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Centurion Lounges are the signature airport lounges of American Express, free of charge to those with select premium American Express cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express (annual fee $695, see rates and fees). Like most airport lounges, they promise electrical outlets aplenty, high-speed Wi-Fi, personal workspaces, large flat screen TVs, premium bars, and more. But unlike most airport lounges, these glam spaces will make you want to arrive a few hours before departure so you can linger as long as possible.
To start, each Centurion Lounge features noteworthy food presentations created by local celebrity chefs. At every outpost, noted mixologist and author Jim Meehan (who kicked off New York’s speakeasy resurgence with his famed PDT bar) has engineered cocktails that speak to the host city while renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio has handpicked wines for the destination. Work, relaxation, and dining spaces have all been thoughtfully designed, and some lounges have shower suites or spas offering complimentary treatments.
Since debuting in 2013 with its first location in Las Vegas, the Centurion Lounge network has expanded to its current roster of 29 locations globally, with 15 in the United States. Here, we give you the rundown on each of the U.S. outposts, including where to find them, which terminals have access to them, and key amenities to look forward to.
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Charlotte, North Carolina
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
- Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado
- George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Houston, Texas
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, Nevada
- Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York City
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York City
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
- Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pennsylvania
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Arizona
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington, D.C.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
- Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Charlotte, North Carolina
Location: Between Concourses D & E, mezzanine level, near the airport’s central atrium
Opening hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Local flavors: Enjoy Southern-inspired modern cuisine from Gregory Collier of Leah & Louise fame. Don’t miss the cheddar cheese stone-ground grits, available at all mealtimes.
To drink: Cheery Cola, a sweet mix of Copper & Kings American Brandy, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, and Cheerwine
Standout feature: Abstract paintings by Charlotte artist Amanda Moody
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas
Location: Terminal D, across from D12; the lounge can be reached from any other terminal via the Skylink train.
Opening hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Local flavors: Enjoy Southwestern cuisine by Dean Fearing, the chef at Fearing’s at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas. His Texas mole with chicken and jalapeño cream corn will have you returning to the buffet line, over and over.
To drink: Tex Mex, a heady mix of Tito’s vodka, Cabeza Blanco tequila, corn, honey, lime, and jalapeño
Standout feature: An Exhale spa offers complimentary 12-minute massages.
Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado
Location: Concourse C, Mezzanine Level, near Gate C46; Concourse C is accessible by train from Terminals A and B.
Opening hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Local flavors: Check out the oh-so-Denver craft beer bar and feast on northern Italian cuisine from Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson, owner of popular Denver restaurants Frasca Food and Wine, Tavernetta, and Sunday Vinyl. Try the girini di pasta, a spelt pasta with guanciale, zucchini, rosemary, and Montasio cheese.
To drink: Cold Byrrh, an unlikely but awesome combination of Avery Liliko’I Kepolo wheat beer, Byrrh Grand Quinquina, and Leopold Bros. Rocky Mountain Blackberry Liqueur
Standout features: Live action chef station, pool table, and game room
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Houston, Texas
Location: Terminal D, reached via elevators near Gate D12; Terminal D is accessible airside via the upper-level Skyway train, not the lower-level subway train, which connects terminals outside of security.
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Local flavors: Indulge in vegetable-forward cooking by James Beard Award–winning chef Justin Yu, owner of Houston restaurant Theodore Rex. Try the beets, assembled with savory granola, spiced yogurt, and parsley.
To drink: Desert Oasis, a refreshing but potent blend of Siete Leguas Reposado Tequila, grapefruit juice, Cointreau, and Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
Standout feature: A health and wellness space in partnership with Calm, the sleep and meditation app
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Las Vegas, Nevada
Location: Concourse D, opposite Gate D1; the concourse is accessible from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 via the transit system but not Terminal 2.
Opening hours: 5 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Local flavor: Relish seasonal fare by Kim Canteenwalla, chef-owner of Honey Salt in Las Vegas. Don’t miss the honey salt mac and cheese with black kale and Anaheim chilies.
To drink: Bison & Bear, a fab cocktail of Żubrówka Bison Grass Vodka, Contratto Bianco Vermouth, Barenjager Honey Liqueur, and lemon juice
Standout feature: This is the first-ever Centurion Lounge, which opened in 2013. AmEx expanded it in 2020, increasing its footprint from nearly 9,000 square feet to over 13,400 square feet.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Georgia
Location: Next to gate E11 in Concourse E of the International Terminal, spanning both indoors and outdoors. Because Concourse E is connected airside to all other terminals via the Plane Train (ATL’s automated people mover), you can access the Centurion Lounge at ATL regardless of your assigned gate.
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Local flavors: Hearty menus from Atlanta-based chef Deborah VanTrece feature soul food. Highlights include jalapeño hotcakes (think: spicy, savory pancakes), vegan black-eyed pea biryani, za’atar grilled chicken thighs with green tomato chimichurri, and a decadent three-cheese mac and cheese with breadcrumbs.
To drink: The Hot One, an unlikely but awesome combination of Del Maguey Vida mezcal and local Atlanta Independent Distilling Co. white rum, grenadine, lime juice, and hot sauce.
Standout features: On both sides of the lounge are outdoor terraces brimming with plant life and equipped with integrated heaters and fans for use year-round. Indoors, find Reserve by American Express, the first dedicated whiskey bar in a Centurion Lounge.
>> Read more about the ATL Centurion Lounge
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York City
Location: Terminal 4, on the same level as TSA checkpoints, directly to the left after passing through security. Only accessible for flights departing from Terminal 4 (and not JFK’s five other active terminals).
Opening hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Local flavors: Feast on international fare by Uruguayan-born, NYC-based chef Ignacio Mattos, best known for his Michelin-starred restaurant Estela. Try the fried maitake mushroom po’boy with chipotle mayo and pickles on a brioche bun.
To drink: Port in a Storm, a mix of rye whiskey, vermouth, Noval Black Port, and Hella Aromatic Bitters
Standout features: A speakeasy plus a specialty coffee bar in two-story, 15,000-square-foot lounge
LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York City
Location: Terminal B, post-security, fourth floor; Terminal B is not connected to Terminal A or C.
Opening hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Friday; 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday
Local flavors: Experience French-tinged, Indonesian-influenced cuisine by Cedric Vongerichten, chef and co-owner of Manhattan favorite Wayan. Don’t miss the chicken wings balado with chili tomato sauce, pickled cucumber, and Thai basil.
To drink: Lower East Cider, a mix of Good Vodka, Cyril Zangs Cider Eau De Vie, and Dolin Blanc Vermouth
Standout feature: Save room for multiple helpings of Vongerichten’s moist banana bread with caramelized banana and toffee sauce.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California
Location: Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Though TBIT mostly serves international passengers, it’s accessible airside to Terminals 4–8 by a terminal connector walkway and Terminals 2 and 3 by airside bus (drop-off point is Gate 146 at TBIT). There is no airside access from Terminal 1.
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Local flavors: Enjoy California cuisine by James Beard Outstanding Chef award winner, cookbook author, and restaurateur Nancy Silverton. In the morning, get your fix of avocado toast served on country bread with garlic mayonnaise, coriander, and lemon. At lunch and dinner, try the gem salad with fresh herbs and lemon vinaigrette.
To drink: Maliblue Lagoon is a next-gen piña colada with Banks 5 Island Rum, coconut water, pineapple and lime juice, and blue curaçao.
Standout features: Relax in the Sunrise and Moonrise rooms, designed to control light exposure and reduce jet lag. Ogle trippy, kaleidoscopic works by Los Angeles–based muralist Danielle Garza, aka “Ellierex.”
>> Read more about the LAX Centurion Lounge
Miami International Airport (MIA), Florida
Location: Concourse D, near Gate D12, on the fourth floor. Concourse D, which mainly serves American Airlines, is its own terminal and not connected airside to other terminals.
Opening hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Local flavors: Dine on international cuisine by James Beard Award–winning chef and TV personality Michelle Bernstein. In the morning, be sure to try the lemon ricotta pancakes with creamy lemon curd and fresh raspberries.
To drink: 305 Special, a balanced blend of Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila, Aperol, lime juice, and grapefruit juice
Standout feature: An Exhale Spa offers complimentary 12-minute massages.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Pennsylvania
Location: Terminal A West, by Gate A14; Terminal A West is connected to Terminal A East as well as Terminals B, C, D, and E postsecurity by a series of walkways and shuttle buses.
Opening hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Local flavors: Four-time James Beard Award–winning Israeli chef Michael Solomonov conceptualized the menu with such breakfast foods as challah French toast with tahini and dates, and lunch and dinner options that include kale tabbouleh with apples and pomegranate.
To drink: Liberty Bell Ringer, a mix of Botanist Gin, lemon juice, Bitter Truth Apricot Brandy, simple syrup, and a dash of Peychaud’s Bitters
Standout feature: Floor-to-ceiling glass windows with prime views of the runway action
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), Arizona
Location: Terminal 4 across from Gate B22 on the upper level; PHX’s other main terminal, Terminal 3, does not connect to Terminal 4 airside.
Opening hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Local flavors: Delight in Mexican cuisine by chef Doug Robson of Gallo Blanco and Otro Café fame. Get a big plate of the pollo asado, citrus-marinated chicken, slow roasted with a tamarind glaze.
To drink: Diamondback is a mix of Arizona Distilling Park Rye Whiskey, Laird’s Apple Brandy, and Green Chartreuse
Standout feature: Next to this Centurion lounge is the sister lounge, Escape Lounge at PHX, to handle overflow from the Centurion Lounge. Note, however, that you can’t enter both on the same day (so no waiting in Escape until Centurion overcrowding dissipates).
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington, D.C.
Location: Off the main departure hall in Terminal 2 near the B gates (which serve Delta flights). Terminal 2 serves all airlines except Air Canada, Frontier, and Southwest. Those depart from Terminal 1, which does not connect airside.
Opening hours: Sunday–Friday 5 a.m.–9 p.m.; Saturday 5 a.m.–7 p.m.
Local flavors: The DCA lounge spins the greatest hits of fellow Centurion lounges with Israeli, Hawaiian, and Latin flavors by chef Michael Solomonov (from PHL), chef Ravi Kapur (from SFO), and chef Michelle Bernstein (from MIA). Don’t miss the shabazi-spiced salmon with pomegranate BBQ sauce; tamari-honey–glazed tofu and pineapple; and cherry malabi for dessert.
To drink: Haku Hanami, honoring both D.C.’s iconic cherry blossoms and the city’s Japanese diaspora, is a martini featuring cherry blossom–infused Haku vodka, Dolin Blanc vermouth, and Luxardo maraschino liqueur, garnished with three brandied cherries.
Standout feature: At the core of the lounge is a principal dining area, above which hangs a sprawling meta-lighting fixture comprising 260 lanterns inspired by D.C.’s original circa-1791 boundary markers (scan the QR code to go deep into this lesson in art and history) and collectively emulating the shape of the Potomac River.
>> Read more about the DCA Centurion Lounge
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
Location: Terminal 3, adjacent Gate F1/F2. With the completion of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 in summer 2024, all of SFO’s terminals and concourses are now connected airside. Meaning, regardless of airline or entry point, you can reach—and even linger at—the Centurion SFO without having to pass through security twice (though note the very long walking distances between terminals before settling in).
Opening hours: 5 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Local flavors: Savor heritage cuisine by James Beard Award–nominated chef Ravi Kapur with dishes that speak to his multi-cultural (Hawaiian, Chinese, Indian) roots and demonstrate why his Liholiho Yacht Club and Louie’s Gen-Gen Room are such big hits in San Francisco. Try the wild rice and coconut soup.
To drink: Sip a 2020 Oberon Red Merlot from Napa Valley plus a number of other wines featured at the dedicated Napa Valley wine tasting area.
Standout feature: This lounge doubled in size in 2022, expanding to an impressive 16,000 square feet. Admire original San Francisco–inspired paintings by Taiwanese American artist Tracie Cheng.
Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
Location: Central Terminal, mezzanine level
Opening hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Local flavors: Discover “Seattle Soul’’ cuisine by chef Kristi Brown, owner and chef of Seattle-based restaurant Communion. Try the Peach Cobbla’ French Toast with brown sugar and cinnamon at breakfast and the Blackened Chicken Cobb Salad at lunch or dinner.
To drink: Joe Sheridan Special, a sweet, invigorating mix of espresso, Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, Tempus Fugit Creme de Cacao, and Wilderton Earthen
Standout features: This lounge tripled in size following a 2023 renovation. Keep an eye open for artwork by Haitian American mixed-media artist Harold Caudio and scenic views of the Olympic Mountains.
>> Read more about how to get in and the international locations in AFAR’s Essential Guide to AmEx Centurion Lounges
While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they are subject to change at any time, and may have changed or may no longer be available.
This article was updated September 2024.
