American Express just dropped some exciting news for travelers who prefer quick lounge visits over lengthy lounging sessions. The credit card giant announced Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge, an entirely new intimate airport lounge concept designed specifically for cardmembers with limited time before their flights.

The first location will open at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas in 2026, joining the existing Centurion Lounge that's been serving travelers since 2013. This follows American Express's recent expansion announcements, including new lounges coming to Amsterdam and Tokyo Haneda.

What Makes Sidecar Different from Regular Centurion Lounges

Unlike traditional Centurion Lounges where you might spend hours working or relaxing, Sidecar targets a specific traveler need: quick, premium refreshment before boarding. The concept acknowledges that many visitors spend less than an hour in lounges and want a more streamlined experience.

Key features of Sidecar include:

Speakeasy-Style Design: The space will feature an intimate, speakeasy-inspired atmosphere with table service rather than buffet-style dining.

Time-Limited Access: You can only access Sidecar within 90 minutes of your departing flight, reinforcing its quick-stop purpose.

Gourmet Small Plates: Curated small plates and signature cocktails will be available, developed by The Culinary Collective - a new partnership with James Beard Award-winning chefs including Kwame Onwuachi, Mashama Bailey, Mike Solomonov, and Sarah Grueneberg. You can read more details in American Express's official announcement.

Premium Beverage Focus: Expect craft cocktails curated by renowned bar director Harrison Ginsberg, who leads New York City's popular Overstory cocktail bar.

Who Can Access Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge

Access requirements mirror the main Centurion Lounge network. You'll need one of these American Express cards:

• The Platinum Card from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card from American Express
• Centurion Card from American Express
• Business Centurion Card from American Express

If you're deciding between American Express Gold vs Platinum cards, lounge access is one of the key differentiators that makes the Platinum worth considering.

Important: You'll still need a same-day boarding pass departing within 90 minutes, and you'll continue to have access to the regular Centurion Lounge at LAS as well.

Why This Matters for Travel Rewards Enthusiasts

This announcement signals American Express's response to ongoing overcrowding issues at Centurion Lounges. By creating a secondary, time-restricted option, Amex aims to distribute traffic more efficiently while maintaining the premium experience that sets their lounges apart from competitors.

The timing is strategic. Chase and Capital One have been aggressively expanding their lounge networks, with Priority Pass alternatives becoming increasingly popular. Sidecar represents Amex's innovation-focused approach rather than simply adding more square footage.

For frequent travelers who value premium credit card benefits, this creates more flexibility in how you use your lounge access. Whether you want a quick pre-flight drink or prefer the full amenities of the main lounge, you'll have options. If you're planning a Vegas trip to experience this when it opens, Expedia offers comprehensive travel booking options for flights and hotels.

Vegas as the Perfect Testing Ground

Las Vegas was a natural choice for this pilot concept. The original Centurion Lounge opened there in 2013, making it a symbolic location for launching new innovations. LAS also sees a diverse mix of leisure and business travelers, providing an ideal testing environment for the concept.

Harry Reid International Airport's unique layout, where passengers must take a tram between terminals, means the D Concourse location (opposite Gate D1) serves travelers from multiple terminals - perfect for gauging broad appeal.

What's Next for American Express Lounges

Beyond Sidecar, American Express is implementing The Culinary Collective across all 15 U.S. Centurion Lounges starting July 29, 2025. This represents the most significant dining upgrade in the network's history. As Fast Company reports, this initiative reflects Amex's focus on curated experiences over simply expanding capacity.

If you don't currently have lounge access through credit cards, options like Priority Pass membership can provide similar benefits at thousands of lounges worldwide. For comprehensive coverage of all American Express lounge benefits, including international locations, check out our complete guide.

Bottom Line

Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge represents thoughtful innovation in the increasingly competitive airport lounge space. Rather than simply expanding capacity, American Express is tailoring experiences to how travelers actually use lounges.

While we'll have to wait until 2026 to experience Sidecar firsthand, this announcement reinforces why premium travel cards continue to justify their annual fees through evolving, valuable benefits. For Las Vegas travelers specifically, having two distinct lounge options will significantly improve the airport experience.

The speakeasy concept sounds intriguing, and if executed well, could become a model for similar implementations at other Centurion Lounge locations facing capacity constraints. According to The Points Guy, the new concept will include restroom facilities and maintain the same access standards as regular Centurion Lounges.

For travelers looking to maximize their Vegas experience while earning points, consider booking through Hotels.com for hotel stays that complement your premium lounge access.