Amex Centurion Lounges: What Are They & Where Are They Located? [2024]

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If you’ve read any articles about The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ve probably heard about Centurion Lounge access, which is one of the most valuable benefits of the Platinum Card. But what exactly are Amex Centurion Lounges and why should you care about them?

What are Amex Centurion Lounges?

Centurion Lounges are American Express airport lounges known for being some of the nicest and well-equipped lounges found in the US. You can find them at many major airports in the US and across the globe but to get access you’ll need to hold an eligible card like The Platinum Card® from American Express.

How can I get access to Amex Centurion Lounges?

In order to gain access to a Centurion Lounge, you’ll need to have one of the following Amex cards:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Business Platinum® Card from American Express
• Corporate Platinum Card®
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card**
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card**
• Centurion® Card (invite only)

Authorized users with a Centurion or Platinum Card get access as well, which is a great deal because you can add up to three authorized users to the Platinum Card for just $175 per year (rates & fees).

Currently, you cannot purchase a membership for the Centurion Lounge.

**Note: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members are only eligible to visit The Centurion Lounge when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight and eligible lounges only include all Centurion Lounges located in the United States, Hong Kong, and London.

All information about the Centurion® Card and Corporate Platinum Card® has been collected independently by UponArriving.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is the most common way to get Centurion Lounge access for most UponArriving readers.

The awesome thing about the Platinum is that you also get access to other airport lounges like:

• Priority Pass Select Lounges*
• Delta Sky Clubs
• Airspace Lounges
• Escape Lounges
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Select Lufthansa Lounges

In my opinion, with so many quality options it’s the clear #1 card for airport lounge access. But it also stands out with additional features like:

• 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines and American Express Travel
• 5x points on hotels booked with American Express Travel
• $200 Uber credit*
• $179 CLEAR credit*
• Up to $100 in Saks Fifth Avenue credit*
• Up to $155 in statement credits for monthly Walmart+
• $200 Hotel credit*
• $300 Equinox credit*
• $240 Entertainment credit*
• $200 Airline Incidentals credit*
• Fine Hotels & Resorts Program
• Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred, and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive*
• Gold elite status with Marriott and Hilton*
• $695 annual fee (rates & fees)

*Enrollment is required for these benefits.

Arrival times and connections

With the Platinum Card, you can only visit the Centurion Lounge if you have a departing flight or are arriving for a connecting flight (same-day round-trip itineraries are not considered connecting flights.)

Also, you can only get in within 3 hours of the departure time stated on your boarding pass. In my experience, you can get in more than three hours before your flight if it is delayed but that’s probably a YMMV situation.

If your flight departs after the lounge closes for the day, they will admit you as early as 3 hours prior to the lounge closing.

Centurion® Card holders have more flexibility with access.

For example, they can enter beyond three hours and even enter when arriving at the airport. As long as they have a same-day boarding pass and access to the terminal they can get in.

Getting into the lounge

Once you show up to the Centurion Lounge, you must present the Centurion agent with:

• Your American Express card
• A boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier
• A government-issued ID

During busy hours, there may be a wait list. In that case, you’ll put your phone number down and then get a text message whenever the lounge is ready for you to enter.

Sometimes the wait may only be 5 to 10 minutes but other times you could be waiting over 30 minutes.

It doesn’t matter what carrier you are flying with or if you’re flying first class or basic economy, as long as you have your American Express card with you and your boarding pass and ID, you can get access to the lounge.

Tip: If you don’t have your physical card you can still probably get in with mobile check-in which can be done through the American Express app.

Centurion® Card holders also have special privileges for access. They often can get in even when the lounge is at capacity and sometimes they even have special reserved tables or even special rooms they can access.

All information about the Centurion® Card and Corporate Platinum Card® has been collected independently by UponArriving.

What airports have Amex Centurion Lounges?

Currently, you can find Amex Centurion Lounges at the following locations below. As you can see, they typically open around 5am to 7am and stay open until late but none of them in the US are open 24 hours.

Almost all lounges are located after security, but keep in mind that if you’re coming from another terminal like at MIA, you might have to re-enter security to get back to your terminal after accessing the lounge.

Here are all of the current locations for Amex Centurion Lounges:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Location: The Lounge is located post-security in Concourse E, directly beside Gate E11.
  • Hours: 6:00am to 11:00pm

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
  • Location: The lounge is located in Terminal 2 on Level 2, before the entrance to the B gates.
  • Hours: Sunday – Friday 5:00am to 9:00pm, Saturday 5:00am to 7:00pm

International Amex Centurion Lounges

In the past, most international Centurion lounges were not on par with what you come to find in the US.

I remember visiting the lounge in Sydney, Australia, and being extremely underwhelmed with what was a very crowded and stuffed lounge experience.

However, American Express recently announced that they were upgrading these lounges and so in the future they should be of a much higher quality.

One thing to keep in mind about these international lounges for now is that the guest policy differs for each lounge.

• Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
  • Location: Terminal 1, take the escalator just before Gate 60.
  • Hours: 7:00am to 12:00am

• London – Heathrow (LHR)
  • Location: Terminal 3 Post-Security, Level 2.
  • Hours: 5:30am to 9:00pm

• Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
  • Location: Terminal 5. After the Security Checkpoint, the lounge can be found between Pier E and F.
  • Hours: Sunday – Friday 5:00am to 6:00pm, Saturday 5:00am to 3:00pm

• Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
  • Location: Terminal 2, Domestic across from Burger King in the Domestic Departure Area.
  • Hours: 24 hours

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
  • Location: Terminal 3, Domestic and is adjacent to Gate 27 and 28.
  • Hours: 24 hours

• Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
  • Location: Terminal B, take the stairs near Gate 15 to the entrance on Level 2.
  • Hours: 9:00am to 12:00am

• Sao Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
  • Location: Terminal 3, after the Security Checkpoint and Passport Control, turn left and follow the signs to the ‘VIP Lounges’.
  • Hours: 11:00am to 3:00am

• Melbourne Airport (MEL)
  • Location: Terminal 2, International. After the Security Checkpoint and Passport Control, take the escalator opposite Gate 7 down to the entrance on the lower level.
  • Hours: 6:00am to 10:00pm

• Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
  • Location 1: Terminal 1, International pre-Security between Gate 8 and F1, beside the Urban Corner Restaurant.
  • Hours: 5:00am to 11:00pm
  • Location 2: Terminal 1, Domestic Departure area between Gates 17 and 18.
  • Hours: 5:00am to 10:00pm
  • Location 3: Terminal 1, Domestic Departure area, Gate B.
  • Hours: 5:00am to 11:00pm

• General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY)
  • Location 1: Terminal A inside Security. Go to the Departure Level, near Gate 4.
  • Hours: 5:00am to 10:00pm
  • Location 2: Terminal B in the Departure Level, near the Food Court in front of Gate 4, next to Starbucks.
  • Hours: 5:00am to 10:00pm

• Sydney Airport (SYD)
  • Location: Terminal 1, International Departures near Gates 50-63. Take the escalator or lift down to Level 1 to access the lounge.
  • Hours: 6:00am to 9:00pm

Centurion Lounge guest policy

Over the past few years, the guest policy has changed several times so it’s always good to brush up on the latest policy.

Currently, the guest policy depends on what type of credit card you are using for entry:

• Platinum Cardmembers may bring in two guests for free. 
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve Cardmembers may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
• Centurion Cardmembers may enter with up to two guests or immediate family (spouse or domestic partner, and children under 18) at no additional charge.

Platinum Card and Centurion Members may purchase a day-pass for any additional guests for $50. This day pass will be good at any Centurion Lounge on the same day as long as the guest is still accompanied by the Card Member.

Just remember that the guest policy is based on your status as a cardmember and not cardholder.

This means that even if you have both the personal and business version of the Platinum Card, you still are only limited to two guests and not four.

New guest policy update for 2023:

Beginning February 1, 2023, U.S. Platinum Card and U.S. Business Platinum Card Members will be charged a $50 fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17, with proof of age).

U.S. Platinum Card and U.S. Business Platinum Card Members will qualify to bring in two free guests if they spend $75,000 on their card between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and in each calendar year thereafter.

The new guest fee is just another reason why you should consider adding someone as an authorized user to your Platinum Card. That way, they will still be able to get through those blue doors for free.

Remember, you can add up to three for only $175 total per year (rates & fees).

This will get them free centurion lounge access and also Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta.

What amenities are offered by Centurion Lounges?

You can find the following features at some Centurion Lounges:

• Member Services Professionals to assist with you with various needs
• Dining developed in partnership with renowned local chefs
• Signature cocktails, premium spirits, and curated wines
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Semi-private workspaces
• Computer bar with printer/fax/copier
• TVs, magazines and newspapers
• Spa services*
• Wine tasting area*
• Conference room*
• Shower suites*
• Family room*
• Luggage lockers*

*Available in select locations.

Decor and vibe

Aside from the perks discussed above, I think the Centurion Lounges are bit unique because they’re just simply nicer than a lot of other domestic lounges.

Aesthetically speaking, I find the design, decor, and furniture more visually appealing and often times more comfortable than other standard airport lounges in the US.

And who could forget about the amazing scent….

As long as the lounge is not overcrowded, it feels like one of the best places to be in an airport.

Service

The service in Centurion Lounges is also great, too.

The staff members are usually exceptionally friendly, enthusiastic, and professional and will attentively serve you drinks and take requests.

They can also assist you with your travel itinerary and even help you make restaurant reservations. If you travel frequently, the staff will quickly become acquaintances with you.

That’s definitely not something you get in every airport lounge.

There’s also a certain “exclusivity factor” since you need to hold a premium Amex card to get in, although with the crowding issues at some of these Centurion Lounges, you may not necessarily feel so “exclusive.”

Dining and drinks

Centurion Lounges offer free dining and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.

For the dining, Amex teams up with renowned local chefs to deliver its cuisine.

For example, at DFW the menu features cuisine designed by James Beard Award-winning chef Dean Fearing and consists of locally-inspired dishes like Texas Migas.

However, if I’m being honest, the food in the Centurion Lounge can be a bit hit or miss for me.

There’s usually some decent options to choose from and sometimes they really hit the spot like the perfectly seasoned pot roast dish I once had at IAH.

But sometimes there’s just not a lot of food that I care for.

Centurion Lounges usually serve both healthy and “less healthy” dining options (I’ve seen fried chicken served up), so it’s not that difficult to “be good” at this lounge.

Overall, the food is usually acceptable to good and well beyond the finger food or snacks that you often find in some other US lounges.

It’s just not always knock-it-out-of-the-park delicious and I think they could step it up a little bit.

As for drinks, Centurion Lounges definitely know what they’re doing.

You’ll find premium spirits and curated wines, and if you’re into cocktails you can look into ordering the specialty cocktails that each lounge serves up.

One popular Centurion Lounge drink is the “Blue Door,” a name inspired by the lounge’s iconic doors.

It’s made with Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whiskey, Myer’s Rum, Herbal Liqueur, Lemon Juice, and Anise-Flavored Liqueur.

Unlike a lot of other airport lounges, you don’t have to pay for these signature cocktails.

Some of the newer lounges may offer special experiences like wine tasting.

You can usually get tea and coffee, too. Also, they usually have a container with some kind of infused water.

Tip: If you want to bring a little bit of the Centurion Lounge flavor to your home you can check out these recipes.

Nap rooms and relaxation

Another nice perk that some lounges like the one in Houston (IAH) have is a place to rest and take a nap on comfy chaise lounge chairs.

The lounge at IAH has also incorporated wellness into the lounge and has a new room offering free access to Calm content and a health and wellness menu with health-conscious beverage options, including hot Calm Relax Tea and Calm Focus Tea, coconut water, and other options.

Seating and work stations

If you’re in the mood to just sit in a comfortable chair, you’ll find those in the lounge, too.

Many of the lounges also have cubbies as seen below that offer you a semi-private experience.

In addition, you can usually find monitors displaying flight information in various parts of the lounge so you can stay updated on your flight status.

Assuming you can find an open workstation, it’s a great place to get work done with high-speed Wi-Fi, semi-private workspaces, and computer bars with a printer/fax/copier. Conference rooms might be available at some lounges as well.

Amex Centurion Lounges FAQ

Final word

American Express Centurion Lounges are some of the nicest domestic lounges that you’ll probably come across. There are more popping up each year and now it looks like they are expanding overseas, which is great to see.

I personally put a lot of value in my frequent visits to The Centurion Lounge at IAH and at PHX, since they give me a comfortable working space, quality wifi, and complimentary drinks and food.

Advertiser Disclosure: UponArriving has partnered with affiliate partners and may receive a commission from card issuers. UponArriving does not display all credit card offers and affiliate relationships may impact how offers are presented. 

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analysis & recommendations are UponArriving’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. 

Amex Disclosure: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.