The Complete Guide to American Express Centurion Lounges: Locations, Access, and What to Expect in 2025
Intrigued by the offerings of Amex's Centurion Lounges? Centurion Lounges are superior to most other airport lounges in multiple aspects. They usually provide seasonally influenced cuisine prepared by acclaimed local chefs, unique signature cocktails, high-quality spirits, and handpicked wine selections.
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If you've ever wondered what makes American Express Centurion Lounges the gold standard of airport lounges, you're in for a treat. These aren't your typical airport waiting areas with stale pretzels and uncomfortable chairs. We're talking about premium spaces with chef-prepared meals, craft cocktails, and amenities that can transform your travel experience. For a broader overview of all airport lounge options, see our complete guide to airport lounge access.
Whether you're a seasoned Amex cardholder or considering taking the plunge into premium travel cards, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about accessing and maximizing these exclusive lounges.
What Makes Centurion Lounges Special?
Unlike other airport lounges where you can buy a day pass, Centurion Lounges are exclusively for eligible American Express cardholders. This exclusivity means less crowding and a more premium experience overall. If you're new to the world of premium travel cards, check out our beginner's guide to travel hacking to understand how these benefits can transform your travel experience.
Here's what sets them apart:
Locally-Inspired Cuisine: Each lounge features menus created by acclaimed local chefs using regional ingredients. You're not just getting airport food—you're getting a taste of the destination.
Premium Bar Program: With wine selections curated by Anthony Giglio and cocktails designed by mixologist Jim Meehan, the drink offerings rival many upscale restaurants. This is a step above what you'll find with most Priority Pass lounges.
Thoughtful Design: These aren't cookie-cutter spaces. Each lounge reflects its location's culture and aesthetic, creating a sense of place even within an airport.
Family-Friendly Features: Dedicated family rooms and kids' areas make traveling with children much more manageable. For more tips on family travel with points, see our family travel rewards strategy guide.
Current Centurion Lounge Locations
American Express has been aggressively expanding its Centurion Lounge network, and the current lineup includes some exciting recent additions. Here are all the locations where you can escape the airport chaos:
Recent Openings and Major Updates
Atlanta (ATL) became the crown jewel of the Centurion network when it opened in 2024. At nearly 26,000 square feet, it's the largest Centurion Lounge to date and features two outdoor patios—a rarity in airport lounges.
Washington D.C. (DCA) opened in 2024 as well, bringing 12,000 square feet of luxury to the nation's capital with floor-to-ceiling windows offering airfield views.
San Francisco (SFO) is currently in transition. The original Terminal 3 location closed for major airport construction and won't reopen until 2027. However, a temporary location in Terminal 2 near gate D12 opens June 15, 2025, so travelers won't be left without lounge access.
Coming Soon: The Future of Centurion Lounges
The expansion isn't stopping. Here's what's on the horizon:
- Salt Lake City (SLC): Opening in 2025 with 16,000 square feet and a mountain view terrace
- Tokyo Haneda (HND): July 2025 opening marks Amex's first Centurion Lounge in Japan
- Newark (EWR): Scheduled for 2026 to serve the New York metro area
- Boston (BOS): Expected in 2027
How to Access Centurion Lounges
Getting into a Centurion Lounge requires one of these American Express cards:
Primary Access Cards
The Platinum Card® from American Express: The flagship card that started it all. At $695 annually, it's pricey, but the lounge access alone can justify the fee if you travel frequently. Read our complete Platinum Card review for a detailed breakdown of all benefits.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Perfect for business travelers who want the same premium lounge access with business-focused benefits.
Centurion® Card from American Express: The legendary "Black Card" that's invitation-only and comes with the highest level of benefits.
Special Access Cards
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card offers Centurion Lounge access when you're flying Delta and booked your flight with the card. It's a more affordable entry point into the Centurion ecosystem.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: The business version with the same Delta-specific lounge access benefits.
Understanding the Guest Policies (Updated 2025)
Here's where things get a bit complicated, and it's important to understand the current rules before you travel.
Guest Access by Card Type
Centurion Cardholders: Can bring two guests or immediate family (spouse/domestic partner plus children under 18) at no charge.
Platinum Cardholders: The rules changed in February 2023. You now need to spend $75,000 in a calendar year to bring two guests for free. If you haven't hit that threshold, guest passes cost $50 per adult or $30 per child (ages 2-17).
Delta Reserve Cardholders: Can bring up to two guests, but each guest costs $50 per visit.
Making It Work for Families
If you're traveling with more than four people, here are your options:
- Pay the guest fees: For a family of four (two adults, two children) with one Platinum cardholder, expect to pay $110 in guest fees.
- Add authorized users: For $175 annually, you can add up to three authorized Platinum cardholders, which can be more cost-effective for frequent travelers. Learn more about maximizing authorized user benefits.
- Consider the spending threshold: If you put significant expenses on your Platinum card, reaching that $75,000 threshold might be achievable and restore free guest access. Check out our guide to meeting credit card spending requirements for strategies.
What to Expect Inside
Every Centurion Lounge includes these standard amenities:
- Member Services desk for assistance and information
- Locally-inspired cuisine that changes seasonally
- Premium bar with wine, beer, and craft cocktails
- Family room with kid-friendly features
- High-speed Wi-Fi for staying connected
- Business services including printing and copying
- Magazines and newspapers
Select locations also offer:
- Shower suites for freshening up during long layovers
- Spa services for ultimate relaxation
- Private workspaces for getting things done
- Game rooms for entertainment
Lounge Etiquette and Pro Tips
Before You Go
Check capacity: Popular lounges can fill up, especially during peak travel times. The Amex app now offers a digital waitlist feature at U.S. locations, so you can join the queue remotely.
Timing matters: You can enter up to three hours before your departure (no restriction for connecting flights), but arriving during off-peak hours typically means shorter waits.
Bring required documents: You'll need your eligible Amex card, government-issued photo ID, and boarding pass with confirmed seat assignment.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Try the local specialties: Each lounge features regionally-inspired dishes that you won't find elsewhere in the airport.
Sample the cocktail program: The craft cocktails are genuinely impressive and often feature local spirits and ingredients.
Use the business services: Need to print boarding passes or send important documents? The business center has you covered.
Take advantage of spa services: If available at your location, these services can help you arrive refreshed.
Is Centurion Lounge Access Worth It?
The value proposition depends on your travel patterns and spending habits. Here's how to think about it:
High value scenarios:
- You travel frequently through airports with Centurion Lounges
- You often have long layovers or delays
- You travel with family and can make the guest policies work
- You can maximize other Platinum card benefits
Lower value scenarios:
- You rarely travel through Centurion Lounge airports
- You typically have short connections
- You travel alone and don't need guest access
- The annual fee strains your budget
For a complete comparison of premium travel cards and their lounge benefits, check out our best credit cards for airport lounge access guide.
The Bottom Line
Centurion Lounges represent the pinnacle of airport lounge experiences in the United States. The combination of exceptional food, premium beverages, and thoughtful amenities creates a travel experience that can actually make you look forward to time at the airport.
The key is choosing the right card for your travel patterns. The Platinum Card® from American Express remains the gold standard for lounge access, while the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve cards offer a more targeted approach for Delta flyers.
With continued expansion planned through 2027, the Centurion Lounge network will only become more valuable for frequent travelers. If you're already considering a premium travel card, the Centurion Lounge access might just tip the scales in favor of American Express.
Ready to upgrade your travel experience? Check out our detailed reviews of the Platinum Card® from American Expressand Business Platinum Card® from American Express to see which option works best for your travel style. You can also compare these with other premium options in our Capital One Venture X vs. Amex Platinum comparison.
