Amex Centurion Lounges: What to Know About Each Location, and How to Access Them

Here’s everything you need to know about the American Express Centurion Lounges.

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

Let’s face it: Air travel is stressful. Whether it’s waiting in lengthy security lines, pouring your beauty products into countless 100ml bottles, or just being crammed in a metal tube for hours with a horde of complete strangers, there’s no shortage of annoyances to endure during a typical trip. Yet for frequent travelers, one serious silver lining exists thanks to the oh-so-glamorous Centurion Lounge.

With more than 20 locations scattered across the globe, these stately spaces are one of many travel perks enjoyed by select tiers of American Express customers, acting as an added bonus to a $200 hotel credit for Platinum Card holders and a Membership Rewards point system that can be used with hotel, flight, and vacation package bookings. As you touch down at your next major airport for a long layover, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for a Centurion Lounge, one of the most glamorous hubs for killing time between flights.

How to Access Centurion Lounges

There are just six credit cards that grant access to Centurion Lounges. The American Express Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, Corporate Platinum Card, and the prestigious Centurion card all provide free entry to all Centurion Lounges, while travelers holding a Delta SkyMiles Reserve or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business credit card can enter free of charge as well — though holders of the latter two must be flying on a Delta flight, while owners of the first four cards can be flying with any airline.

Also note that each visitor must have a same-day boarding pass to enter the lounge, so visitors that have just landed at an airport are unable to access its Centurion Lounge, and unlike many other airport lounges, official Centurion Lounges do not allow travelers to purchase access at the door.

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access

What to Expect in the Lounges

Once you’ve gained access, there’s a wealth of plush amenities at your fingertips. Not content with offering a generic buffet spread, many of the lounges work closely with chefs to craft a carefully curated food menu that showcases local flavors and ingredients — and when it comes to drinks, each lounge is equipped with a wealth of high-end beers, wines, and spirits for guests to sip on.

Beyond drinking and dining, many of the spaces also offer location-specific flourishes that set them apart from each other. While certain lounges contain dedicated shower suites, spa treatments, and even speakeasies, each one across the United States has been specially designed to reflect the rich culture of its home city, with art installations and decorations installed to infuse the space with a hearty dose of local charm.

Related: The Best Airport Lounges in the World — and How to Get In

The bulk of the planet’s Centurion Lounges are scattered across the continental United States, but the venues aren’t confined to just the Lower 48. From Brazil’s largest city to the south coast of Australia, travelers can access the lounges in nine separate nations, each one offering its own amenities for guests to enjoy.

U.S. Lounge Locations

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport — Atlanta, Georgia

ATL's Centurion lounge, which just opened in February, is the brand's largest location at nearly 26,000 square feet. Located near Gate E11 in Atlanta’s international concourse, the lounge has two patios, a whiskey bar, and tasty cuisine from local chef Deborah VanTrece.

Charlotte Douglas International Airport — Charlotte, North Carolina

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

Frequent American Airlines travelers are all too familiar with the sprawling halls of CLT, and the airport’s Centurion Lounge offers some much-needed respite during a long layover. Sandwiched right between terminals D and E on the mezzanine level, this space is perfect for sampling flavorful Southern cuisine crafted at the behest of Chef Gregory Collier.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport — Dallas, Texas

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

The DFW Centurion Lounge offers all sorts of hearty Texas dishes designed by James Beard Award winner Dean Fearing. To snack on flavorful Texas mole, blackberry buckle, and other Lone Star State-inspired grub, just head to Terminal D, Gate 12 where the lounge awaits.

Denver International Airport — Denver, Colorado

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

Whether you’ve just finished an adventure across the Rockies or are just stopping by for a layover, Denver International’s Centurion Lounge offers a wealth of amenities for you to enjoy right by Gate C46. Amidst the pool tables and craft beer bar, guests can discover a food menu that celebrates the rich flavors of Italy, with each dish designed by the James Beard Award-winning Chef Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport — Houston, Texas

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

Just a few steps past Gate 12 in Terminal D, the IAH Centurion Lounge is awaiting Amex Platinum holders with open arms. Once you’ve grabbed a cocktail and signed onto the Wi-Fi, you can sample a wide array of dishes curated by James Beard Award winner and Houston native, Chef Justin Yu.

Harry Reid International Airport — Las Vegas, Nevada

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

After a few days of classic Vegas debauchery, the LAS Centurion Lounge is perfect for a little rest and relaxation before jetting off. Chilaquiles, monkey bread, and vegetable curry are just a few of the dishes on rotation thanks to Chef Kim Canteenwalla, available in the lounge opposite Gate D1.

Los Angeles International Airport — Los Angeles, California

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

With a menu created by James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton, LAX’s Centurion Lounge showcases the splendor of Southern California’s spectacular food scene immediately upon arrival — and to sweeten the deal, this Tom Bradley International Terminal space also comes with spa services for some added relaxation.

Miami International Airport — Miami, Florida

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

MIA serves as the Lower 48’s gateway to South America, and the airport’s Centurion Lounge is the ideal spot for a little food and drink before jetting off on a long-haul journey. Your stay begins with a trip to Terminal D, Gate 12, where you’ll find the lounge with a spa center and all sorts of fresh dishes designed by James Beard Award winner, Chef Michelle Bernstein.

John F. Kennedy International Airport — New York, New York

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

Just north of Rockaway Beach, JFK has been serving customers since 1948 — and in the modern era, this sprawling airport is equipped with a world-class Centurion Lounge of its very own. Upon arrival, guests can sample Italian-inspired dishes dreamed up by Chef Ignacio Mattos, then head to one of the lounge’s two bars — or even the polished speakeasy — for a well-earned cocktail.

LaGuardia Airport — New York, New York

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

Once widely regarded as New York’s worst airport, LaGuardia underwent a major renovation back in 2022 — and it’s even equipped with its own Centurion Lounge to boot. Once you’ve made it past security, you can make your way to the fourth floor of Terminal B to find a food menu by Chef Cedric Vongerichten as well as a roster of specially-made cocktails to sip on.

Philadelphia International Airport — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

After exploring Independence Hall and eating the best cheesesteak of your life, the PHL Centurion Lounge is eagerly awaiting your visit for one last meal in the City of Brotherly Love. To snack on dazzling dishes crafted by the James Beard Award-winning chef Mike Solomonov, all you need to do is head a few steps past Terminal A’s Gate 14.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport — Phoenix, Arizona

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

On a particularly sweltering Arizona afternoon, visitors to PHX can find refreshing beverages and AC on full blast just past Terminal 4, Gate B22. The lounge offers flavorful Mexican cuisine crafted by Chef Doug Robson, with options like eggs and chorizo during morning hours and pollo asado during lunch and dinner.

San Francisco International Airport — San Francisco, California

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

San Francisco has been a haven for artistic expression since the mid-1900s, and the SFO Centurion Lounge is perfect for a quick glimpse into the city’s legacy before jetting off from the West Coast. Once you’ve arrived at Terminal 3, Gate F1, there’s a wealth of Napa and Sonoma wines alongside California fare by Chef Ravi Kapur all available for your enjoyment.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport — Seattle, Washington

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

In addition to the corporate offices of Boeing, Amazon, and Starbucks, Seattle also hosts its very own Centurion Lounge at Sea-Tac. Perched on the mezzanine of the Central Terminal, the venue serves up dishes infused with a hearty dose of “Seattle Soul,” each one curated by local chef, Kristi Brown.

International Lounges

Ministro Pistarini International Airport — Buenos Aires, Argentina

Can’t get enough of Argentina’s world-class wine scene? The EZE Centurion Lounge has got you covered. In order to sip on high-end malbec, cabernet sauvignon, and chardonnay to your heart’s content (and snack on ample dining options), head up the stairs by Terminal B’s Gate 15 to access the lounge.

Indira Gandhi International Airport — Delhi, India

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

While the Indian capital of New Delhi is packed full of centuries-old landmarks, the DEL Centurion Lounge is loaded with modern amenities for guests to take full advantage of in between flights. To access the space and all of its free-flowing Indian fare and gorgeous runway views, just make your way to Terminal 3 between Gates 27 and 28.

Hong Kong International Airport — Hong Kong

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

Hong Kong is renowned for its incredibly flavorful cuisine, and the HKG Centurion Lounge doesn’t disappoint. To get your fix of local dim sum served alongside cocktails crafted at the behest of Jim Meehan from acclaimed bar PDT, head up to Level 7 at the escalator by Gate 60 to enter the space.

Heathrow Airport — London, United Kingdom

<p>Courtesy of American Express</p>

Courtesy of American Express

A world-class city like London deserves world-class airport amenities, and fortunately, the city’s own LHR welcomed its first Centurion Lounge in 2023. Located past security on Level 2 in Terminal 3, it’s got all your typical Centurion charm with an added English flair, plus a Middle Eastern-inspired dining menu by Chef Assaf Granit and a dedicated tea cart.

Melbourne Airport — Melbourne, Australia

With roughly five million people living across the metro area, Melbourne serves as one of southern Australia’s largest urban centers — and for travelers transiting through MEL, there’s even a Centurion Lounge to make use of. To dine at the on-site buffet and enjoy a few drinks, head to Terminal 2 and take the elevator just past Gate 7.

Mexico City International Airport — Mexico City, Mexico

Amex cardholders can discover a wealth of high-end amenities during a visit to the MEX Centurion Lounge, with three separate locations to choose from during a visit. Two venues for Centurion Card holders are located before security and between Gates 17 and 18 in Terminal 1, while Terminal 2’s mezzanine is equipped with a lounge that’s open to lower-tier cardholders as well.

Monterrey International Airport — Monterrey, Mexico

Perched at the foothills of Mexico’s Sierra Madre Oriental, Monterrey provides visitors with ample hiking opportunities, incredible restaurants, and two Centurion Lounges found within MTY. Each one lies just beyond Gate 4 of terminals A and B, and both are packed with ample drinking and dining options paired with work stations and speedy Wi-Fi.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport — Mumbai, India

Given its status as the most populous city in India, it’s a no-brainer that Mumbai comes equipped with its own Centurion Lounge. During your time in BOM, you can swing by Terminal 2 to access the lounge, with all sorts of incredible Indian fare available.

São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport — São Paulo, Brazil

Once you’ve experienced the hustle and bustle of downtown São Paulo, the GRU Centurion Lounge is the perfect place to unwind at the end of your trip. After you’ve cleared security, the lounge’s free-flowing drinks and beach-themed sitting area are just a short walk away, by the Terminal 3 “VIP Lounges” sign.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport — Stockholm, Sweden

Sweden’s capital city is home to gorgeous architecture, a thriving arts scene, and its very own Centurion Lounge. Just a few steps past the Uncorked Wine Bar, this polished hall is a top spot for Scandinavian-style drinking and dining before setting off on your next adventure.

Sydney International Airport — Sydney, Australia

SYD is currently the busiest airport in all of Australia, but Amex Platinum cardholders can gain some much-needed reprieve from the crowds during a trip to the on-site Centurion Lounge. To access the space, guests can head to Terminal 1, International Departures by Gates 50-63, where the lounge is well-equipped with fresh food and free-flowing Australian beer.

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