American Express Centurion Lounges: How to Get Access
American Express Centurion Lounges: How to Get Access
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American Express boasts 13 Centurion Lounges in the United States and 11 in international locations, which are exclusively reserved for cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the Centurion® Card from American Express.
You can also gain access if you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, fly Delta and book your flight with your card.
The fact that American Express has its own lounge network makes it unique among other card issuers who offer premium travel cards. Here's a quick summary of where the lounges are located, key details about each location and how you can visit the next time you're in transit.
Centurion Lounge benefits
In fact, gaining access to Centurion Lounges only requires you to carry one of the top premium travel cards from American Express.
Centurion Lounges offer luxurious, locally inspired food and drinks. They're leagues above the lounges offered by U.S. airlines and comparable to the top lounges around the world. These lounges have typical amenities like food, beverages, Wi-Fi, work areas and more, without the necessity of a premium flight ticket.
Benefits you can expect when you escape to an American Express Centurion Lounge can vary, but may include:
- Member services desk
- Fresh, locally inspired food developed by local chefs
- Premium bar featuring wines and spirits
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Semi-private workspaces
- Computer access with printer/fax/copier
- TVs, magazines and newspapers
- Spa services
Currently, all U.S.-based American Express Centurion Lounges have reopened after temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The only exception is the Los Angeles International Airport location in California, which is currently closed to construction.
Hours may be limited and some amenities might currently be altered or inaccessible due to safety restrictions. For example, buffets are currently being replaced by preportioned cuisine options. You may also be able to use contactless check-in options for lounge entry.
Face masks are currently required when visiting Centurion Lounges, although you can remove your mask while eating or drinking.
How to access Centurion Lounges
The only way to get access to American Express Centurion Lounges is to have the right American Express card. In addition, these lounges are "day of departure lounges" — this means you can't gain access if you're arriving from a flight that just landed unless you can prove you have a connecting flight in the same airport.
The following Amex cards can help you gain access to Centurion Lounges:
Card | Annual fee | Authorized user access? |
|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card® from American Express
 See Rates & Fees. Terms Apply. On American Express' Secure Website | $695 | Yes (requires $175 authorized user fee).
Users added to complimentary Gold and Green Cards on your account are not eligible for access |
Access policies
Generally speaking, you can enter the lounge with a same-day boarding pass no earlier than three hours before your expected departure time. If accessing the lounge with a qualifying Delta SkyMiles® card, you must be flying on a same-day Delta marketed or Delta operated flight.
To access Amex Centurion Lounges, members will need to present:
- A qualifying credit card
- A same-day boarding pass
- A government-issued photo I.D.
Card members must be at least 18 years of age to enter Centurion Lounges without a parent or legal guardian. The minimum age for card members to enter a lounge without a parent or legal guardian at locations that feature a self-service bar is the local legal drinking age.
Bringing guests into an American Express Centurion lounge
Currently, qualifying Amex card members can bring up to two guests into Centurion Lounges at no cost through Jan. 31, 2023. Qualifying Delta SkyMiles® card members can bring up to two guests into lounges for a $50 fee (or comparable rate for international lounges) per guest per visit.
Additional guest passes are available for purchase at the time of entry for qualifying Amex card members. Additional day-passes cost $50 (or comparable rate for international lounges) per visit. All guests must be accompanied by a qualifying card member to enter lounges. Card members can bring children under two years of age into Amex Centurion Lounges with a lap infant boarding pass or proof of age.
Note: Starting in February 2023, cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express will be charged a $50 fee to bring a guest into a Centurion Lounge. Currently cardholders can bring up to two complimentary guests for each lounge visit.
To qualify for free guests in the Centurion Lounge in the future, card members will need to spend $75,000 on their cards within a calendar year. Card members who reach this spending threshold in 2022 will receive free guest access in 2023.
What happens if a Centurion Lounge is full?
Unfortunately, there's a chance that a Centurion Lounge will be full on the day of your flight. Lounge capacities are set based on local and state health guidelines, and entrance is subject to space availability. If a lounge is full, you won't be able to enter.
Recently, American Express added a feature to its mobile app that allows card members to view real-time lounge capacity status updates. The feature is located under the "Membership" tab within the Amex mobile app.
Centurion Lounge locations
American Express currently has 13 domestic lounges within its network, plus 11 international lounges. The following chart shows lounge hours and location in the airport.
City / Airport | Location | Hours | Past Security |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta (ATL) | Councourse E | New lounge coming in 2023 | Yes |
| Buenos Aires (EZE) | Terminal B, near gate 15 | 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. | Yes |
| Charlotte (CLT) | Intersection of Concourses D & E, mezzanine level | 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Yes |
| Dallas (DFW) | Terminal D, across from Gate D12 | 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. | Yes |
| Delhi (DEL) | Terminal 3, adjacent to Gates 27 and 28 | 24 hours a day | Yes |
The only current lounge closure in the United States is the Los Angeles (LAX) lounge, which is under construction. The Hong Kong (HKG), Melbourne (MEL) and Sydney (SYD) lounges are also closed until further notice. Some lounges may temporarily adjust their hours due to current COVID-19 conditions. Be sure to check before you visit.
Atlanta (ATL)
Location and schedule
- Location: Concourse E
- Hours: Not open yet (opening in 2023)
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Buenos Aires (EZE)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal B, near gate 15
- Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Notable amenities at this location
- Children's room
- Non-smoking lounge
- Internet terminals
- Wi-Fi
- Printers and copiers
Charlotte (CLT)
Location and schedule
Location: Intersection of Concourses D and E, mezzanine level
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast and Southern-style cooking from renowned North Carolina chef Joe Kindred
Notable amenities at this location
- Family room
- Personal workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi
- Locally inspired cuisine
- Premium bar options
Dallas (DFW)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal D, across from Gate D12
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast, plus locally inspired cuisine from James Beard award-winning chef Dean Fearing
Notable amenities at this location
- Family room
- Conference space
- Spa services with shower facilities
Delhi (DEL)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 3 adjacent to Gate 27 and 28
- Hours: 24 hours a day
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Notable amenities at this location
- Non-smoking lounge
- TVs
- Internet terminals
- Wi-Fi
- Printers and copiers
Denver (DEN)
Location and schedule
- Location: Located post-security in Concourse C, just past Gate C46 on the mezzanine level
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast along with Northern Italian cuisine from local Colorado chef and restaurateur, Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson
Notable amenities at this location
- Craft beer bar
- Game room with a billiards table
- General lounge area
- Family room
Hong Kong (HKG)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 1, up the escalator before gate 60
- Hours: Temporarily closed
- Cuisine: Hot breakfast and locally inspired cuisine
Notable amenities at this location
- Phone room
- Premium bar
- Dedicated work area
Houston (IAH)
Location and schedule
- Location: Located in Terminal D near gate D6
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast, along with healthy and seasonal cuisine designed by James Beard award-winning chef Justin Yu
Notable amenities at this location
- Family room
- Tranquility area
- Dedicated work area
Las Vegas (LAS)
Location and schedule
Location: Concourse D, opposite Gate D1
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast, plus decadent cuisine from James Beard award-nominated chef Kim Canteenwalla
Notable amenities at this location
- Conference space
- Family room
- Semi-private workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi
London (LHR)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 3 on level 2
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern Fusion dishes from Chef Assaf Granit
Notable amenities at this location
- Dedicated workspaces
- Premium bar
- Private showers
- Private wellness room
- High-speed Wi-Fi
Los Angeles (LAX)
The American Express Centurion lounge in LAX is currently closed for repairs. It will reopen later in 2021.
Location and schedule
- Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) near the Great Hall
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Cuisine: Grab-and-go packaged food and beverage options
Notable amenities at this location
- Family room
- Personal workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi
- Spa services
Melbourne (MEL)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 2 on the lower level
- Hours: Temporarily closed
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Notable amenities at this location
- Non-smoking lounge
- Wi-Fi
- Internet terminals
Mexico City (MEX)
Location and schedule
- Locations: Terminal 1, International between Gate 8 and F1; Terminal 1, Domestic Departure near Gate 17 and 18; Terminal 2 on Mezzanine Level
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., 6.a.m. to 8 p.m., 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Notable amenities at this location
- Non-smoking lounge (All)
- Wi-Fi (All)
- TVs (All)
- Conference rooms (Terminal 1 International lounge)
- Showers (Terminal 1 International lounge, Terminal 2)
- Internet terminals (Terminal 1 International lounge, Terminal 2)
Miami (MIA)
Location and schedule
- Location: Concourse D, near Gate D12
- Hours: 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast along with locally inspired dishes from James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein
Notable amenities at this location
- Family room
- Spa services
- Semi-private workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi
Monterrey (MTY)
Location and schedule
- Locations: Terminal A near Gate 4; Terminal B near the food court
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Notable amenities at this location
- Non-smoking lounge
- Children's room
- Wi-Fi
- Internet terminals
- Printers and copiers
- TVs
- Flight monitors
Mumbai (BOM)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 2 on Level 3
- Hours: 24 hours a day
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Notable amenities at this location
- Non-smoking lounge
- Wi-Fi
- TVs
- Flight monitors
New York (JFK)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 4, past security
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast, plus globally inspired cuisine from Uruguayan-born chef Ignacio Mattos
Notable amenities at this location
- Spa services from Equinox Body Lab
- Speakeasy
- Specialty coffee bar
- Family room
New York (LGA)
Location and schedule
- Location: LGA Terminal B, past-security 4th floor before the the Eastern Concourse pedestrian bridge
- Hours: 5 a.m to 9 p.m., Saturdays only: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast, plus modern Indonesian dishes from chef Cedric Vongerichten
Notable amenities at this location
- Semi-private workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi
- Member services desk
- Premium bar
Philadelphia (PHL)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal A West, near Gate A14
- Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast, plus international cuisine from James Beard award-winning Israeli chef Michael Solomonov
Notable amenities at this location
- Personal workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi
- Phone room
- Premium bar
Phoenix (PHX)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 4 across from Gate B22 on the upper level
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast, plus Mexican dishes from chef Doug Robson
Notable amenities at this location
- Workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi
- Premium bar
- Print, fax and copy station
San Francisco (SFO)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 3, near gate 74
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Cuisine: Hot breakfast and an array of California-inspired dishes from James Beard Award-nominated chef Ravi Kapur
Notable amenities at this location
- Family room
- Open kitchen
- Wine-tasting area
São Paulo (GRU)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 3
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Notable amenities at this location
- Non-smoking lounge
- Children's rooms
- Showers
- Wi-Fi
Seattle (SEA)
Location and schedule
- Location: Concourse B, opposite Gate B3
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Cuisine: Continental and hot breakfast plus locally inspired light bites
Notable amenities at this location
- Power stations
- Healthy snacks
- Premium bar
Stockholm (ARN)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 5 on Mezzanine Level
- Hours: 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Notable amenities at this location
- Non-smoking lounge
- Wi-Fi
Sydney (SYD)
Location and schedule
- Location: Terminal 1, International Departures near Gates 50-63
- Hours: Temporarily closed
- Cuisine: Premium food and beverages
Notable amenities at this location
- Non-smoking lounge
- Showers
- Wi-Fi
- TVs
Other Amex-affiliated lounges
While the Amex Centurion Lounge is the main lounge network that's exclusively affiliated with American Express cards, some cards also offer access to other lounge networks. For example, both The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express give cardholders a complimentary membership to Priority Pass. The Priority Pass network includes more than 1,300 lounges on its own, and the membership you get with these cards — called Priority Pass™ Select — gives you unlimited access (enrollment required).
The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also grant access to other Amex-affiliated lounges within the Global Lounge Collection. These include:
- International American Express lounges
- Escape Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounges
- Air Space lounges
Further, card members with The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can also enter Delta Sky Clubs when they fly with Delta Air Lines.
Amex Centurion Lounge FAQs
Is Centurion Lounge food free?
Food offered in American Express Centurion Lounges is included in your membership, so you won't have to pay a separate fee to sit down for a meal or some snacks. Keep in mind that food options can vary widely depending on the location, and that some locations currently feature grab-and-go options due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where are Amex Centurion Lounges located?
American Express Centurion Lounges are currently located in the following airports: Buenos Aires (EZE), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), Delhi (DEL), Hong Kong (HKG), Houston (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), London (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), Melbourne (MEL), Mexico City (MEX), Miami (MIA), Monterrey (MEL), Mumbai (BOM), New York (JFK), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), San Francisco (SFO), São Paulo (GRU), Seattle (SEA), Stockholm (ARN) and Sydney (SYD).
Who can access a Centurion Lounge?
Cardholders who carry The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the Centurion® Card from American Express can access Amex Centurion Lounges. Cardholders with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card can also enter these lounges when they're flying Delta and pay for their flight with their card.
What is the Centurion Lounge?
The Centurion Lounge is a type of airport lounge that is offered exclusively to cardholders with select American Express cards. This makes the Amex Centurion Lounge different from some other airport lounges, which are offered by broad lounge networks, individual airlines or airline alliances.
Are drinks free in Centurion Lounges?
Drinks are free in American Express Centurion Lounges, although drink options can vary by location. All locations offer bar access, yet some lounges have special features like a craft beer bar or a wine tasting area.
Can I use a Centurion Lounge on arrival?
American Express Centurion Lounges are for the day of departure only. This means you can enter the lounge up to three hours before you depart on your flight or during a layover between flights within the same airport.
Do you need to tip at a Centurion Lounge?
You are not required to tip at the Centurion Lounge. However, tipping is always polite and appreciated. This is true whether you choose to tip the person who makes your drink or you decide to leave a tip for the person who cleans your table or lounge area.
How many Centurion Lounges are there?
There are currently 24 different American Express Centurion Lounges. Many are based in the United States, though there are also 11 international locations.
How many guests can you bring in a Centurion Lounge?
Card members with The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can bring two guests at no additional charge. Meanwhile, Centurion® Card from American Express card members can bring up to two guests or immediate family at no additional charge. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card card members can bring up to two guests each into the lounge with a $50 per guest fee required upfront. The policy above will remain in place through Jan. 31, 2023. Starting in February 2023, The Platinum Card® from American Express guests will be charged a $50 guest fee. To qualify for free guests in the Centurion Lounge, card members will need to spend $75,000 on their cards within a calendar year. Card members who reach this spending threshold in 2022 will receive free guest access in 2023.
What airports have a Centurion Lounge?
The following airports boast their own American Express Centurion Lounge locations: Buenos Aires (EZE), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), Delhi (DEL), Hong Kong (HKG), Houston (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), London (LHR), Los Angeles (LAX), Melbourne (MEL), Mexico City (MEX), Miami (MIA), Monterrey (MEL), Mumbai (BOM), New York (JFK), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), San Francisco (SFO), São Paulo (GRU), Seattle (SEA), Stockholm (ARN) and Sydney (SYD).
What cards get you into a Centurion Lounge?
You can enter Centurion Lounges if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the Centurion® Card from American Express. If you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, you can enter when you fly with Delta and pay for your airfare with your card.
Are Amex Centurion Lounges worth it?
The value of American Express Centurion Lounges will vary widely depending on how often you can use them. If you frequently fly out of or through an airport with a Centurion Lounge location you can use during meal times, then you can easily get hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in value from your membership each year. If, on the other hand, you rarely fly out of an airport with a Centurion Lounge location, in that case a membership may not be worth pursuing.
Should you get an Amex card with Centurion Lounge access?
Fortunately, American Express cards that include access to Centurion Lounges offer an array of other benefits that add to the total package value. Not only can you earn American Express Membership Rewards on all your spending, but The Platinum Card® from American Express also gives you benefits like automatic elite hotel status, a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck®, credits for Uber rides and more.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here
For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here
The information related to The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card has been independently collected by ValuePenguin and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply to American Express credit card offers. See americanexpress.com for more information.
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