AMEX to re-open Centurion Lounges; build another New York lounge

After pulling down the shutters to its network of Centurion Lounges back in March, American Express will begin re-opening its locations across the United States from October.

New York’s LaGuardia Airport is also set for a new Centurion Lounge – with the existing facility planned for permanent closure and a new, larger lounge opening elsewhere – while the Las Vegas Centurion Lounge will benefit from a significant expansion.

First to re-open will be the Centurion Lounges in Philadelphia and Seattle, welcoming guests back from October 5.

However, the experience will be significantly different than before.

American Express Centurion Lounge experience during COVID-19

For those able to travel, a Centurion Lounge visit will begin with contactless admission via the American Express mobile app, followed by seated dining with pre-portioned plates served by lounge staff.

Bar service – including the lounges’ full wine lists – will remain available, although AMEX’s signature cocktail menus will be pared back “to reduce wait times and allow social distancing.”

Spa services in eligible lounges will similarly be restricted to a range of ‘non-practitioner treatments’ such as digital meditations; shower facilities will be off-limits, and face coverings will be mandatory, except when eating and drinking.

“We believe travel is core to our Card Members’ lifestyles, and like them we look forward to the day when we can travel the world again,” said American Express Vice President of Travel Experiences and Benefits (USA), Alexander Lee.

“We’re excited to welcome them back into our Centurion lounges soon.”

Stricter capacity limits will also be in place, in line with local regulations governing each lounge.

Fresh New York lounge, Las Vegas expansion

While re-opening dates for AMEX’s other US Centurion Lounges are yet to be announced, its facility in Las Vegas will have its footprint expanded by 50%, making room for additional workspace areas, booths to make private phone calls, and more.

Across the country in New York, the new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia will be twice the size of AMEX’s current space, located after security in Terminal B: used by Air Canada, American Airlines, Southwest and United.

American Express' new-build lounge at New York JFK Airport also remains on the cards, but the timing of these openings and expansions remains up in the air.

With various international travel restrictions remaining in place, it’s not yet known when Hong Kong’s Centurion Lounge will re-open, including both the standard lounge for Platinum cardholders, and the separate 'Premium Lounge' exclusively for Centurion Card members.

In Australia, the American Express Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne are, however, expected to remain closed until Australia's international borders re-open.

Previously: American Express closes all Centurion Lounges

Chris C.

Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.