Overview
The American Express Centurion Lounge is the premium airport lounge brand operated by American Express, widely considered the gold standard for credit card airport lounges in the United States. Launched in 2013 at Las Vegas McCarran, the Centurion Lounge network has expanded to over 15 locations in the US and internationally, earning a loyal following for its exceptional food, craft cocktails, and striking interior design.
Unlike airline lounges such as the Delta Sky Club, Admirals Club, or United Club, Centurion Lounges are airline-agnostic -- you can fly any carrier and still access the lounge. The primary requirement is a qualifying American Express card and a same-day boarding pass.
The Centurion Lounge has become one of the most compelling reasons to hold an Amex Platinum Card, and for many cardholders, it's the single perk that justifies the card's $695 annual fee. However, the lounge's popularity has led to crowding at some locations, prompting Amex to introduce several access restrictions in recent years.
Centurion Lounges are known for their chef-curated dining, Jim Meehan's cocktail programme, and a design aesthetic that feels more like a boutique hotel lobby than an airport lounge.
Centurion Lounge Locations
The Centurion Lounge network spans major US airports and a growing number of international destinations.
US Locations
- New York JFK (JFK) -- Terminal 4. One of the largest and most popular Centurion Lounges, recently expanded with additional seating and a dedicated spa.
- San Francisco (SFO) -- International Terminal. A beautifully designed space with Bay Area-inspired cuisine and a relaxed West Coast atmosphere.
- Los Angeles (LAX) -- Terminal B (Tom Bradley International). Stunning design with LA-inspired food and cocktails.
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) -- Terminal D. A spacious lounge with excellent Texas-inspired food and one of the best cocktail bars in the network.
- Miami (MIA) -- Concourse D. Latin-influenced cuisine and tropical cocktails make this one of the most distinctive locations.
- Seattle (SEA) -- Concourse B. Pacific Northwest cuisine with locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails.
- Houston (IAH) -- Terminal E. Texas hospitality with a strong food and drink programme.
- Philadelphia (PHL) -- Terminal A West. A newer addition with Philly-inspired menu items.
- Charlotte (CLT) -- Concourse A. Southern-influenced dining in a well-designed space.
- Denver (DEN) -- Concourse C. Colorado-inspired cuisine and mountain-themed design.
- Las Vegas (LAS) -- Terminal 3. The original Centurion Lounge, recently renovated and expanded.
- San Jose (SJC) -- Added in recent years to serve Silicon Valley travellers.
International Locations
Amex has been expanding the Centurion Lounge brand internationally:
- Hong Kong (HKG) -- A striking lounge in one of Asia's busiest airports.
- London Heathrow (LHR) -- Terminal 3. Bringing the Centurion experience to Europe's busiest airport.
- Sydney (SYD) -- International Terminal. Australian cuisine with the signature Centurion design.
- Delhi (DEL) -- Terminal 3. The first Centurion Lounge in India.
- Melbourne (MEL) -- International Terminal. One of the newest additions to the network.
Additional international locations are planned as Amex continues to expand the brand globally.
Browse all Centurion Lounge locations →
Access Rules 2026
Amex has tightened Centurion Lounge access rules over the past few years in response to overcrowding. Here are the current rules for 2026:
Who Can Access the Centurion Lounge?
| Card | Access | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Amex Platinum (Personal) | Yes | Must enter within 3 hours of flight departure |
| Amex Platinum (Business) | Yes | Must enter within 3 hours of flight departure |
| Amex Centurion (Black Card) | Yes | No time restriction |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve | Yes | Must be flying Delta only |
| Amex Platinum authorized users | No | Only the primary cardholder can access |
| Amex Gold / Green | No | Not eligible |
Guest Policy
- Platinum and Centurion cardholders can bring 2 guests for free
- Additional guests cost $50 each
- Guests must be travelling with you -- they need to be on the same flight or the same itinerary. You can no longer bring friends who happen to be at the airport.
- Children under 2 are free and do not count toward the guest limit
The 3-Hour Rule
Since 2023, Platinum cardholders can only enter a Centurion Lounge within 3 hours of their scheduled departure time. This rule was introduced to reduce crowding from travellers arriving many hours early just to use the lounge. Centurion Card (Black Card) holders are exempt from this restriction.
Delta Reserve Access
Holders of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card can access Centurion Lounges, but only when flying Delta on a same-day departure. This restriction mirrors Delta Sky Club access rules.
What You Need to Enter
When you arrive at a Centurion Lounge, you'll need to present:
- Your qualifying American Express card (physical card or digital via the Amex app)
- A same-day boarding pass from that airport
- If bringing guests, they need their boarding passes too
For a complete overview of all the lounges your Amex Platinum unlocks, see our Amex Platinum lounge access guide.
Food and Cocktails
The food and cocktail programme is what truly sets the Centurion Lounge apart from every other credit card lounge and most airline lounges.
Chef-Curated Food
Each Centurion Lounge features a chef-curated menu that reflects the local culinary scene:
- Locally sourced ingredients -- Menus are designed around regional produce, meats, and flavours
- Seasonal rotations -- The menu changes regularly to reflect what's in season
- Made-to-order dishes -- Many items are prepared fresh, not sitting in a buffet
- Dietary accommodations -- Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always well-represented
- Hot and cold options -- Everything from salads and grain bowls to hearty entrees
Examples of regional menu highlights include:
- DFW -- Texas-inspired dishes like brisket sliders and Tex-Mex influenced options
- MIA -- Latin-inspired cuisine with Cuban sandwich elements and tropical flavours
- SEA -- Pacific Northwest fare with smoked salmon, wild mushrooms, and seasonal berries
- SFO -- California cuisine with Asian-fusion influences and fresh produce
The food quality genuinely rivals mid-range restaurants. Many frequent travellers time their airport meals around Centurion Lounge visits rather than eating at terminal restaurants.
Jim Meehan's Cocktail Programme
The cocktail programme is curated by Jim Meehan, the renowned mixologist behind the legendary PDT (Please Don't Tell) bar in New York City. This partnership has produced one of the best bar programmes in any airport lounge worldwide:
- Signature cocktails -- Each location has unique signature drinks inspired by local ingredients and spirits
- Seasonal menu -- The cocktail menu rotates with the seasons, keeping things fresh for regular visitors
- Premium spirits -- All spirits including top-shelf options are complimentary
- Craft beer and wine -- Curated selections from local breweries and respected wineries
- Non-alcoholic cocktails -- Thoughtfully crafted zero-proof options, not just soft drinks
The cocktails are made with fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, and proper technique. They're genuinely impressive by any standard, not just good for an airport.
All Food and Drinks Are Complimentary
Everything in the Centurion Lounge -- every dish, every cocktail, every glass of wine -- is included with your access. There are no surcharges or premium options that cost extra.
Best Centurion Lounges
While all Centurion Lounges maintain a high standard, some locations stand out:
JFK Terminal 4
The New York JFK Centurion Lounge is one of the largest and most impressive in the network. After its expansion, it features:
- Expansive seating across multiple zones
- A dedicated spa offering complimentary treatments
- Excellent food programme with New York-inspired dishes
- One of the best cocktail bars in the network
- Shower suites with premium amenities
The JFK location benefits from a diverse international passenger mix and is ideal before long-haul flights.
SFO International Terminal
The San Francisco Centurion Lounge is consistently praised for its:
- Stunning design with natural light and Bay Area aesthetics
- Outstanding California-inspired cuisine
- Relaxed, less-crowded atmosphere compared to East Coast locations
- Excellent cocktails featuring local Northern California spirits
DFW Terminal D
The Dallas-Fort Worth Centurion Lounge is one of the largest in the network and a standout for:
- Generous space that rarely feels overcrowded
- Excellent Texas-inspired food, including some of the best in the network
- A massive bar area with top-notch craft cocktails
- Shower suites with premium amenities
- Dedicated family area
SEA Concourse B
The Seattle Centurion Lounge captures the Pacific Northwest perfectly:
- Locally sourced menu with PNW ingredients (smoked salmon, seasonal mushrooms)
- Craft cocktails featuring local distilleries
- Warm, lodge-like design aesthetic
- Shower suites available
- Views of the tarmac
Other Notable Locations
- MIA -- The Latin-influenced food and tropical cocktails make this location uniquely appealing, especially before Caribbean and South American flights
- LAX -- The Tom Bradley International Terminal location has a stunning design and LA-inspired menu
- LAS -- The original Centurion Lounge, recently renovated and expanded, with an energetic atmosphere
Tips to Avoid Crowds
Crowding is the biggest criticism of Centurion Lounges. Here's how to minimise your wait:
Best Times to Visit
- Early morning (6:00-8:00 AM) -- Most Centurion Lounges are quiet during early morning hours. If you have a morning flight, arrive early and enjoy the lounge at its calmest.
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM) -- After the morning rush subsides and before the lunch crowd arrives.
- Mid-afternoon (1:00-3:00 PM) -- A sweet spot between lunch and the evening rush.
Times to Avoid
- Late afternoon (4:00-7:00 PM) -- The busiest period at most locations, with evening departures creating peak demand.
- Sunday evenings -- Weekend return flights create heavy demand.
- Holiday periods -- Thanksgiving, Christmas, and summer peak travel periods see maximum crowding.
Other Strategies
- Use the Amex app -- Some locations show real-time capacity status in the American Express app.
- Consider alternatives -- If the Centurion Lounge is full, your Amex Platinum also includes Priority Pass, giving you access to 1,300+ other lounges.
- Arrive right at opening -- Centurion Lounges are typically empty in their first hour of operation.
- Try less popular locations -- Lounges at smaller airports (SJC, PHL) tend to be much less crowded than JFK, SFO, or LAX.
- Remember the 3-hour rule -- You can only enter within 3 hours of your departure, so plan accordingly.
Centurion Lounge vs Capital One Lounge
The Capital One Lounge is the closest competitor to the Centurion Lounge. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Centurion Lounge | Capital One Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Locations | 15+ US + international | 3 (DFW, IAD, DEN) |
| Card Required | Amex Platinum ($695/yr) | Venture X ($395/yr) |
| Free Guests | 2 | 2 |
| Food Quality | Excellent (chef-curated) | Excellent (chef-curated) |
| Cocktails | Excellent (Jim Meehan) | Excellent |
| Showers | Yes, all locations | Yes, all locations |
| Spa | Select locations | No |
| Relaxation Room | Some locations | Yes, all locations |
| Crowding | Can be very crowded | Less crowded |
| Day Pass | Not available | $65 |
| Airline Restriction | None (Delta Reserve: Delta only) | None |
Both lounges offer an exceptional experience. The Centurion Lounge has the advantage of more locations and the cachet of the Jim Meehan cocktail programme. The Capital One Lounge wins on value (lower card fee) and crowding (newer, less discovered). If you travel through DFW, IAD, or DEN, you might find the Capital One Lounge is the better option on any given day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the Centurion Lounge?
You need an American Express Platinum Card, Centurion Card, or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card. Simply show your card and same-day boarding pass at the entrance. No separate membership required. See the full Amex Platinum lounge access guide for all the lounges your card unlocks.
Where are all the Centurion Lounge locations?
Centurion Lounges are located at major US airports including JFK, SFO, LAX, DFW, MIA, SEA, IAH, PHL, CLT, DEN, and LAS, plus international locations in Hong Kong, London Heathrow, Sydney, Delhi, and Melbourne. Browse all Centurion Lounge locations in our directory.
Can I bring guests to the Centurion Lounge?
Platinum cardholders can bring 2 guests for free. Additional guests cost $50 each. Since 2023, guests must be travelling with you on the same flight or itinerary. Children under 2 are free.
What food and drinks are in the Centurion Lounge?
Centurion Lounges feature chef-curated menus that change seasonally with local ingredients. The cocktail programme is curated by renowned mixologist Jim Meehan. All food and drinks, including premium craft cocktails, are completely complimentary with no surcharges.
Is the Centurion Lounge worth it?
If you already have an Amex Platinum Card ($695/year), the Centurion Lounge is one of the best perks. The food and cocktails rival many restaurants, and the lounges are beautifully designed. For many cardholders, regular Centurion Lounge access alone justifies the annual fee.
What are the Centurion Lounge access rules for 2026?
Platinum cardholders must enter within 3 hours of their flight departure. Guests must be travelling with you on the same itinerary. Authorized users on the basic Platinum card cannot access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardholders can only access when flying Delta. Centurion (Black Card) holders are exempt from the 3-hour rule.
Browse Centurion Lounges
Explore all Amex Centurion Lounge locations in our directory with detailed amenity information, hours, and access details.