American Express will open its largest Centurion Lounge yet at Newark Liberty International Airport in 2027 and a second lounge at London Heathrow in 2028, and it's expanding its lounges in Philadelphia and Houston, the company announced on October 8, 2026. The change that reaches travelers first is in Philadelphia: the current lounge there closes for renovations beginning October 16, 2026, and Amex expects the expanded space to be fully updated by the end of 2027.
Amex calls this the largest expansion of its Centurion Lounge Network to date, spanning four locations. Here's what's planned at each airport, in Amex's own figures, and what it means if you use a Centurion Lounge today.
Newark Terminal A: More Than 30,000 Square Feet
The Newark lounge will be in Terminal A, span two floors and cover more than 30,000 square feet, which Amex says will make it the largest lounge in the network. That's up from the 18,000 square feet Amex originally announced for Newark. Amex expects it to open in 2027, and says it will then be the first credit card issuer with its own lounges at all three major New York City-area airports.
The release lists what's planned inside:
- A Blue Roast by American Express Coffee and Wellness Bar, with espresso drinks, cold brew and coffee from a local roaster, plus smoothies, avocado toast and chia pudding.
- Three bars: a Main Bar for cocktails and wine, a Specialty Bar that puts a modern spin on New Jersey diner culture, and a Pine Barrens-inspired Terrace Bar serving gelato, Italian pastries and Italian-inspired cocktails.
- Dishes from the Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge, created by James Beard Award-winning Resy chefs including Kwame Onwuachi, Mike Solomonov, Mashama Bailey and Sarah Grueneberg.
Philadelphia: Closing October 16, Then Doubling in Size
Philadelphia's lounge will double its current footprint, from 6,000 square feet to two stories totaling more than 12,000 square feet, with work by local artists. It temporarily closes for the renovation beginning October 16, 2026, and Amex expects it to be fully updated by the end of 2027.
If Philadelphia is your home airport, check the lounge finder in the American Express App before trips from October 16 on to see what else in the Global Lounge Collection is open in your terminal.
Houston: From About 8,000 to More Than 23,000 Square Feet
The Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) Terminal D will nearly triple in size, from approximately 8,000 square feet to more than 23,000, which Amex says will make it one of the largest locations in the network. Plans include a Blue Roast coffee bar, a specialty dining area with rotating plated dishes inspired by Houston and Gulf Coast flavors alongside the buffet, a second full-service bar, refreshed restrooms and premium shower suites. Amex expects the lounge to be fully updated by 2028.
Heathrow Terminal 5: A Second London Lounge
Amex plans a second Heathrow lounge in Terminal 5, alongside its existing Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3. It will be more than 9,000 square feet, with dedicated work areas and a VIP area, and Amex expects it to open in 2028. Amex says that will make it the first credit card issuer with two of its own lounges at Heathrow.
What It Means for Your Next Trip
The first change you'll see is Philadelphia's closure on October 16, 2026. Amex expects Newark to open in 2027, Houston to be fully updated by 2028 and Heathrow Terminal 5 to open in 2028.
Amex counts 33 Centurion Lounge locations worldwide, including Amsterdam Schiphol, which recently opened. Earlier this year it also announced a lounge for Boston Logan, a Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge for Charlotte and an expansion of its Dallas Fort Worth lounge.
Here's how access works today. U.S. Platinum Card from American Express members have unlimited complimentary access to every Centurion Lounge, and must arrive within three hours of their departing flight. Guests cost $50 each, or $30 for children aged 2 through 17, unless you've qualified for complimentary guest access, and they must be on your flight. Our Centurion Lounge guide covers the other cards that get you in and when the Platinum pays off.
