8/11/25

Is the Amex Centurion Lounge Worth It? A Deep Dive Review

Hey everyone, let's talk about airport lounges. Specifically, the almost mythical Amex Centurion Lounge. You've probably heard the hype, seen the pictures on Instagram, & maybe even walked past one of those signature blue doors at the airport with a little bit of envy. The big question is, though: is it actually worth it? With a hefty annual fee attached to the cards that get you in, it’s a valid question to ask before you dive in.
Honestly, the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It really depends on what you value as a traveler. But I’ve spent a LOT of time in airports, bouncing between different lounges, & I’ve got some strong opinions and insights to share. So, let’s get into a real, deep-dive review of the Amex Centurion Lounge experience.

What Exactly IS a Centurion Lounge?

First things first, let's clarify what we're talking about. The American Express Centurion Network is a collection of exclusive airport lounges owned & operated by American Express. These aren't your run-of-the-mill, slightly-better-than-the-gate-area lounges. Amex designed these to be a premium experience, a true oasis in the chaos of an airport. They promise things like chef-prepared meals, premium cocktails, shower suites, & even spa services in some locations.
The key thing to understand is their exclusivity. You can't just buy a day pass or a membership. Access is a perk reserved for holders of a few specific, high-end American Express cards. This exclusivity is a huge part of the appeal, but it also means there's a significant cost of entry.

How to Get In: The Price of Admission

So, how do you get past that blue door? Access to the Centurion Lounge is primarily for cardholders of:
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • The Centurion® Card from American Express (the mythical "black card")
  • The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®
Additionally, if you have a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, you can get into Centurion Lounges in the U.S., Hong Kong, & London, but only when you're flying on a Delta-marketed or operated flight that day.
The most common way people get access is through the personal or business Platinum Card, both of which come with a $695 annual fee. So, right off the bat, you have to decide if the lounge access, combined with the card's other benefits, is worth that yearly cost.

The Elephant in the Room: The Guest Policy

This is where things have gotten a little controversial in recent years. It used to be that a Platinum cardholder could bring in two guests for free, which was an AMAZING perk for families or those traveling with friends.
However, as of February 1, 2023, that all changed. Now, Platinum cardholders have to pay a $50 fee for each adult guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17). This was a huge shift & a pretty big blow to the value proposition for many people.
There is a workaround, though. If you're a big spender, you can get complimentary guest access for two people if you spend $75,000 or more on your card in a calendar year. But let's be real, that’s a pretty high bar for the average person.
This change was a direct response to one of the biggest problems the Centurion Lounges have faced: overcrowding. We'll get into that more later, but it’s a crucial piece of the "is it worth it?" puzzle.

A Look Inside: The Amenities That Set Centurion Apart

Okay, so you've got your Platinum card & you're ready to check out the lounge. What can you actually expect inside? This is where the Centurion Lounge really tries to shine.

The Food: A Culinary Experience

Forget sad little bags of pretzels & questionable cheese cubes. The dining experience is one of the biggest selling points of the Centurion Lounge. American Express has partnered with award-winning chefs, often local to the city the lounge is in, to create the menus. We're talking real, hot meals, often served buffet-style, with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
For example, at the San Francisco lounge, you might find dishes designed by Ravi Kapur, the executive chef of the acclaimed Liholiho Yacht Club. Recently, Amex even launched "The Culinary Collective," a new program featuring a rotating menu of dishes from renowned James Beard Award-winning chefs like Kwame Onwuachi & Mashama Bailey. Think suya short ribs or paprika chicken – not your typical airport food.
The food is generally excellent & a HUGE step up from what you'll find in most other lounges. Having a proper, delicious meal before your flight without having to pay airport prices is a massive perk.

The Drinks: Top-Shelf & Crafted Cocktails

The premium experience extends to the bar. Centurion Lounges are famous for their open bars with top-shelf liquor, a curated wine list by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio, & a craft cocktail program designed by mixologist Jim Meehan.
You can get a classic cocktail, a glass of good wine, or try one of their signature cocktails, which are often themed to the local city. The bartenders are generally knowledgeable & can whip up pretty much whatever you want. This is another area where Centurion Lounges really outshine the competition.

Beyond Food & Drink: Spa Services, Showers & More

This is where things get really fancy. Some Centurion Lounge locations offer unique amenities that you just won't find anywhere else. These can include:
  • Spa Services: Some lounges, like the one in Dallas/Fort Worth, have an Exhale spa where you can get a complimentary 15-minute massage or facial. This is an incredible way to de-stress before a long flight.
  • Shower Suites: Most Centurion Lounges have shower suites, which are a lifesaver on long travel days or during layovers. They're clean, well-stocked with L'Occitane products, & a fantastic perk.
  • Wine Tasting Areas: The San Francisco lounge has a unique wine-tasting area where you can sample a selection of local Napa Valley wines. It’s a really cool, unique feature.
  • Family Rooms: Many lounges have a dedicated family room, which is great if you're traveling with kids & want a space for them to play without disturbing other guests.
  • Workspaces & Wi-Fi: Of course, all lounges have reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi, which is a must. They also have a variety of seating options, from comfortable armchairs to semi-private workstations, so you can relax or get some work done.

The Vibe: Upscale & In-Demand

The general atmosphere in a Centurion Lounge is meant to be upscale & relaxing. The design is modern & stylish, with thoughtful touches that reflect the local culture. They're generally a much more pleasant place to spend time than a crowded airport terminal.
However, this brings us to the biggest downside of the Centurion Lounge experience: the crowds.

The Overcrowding Problem: Is the "Oasis" a Mirage?

For years, the biggest complaint about Centurion Lounges has been how incredibly crowded they can get. It's the unfortunate side effect of being so popular. At peak times, it's not uncommon to see a line out the door just to get in. Once inside, finding a seat can be a challenge, which definitely detracts from the "relaxing oasis" vibe.
The 2023 change to the guest policy was Amex's attempt to address this issue. By making it more expensive to bring in guests, the hope was that the lounges would become less crowded. The jury is still out on how effective this has been. Some people report that it has made a difference, while others say the lounges are just as packed as ever.
This is a really important factor to consider. If you frequently travel during peak hours, you might find that the Centurion Lounge experience isn't as glamorous as it's made out to be. There’s nothing less relaxing than circling a lounge like a vulture waiting for a seat to open up.

The "Sidecar" Solution: A New Concept

To further address the overcrowding issue, Amex is piloting a new concept called "Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge," starting in Las Vegas in 2026. This will be a smaller, streamlined lounge with a speakeasy vibe, focused on table service with gourmet small plates & cocktails. Access will be limited to cardholders who are within 90 minutes of their departure, making it a quick, premium stop rather than a place to hang out for hours. It's an interesting idea, & it will be fascinating to see if it helps alleviate the pressure on the main lounges.

Centurion Lounge vs. The Competition: A Head-to-Head Battle

So, how do Centurion Lounges stack up against the other major players in the airport lounge world, like Priority Pass & Delta Sky Clubs?

Centurion Lounge vs. Priority Pass

Priority Pass is a network of over 1,300 lounges worldwide, & a Priority Pass Select membership is a common perk of many premium credit cards. The biggest advantage of Priority Pass is its sheer size. There are Priority Pass lounges in way more airports than Centurion Lounges.
However, the quality of Priority Pass lounges can be very inconsistent. Some are fantastic, while others are little more than a small room with some snacks & a coffee machine. In the U.S. especially, many Priority Pass lounges are just okay.
The Verdict: Centurion Lounges are, on average, MUCH better than Priority Pass lounges in terms of food, drinks, & amenities. But Priority Pass has a much larger network, so you're more likely to find a lounge in the airport you're in.

Centurion Lounge vs. Delta Sky Club

This is a closer comparison, as Delta has invested a lot in upgrading its Sky Clubs in recent years. Delta Sky Clubs are generally very nice, with good food & drink options & comfortable seating. If you're a loyal Delta flyer, the Sky Club network is a huge asset.
However, Centurion Lounges still often have the edge in terms of the "wow" factor. The chef-driven food, craft cocktails, & unique amenities like spa services are things you generally won't find in a Sky Club. Some travelers even feel that Sky Clubs can be less crowded than Centurion Lounges, especially in airports that have both.
The Verdict: It's a close call. Centurion Lounges often offer a more premium, unique experience, but Delta Sky Clubs are consistently high-quality & a great option for Delta flyers. If you have a Platinum card, you can often access both (when flying Delta), so you can choose whichever one is more convenient or less crowded.

The Ultimate Travel Hack: Pairing Your Lounge Visit with Smart Parking

Here's a pro tip that a lot of people overlook: your premium travel experience doesn't have to start at the lounge. It can start the moment you leave your house. One of the most stressful parts of flying is just getting to the airport & dealing with parking. Airport parking can be ridiculously expensive & a huge hassle.
This is where a service like Prked comes in. Prked is a pretty cool platform that lets you book a private parking spot in someone's driveway or garage near the airport. It's often WAY cheaper than the official airport lots, & you can find a spot that's super convenient for you. You just book your spot in advance, park your car, & then grab a quick rideshare to the terminal.
Honestly, it's a game-changer. You save money, avoid the stress of hunting for a spot in a massive garage, & start your trip on a much more relaxed note. When you're already investing in a premium experience like a Centurion Lounge, it just makes sense to have a smooth, hassle-free start to your journey.

The Globetrotter's Guide: Where to Find Centurion Lounges

As of 2025, there are Centurion Lounges in a growing number of airports around the world. Here's a quick rundown of the current locations:
U.S. Locations:
  • Atlanta (ATL)
  • Charlotte (CLT)
  • Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
  • Denver (DEN)
  • Houston (IAH)
  • Las Vegas (LAS)
  • Los Angeles (LAX)
  • Miami (MIA)
  • New York (JFK & LGA)
  • Philadelphia (PHL)
  • Phoenix (PHX)
  • San Francisco (SFO) - Note: The SFO lounge is undergoing a major renovation.
  • Seattle (SEA)
  • Washington D.C. (DCA)
Upcoming U.S. Locations:
  • Salt Lake City (SLC) - opening in 2025
  • Newark (EWR) - opening in 2026
International Locations:
  • Buenos Aires (EZE)
  • Delhi (DEL)
  • Hong Kong (HKG)
  • London (LHR)
  • Melbourne (MEL)
  • Mexico City (MEX)
  • Monterrey (MTY)
  • Mumbai (BOM)
  • São Paulo (GRU)
  • Stockholm (ARN)
  • Sydney (SYD)
Upcoming International Locations:
  • Tokyo (HND) - opening in 2025

Monetize Your Space: An Interesting Side Hustle

On a related note, if you live near an airport, you could be on the other side of that Prked equation. If you have an empty driveway, garage, or even just a parking spot you're not using, you can list it on Prked & earn some pretty easy passive income. Travelers are always looking for convenient, affordable parking, so it's a great way to monetize an unused asset. Just something to think about!

The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

So, after all that, what's the bottom line? Is the Amex Centurion Lounge worth the high cost of entry?
Here’s my honest take:
The Centurion Lounge is likely WORTH IT for you if:
  • You're a frequent traveler. If you're in an airport once or twice a month, the value you'll get from the lounge access can easily justify the card's annual fee.
  • You live near or frequently fly through an airport with a Centurion Lounge. The more you can realistically use the lounges, the more valuable they become.
  • You value premium food & drinks. If you're someone who would otherwise spend $30-$50 on a meal & a drink at the airport, the lounge can save you a lot of money over time.
  • You can take advantage of the card's other benefits. The Platinum card comes with a whole suite of other travel perks, like hotel credits, airline fee credits, & elite status with hotel chains. If you use these, the annual fee becomes much more palatable.
The Centurion Lounge is probably NOT WORTH IT for you if:
  • You only travel a few times a year. You just won't get enough use out of the lounges to make it worth the cost.
  • You often travel with family or friends. The new guest policy can make it prohibitively expensive to bring others into the lounge with you.
  • You prioritize a quiet, peaceful experience above all else. The overcrowding issue is real, & if your main goal is to escape the hustle & bustle, you might be disappointed.
  • You're on a tight budget. There are other travel credit cards with lower annual fees that still offer some great perks, including Priority Pass lounge access.
Ultimately, the Amex Centurion Lounge experience is a fantastic luxury. It can truly elevate your travel day from a stressful slog into a pleasant, enjoyable experience. But it's a luxury that comes at a price. You have to be realistic about how often you'll use it & whether the cost aligns with your travel habits & budget.
I hope this deep dive was helpful! It's a lot to consider, but hopefully, you now have a much clearer picture of what the Centurion Lounge experience is all about. Let me know what you think in the comments – I’d love to hear your own experiences
;