Credit Card News
Amex Debuts Newest Centurion Lounge in Salt Lake City
American Express expanded its lounge network this week as the latest Centurion location began welcoming cardholders.
About the Centurion Lounge at SLC:
A new American Express Centurion Lounge has officially opened at Salt Lake City International Airport. The lounge marks the 31st Centurion location. At 18,000 square feet, it’s also larger than several other flagship locations, including the expanded LAS location (13,4000 square feet), the SeaTac lounge (14,000 square feet), and even the recently expanded SFO spot (16,000 square feet). Cardmembers can find the lounge in Concourse B near Gate 31. Currently, the location will operate from 4:45 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. daily.
According to Amex, the space was designed with influence from local Utah artists. It also takes inspiration from its mountainous setting, including featuring a ski-lodgeesque Hearth Room (seen above). Elsewhere, the SLC Centurion offers food and beverage menus curated by The Culinary Collective and has a full-service Blue Roast by American Express coffee bar.
Accessing Centurion Lounges:
Centurion Lounges are a featured perk of select American Express cards. Beyond the titular Centurion card (AKA the iconic invite-only Black Card), those with the American Express Platinum Card enjoy complimentary access for themselves. Those who spend at least $75,000 per year on the card can also gain access for a guest. Alternatively, Platinum card customers can add an authorized user for a $195 annual fee, with these AUs gaining their own lounge access. Meanwhile, those with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card can also enjoy complimentary Centurion access when they book their Delta flight with their Reserve Card.
What They’re Saying:
Discussing the new location, American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley said, “With strong year-round Card Member demand for travel to Salt Lake City, expanding the Centurion Lounge network here is a natural fit. The lounge offers a refined, welcoming environment that provides eligible Card Members a premium place to relax and recharge.”
Additionally, Salt Lake City Department of Airports Executive Director Bill Wyatt noted, “The Centurion Lounge is a welcome addition to Salt Lake City International Airport. American Express is refining the traveler experience with elevated service, curated amenities and gourmet dining, making the journey through Salt Lake City truly exceptional.”
My Thoughts:
I’ve mentioned this before, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out again that American Express’s recent Centurion Lounge strategy seems to be chasing Delta. Obviously, the bank and the airline have been long-time partners — and Platinum cardmembers have access to both Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta) as well as Centurion Lounges. Therefore, it makes sense to try to offset overcrowding by building Centurion locations at Delta hubs such as SLC.
As for the lounge itself, it looks beautiful. I also love that it has a dedicated coffee bar as some other locations now do. It’s been a while since I’ve traveled through Salt Lake, but I do hope to make a stop at this location the next time I happen to find myself there.