A Comprehensive Guide to Centurion Lounges: Access, Locations, and More

If you’re a frequent traveler and appreciate a posh airplane lounge, the American Express Centurion Lounges won’t disappoint. Many card issuers today offer travel benefits, but few deliver special perks like American Express.

In today’s article, we’ll take a closer look at these luxurious lounges, check out their locations, and discuss some of their key details so that you can enjoy a complete experience the next time you visit.

Getting Started With American Express Centurion Lounges

If you’re still weighing the pros and cons of choosing a travel rewards card vs. a regular cashback card, the Centurion Lounges might just tip the scales in favor of the former.

The first Amex Centurion Lounge opened in 2013 with the idea of providing travelers with upscale service and a place to relax when in transit. 

Since then, the Centurion network has spread to over 40 locations worldwide - from Miami and New York to Buenos Aires and Sydney. This network includes Centurion Lounges and its partner Escape Lounges.

Although the offerings might vary depending on the location, all these lounges have one thing in common: fine dining and beverages crafted with the help of award-winning chefs from all around the world. 

In addition to cozy seating, free Wi-Fi, and a quiet space for work, the Centurion airport lounges also provide free beer, wine, and tasty cocktails to all eligible cardholders. Due to their growing popularity, Amex has resorted to limiting access to within three hours of the same-day departure time.

Passengers who have a connecting flight can use the lounges during a layover of any length. And as these are departure-only lounges, cardholders can’t use them at their final destination.

Other Centurion Lounge Benefits and Requirements

We have already mentioned some of the key benefits you can expect once you enter one of the Centurion lounges with your American Express card, but there’s more to it. Not only can you enjoy the finest dining and drinks, but in some of these lounges, you’ll find stocked family rooms, spa services, and more. If you feel like it, you can take a nap or a shower to stay fresh for your next flight or your final destination.

Being as popular as they are, these lounges aren’t available to everyone. There are certain requirements you need to meet to be able to use them. Here is a list of all the members that can take advantage of Amex lounges: 

• Platinum Card® Members
• Business Platinum Card® Members
• Corporate Platinum Card® Members
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card Members
• Centurion® Members

To enter the lounge, passengers have to show their valid card, a physical government-issued ID for lounge access, and same-day boarding pass. The non-revenue standby passengers and those with standby tickets are not eligible for the Amex Centurion Lounges unless they have a boarding pass with a confirmed seat.

When it comes to bringing guests to the lounge, the terms may differ depending on the card you have.

If you’re a Platinum Card® Member, you may bring up to two guests free of charge. 

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members may bring up to two guests from a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight into Centurion Lounges in the US. The same conditions apply to the lounges at Hong Kong International Airport and London Heathrow Airport, though the applicable rate is charged in the local currency. 

According to the Centurion lounge guest policy, Centurion Members are allowed to bring up to two guests or immediate family members (but no children over 18) to the lounge at no additional cost. 

Platinum Card and Centurion Members may purchase a day pass for any additional guest for $50 to take into US Lounges or the same rate in the local currency of the country where the lounge is located.

The $50 one-day pass for additional guests is valid at any Centurion® Lounge location on the same day as long as the guest is accompanied by the Card Member.

If you have a child, you will be glad to know they are also welcome to these lounges. And if they are up to two years of age, they can be your guest completely free of charge. Service animals and emotional support animals are also allowed in lounges as long as they stay close to their owners at all times.

Amex Centurion Lounge Locations

Now that we know how these lounges operate and what some requirements and rules are, let's also check their locations. 

The US Locations

In the US, no major airport is without a Centurion Lounge. Here’s where you can access the lounges:

1. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

If you’re at the airport serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, you can find the Centurion Lounge in Terminal D, right across Gate D12. If you use the Skylink train, you can access the lounge from any other terminal as well.

The lounge is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and includes various amenities, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a family room, conference space, a premium bar, semi-private workspaces, and even a spa. 

At the Centurion Lounge in Dallas, visitors can enjoy Texas-inspired cuisine from award-winning chef Dean Fearing. Continental breakfast is available from 5:30 a.m. to 6 am, hot breakfast from 6 a.m. to 11:30 am, and lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

In addition to first-class dishes, this lounge also offers Texas-inspired wines and cocktails.

2. Miami International Airport

Miami International Airport is also part of the Centurion network. The lounge is located on the fourth floor, at Terminal D, near Gate D12. Passengers can access this lounge via the SkyTrain that goes through this terminal. From any other terminal, they will have to re-enter through security.

At the Centurion Lounge in Miami, users get to explore all the previously mentioned benefits. They can take advantage of a semi-private workspace, print out some documents, or check out the newspapers. If they wish to relax, they can take a shower or enjoy spa therapy.

The lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Continental breakfast is available from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., hot breakfast from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. All these dishes come from the kitchen of the famous chef Michelle Bernstein.

At the lounge, you can try multiple Miami-inspired wines and cocktails.

3. John F. Kennedy International Airport

Did you know that in April 2022, over 2.2 million passengers went through JFK Airport? If you are traveling out of the US, chances are you will cross paths with JFK, and if you’re an Amex cardholder, you shouldn’t miss your chance to visit what is, for many travelers, the best Centurion lounge there is. 

In addition to previously discussed amenities, this lounge, whose seating area spans 15,000 square feet, offers a dedicated workspace and a phone room. Its most popular features include a speakeasy, the Equinox Body Lab, and a specialty coffee bar ready to wow all caffeine addicts.

The lounge is located at Terminal 4, and it’s open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can get continental breakfast as soon as the lounge opens. From 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., they can enjoy regular breakfast, while lunch and dinner are served from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The food menu was designed by Ignacio Mattos, the founder of Mattos Hospitality.

Drinks are also part of this high-end experience. Only limited alcohol offerings are available from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sundays. Cocktails and the full bar are available from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day. 

4. Los Angeles International Airport

The next on our list of Centurion Lounges is the one at Los Angeles International Airport. This lounge is located in Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and operates from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The lounge can be accessed by terminal connector walkway from Terminals 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 and by airside bus from Terminals 2 and 3.

Unlike some other Centurion lounges, this one does not feature conference and phone rooms. However, it offers personal workspaces where users can catch up with their emails or tasks. This is significant, considering that business travelers generate about a quarter of total travel revenue in the United States.

The lounge also has a family room, large flat-screen TVs, and a spa. 

As well as the other Centurion lounges, this one also offers a top-quality Los Angeles-inspired food menu crafted by Nancy Silverton, one of the most admired chefs in the U.S. The hot breakfast is served from 6:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., while lunch and dinner are available from 11:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Cocktails and wines are also there, thanks to renowned mixologist Jim Meehan and sommelier Anthony Giglio, who curate the cocktail and wine lists, respectively, for all Centurion Lounges.

5. New York LaGuardia Airport

If you’re at New York City's LaGuardia Airport and looking for a place to relax before your flight, the American Express Centurion Lounge might be just what you need. The lounge is located at Terminal B, one level above security. Those departing from Terminal C or D will have to get on a shuttle bus to get to the lounge.

This lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays. It is a great getaway for passengers who have long layovers or just need a quiet place to loosen up a bit. 

It offers comfortable seating, free high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary food and drinks, and more. Continental breakfast is available from 5 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., and hot breakfast from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. When it comes to lunch and dinner, serving times are 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Sunday to Friday and from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays. 

The dishes are curated by Cedric Vongerichten, chef and co-owner of Wayan, a renowned Indonesian restaurant in New York.

6. Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is another one of the Centurion lounge locations in the United States. The lounge is located between Terminals D and E, but passengers can access it from all gates. 

It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and includes everything you could possibly expect from an airport lounge, from personal workspaces to a family room and a premium drink bar. Should you need any assistance, there’s a member service desk with friendly staff ready to help you out.

Unlike many other Amex lounges, this one does not offer any spa services. Still, there are plenty of activities for visitors to explore. 

When in this lounge, you definitely shouldn’t miss the opportunity to try the exclusive Southern-inspired dishes from chef Gregory Collier. Continental breakfast is available from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., hot breakfast from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

7. Denver International Airport

The Centurion lounge in Denver is an attraction you shouldn’t miss when at one of the world’s busiest airports. It is located in Concourse C, near Gate C46. The lounge is accessible from other terminals as well, but the passengers would need to take the train to Concourse C. 

The lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and includes some really cool amenities. It has a phone room and a dedicated work area, but also a live-action station, a craft beer bar, and a game room. 

So, whether you need to finish some work or just wish to play some pool, this lounge is an excellent option. You can grab a continental breakfast from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. or a hot one from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

For Northern Italy-inspired fare curated by chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, the founder of Frasca Hospitality Group, have lunch or dinner if you happen to be in the lounge from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

8. Las Vegas Harry Reid

Harry Reid International Airport, formerly known as McCarran International Airport, is home to the oldest lounge in the Centurion network. The Centurion lounge in Las Vegas airport operates from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors can find it at Concourse D, but can also access it from Terminals 1 and 3 by using the transit system. 

With semi-private workspaces, huge flat-screen TVs, and a premium bar, this lounge surely has a lot to offer. Visitors can take a shower, check out some magazines, or enjoy the local cuisine. Continental breakfast is served from 5 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., regular breakfast from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Kim Canteenwalla is the chef who stands behind all the meals. 

9. Houston George Bush Intercontinental

Houston is also on the Centurion lounge locations list. The lounge is at Terminal D of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and it’s an airside lounge, so you need to go through security to access it. If you’re at another terminal, you would need to take the SKYWAY train to Terminal D first. 

Besides the free Wi-Fi and a dedicated work area, this lounge also has a health and wellness space, a phone room, and a tranquility area.

Justin Yu is the chef responsible for all the dishes from the Three Grain Breakfast Porridge to Chickpea and Egg Stew. The lounge is open from 6 a.m., and visitors can get a continental or hot breakfast right away, while lunch and dinner are served from 11:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

The lounge closes at ​​8 p.m., which gives visitors plenty of time to try different food and alcohol offerings.

10. Philadelphia International Airport

If you’re at Philadelphia International, you will locate the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal A West, near Gate A14.

In this 6,300-square-foot lounge, there are both communal and semi-private workspaces, as well as a shower, a conference table, and an abundance of natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows.

The lounge is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the locally-inspired cuisine is there to make your stay worth it. Continental breakfast is served from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., the hot one is served from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and lunch and dinner from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Chef Michael Solomonov, co-owner of Zahav, is in charge of the Middle Eastern-style menu.

11. San Francisco International

Terminal 3, next to gates F1 and F2, is where you can find this American Express lounge at San Francisco International Airport. The lounge can also be accessed from International Terminal G. If you’re coming from any other terminal, you can ask the TSA agent to let you go to Terminal 3 through security. 

The lounge is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. but is currently closed because of renovations. It is expected that it will reopen by the end of 2022. Until that happens, passengers can take the pre-packaged meals and non-alcoholic beverages to go. The Grab&Go menu is available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Ravi Kapur is the chef that signs it. 

12. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

The Centurion lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is one of the smaller ones. However, it still has all the necessary features you might need between flights. It is located at Terminal 4, on the upper floor, right across Gate B22.

The lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and features workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi, a premium bar, and more. 

In this lounge, visitors can enjoy Mexican dishes made by chef Doug Robson. Breakfast is served from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and lunch and dinner are served from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

In addition to this exclusive menu, visitors can also enjoy premium vines and carefully-crafted cocktails. The limited alcoholic offerings are available from 5 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., while cocktails are on the menu from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

13. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

The Centurion lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is also a bit small, and it is the only lounge from our list that does not offer a full food menu. However, visitors can still get some healthy snacks like greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and seasonal soup. 

This lounge is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and you can find it at Concourse B, opposite Gate B3. Similar to other Centurion lounges, this one also offers fast Wi-Fi, power stations, large flat-screen TVs, and a premium bar. Limited alcohol offerings are available from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., while cocktails are served from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

International Centurion Lounges

We’ve already mentioned that the Centurion lounge network has a strong presence outside the United States as well. Here are the international locations:

• Hong Kong International Airport
• Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai)
• Sao Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport 
• Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Buenos Aires)
• London’s Heathrow Airport
• Stockholm Arlanda Airport
• Melbourne Airport
• General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (Monterrey)
• Mexico City International Airport
• Sydney Airport

All these Centurion lounges offer comfortable seating, quiet workspaces, locally inspired cuisine, and signature cocktails and wines to cater to everyone’s needs.

Final Thoughts

The Centurion network is already extensive, and American Express has announced that new airports with Centurion lounges will be added in 2023. These include Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport. 

There are also some plans to expand existing lounges and add even more amenities, which is great news for frequent travelers looking to get the most out of their credit cards. 

Until then, you still get to explore all these amazing spaces designed for work and relaxation as jet lag becomes a thing of the past.