A Comprehensive Guide to AmEx Centurion Lounges

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Recently, Capital One, Chase, and American Express have made significant investments in exclusive lounges to enhance the airport experience for cardholders, extending beyond airline-affiliated lounges and the Priority Pass network. Although Capital One and Chase are newcomers to this realm with only two lounges each, American Express launched its first lounge in 2013 at Las Vegas airport. A decade later, American Express's renowned Centurion Lounge network has transformed airport relaxation in 24 locations worldwide, with more in the pipeline. Here’s everything you need to know about AmEx's stylish Centurion lounges, including their features and access details.

What are Centurion lounges all about?

Centurion Lounges represent the flagship airport lounges of American Express, available exclusively to holders of select premium AmEx cards. These lounges are highly sought after for their ability to enhance the airport experience with a touch of luxury. Inside, guests can enjoy exceptional dining and beverage offerings, often crafted by renowned local chefs and mixologists. (For instance, James Beard Award winner Michelle Bernstein designed the Miami menu, while fellow recipient Nancy Silverton has contributed to the Los Angeles location.) The lounges feature well-appointed work and relaxation areas, and some even include salons and spas offering complimentary treatments. Essentially, they encourage you to arrive early and savor your time at the airport.

Centurion lounges form the core of AmEx’s Centurion Network, which currently boasts 24 Centurion lounge locations along with 21 smaller, less extravagant Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner.

Which airports feature Centurion lounges?

As of now, there are 13 domestic American Express Centurion lounges and 11 located internationally.

In the United States, you can find them at these airports:

• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), North Carolina
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
• Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado
• George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, Nevada
• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York City
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York City
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
• Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pennsylvania
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Arizona
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
• Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington

New lounges are currently being developed at Atlanta Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport (ATL), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Centurion lounges can be found internationally in:

• Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX), Mexico City, Mexico
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM), Mumbai, India
• Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), China
• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), Delhi, India
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR), United Kingdom
• Melbourne Airport (MEL), Australia
• Monterrey International Airport (MTY), Mexico
• São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Brazil
• Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), Sweden
• Sydney Airport (SYD), Australia

Who is eligible for Centurion lounge access?

Access to the Centurion Lounge is complimentary for holders of specific cards on the day of travel, regardless of the airline or class of service. Tickets may be purchased using any method, including an American Express credit card or even another bank's card. Award travel tickets are also eligible for lounge entry:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee, see rates and fees)
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee, see rates and fees)
• The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®
• Centurion® Card from American Express (by invitation only)

Holders of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($650 annual fee, see rates and fees) or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card ($650 annual fee, see rates and fees) can access Centurion lounges in the U.S., as well as in Hong Kong and London, but with additional restrictions. They must be traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight, which must be booked using a U.S.-issued American Express charge or credit card. Delta award tickets are also valid for entry.

Keep in mind that American Express previously allowed Gold and Green card members to enter for a $50 fee, but this policy has not been in effect for years. Unless you hold one of the aforementioned cards, you will not be permitted entry into a Centurion lounge.

Are guests permitted in Centurion lounges?

In early 2023, American Express updated its guest policy for Centurion Lounges, which previously allowed two complimentary guests per visit since 2013. Now, each guest must pay $50 each (or $30 for children aged 2 to 17, free for those under 2, with proof of age) when accompanied by an eligible cardholder. Those with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card may bring a maximum of two guests.

Conversely, Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner allows American Express Platinum and Centurion card members to bring two guests at no cost, while Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders must pay $30 for their guests.

Is there a time limit for visits to Centurion lounges?

Access for card members is typically limited to three hours before departure, which is verified at lounge entry. Although this rule is not always strictly enforced, especially during busy times, it can be. However, if you are already inside and your flight is delayed, you won't be asked to leave.

Cardholders are allowed to enter the lounge prior to their initial flight as well as during layovers. For instance, if I'm flying from Miami to Los Angeles with a stop in Dallas, I can enjoy mimosas at the Miami Centurion Lounge before taking off and then savor a Tex-Mex lunch at the Dallas location. However, once I arrive at LAX, I won't be able to visit the Centurion Lounge there unless I have a same-day onward ticket. Passengers who reach their final destination without an onward ticket for that day are not permitted entry.

What’s the most straightforward way to gain access to Centurion Lounges?

The Platinum Card from American Express provides access to the largest network of airport lounges available through any credit card, including the Centurion Lounge network. Additionally, it offers entry to Escape Lounges, over 1,300 lounges in the Priority Pass network, Plaza Premium lounges, Lufthansa lounges, and more. Family members can avoid guest fees at Centurion lounges by becoming additional Platinum cardholders, each receiving their own entry privileges (whether accompanying the primary cardholder or not). The fee for additional cardholders is $195 each.

In addition to the chance for indulgent preflight relaxation and avoiding airport chaos, the Platinum Card from American Express offers up to 80,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first six months of membership. (Terms apply.) The benefits significantly outweigh the $695 annual fee, with annual statement credits potentially reaching up to $2,000. These include up to $200 each year for airline incidentals, $200 annually for Uber/UberEats (provided in Uber Cash), and up to $240 per year for digital entertainment, covering services like Hulu, Disney+, SiriusXM, and the New York Times. Personally, in 2022, I earned $1,934 in statement credits with my AmEx Platinum, enjoying countless moments of luxury at Centurion lounges worldwide.

While the offers stated above are correct as of publication, they are subject to change at any moment and may have altered or may no longer be available.