Waiting in a queue to access the American Express Centurion Lounge is now a thing of the past with an in-app digital waitlist.
Stepping into an airport terminal can feel like stepping onto another planet. Lines of people snake as far as the eye can see, countless billboard-sized screens flicker with departure times and gate numbers, and a cacophony of luggage trolleys, crying children and PA announcements create a chaotic landscape. Airport lounges were designed to be a respite from this overstimulating experience, offering elevated food, drinks, private amenities and a tranquil space to await your flight.
American Express was the first card issuer to create its own airport lounges, and the Centurion Lounge is something of a favourite among avid travellers. Offering entry to those holding one of the American Express cards that include lounge access, these lounges have recently struggled beneath the burden of almost always operating at full capacity, resulting in cardholders having to queue for access to the lounge (which was supposed to free them from the dreaded queue in the first place) and having a time limit once they get in.
How to join the digital waitlist for Centurion Lounge
In response, American Express has implemented changes to its booking and access system at select airports in the USA: an online waitlist feature in the American Express app. While it won’t eliminate the need to queue entirely, it can shave a hefty chunk off your waiting time. As you disembark from your connecting flight, or arrive at the airport, simply login to the app, select the card that provides you with access, click on the ‘membership’ tab and scroll down to airport lounge access. The Airport you’re standing in should automatically appear as your lounge of choice. Click it, and you should see two messages: ‘get eligibility code’ or ‘join waitlist’. Join the waitlist. You’ll get a text message or email notification when it’s your turn to enter, and once that notification is sent you’ll have 10 minutes to enter via the QR code provided to you. Sadly, this functionality isn’t yet available at London Heathrow, Sydney Kingsford Smith or Mexico City airports.
American Express opens the biggest Centurion Lounge in the world
The roll-out comes hot on the heels of American Express opening the world’s biggest Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in February 2024. Measuring in at a whopping 2000 square metres, the new facility boasts outdoor terraces, airfield views, and the network’s first bespoke whisky bar experience, The Reserve. Guests will also find signature Centurion Lounge amenities, including dedicated workstations and phone booths, premium restrooms and shower suites, several seating areas and access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.
Who qualifies for Centurion Lounge access?
Only American Express customers holding the following cards have unlimited access to Centurion Lounges:
- American Express Centurion
- American Express Platinum
- American Express Business Platinum
- American Express Corporate Platinum Card
Customers holding the following cards enjoy two entries per calendar year.
- American Express Explorer
- American Express Platinum Reserve
- Qantas American Express Ultimate
- American Express Business Explorer
- American Express Elevate Premium
- Qantas American Express Corporate Platinum
- American Express Airpoints Platinum
How much does it cost to enter a Centurion Lounge?
- Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders can bring up to two guests for free if they have made $75,000 in eligible purchases within the calendar year. If they haven’t met this threshold, a guest day pass is available for $50 per adult or $30 per child aged two to 17.
- Centurion card members enjoy complimentary access for up to two guests or immediate family members (spouse, domestic partner, and children under 18).
- Additionally, Platinum, Business Platinum, and Centurion cardholders can purchase day passes for any extra guests at $50 each.
What is the best Centurion Lounge in the world?
Many Centurion Lounges are considered luxury experiences, however locations at London Heathrow, New York JFK, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Hong Kong International, Dallas Fort Worth and San Francisco are among the best, showcasing excellent design, ambience, facilities and food.
Is everything free in a Centurion Lounge?
Food, drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi and showering facilities are all complimentary to guests of the Centurion Lounge.
Can I get into Centurion Lounge with the AmEx app?
You can access the Centurion Lounge using your American Express app by selecting the membership tab in the app, selecting your airport and preferred lounge, and following the prompts to get your QR code for lounge access.
What airports have Centurion Lounges?
- Atlanta, US
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Charlotte, US
- Dallas-Fort Worth, US
- Delhi, India
- Denver, US
- Houston-Intercontinental, US
- Hong Kong
- Las Vegas, US
- London-Heathrow, United Kingdom
- Los Angeles, US
- Melbourne, Australia
- Mexico City, Mexico
- Miami, US
- Monterrey, Mexico
- Mumbai, India
- New York-JFK, US
- New York-LaGuardia, US
- Newark (expected 2026), US
- Philadelphia, US
- Phoenix, US
- Sao Paulo, Brazil
- San Francisco, US
- Seattle, US
- Stockholm, Sweden
- Sydney, Australia
Read more:
World’s best airport lounges
American Express launches the biggest Centurion Lounge yet
Inside American Express’s Heathrow Centurion Lounge
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