I toured the 600-room hotel with a pool and gym that American built exclusively for its employees — see inside Skyview 6

Republic Airways, a regional carrier that contracts flying from American, Delta, and United, has its own hotel in Indianapolis for employee training.

However, it's more common for airlines to book rooms at nearby hotels for employee training or business rather than running their own space.

The Stewardess College was the airline's flight attendant training center.

For example, new hire flight attendants will spend about six weeks at the hotel during training and don't have to venture far for anything.

Meanwhile, Skyview 5 — American's flight academy — is just a short walk from the hotel, so trainees don't have to rely on a car or shuttle to get to class (though there is a service if needed).

The entire Skyview 6 complex is 550,000 square feet and is covered with unique airline memorabilia and artwork.

The private hotel can accommodate everyone from flight crews and corporate employees to airport staff and maintenance technicians.

"When team members arrive, we don't want them to feel like they are visiting; this is their home, too," Ragan said.

She noted that the company's maintenance team in Tulsa assembled the four engines, which include those from an Airbus A320, a Boeing 777, a Boeing 787, and a Boeing 737.

The staircase represents the graduation ceremony that started at the Stewardess College, where the newly winged flight attendants stood for a photo.

Ragan said the medallion behind the staircase is the original.

"It makes me appreciate the time period, seeing them just lying on the bed studying," she said, pointing to photos of flight attendants at the Stewardess College in the 1950s. "Especially the new hires, it helps them connect to what was originally here."

The entire space can be sectioned off into smaller rooms, each closed off by a giant garage door that enters into the main hallway.

Besides the CEO's annual meeting, events held here may be leadership development training or business conferences.

Ragan said longtime employees who may not see each other often will meet up at Skyview 6 after hours to chat over a glass of wine.

The wine bar complements the on-site tavern with a cabin-style fireplace and billiards table.

An elevator takes employees to one of the nine available floors, each representing a different destination in America's network — the higher the floor, the further the city.

Ragan said company employees stayed at off-site hotels before Skyview 6 opened.

There is also a motion-sensor under-counter light that helps employees find their way in the dark, as well as a hairdryer.

She further explained that bulk toiletries are part of the complex's effort to reduce waste, particularly plastic.

The shower door closes all the way to ensure no mess or splashing like in some hotels.

The art will change from room to room, but the overall layout and size of each space are exactly the same. Ragan said this ensures there isn't a hierarchy among team members.

Ragan said the input of American flight crewmembers, who stay in hotel rooms far more than the average person, was essential in creating the hotel design.

She said the curtains also have a slight drag to ensure the slit at the bottom doesn't let in any light either.

"Those little details that resulted from feedback from our team members will make the employee visits more successful," Ragan said.

Ragan said there is microwave capability on the main floor for employees who need it and that other kitchen equipment like a refrigerator and Keurig are available in the rooms.

There's also an iron, closet space for a suitcase, and drawers for extra storage.

"We wanted team members to be able to control their environment as much as possible, so there are breakout spaces throughout the entire complex, from the lobby to the floor lounges," Ragan said.

She noted that the floor living spaces are meant to be casual and comfortable, but there is a noise policy because people are actively studying at all times.

The cafeteria, complete with options like pizza, Chinese cuisine, and hamburgers, can be used by any American employee on the greater HQ campus and was packed with people on my visit.

According to American, the food is free for some team members, like new hire employees in training. Local team members have to pay, Ragan said.

The art complements the other aviation-themed pieces throughout the complex.

Employees have access to a basketball court, tennis court, pickleball court, and beach volleyball court.

A sign inside the fitness center posted a volleyball tournament being held later that week with a QR code to sign up — it was cool to see those community events.

The 12-foot stainless steel sculpture features names like Bonnie Tiburzi, the first female pilot hired by a major US airline.

The McDonnell Douglas DC-3, which was built in the 1930s after strong insistence from American then-president Cyrus Rowlett "CR" Smith, also made the globe.

A large locker room complete with towels and toiletries is available in the 73,000-square-foot fitness center.

"The gym is complimentary if you stay at the hospitality complex," Ragan said. "We have classes and a few studios for events and fitness in general."

The pool is likely an enjoyable perk during the Texas summer heat.

The hospitality complex is meant to be all-inclusive, and I can imagine employees are happy with the private space, given they were in contract hotels prior to Skyview 6's opening.

"[Skyview 6] establishes a level of pride for our employees," Ragan said. "When you are in a space like this and you walk other training centers, you have a great appreciation for the commitment this organization has made to creating such an amazing experience for its team members."