Centurion Lounges are the crown jewel of airport lounges in the United States. Operated by American Express, these lounges offer chef-curated food, premium cocktails, spa services, and a level of comfort that far exceeds typical Priority Pass lounges. Here's our complete guide to every US location.

How to Access Centurion Lounges

• Amex Platinum Card: Personal or Business version
• Amex Centurion Card: Invitation-only
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: When flying Delta same-day

Guest Policy (2026): 2 guests free, additional guests $50 each. Immediate family (spouse and children under 18) travel free.

All US Centurion Lounge Locations Ranked

Tier 1: The Best of the Best

1. Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) - Terminal D

Rating: ★★★★★

• Size: 10,000+ sq ft - one of the largest
• Food: Texas-inspired menu by Dean Fearing; brisket tacos are legendary
• Drinks: Full bar with Texas craft beers
• Special: Outdoor terrace with runway views
• Crowd Level: Medium (American hub, but space handles it)
• Pro Tip: Visit during off-peak hours; the terrace is worth it

2. Los Angeles (LAX) - Terminal B

Rating: ★★★★★

• Size: 14,000 sq ft - largest Centurion Lounge
• Food: Menu by Nancy Silverton; incredible fresh bread and seasonal dishes
• Drinks: Full bar with California wines
• Special: Equinox spa, outdoor deck, separate work area
• Crowd Level: High (very popular), but size helps
• Pro Tip: Book spa services in advance; arrive early AM for quieter experience

3. New York JFK - Terminal 4

Rating: ★★★★½

• Size: 15,000 sq ft - massive but gets crowded
• Food: Menu by Marc Forgione; excellent burgers and salads
• Drinks: Premium cocktail program
• Special: Spa by Exhale, dedicated work pods
• Crowd Level: Very High - one of the busiest
• Pro Tip: Avoid 4-8 PM (international departure rush); mornings are best

Tier 2: Excellent Lounges

4. San Francisco (SFO) - Terminal 3

Rating: ★★★★

• Food: California-inspired menu with excellent fresh options
• Special: Great views of the tarmac
• Crowd Level: Medium-High (United hub)

5. Miami (MIA) - Concourse D

Rating: ★★★★

• Food: Latin-influenced menu; ceviche and empanadas
• Special: Bright, airy design with Miami flair
• Crowd Level: Medium (American's Latin hub)

6. Seattle (SEA) - Concourse B

Rating: ★★★★

• Food: Pacific Northwest cuisine; great salmon dishes
• Special: Modern design, relatively new
• Crowd Level: Medium (Alaska hub)

7. Denver (DEN) - Concourse C

Rating: ★★★★

• Food: Colorado-inspired with local ingredients
• Special: Mountain views on clear days
• Crowd Level: Medium-High (United hub)

Tier 3: Good, Standard Centurion Experience

8. Las Vegas (LAS) - Terminal 3

Rating: ★★★½

• Food: Solid menu, Vegas-quality cocktails
• Crowd Level: High on weekends (Vegas effect)
• Pro Tip: Sunday afternoons are extremely busy; avoid if possible

9. Charlotte (CLT) - Concourse A

Rating: ★★★½

• Food: Southern-inspired menu
• Crowd Level: Medium (American hub but newer lounge)

10. Philadelphia (PHL) - Terminal A West

Rating: ★★★½

• Food: Philly-inspired with local flavors
• Crowd Level: Medium

11. Phoenix (PHX) - Terminal 4

Rating: ★★★½

• Food: Southwest-inspired menu
• Crowd Level: Medium-Low (one of the less crowded)

12. Houston (IAH) - Terminal D

Rating: ★★★

• Food: Texas BBQ influences
• Crowd Level: Low-Medium (United hub but less busy)

13. New York LaGuardia (LGA) - Terminal C

Rating: ★★★

• Food: New York deli-inspired
• Crowd Level: Medium (smaller lounge)
• Note: Part of the new Terminal C renovation

Tips for Visiting Centurion Lounges

Best Times to Visit

• Best: 9-11 AM, 2-4 PM
• Worst: 6-8 AM (morning rush), 4-8 PM (evening departures)
• Weekends: Generally busier, especially at leisure destinations

Food & Drink Tips

• Food menus rotate seasonally—ask what's featured
• Cocktails are crafted by professional mixologists—don't settle for basic drinks
• Most lounges have a small buffet plus made-to-order options

Spa Services

• Available at select locations (LAX, JFK, DFW, DEN)
• 15-minute complimentary treatments; longer for a fee
• Book through the Amex Centurion app or at the front desk
• Popular times fill up fast—book early

Is the Amex Platinum Worth It for Centurion Access?

If you travel through airports with Centurion Lounges 4+ times per year, the lounge access alone can justify a significant portion of the $695 annual fee:

• Average lounge visit value: $50-75 (food, drinks, comfort)
• 4 visits = $200-300 in value
• Plus all other Platinum benefits (airline credit, hotel credit, etc.)

For frequent travelers, especially those flying through DFW, LAX, or JFK, the Platinum card is an excellent investment.