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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. 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 31 global lounges, across 26 cities, with 16 in the United States. Two new Centurion Lounges are slated to open in 2026, one at Newark Liberty International Airport and one at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. 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
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Washington
Inside the Centurion Lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina
Courtesy of American Express
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Charlotte, North Carolina
Location: Between Concourses D and 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 James Beard Award winner Gregory Collier. 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.
Near the workstation at the DFW Centurion Lounge is an Exhale mini spa.
Courtesy of American Express
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.
The Denver Centurion Lounge’s game room comes with pool and shuffleboard tables.
Courtesy of American Express
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 and Tavernetta. 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: A live-action chef station, a pool table, and a game room.
Sit at the bar and order a special cocktail at the IAH Centurion Lounge.
Courtesy of American Express
George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), Houston, Texas
Location: Terminal D, accessible 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.
The dining area at the Las Vegas Centurion Lounge
Courtesy of American Express
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 chiles.
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 more than 13,400 square feet.
From top left, clockwise: soul salad with fried goat cheese and cornbread croutons, three-cheese mac and cheese, bananas foster bread pudding, and vegan black-eyed pea biryani.
Photo by Paul Rubio
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.
Head downstairs at the JFK Centurion Lounge to find the hidden speakeasy bar.
Courtesy of American Express
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 are among the wow-factor trappings of this two-story, 15,000-square-foot lounge.
The Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia is located within the NYC airport’s new 1.3 million–square-foot Terminal B, which recently landed a prestigious five-star Skytrax rating.
Courtesy of American Express
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.
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 chile 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.
The Moonrise Tranquility Room at the LAX Centurion Lounge is designed to control light exposure and reduce jet lag.
Courtesy of American Express
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). Card Members can now walk from Terminal 1 to the Centurion Lounge using the airside bridge.
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, load up on 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 juices, 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
The entrance to the Miami International Airport Centurion Lounge
Courtesy of American Express
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.
The dining room at the Philadelphia Centurion Lounge is decorated in calming blues and white.
Courtesy of American Express
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 post-security by a series of walkways and shuttle buses.
Opening hours: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Local flavors: Four-time James Beard Award–winning Israeli chef Michael Solomonov conceptualized the menu with the likes of challah French toast with tahina and dates for breakfast and kale tabbouleh with apples and pomegranate at lunch and dinner.
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.
Dark blue tiles and brass light fixtures set a relaxing mood at the Phoenix Centurion Lounge bar.
Courtesy of American Express
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, you can’t enter both on the same day (so no waiting in Escape until Centurion overcrowding dissipates).
Cozy up to the bar for a cherry blossom-infused cocktail at DCA’s AmEx Centurion lounge.
Courtesy of Centurion
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington, D.C.
Location: Off the main departure hall in Terminal 2 near the A and B Gates (which serve Delta flights). Terminal 2 serves all airlines except Air Canada, Frontier, and Southwest, departing from Terminal 1, which does not connect airside.
Opening hours: Sunday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET and on Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 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 slick 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
The new bar inside the recently expanded Centurion Lounge at San Francisco International Airport
Courtesy of Brad Feinknopf/American Express
San Francisco International Airport (SFO), California
Location: A temporary lounge is currently open in Terminal 2, Concourse D (right after the security checkpoint near Compass Books and Napa Farms Market), due to the Terminal 3 West Modernization Project. A permanent lounge is scheduled to reopen in Terminal 3 in 2027.
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 and 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.
A unique feature of the Salt Lake City Centurion Lounge is a year-round outdoor terrace.
Courtesy of American Express
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah
Location: Concourse B, adjacent to Gate B31. SLC has one main terminal with two concourses (A and B). After you pass through the central TSA checkpoint, you can reach both concourses via underground passenger tunnels. The River Tunnel, opened in 2024, provides a direct post-security connection between Concourses A and B.
Opening hours: 4:45 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.
Local flavors: The ever-rotating menu is composed by The Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge, a roster of celebrity chefs and bartenders that includes James Beard Award winners such as Michael Solomonov (of Philadelphia’s Zahav), Mashama Bailey (of Savannah’s The Grey), and Sarah Grueneberg (of Chicago’s Monteverde). Recent options in the SLC lounge included lemongrass chicken with cucumber salad, grilled cabbage with tahini, and Earl Grey panna cotta with gingered apple and maple oat crumble.
To drink: The signature Park City Sling made with gin, tart cherry, lemon, and soda water.
Standout feature: The year-round outdoor terrace, and made-to-order espresso drinks and nitro cold brews at the full-service Blue Roast by American Express coffee counter. SLC is one of three Centurion Lounges worldwide to house the coffee outpost.
>> Read more about the SLC Centurion Lounge
Three times bigger than the original, Amex’s revamped Seattle Centurion Lounge offers a full-service coffee bar and views of the Olympic Mountains.
Courtesy of American Express
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.
All information about American Express has been collected independently by Afar.
This article was originally published in September 2024 and was updated on February 17, 2026.
