A New Amex Centurion Lounge Is Coming to Newark Airport — What to Know

The new lounge will be open to travelers in 2026.

It’s official: Amex is expanding its swanky Centurion Lounge to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Once unveiled, Amex will hold a lounge presence at all three major New York City airports, with Newark joining both New York LaGuardia and New York JFK.

It’s a boon for premium Amex cardholders — like those with the Platinum and Centurion — who live in or fly through the metropolis. However, don’t expect to be able to use the lounge anytime soon. Amex won’t debut the Newark Terminal A space until 2026.

A spokesperson told Travel + Leisure that while a 2021 proposal document had shown an opening date of 2023, Amex just signed a lease for the Newark lounge this month. Therefore, it isn’t expected to be ready for several years.

“The Centurion Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport is a strong addition to our global network giving eligible card members a taste of New Jersey’s history while delivering the premium experience and amenities that have become synonymous with the Centurion Lounges,” Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, told Travel + Leisure. 

Inside, true to the Centurion Lounge philosophy (like the recently expanded Seattle location), there will be a strong regional design influence. The Newark, New Jersey, outpost will feature a jazz bar and piano lounge, inspired by the state’s twentieth-century jazz era. Throughout the lounge, Amex says it will install artifacts and antiques that “celebrate New Jersey’s rich culture.” Travelers will also be able to grab a drink on the 1,400-square-foot indoor terrace with views of the airport’s airfield and Manhattan across the Hudson.

Currently, Amex has 15 full-fledged Centurion Lounges open around the world, with additional locations confirmed at Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Washington National Airport (DCA), and now, Newark. These pre-departure enclaves all feature elevated food and drink, with chef-curated meals and signature cocktails and wines. Some Centurion Lounges even offer more amenities: spa services, wine tasting, and shower suites. Best of all, all services are complimentary to eligible card members, such as travelers with the Amex Platinum.

This announcement comes at a pivotal point for Amex as it marks ten years of the Centurion Lounge network; the first location opened at Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) in 2013. Now, with over 40 locations (including Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner), Amex is doubling down on its airport presence. It comes at the right time, too. Two other credit card companies, Chase and Capital One, continue to develop impressive lounge concepts as they all compete for travelers.

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