consistently packed, and this offers an alternative, especially for short connections — something CLT has plenty of. If all you need is a quick bite and someone to help with a missed flight, this format works.

Of course, American isn’t breaking new ground here. United introduced its Club Fly concept a while ago, and Air Canada had something similar even earlier in Toronto. Capital One's lounge in Dallas launched with grab-and-go from the start. So no, this isn’t a first. But when you’re behind, following the leader is still progress.

What feels especially positive is who's driving this. Heather Garboden, American’s new Chief Customer Officer, came up through the US Airways side and seems to bring a grounded, people-forward mindset to the role. Her fingerprints are on this: pragmatic, purposeful, aimed at actually solving problems.

I’ll take that over empty brand fluff most days.

For contrast — American Express also announced something new today: celebrity chefs plus a airport lounge concept called Sidecar by Centurion. The latter is planned to be a smaller footprint, elevated dining space that will open for cardmembers next year in LAS. It maybe a general copy of the Capital One Landing concept, but one with some uniquely “Amex Centurion” vibes.

By all measures: Amex’s move looks premium and innovative. It’s also a reminder of what American used to be known (at the end of the last century, at least).

Still, this is a win for American frequent fliers flyers. Lounge space at Charlotte is a pain point, and Provisions will help. No fireworks, no headlines. Just a sign that someone inside AA is trying to do the right thing by the customer.

I personally think it will be worth checking out.

Fly well.

NEWS

WSJ on why you should consider health insurance for your next trip.

Waldorf Astoria New York officially re-opened today.

Passengers spent hours stuck on the tarmac at EWR due to weather yesterday.

DEALS

Crazy high sign up bonus on the IHG Chase credit card.