Everything you need to know about American Express Centurion Lounges
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American Express’ Centurion Lounges were the first of their kind when the lounge network opened its first location in Las Vegas (LAS) in 2013. It was the first credit card-branded airport lounge, offering upgraded amenities like chef-designed food menus, cocktail bars, and modern design.
Since then, American Express has kept opening new Centurion Lounges worldwide. Amsterdam (AMS) is now open, and Boston (BOS), Newark (EWR) and a Sidecar lounge in Charlotte (CLT) are listed as coming soon.
Here, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Amex Centurion Lounges, from the cards you can use to access these lounges to their amenities and where you’ll find them.
What are Amex Centurion Lounges?
Amex Centurion Lounges are airport lounges found at major airports around the world. They’re only available to select American Express cardholders, and you cannot enter these lounges with a Priority Pass membership or airline elite status. Likewise, you cannot pay for entry.
These lounges are outfitted with premium amenities and provide a comfortable place to relax or get work done before your flight. That said, note that Centurion Lounges can be overcrowded during peak travel times. In this case, you may be added to a waitlist before enjoying the lounge.
Amex Centurion Lounge amenities
Amenities vary by Centurion Lounge, but you can expect the following at every one of them:
- Chef-inspired hot meals and gourmet snacks
- Premium open bar with cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits
- Free high-speed Wi-Fi
- Power outlets and USB ports to charge devices
- Comfortable seating for work or relaxation
- Quiet workspaces and business amenities like printers
Some lounges — like the largest Centurion Lounge in Atlanta (ATL) — feature outdoor terraces that are open when weather permits. Likewise, you’ll find showers, speakeasies, espresso bars, and even relaxation rooms at some Centurion Lounges.
Where you’ll find Amex Centurion Lounges
The network changes often, so check the official Centurion Lounge site for the current list, hours and exact locations. As of October 18, 2026, it shows Centurion Lounges at these U.S. airports:
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Charlotte (CLT)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- Denver (DEN)
- Houston (IAH)
- Las Vegas (LAS), plus a smaller Sidecar lounge
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Miami (MIA)
- New York (JFK)
- New York (LGA)
- Philadelphia (PHL)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- San Francisco (SFO), temporary location
- Seattle (SEA)
- Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Outside the U.S., the official site lists Centurion Lounges at these airports:
- Amsterdam (AMS)
- Buenos Aires (EZE)
- Delhi (DEL)
- Hong Kong (HKG)
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Melbourne (MEL)
- Mexico City (MEX)
- Monterrey (MTY)
- Mumbai (BOM)
- Stockholm (ARN)
- Sydney (SYD)
- Tokyo Haneda (HND)
How to access Amex Centurion Lounges
You can access Centurion Lounges with select premium American Express cards. The most common way to enter is with the Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, which let you visit Centurion Lounges within three hours of your flight’s departure time.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $895 | |||
| $895 |
Further, you can access Centurion Lounges when flying Delta Air Lines if you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card in your wallet. These cards also allow access within three hours of departure.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $650 | |||
| $650 |
These cards only include access for the cardholder and authorized users (as long as they have their authorized user card). You can bring a guest if you pay $50 per adult or $30 per child aged 2 to 17. Children 2 or younger can access for free with the accompanying cardholder.
Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cardholders can unlock guest access by spending $75,000 on their card in a calendar year. You can bring two guests with you when you reach this spending threshold.
When entering a Centurion Lounge, you’ll be asked for your eligible American Express card, an ID, and boarding pass. Have these ready before entering the lounge to speed up the entry process for you and your guests, if applicable.
Bottom line
American Express Centurion Lounges are great places to relax or work before a flight. You’ll enjoy complimentary food and drink, a dedicated Wi-Fi connection, and comfortable seating away from the chaos of the terminal. Just make sure you’re aware of entry rules and have the right American Express card before you enter.
American Express Centurion Lounges: Frequently Asked Questions
Which American Express cards provide Centurion Lounge access?
The Platinum Card from American Express, Business Platinum Card, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card provide access. You must enter within three hours of your flight departure time. Priority Pass or airline elite status do not grant access.
How many Centurion Lounges are there and where are they located?
As of October 18, 2026, the official Centurion Lounge site lists lounges at 16 U.S. airports (including Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami and New York JFK and LGA, plus a temporary location in San Francisco) and 12 airports abroad (including Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Hong Kong, Tokyo Haneda and Sydney). Boston, Newark and a Sidecar lounge in Charlotte are listed as coming soon. Check the official site before you travel, since the list changes often.
Can I bring guests to Centurion Lounges?
Guest access costs $50 per adult and $30 per child (ages 2-17), with children under 2 free. However, Platinum cardholders who spend $75,000+ annually can bring two complimentary guests. Authorized users with their own cards can enter independently.
What amenities can I expect at Centurion Lounges?
All Centurion Lounges feature chef-inspired hot meals, premium open bar with cocktails, free high-speed Wi-Fi, power outlets, comfortable seating, and quiet workspaces. Some locations offer additional amenities like outdoor terraces, showers, speakeasies, espresso bars, and relaxation rooms.
Do Centurion Lounges get crowded?
Yes, Centurion Lounges can become overcrowded during peak travel times, and you may be placed on a waitlist before entry. This is especially common at popular locations like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York during holidays and busy travel periods.
What do I need to bring for Centurion Lounge entry?
You’ll need your eligible American Express card, government-issued ID, and boarding pass showing departure within three hours. Having these items ready speeds up the entry process for you and any guests. Digital boarding passes on your phone are typically accepted.
Can I access Centurion Lounges without flying?
No, you must have a boarding pass showing departure within three hours to access Centurion Lounges. You cannot enter just to dine or work without an actual flight. This policy helps manage capacity and ensures lounges serve actual travelers.
Are there time limits for staying in Centurion Lounges?
While there’s no official time limit, access is granted within three hours of departure, which naturally limits your stay. During peak times or when lounges are at capacity, staff may implement informal time limits to accommodate waiting guests.
How do Centurion Lounges compare to airline lounges?
Centurion Lounges typically offer superior amenities compared to most airline lounges, including chef-designed meals, premium cocktails, modern design, and consistent quality across locations. However, they can be more crowded than airline-specific lounges during peak times.
Do I need to make reservations for Centurion Lounges?
Reservations are not required or available for general lounge access. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, though you may be waitlisted during busy periods. Some lounges offer reservable services like spa treatments or dining experiences that can be booked upon arrival.
