11 things you need to know about British Airways’ new Miami lounge

1. It’s impressive
Our new Miami lounge can be found in Terminal E, located directly above the departure gate. At 13,000sqft, it’s the largest lounge outside of London solely operated by British Airways, with capacity for 230 people. The large windows offer sweeping views across the airfield and make use of the beautiful Miami sunshine.

2. It’s a vision for the future
We worked in partnership with global architecture and design firm Gensler on the new Global Lounge Concept, which will serve as the vision for future lounge developments. With this concept, we combine refined British style with contemporary local design to create congenial spaces for work, relaxation and dining. Describing the lounges as “welcoming, intuitive and bold,” Ashley Dowell, design director and senior associate at Gensler, says: “The new lounges offer a surprising retreat for travellers to relax, work and socialise in the midst of their travels… They represent a global journey framed through a British lens.”

3. The layout fulfils different customer needs
“Our customers’ needs have evolved over the years,” says a British Airways spokesperson. “They are used to spending their time in premium hospitality and work environments, so there’s an expectation that we will offer this level of experience.” Of course, with no two customers alike, the lounge has been designed with versatility in mind – offering five distinctive zones. In addition to the central bar, this includes an exclusive Concorde Dining area, a main dining space, focus pods and a lowered central lounge with partitions for those looking for a private space.

4. The design pays homage to Miami’s architecture and culture…
Miami’s Art Deco heritage (the city has more than 800 buildings in this style) shows up through geometric patterns and luxurious gold accents. “Our teams have worked incredibly hard to design and create a timeless, elegant space that not only celebrates our British originality, but reflects the locality of Miami,” says our Chief Customer Officer Calum Laming. That also includes a nod to Miami’s beach culture, via the colourful striped washrooms that resemble beach deckchairs.

5. …With a nod to Britain
There’s a distinctly defined British style in the design, adding a touch of surprise to the experience. On arrival, for example, guests walk over a floor mural that, when viewed through the mirrored ceiling, reveals the words ‘London Calling’, as a homage to British Airways’ home. Meanwhile, cushions are upholstered in fabric that takes inspiration from former uniform ties and cravats.

6. There are British Airways ‘Easter eggs’ to discover
We have paid homage to our heritage with some ‘if you know, you know’ touches. The bespoke floor tile design around the bar is an abstract of the iconic British Airways Speedmarque, for example, and our uniforms are hidden in plain sight, with table surfaces crafted from upcycled garments.

7. The lounge serves a signature British Airways cocktail
A striking eight-stool bar is the focal point of the lounge, positioned in front of windows that flood the space with light. On the menu is a large range of spirits and beers, including local, Floridian ale. Bartenders are on hand to craft a selection of classic cocktails and mocktails, including a Prickly Margarita and the signature BA 175 cocktail.

8. The menu champions seasonal Miami produce
The classic American diner is reimagined in the form of comfy self-service booths – served by a state-of-the-art, restaurant-style kitchen. Here, customers can expect local papaya and lacinato kale salad with toasted coconut and citrus honey vinaigrette, and seared South Florida flounder fish with lemon, Kalamata olives, fried capers and rice. 

9. All aboard for First customers
Guests travelling in First can enjoy à la carte dining in the exclusive Concorde Dining area. Alongside table service, the menu features a curated wine list and dishes such as Wagyu beef, and roasted scallops with Osetra caviar, black garlic beurre fondue and yucca purée. There’s also the ‘Concorde Burger’, with Applewood bacon, thick-cut fries and Shropshire blue cheese. Drinks include Pommery Cuvée Louise 2005 Champagne (which retails at around £200 per bottle) and Nielson Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County.

10. There’s a pick ’n’ mix bar
Because a love of sweets (or ‘candy’) is strong on both sides of the pond, the Miami lounge features a pick ’n’ mix bar full of classic treats, including cola bottles and Swedish Fish.

11. This is just the beginning
Miami and Dubai are the first lounge refreshes to be launched as part of British Airways’ Global Lounge Concept, closely followed by Dubai. We have also committed to refreshes of our existing Club lounges at Glasgow and Boston.

Come back next month when we’ll be looking at the newly opened Dubai lounge. Find out more about British Airways lounges here