Source: The Points Guy
Summary
American Express announced four Centurion Lounge updates, including a larger Newark location, a new London Heathrow lounge, a Houston expansion, and a Philadelphia upgrade. The Newark lounge will expand to 30,000 square feet, making it the largest in the network. The London lounge will open in 2028, and Houston’s will nearly triple in size. Philadelphia’s lounge will double in size and reopen in 2027. Access is available to specific Amex cardholders.
Our Reading
The escape is carefully planned.
Newark’s lounge will be the largest, with three bars and chef-led dining. London’s new lounge adds a second location. Houston’s expansion nearly triples the size. Philadelphia’s upgrade includes local art and history. The delay in Newark’s opening is offset by bigger plans.
Author: Evan Null
The largest Amex Centurion Lounge is coming to Newark
The new Amex Centurion Lounge coming to Newark may not be opening this year as originally announced, but it is getting significantly larger — expanding from the previously planned 18,000 square feet to more than 30,000 square feet.
When it opens, that will make Newark the largest Centurion Lounge in the network, surpassing the current titleholder, the Atlanta Centurion Lounge, which measures in at close to 26,000 square feet.
Amex has also shared that within those more than 30,000 square feet in Newark’s Terminal A, you’ll find two floors with three distinct bar experiences.
This will include a Main Bar with craft cocktails and curated wines, a Specialty Bar that puts a modern spin on the state’s diner culture and a Terrace Bar that pays tribute to New Jersey’s Italian heritage with gelato, Italian pastries and cocktails on the menu.
Second Amex Centurion Lounge coming to London Heathrow
Next up in today’s announcements is a new Centurion Lounge coming to London Heathrow (LHR), which will mark the second Amex Centurion Lounge at that global hub.
This 9,000-square-foot lounge will open in Terminal 5 in 2028 and join the airport’s original Amex Centurion Lounge at Heathrow, Terminal 3, which opened in 2021.
According to Amex, the new London lounge will have “premium food and beverage offerings, a variety of seating and dedicated work areas, a VIP area and design inspired by London’s cultures and the River Thames.”
Amex says that will also make it the first credit card issuer with two lounges at Heathrow.
Houston Centurion Lounge tripling in size
This one hits close to home for me in all the best ways as a Houston-based traveler, as The Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will nearly triple in size to more than 23,000 square feet.
That’s a huge expansion for a lounge that is currently just 8,000 square feet, and it will make Houston one of the largest Centurion Lounges in the network when the expansion is complete in 2028.
Amex says the expanded space will include a Blue Roast coffee and wellness bar, which seems to be becoming a staple in many Centurion Lounges. It will also introduce a specialty dining experience inspired by Houston’s culinary scene.
The added space will also bring a second full-service bar, along with additional seats, showers and restrooms.
Philadelphia Centurion Lounge expanding
Last but not least, Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is also getting an upgrade as this Centurion Lounge, which first opened in 2017, will almost double in size to 12,000 square feet across two stories.
This work is starting very soon. In fact, the current lounge will temporarily close for renovations beginning on Oct. 16 of this year.
It’s expected to reopen by the end of 2027, and when it does, it will feature design inspired by Philadelphia’s history, energy and craftsmanship along with work from local artists.
Access to the lounges is limited to specific Amex cardholders, with details on fees and eligibility provided.
How to access Amex Centurion Lounges
Cardmembers need a same-day boarding pass for a departing flight and can enter within three hours of their scheduled departure. If you’re on a connecting itinerary, you can enter within five hours of the departing connecting flight.
The following American Express cardmembers get complimentary access to Centurion Lounges: American Express Platinum Card®, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, Corporate Platinum Card members, Centurion Card members, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
Delta Reserve and Reserve Business cardmembers only get Centurion Lounge access when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight booked with a U.S.-issued American Express charge or credit card.
Guest access varies by card, and fees may apply.
