Charlotte City Council set to decide five-year lease for American Express Sidecar lounge at CLT

Vote scheduled as airport expands its lineup of premium traveler amenities

The Charlotte City Council is scheduled to vote Monday on whether to approve a five-year lease that would add a speakeasy-style American Express lounge inside Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). The proposal centers on a 4,600-square-foot space in Concourse A, where the Sidecar concept would operate as a quick-service lounge aimed at travelers seeking drinks and small bites shortly before departure.

Under the terms presented for approval, the airport would receive 25% of gross revenues generated at the location. The agreement would place the Sidecar concept among a growing set of branded lounges and airline clubs at CLT, which has been steadily expanding passenger-facing amenities as traffic and competition among airports for premium services continue to intensify.

What the Sidecar concept is designed to do

The Sidecar lounge model is positioned as a higher-pace alternative to traditional lounges. It is designed for solo travelers and small groups, emphasizing brief visits rather than extended stays. The concept is intended for passengers with limited time, including those departing within roughly 90 minutes.

The pending vote would determine whether the Sidecar concept becomes CLT’s next card-branded lounge addition in Concourse A.

How the proposal fits into CLT’s broader lounge landscape

CLT already hosts multiple lounge options across concourses and connectors, spanning airline-operated clubs and third-party or card-affiliated facilities. Recent announcements and openings underscore that lounges are becoming a more central part of the airport’s strategy for improving the passenger experience—particularly for frequent flyers, premium-cabin customers, and cardholders.

• A Capital One Lounge is planned at CLT, described as a 14,000-square-foot facility on the mezzanine level of Concourse A near gates 21–29, with no opening date announced.
• A Delta Sky Club opened in December 2025, with 14,000 square feet and seating for 246 guests.
• American Airlines introduced a “grab-and-go” Provisions by Admirals Club concept in summer 2025 and has also announced a future Flagship Lounge at CLT without a published timeline.

What happens next

If approved, the lease would authorize the Sidecar operation for a five-year term and formalize revenue-sharing between the operator and the airport. If not approved, the space would remain available for alternative concession or amenity proposals. The council’s decision is expected to clarify whether CLT will move forward with another card-branded lounge concept in Concourse A as the airport continues to broaden its premium offerings.