The Centurion Lounge

What The Centurion Lounge does

The Centurion Lounge is a premium airport lounge network owned and operated by American Express (NYSE: AXP) as part of its Global Lounge Collection. The network comprises 35+ locations across major U.S. hubs and international gateways (London Heathrow, Hong Kong, Tokyo), with openings announced through 2029 at Amsterdam Schiphol, Newark Liberty, Boston Logan, plus a Sidecar concept at Charlotte and the permanent San Francisco reopening. Eligible American Express Card Members (U.S. Consumer Platinum, Business Platinum, Corporate Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Reserve, and Centurion Card holders) receive complimentary access; no standalone membership or day-pass is offered. Direct customer-facing revenue is nominal guest fees ($50 per adult, $30 for child guests), while the underlying economic model monetizes the experience indirectly through card annual fees and interchange income. Guest eligibility for complimentary guest privileges is gated by a $75,000 annual spend threshold on the Platinum Card.

The network's core technology is a digital waitlist and eligibility verification system embedded in the American Express mobile application, enabling eligible members to join a remote waitlist via SMS/email notifications and to generate app-based eligibility codes for contactless check-in. The product experience is anchored by the Culinary Collective, a curated food and beverage program featuring James Beard Award-winning chefs (Kwame Onwuachi, Mashama Bailey, Michael Solomonov, Sarah Grueneberg), Bar Director Harrison Ginsberg (Overstory, #6 in North America's 50 Best Bars 2025), and Sommelier Helen Johannesen (Wine Enthusiast 2016 Sommelier of the Year). A new small-format "Sidecar" concept with QR-code ordering was launched at Las Vegas in 2025 and is planned for Charlotte in 2027. Location-specific design and culinary partnerships (e.g., Michelin-starred Satoshi Ogino at Tokyo) reinforce local differentiation.

The Centurion Lounge is not a separately listed entity; it is a non-reportable brand/operating segment within American Express, with no standalone financial disclosure. All marketing, distribution, and customer acquisition occur through Amex's own channels (Amex App, email, social, card-benefit communications); the lounge has no independent go-to-market motion or revenue line. Recognition includes the #1 ranking in Airport Lounge Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power. Geographic coverage spans North America (U.S., Mexico), Europe (UK, Netherlands, Sweden), Asia-Pacific (Hong Kong, Japan, India, Australia), and South America (Argentina), with the largest concentration of locations in the United States.

Name

The Centurion Lounge

Legal name

American Express

Website

https://thecenturionlounge.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1850

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Centurion Lounge is American Express's premium airport lounge network, providing complimentary access to Platinum, Business Platinum, Corporate Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Reserve, and Centurion Card holders across 35+ global locations with chef-curated dining, premium bars, and amenities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Premium Airport Lounge Services

NAICS

All Other Traveler Accommodation (721199)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Airport Lounges & Premium Passenger Facilities (THABALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Elite Status & Benefits (Tiers, Upgrades, Lounge Access) (THABAKAF), Travel Deal, Loyalty & Subscription Platforms (BPAMAIAM), Customer Servicing & Member Experience (Contact Centers, Digital) (THABAKAJ)

Keywords

• Premium airport lounges
• Airport hospitality services
• Credit card benefits
• Airport dining experiences
• Global lounge network

Headquarters

HQ city

Atlanta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices31 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Card Membership Benefit: Lounge access is provided as a bundled benefit of American Express Platinum and Delta Reserve card memberships. The revenue is derived from card annual fees and interchange income rather than direct lounge access fees. While there are guest fees ($50 per adult, $30 for children 2-17 at U.S. locations), these are nominal compared to the overall value proposition driving card membership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Centurion Lounge operates a global network of premium airport lounges providing eligible American Express Card Members with curated dining experiences, premium cocktails, high-speed Wi-Fi, shower suites, conference rooms, family rooms, and productive workspaces. Access is bundled as a benefit of Platinum Card, Business Platinum, Corporate Platinum, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, and Centurion Card memberships. The brand extends its reach through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, which aggregates access to partner lounge networks including Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium, and Lufthansa lounges.

Product overview

The Centurion Lounge is a network of premium airport lounges operated by American Express as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection. The offering consists of The Centurion Lounge (the core product) as a full-service lounge with globally inspired dining, premium cocktails, and amenities such as shower suites and workspaces; Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge as a small-format quick-service concept; the Culinary Collective featuring celebrity chef partnerships for elevated menus; and the Digital Waitlist feature for mobile check-in. These products work together to provide eligible Card Members with a comprehensive premium airport lounge experience, with the Global Lounge Collection extending access to partner lounge networks worldwide.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge: A new, small-format lounge concept designed for the busy traveler, offering a refined, modern space for a quick drink and bite before flights. Located adjacent to main Centurion Lounges at select locations.
• Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge

Products and services

• The Centurion Lounge Premium airport lounge network offering globally inspired dining, premium cocktails, high-speed Wi-Fi, shower suites, workspaces, and family rooms for eligible American Express Card Members. Recognized as #1 in Airport Lounge Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power.
• Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge Small-format lounge concept accessible to Platinum Card Members and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members within 90 minutes of departure. Features QR-code ordering for gourmet small plates and beverages delivered directly to tables. Currently available at Las Vegas (LAS) with expansion planned for Charlotte (CLT).
• Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge Curated food and beverage program featuring celebrity chef partnerships including James Beard Award winner Kwame Onwuachi, Mashama Bailey, Michael Solomonov, Sarah Grueneberg, Bar Director Harrison Ginsberg of Overstory, and Sommelier Helen Johannesen. Delivers elevated menus with signature cocktails, sommelier-curated wines, and globally inspired cuisine at select Centurion Lounge locations.
• American Express Global Lounge Collection Comprehensive lounge access program offering eligible Card Members access to The Centurion Lounge network plus partner lounges including Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and Lufthansa lounges, providing global coverage across multiple lounge networks.

Quantifiable outcome

• #1 in Airport Lounge Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power)
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kwame OnwuachicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJames Beard Award-winning chef (Rising Star Chef of the Year, 2019) and Culinary Collective partner creating Afro-Caribbean cuisine menus for select Centurion Lounges. His NYC restaurant Tatiana is ranked #1 by The New York Times. Chef Onwuachi crafts signature dishes like Shrimp and Grits for the lounge experience.
• Mashama BaileycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary Collective chef partner creating elevated menus for select Centurion Lounge locations as part of the celebrity chef dining program.
• Michael SolomonovcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary Collective chef partner creating elevated menus for select Centurion Lounge locations as part of the celebrity chef dining program.
• Sarah GruenebergcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCulinary Collective chef partner creating elevated menus for select Centurion Lounge locations as part of the celebrity chef dining program.
• Harrison Ginsberg of OverstorycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaster mixologist and Bar Director crafting signature cocktail menus for Centurion Lounges. His Overstory bar in Manhattan is ranked #6 in North America's 50 Best Bars 2025. Ginsberg creates classically-driven yet intriguing cocktails inspired by different places.
• Helen JohannesencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWine Enthusiast's 2016 Sommelier of the Year curating premium wine selections for Centurion Lounges. Partner in Jon & Vinny's Italian and Helen's Wines in Los Angeles, bringing accessible, fun, and engaging wine experiences to the lounge.
• Satoshi OginocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMichelin-starred chef of Akasaka Ogino and Wakan supervising Japanese cuisine at Tokyo Centurion Lounge. Chef Ogino earned his Michelin star within six months of opening Akasaka Ogino in 2020. Creates seasonal Japanese cuisine incorporating traditional festivals and seasonal changes.
• JeroboamsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLondon-based wine merchant providing extensive wine services at London Heathrow Centurion Lounge. Offers rare and interesting wines alongside regularly demanded selections, combining traditional wine savoir-faire with modern presentation.
• Sonic EditionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLimited-edition fine-art photographic prints provider for Centurion Lounges. Features iconic musicians, film stars, and cultural icons sourced from world-renowned photographers. Prints available for purchase at select locations.
• 12.29, Olfactive BrandingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScent branding company creating custom scents for Centurion Lounge environments. Has collaborated with clients in New York, Paris, Milan, Miami, London, Hong Kong, Australia, and China.
• SoapsmithminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLondon-born soap, bath, and body care business providing premium amenities to London Heathrow Centurion Lounge. Quality, craft, and passion-driven products using finest ingredients from local suppliers.
• L'OCCITANEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremium skincare, body care, and fragrance provider offering products at select Centurion Lounge locations including Tokyo and Hong Kong. Founded in Provence, France over 30 years ago, incorporating Braille labeling where possible.
• Danielle Garza (Ellierex)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLos Angeles-based mixed media muralist creating custom artwork for Los Angeles Centurion Lounge. Combines traditional marbling methods with innovative meditative techniques. Works in private collections in NYC, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Sweden, and Australia.
• LalominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChildren's products brand featured at LaGuardia Centurion Lounge. Creates safe, non-toxic, and beautiful products for children that parents are proud to own.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Delta Sky Club: Delta Air Lines' owned lounge network, accessed by Delta co-brand cardholders including Delta SkyMiles Reserve — a Centurion Lounge customer cohort. Directly competes for premium domestic and hub lounge demand.
• Plaza Premium Group: Independent global airport lounge operator with 250+ locations; key partner inside Amex's Global Lounge Collection. Operates a similar premium, pay-and-membership lounge model across international hubs.
• Priority Pass: Global independent airport lounge program accessible via co-brand credit cards including the Amex Platinum. Most direct competitor in lounge-network reach and in serving the same Platinum cardholder segment via partnership with Amex.
• Escape Lounges (MAG US): U.S. independent lounge network included in the Amex Global Lounge Collection. Competes in the U.S. domestic market with a smaller-format premium offering overlapping with Centurion's domestic footprint.
• Capital One Landing: Capital One's premium lounge concept for Venture X and Capital One premium cardholders. Operates flagship locations at DFW, IAD, and DEN with chef-driven F&B, directly competing with Centurion Lounge positioning.
• Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club: Premium lounge network built for Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, with locations at JFK, LGA, BOS, PHL, and Hong Kong. Direct competitor pursuing the same high-spend traveler profile with elevated dining and bar programs.

Broad incumbents

• American Airlines Admirals Club: American Airlines' flagship lounge product serving AAdvantage and Citi/Barclays co-brand cardholders. Competes for premium domestic travelers at overlapping hub airports including DFW, CLT, and LAX.
• United Club: United Airlines' airline-affiliated lounge network serving premium United MileagePlus cardholders. Comparable premium lounge positioning for a competing airline's frequent flyers, with overlapping audience in domestic hubs.

Regional players

• No1 Lounies: UK-based independent lounge operator with multiple UK and European airport locations. Smaller-scale peer offering premium F&B and shower suites; relevant comparability on lounge unit economics in Europe.
• Lufthansa Lounges: European airline-affiliated premium lounge network, including the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt. Partnered with Amex Global Lounge Collection in select international locations and a relevant benchmark for international premium experience.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/americanexpress
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AmericanExpress
• Facebookfacebook.com/AmericanExpressUS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-centurion-lounge
• Instagraminstagram.com/AmericanExpress

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Centurion Lounge