Amex is not only announcing a significant expansion of its Centurion Lounge Network but is also revealing its largest location yet.
About the New Amex Centurion Lounge Locations:
Today, American Express unveiled what it’s calling the “largest Centurion Lounge Network expansion to date.”
First, a brand new Centurion location is coming to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). At 30,000 square feet — versus a previously planned 18,000 square feet — the lounge will be the largest Centurion when it opens. Additionally, its debut will mean that Amex has proprietary lounges at all three major New York-area airports.
The EWR Centurion will be in Terminal A and will offer a Blue Roast by American Express Coffee and Wellness Bar, three other bar locations, and signature culinary offerings. It also promises a design inspired by the Garden State’s “long legacy of invention and discovery.” This new location is expected to open in 2027.
Across the pond, Amex also announced plans for a new location at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). This will actually be the second Centurion Lounge at LHR. The new lounge will be found in Terminal 5, while the existing location remains open in Terminal 3. In contrast to EWR’s 30,000-square-foot space, the additional LHR lounge will be 9,000 square feet. Amex anticipated the Terminal 5 LHR lounge to debut in 2028.
Beyond these two new locations, Amex is also expanding two current lounges. At Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the existing 8,000-square-foot lounge will grow to 23,000 square feet. The updated location will be complete by 2028. Meanwhile, the Centurion at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) will double from 6,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet and span two stories. While the PHL location will be fully updated by the end of 2027, the lounge will temporarily close on October 16th to allow for the renovations.
All of these announcements come in addition to previously announced expansions, such as the new Centurion Lounge at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), a Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), and an expansion of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) Centurion.
Access to American Express Centurion Lounge Locations is available to Amex Platinum and Centurion Card customers. Platinum cardmembers who spend at least $75,000 per calendar year on their card can also unlock complimentary guest access (up to two guests). Additionally, those with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card can enjoy Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta.
My Thoughts:
Given the popularity of the American Express Platinum card and, in turn, the Centurion Lounges, it’s no surprise that the card company would want to build more, larger lounge locations. Nevertheless, it is a bit surprising that the company will have two locations in one airport — although there is some precedent since Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) now has both a regular Centurion Lounge and a Sidecar location.
Of course, by the time these new and expanded locations open, we could see more Platinum refreshes and Centurion Lounge admission policy updates. So, while I’m excited in theory, we’ll have to see if these plans help Amex keep up with demand or whether the popularity still proves too strong.
