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The Complete Guide to American Express Centurion Lounges: Locations, Access, and What to Expect in 2025

Airlines
July 1, 2025
The Points Party Team

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:

U.S. American Express Centurion Lounge Locations

City (Airport Code) Location
Atlanta (ATL) New 2024 Near Gate E11 in international concourse
Charlotte (CLT) Intersection of Concourses D & E, mezzanine level
Dallas (DFW) Terminal D, across from Gate D12
Denver (DEN) Concourse C, just past Gate C46 on the mezzanine level
Houston (IAH) Terminal D near gate D6
Las Vegas (LAS) Concourse D, opposite Gate D1
Los Angeles (LAX) Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) near the Great Hall
Miami (MIA) Concourse D, near Gate D12 (4th floor)
New York (JFK) Terminal 4 past security
New York (LGA) Terminal B on 4th floor before the Eastern Concourse pedestrian bridge
Philadelphia (PHL) Terminal A West, near Gate A14
Phoenix (PHX) Terminal 4, across from Gate B22 on the upper level
Salt Lake City (SLC) Opening 2025 16,000 square feet with mountain view terrace
San Francisco (SFO) Temporary Location Terminal 2, Concourse D near gate D12 (Opens June 15, 2025)
Original Terminal 3 location closed for construction until 2027
Seattle (SEA) Central Terminal on the mezzanine level
Washington D.C. (DCA) New 2024 Terminal 2, past the South Security Checkpoint

Coming Soon: Newark (EWR) in 2026, Boston (BOS) in 2027

International American Express Centurion Lounge Locations

City (Airport Code) Location
Buenos Aires (EZE) Terminal B, near gate 15
Delhi (DEL) Terminal 3, adjacent to Gates 27 and 28
Hong Kong (HKG) Terminal 1 up the escalator before gate 60
London (LHR) Terminal 3 on level 2
Melbourne (MEL) Terminal 2 on the lower level
Mexico City (MEX) • Terminal 1 International, between Gate 8 and F1
• Terminal 1 Domestic, near Gates 17 and 18
• Terminal 2 on Mezzanine level
Monterrey (MTY) • Terminal A, near Gate 4
• Terminal B, near food court
Mumbai (BOM) Terminal 2 Domestic, on Level 3
Stockholm (ARN) Terminal 5, on Mezzanine Level
Sydney (SYD) Terminal 1 International Departures, near Gates 50-63
Tokyo Haneda (HND) Opening July 2025 Terminal 3, 4th floor near Gate 114

Note: São Paulo (GRU) location permanently closed in March 2025

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
Amex logo on glass in the centurion lounge

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:

  1. Pay the guest fees: For a family of four (two adults, two children) with one Platinum cardholder, expect to pay $110 in guest fees.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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