American Express Centurion Lounge

Flying can be stressful, but having a space to unwind, wait for your delayed flight, or simply recharge your devices can make all the difference. That’s where the Centurion Lounges come in. Designed for American Express clients, these lounges offer a sanctuary in airports and are accessible to holders of specific credit cards.

Wondering how to get into Centurion Lounge and what the requirements are? Keep reading to discover the perks of Amex lounges, the services they offer, and where you can find them.

What Is Amex Centurion Lounge Network?

What is Centurion Lounge exactly? The Amex Platinum Centurion Lounge network, designed for Amex clients, includes over 25 lounge spaces in both domestic and international airports. The goal of these lounges is to elevate your travel experience by offering a range of amenities, entertainment options, and other services. Depending on the location, you might find everything from spa treatments and exclusive menu options to fully equipped conference rooms.

Access to these lounges is reserved for premium American Express сardholders.

How to Access Centurion Lounge?

Curious about the Centurion Lounge access rules? Here’s what you need to know.

The first thing to mention is that these lounges are exclusive, and are designed in such a way that you can’t just buy access to one on the spot.

If we are talking about complimentary access to any Centurion Lounges worldwide, there are several Amex cards offering this feature. They include the following:

• Amex Business Platinum Card;
• Amex Corporate Platinum Card;
• Amex Platinum Card;
• Amex Centurion Card.

Those using Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card can also enter the network of Centurion Lounges for free, but there is a special condition to meet. The cardholders need to fly exclusively with Delta Air Lines, which is not the case with the mentioned Amex cards. What’s more, Delta cardholders can access lounges only in the US, London, and Hong Kong.

Another essential requirement for any cardmember to enter a lounge area is to have a same-day boarding pass, so spontaneous visits without travel plans won’t be possible.

What Are the Benefits of American Express Centurion Lounges?

Now that you know how to get Amex Centurion Lounge access, you probably wonder—what advantages do these lounges provide? Here are some of the key benefits you can enjoy:

Relaxation and Spa Services

Depending on where you are, a lounge room may provide various spa treatments, massages, and facials. Some of the Centurion locations come with showers—perfect for a weary traveler.

Digital Services and Entertainment

The standard airport Wi-Fi usually doesn’t work well because so many people try to connect at once. Fortunately, in a Centurion lounge, you can count on high-speed Wi-Fi that won’t let you down. On top of that, you’ll have access to a variety of digital entertainment options—TV, books, and magazines.

Meals and Drinks

Centurion lounges are all about serving signature meals to their guests. The dishes are usually seasonal and courtesy of well-known chefs who focus on local flavors.

No matter which lounge you find yourself in, you can always head to the bar. If you’re up for a drink, you’ll have plenty to choose from, including a range of spirits, wines, and even exclusive cocktails.

Conference Rooms

For those who can't afford to put their work on hold, some Centurion Lounges have conference rooms where you can hunker down and stay productive. This way, you’ll avoid distractions and even have the space to hold full-on meetings if you’re traveling with a team.

Centurion Club Access: What’s the Guest Policy?

A key part of American Express Centurion Lounge access is the guest policy. So, do you need to pay for each guest? Let’s break it down.

Regardless of the lounge you stay in, you can bring guests along, whether they are family or friends. If you meet certain requirements, there’s no charge. Otherwise, you’ll need to pay a fee per guest.

Cardholders of Amex Business Platinum and Platinum who spend $75,000 more on their cards can bring two guests to any Centurion Lounge in the US, Hong Kong International, or London Heathrow.

If you have one of these cards but don’t meet the spending threshold, the guest pass will set you back $30 for a child under 17 and $50 for an adult. Children under the age of 2 are admitted free of charge.

Those holding Delta SkyMiles Business Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Reserve need to pay the same fee to access lounges in the U.S., Hong Kong, or London Heathrow—there are no free guest options for Delta cardmembers.

If you are a traveler with a Corporate Platinum Card, you can take two guests with you for free to all U.S lounges, as well as those in Hong Kong and London Heathrow.

With the AmEx Centurion Card—the one with the highest annual fee—there are no spending requirements. If you are a cardmember, you can bring along your immediate family (children under 18 and partner/spouse) or up to two complimentary guests to the abovementioned airports at no cost.

What if the Lounge Is Full?

Even if you have the right cards, you might run into a frustrating situation: you show up at the lounge, and it turns out that it’s already packed.

The lounges are organized in such a way that you cannot reserve your spot in advance. They work on a first-come, first-served basis, so there may not be a place when you arrive.

If there’s no room when you arrive, you can leave your name and phone number so you can be on the list. Then, you’ll get a message once a spot opens up. Another option is to use the mobile app, which lets you check how full a lounge is and join the waiting list from your phone.

Key Centurion Lounge Amex Platinum Locations

While American Express lounge locations share a similar vibe, offering a place to relax, enjoy some entertainment, and grab a bite, each location has its own perks in terms of additional services. Before going to any lounges of the network, it’s a good idea to know what you can expect. Let’s check out some of the main spots.

New York City (John F. Kennedy International Airport)

Open: 5 a.m to 10 p.m.

Where to find: Terminal 4, next to the escalators after security, to the left.

The lounge caters to both casual travelers and those who are taking trips for work. You will find showers, a separate family room, a phone room, and a work-related space. The Equinox lab offers spa services at the location, and you can also grab your coffee or a cocktail at the bar. The lounge boasts its menu, crafted by a famous chef, Ignacio Mattos.

Las Vegas (Harry Reid International Airport)

Open: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Where to find: Concourse D, opposite gate D1. You can get to the concourse by taking a train from Terminal 3 or 1.

Another Centurion lounge you can access is at the Harry Reid International Airport. Here, you can enjoy seasonal dishes from chef Kim Canteenwalla, who was nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award. On top of incredible food, you will find showers, dedicated workspaces, a family room, large TVs, and even conference rooms.

Houston (George Bush Intercontinental Airport)

Open: 6 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Where to find: Terminal D. You can take an elevator to access the location near gate D12. Use the Skyway train if coming from other terminals.

The strong point of this lounge is its menu, which Justin Yu, the head of Theodore Rex restaurant, created. The lounge also features a tranquil area where you can truly relax. In addition, the lounge has a standard amenity selection that includes shower suites, work areas, and phone rooms—perfect for relaxing or getting things done before your flight.

Denver (International Airport)

Open: 5 a.m to 10 p.m.

Where to find: Concourse C, mezzanine level, after you pass gate 46.

The lounge at the Denver International Airport stands out with its fun features—a live cooking station, a pool table, and also a bar that serves craft beer. The Italian menu is carefully created by chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, and everyone can find something to their taste. Other services include a family room, showers, and work areas.

Hong Kong, China (International Airport)

Open: 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Where to find: Terminal 1, Level 7. You can get to the lounge by taking the escalator near gate 60.

No list would be complete without mentioning the international Centurion lounges. If you’re craving authentic local cuisine, this spot in Hong Kong is definitely where you want to be—the menu is inspired by traditional Hong Kong traditions. With Centurion lounge access, you can also sip on signature cocktails at a bar. Like other Centurion lounges, this one has showers and workspaces, so you can freshen up or stay productive during your layover.

London, U.K. (Heathrow Airport)

Open: 5.30 a.m to 9 p.m.

Where to find: Level 2, Area A, Terminal 3 after completing the security check.

This lounge won’t let you go hungry, thanks to a Middle Eastern-inspired menu from chef Assaf Granit. Also, keeping in line with the traditions, this Centurion Lounge doesn’t disappoint with its selection of teas. If you cannot leave your work behind and need to stay productive, there are phone rooms and workspaces at your service.

Access to Centurion lounges is one of the top perks of having premium American Express cards. This membership benefit is just what a frequent traveler needs, as it provides an unmatched level of comfort for a person constantly on the go. Instead of hanging around in the general waiting area, you can unwind in a lounge, sip on a drink, and get a taste of a chef-crafted dish.

Before you head to a specific lounge, it’s a good idea to check out the services it offers in advance. And remember, you’ll need a same-day boarding pass to get in, and there is no way to reserve a seat ahead of time.