By Utibe Inyang
The first reported airport lounge was opened by American Airlines (AA) on December 2, 1939, at the New York Municipal terminal (now New York LaGuardia Airport). Back then, the AA Chairman – C. R. SMITH thought it would be a good idea to open a dedicated lounge to cater to airline supporters called “Admirals” and VIPs. He opened an invitation-only club called the “The Admiral’s Club” for relaxation before and after a flight. Their receptionists were called skippers while bar staff were called stewards.
