American Airlines (AA) and British Airways (BA) will jointly operate 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.