The Centurion Lounges are the Dom Pérignon of the lounge world, only less vintage. Lounges already make you think luxury… And Centurion Lounges guarantee that you experience luxury.
We’re talking world-renowned chefs and curated wine lists. We’re not in your average Priority Pass Lounge anymore 🤫
So let’s just get the elephant in the room out of the way here—unlike its distant cousin, the Priority Pass, you cannot pay your way into the cozy lounge chairs of the Centurion.
This one all depends on what cards you hold in your wallet, but I must leave a little bit of this article to mystery… so let’s get on to it.
What is a Centurion Lounge?
The Centurion in Seattle
If you’re new to airport lounges, these are exclusive places inside your favorite airport that provide a quiet(ish) space, complimentary food or snacks, and other amenities.
Centurion Lounges are by American Express, and all lounges promise locally inspired cuisine, a premium bar, a separate family room, high-speed wifi, magazines & newspapers, and computer services.
Some lounges even have perks like complimentary massages, relaxation and meditation guides, full coffee bars (yum!) or a world-class tea selection if you’re in the British division (LHR), and more 🤗
Centurion Lounge Locations
There are 13 Centurion Lounges in the United States and 11 Centurion Lounges internationally.
United States Lounges:
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Las Vegas (LAS)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
New York John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK)
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Coming soon: Atlanta (ATL), Washington Reagan (DCA), Newark (EWR).
International Lounges:
Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE)
Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
Monterrey International Airport (MTY)
Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Mahaaraj International Airport (BOM)
Sao Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Sydney Airport (SYD)
How do I access a Centurion Lounge?
Now that you know all of the magic that is a Centurion Lounge, I’m sure you’re ready to get inside. Well, check your wallets folks! You need to be a holder of very exclusive card to enter through the doors of luxury.
Those cards are:
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees)
The Centurion Card (where luxury meets opulence—this little baby is by invitation only and comes with a $10,000 initiation fee 😳)
But once you have one of those shiny cards, you just need to flash it at the reception and present a same day boarding pass and ID.
It’s worth noting too that with one of those Platinum beauties in your wallet, you also get access to the Priority Pass lounge network.
Things To Know
You might be thinking, this all sounds grand, but sometimes experiences are better with friends… Can I bring a buddy with me to act like we’re food critics and wine connoisseurs?
The short answer is yes. But for this add-on, get your cash ready.
You can bring two guests in with you as a Platinum or Business Platinum card holder at the rates of:
$50 for guests 18+
$30 for guests 2-17
Free for guests below the age of 2
The Centurion Lounges are designed for your day of departure.
The obvious part of this equation is you can enter these lounges the day of your departing flight. You cannot enter if you’ve just landed (so no massages on arrival for you). That is, unless you’re there on a layover or connecting flight.
A final note to manage a potential lounge expectation hangover. As a reminder, lounges can get a little busy. And unlike you’re bucket list NYC restaurant, they do not take reservations.
If the Centurion Lounge is full, they’ll put you on a waitlist by phone number, and you can pray to the Air Traffic Control gods that a few flights depart early enough for your name to get bumped up the list.
Bottom Line
The Centurion Lounges are some of the best of the best. If you’re a frequent traveler, one of the American Express cards can give you loads of value just in lounge visits alone.
And with the Centurion, you’ll undoubtedly experience world-class amenities in airports all around the world.
