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Centurion Lounge Access Unlocked: Take Advantage of This Amex Perk

If you’re a Platinum or Centurion cardholder, you get access to the American Express Centurion Lounge. Find out about this exclusive benefit.

Kat Tretina
By Kat Tretina
Alicia Hahn
Edited by Alicia Hahn
Updated Dec. 19, 2024
Fact checked

From crowded waiting areas to less-than-desirable food, traveling through an airport can be stressful and exhausting.

However, if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Centurion® Card from American Express, you can enjoy a host of luxurious benefits at the Centurion Lounge, located in select airports. Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, access to the Centurion Lounge ensures you experience a relaxing trip so you can arrive at your destination refreshed.

All information about The Centurion® Card from American Express has been collected independently by FinanceBuzz.

In this article

What are Amex Centurion Lounges?

American Express Centurion Lounges are luxury airport lounges available at certain destinations and international airports. Instead of cramming into a common waiting area and jostling for an outlet, your airport lounge access means you can enjoy a quiet place to relax or work.

Centurion Lounges offer perks that go above and beyond what is typical for an airport lounge, such as:

  • Member services concierge: If you need help making travel arrangements or reservations, a member services concierge can assist you.
  • Fresh food: Local chefs create fresh, seasonal dishes.
  • Cocktails: Enjoy cocktails, premium spirits, and wine.
  • High-speed internet: Catch up on work or stream your favorite videos until your flight.
  • Work stations: Centurion Lounges have semi-private workstations, so you can get your work done in peace.
  • Printer/fax/copier: You can access a printer, fax machine, and copier as needed.
  • Spa services: Some Centurion Lounges offer spa services, like massages.
  • Wine-tasting areas: Select Centurion Lounges allow you to sample a variety of wines.
  • Conference room: You can host meetings or conference calls in a dedicated conference room. Conference rooms are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
  • Shower suites: You can take a shower at select Centurion Lounges.
  • Luggage lockers: Some Centurion Lounges offer luggage lockers, so you can securely store your luggage until your flight.

Note that exact amenities may vary by lounge.

Centurion Lounge locations

Currently, there are an increasing number of Amex Centurion Lounges available. There are Centurion Lounges in the following U.S. airports:

  • Atlanta (ATL): Concourse E, directly beside Gate E11
  • Charlotte (CLT): at the intersection of Concourses D & E, mezzanine level
  • Dallas (DFW): in Terminal D, across from Gate D12, on the mezzanine
  • Denver (DEN): Concourse C just past Gate C46 on the mezzanine level
  • Houston (IAH): in Terminal D, accessible via the elevator located in the Duty Free Shop near gate D12
  • Las Vegas (LAS): in Concourse D, opposite Gate D1
  • Los Angeles (LAX): in Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
  • Miami (MIA): in Concourse D, near Gate D12
  • New York (JFK): in Terminal 4, just beyond the TSA checkpoints to the left of the escalators
  • New York (LGA): in Central Terminal B, on the 3rd floor between Concourses B and C
  • Philadelphia (PHL): in Terminal A West, near Gate A14
  • Phoenix (PHX): in Terminal 4 across from Gate B22
  • San Francisco (SFO): accessed from Terminal 3 or from International Terminal G
  • Seattle (SEA): in Concourse B, opposite Gate B3

However, the Centurion lounge network is expanding rapidly. In addition, American Express has international lounges across the globe for Amex card members. You can visit these lounges in the following locations:

  • Hong Kong (HGK)
  • London (LHR)
  • Stockholm, Sweden (ARN)
  • Mumbai, India (BOM)
  • Delhi, India (DEL)
  • Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE)
  • São Paulo (Guarulhos), Brazil (GRU)
  • Melbourne, Australia (MEL)
  • Mexico City, Mexico (MEX)
  • Monterrey, Mexico (MTY)
  • Sydney, Australia (SYD)

Who can access Centurion Lounges?

Centurion Lounges are exclusive; only the below American Express credit cards grant you complimentary access to the lounge, as well as offer other select benefits.

Card Overview Annual fee
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months
  • 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amextravel.com; 1.5X points on eligible purchases at U.S. suppliers of construction materials and hardware, U.S. retailers of electronic goods, U.S. providers of shipping, software and cloud systems, and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X), and 1X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases (purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus)
$695 (Terms apply)
The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months
  • 5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
 $695 (Terms apply)
The Centurion® Card from American Express
  • Access to Centurion Hotel Program benefits
  • Expedited airport arrival services
  • 50% airline bonus
$5000 (Terms apply)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
  • Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months
  • 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and 1X miles for all other eligible purchases
 $650 (Terms apply)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
  • Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 in purchases in your first 6 months
  • 3X miles for eligible purchases made directly with Delta; 1.5X miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases, plus all eligible purchases after you spend $150,000 in purchases in a year; 1X miles on other purchases
 $650 (Terms apply)

Centurion Lounge rules

American Express strictly limits who can access Centurion Lounge facilities. To enter the lounge, you need to show the lounge agent one of your Amex credit cards, a valid boarding pass, and a government-issued I.D., such as a driver’s license. You can be either the primary cardholder or you can be an authorized user of the account in question.

Note that lounge access is on a first-come, first-serve basis. If the lounge is at capacity, you could be denied entry. The lounges also have a dress code: All guests must wear attire that is appropriate for a family environment. If your clothing violates that policy, you could be asked to leave.

Airline, airport, and industry employees are also not allowed to enter the lounge while in uniform or while wearing branded apparel.

Centurion Lounge access policy

Centurion cardmembers can access the lounge, regardless of if their flight has just landed or is departing.

For Platinum card members, access to the Centurion Lounge is reserved for day-of departures only. Cardmembers who have boarding passes for flights that have just landed will not be allowed to enter the lounge. Platinum card members with layovers or connecting flights are permitted if you can show proof of a connecting flight.

Platinum card members will not be admitted more than three hours before their flight’s departure time.

Centurion Lounge guest policy

Centurion Lounge guest access depends on the type of credit card you have. 

Eligible Amex Platinum cardholders are allowed up to two guests at no additional charge through January 31, 2023. Starting February 1, 2023, most Amex Platinum cardholders will be charged a $50 fee for each guest (or $30 each for children aged 2 through 17). These cardholders can receive complimentary guest access after January 31, 2023 if they spend $75,000 or more on eligible purchases between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and in each calendar year thereafter.

Children under the age of two are allowed free of charge.

Delta Reserve cardholders typically have to pay $50 per guest and may bring up to two guests into the lounge with them. Both the cardmember and guests must be flying same-day Delta flights.

Centurion Lounge pet and service animal policy

Both service animals and pets are welcome in the Centurion Lounge, though exact rules may vary by lounge.

In general, pets must be kept in their carriers and must use the animal relief stations in the airport. Guests with disruptive animals — pets who growl, bark, or jump on guests — will be asked to leave.

FAQs about Centurion Lounges

Can you go to the Centurion lounge after a flight?

If you can show proof that you have a connecting flight, you can go to the Centurion lounge during a layover. However, you can’t access the Centurion lounge after you have arrived at your final destination.

When is the Centurion lounge open?

When the Centurion lounge is open varies by airport, but most lounges open between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m. and close between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. Consult the Centurion site for a complete list of locations and hours.

Is everything free at the Centurion lounge?

Here’s what you’ll get free of charge when entering the Centurion lounge:

  • Wi-Fi
  • Freshly prepared food
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Semi-private workspaces
  • Computer bar with printer/fax/copier
  • Entertainment (TVs, magazines, and newspapers)

In select locations, you’ll also get free access to:

  • Spa services
  • Wine tastings
  • Shower suites
  • Family room
  • Luggage lockers

Do you tip at the Centurion lounge?

While tipping at the Centurion lounge is optional, it’s always polite to do so, especially if you receive bar service. If you’re just at the lounge for the Wi-Fi and don’t interact with the servers, you probably don’t need to leave a tip. If you’re unsure, you can always ask a server what’s customary at that particular location.

Can I bring my pet into the Centurion lounge?

Yes, you can bring your pet to the Centurion lounge. The Centurion lounge welcomes pets as well as service animals and emotional support animals. However, certain lounges may have different requirements based on local regulations, so it’s a good idea to ask someone at the front desk if you can bring your pet into the lounge.

What other lounges can I get into with my Amex Platinum Card?

The Amex Platinum Card is a great rewards card for free airport lounge access. You can access more than 1,400 lounges in 140 countries with your Amex Platinum. Besides Centurion lounges, these include:

  • International American Express lounges
  • Priority Pass lounges
  • Escape lounges
  • Delta Sky Club
  • Plaza Premium
  • Air Space

Note that select benefits require enrollment.

Enjoying your Centurion Lounge access

As an American Express Platinum or Centurion cardholder, you’re entitled to exclusive benefits and perks, including the Amex airline fee credit (note that select benefits require enrollment). And because you’re eligible for the Centurion Lounge, you can indulge in delicious food and drinks and even get work done in a quiet environment. If you’re a frequent traveler, access to Amex Centurion Lounges could make the high annual fee of the eligible cards worth the expense. You'll want to compare rewards and perks to make sure you get the best travel credit card for your needs. 

Luxury Travel Benefits

The Platinum Card® from American Express
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The Platinum Card® from American Express

Learn How to Apply
See rates and fees | Terms Apply

Current Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in the first 6 months

Annual Fee

$695

Rewards Rate

5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details