If you’re unacquainted with the emotional ambrosia of entering the sliding glass doors of a quiet airport lounge from a bustling concourse, you simply cannot fathom what you’re missing. Acquiring airport lounge access is one of the easiest-to-achieve and effective tactics to catapult your quality of travel.
On Feb. 14, 2024, American Express will cut the ribbon on a new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Its amenities make it one of the best airport lounges in the country. Here’s what you need to know about this lounge—and how you can get in for free with the best travel credit cards.
Introducing the new Amex Centurion Lounge in Atlanta
Amex Centurion Lounges threw down the gauntlet among domestic airport lounges. Each offers free mixed drinks and proper hot meals; and depending on which one you visit, you’ll find complimentary massages, wine tastings, pool tables, and more.
Situated in Concourse E near gate 11, the new Centurion Lounge in Atlanta spans an astonishing 26,000 square feet—utterly dwarfing the 15,000 square foot New York location that previously held this title at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Within this sprawling lounge are a few unique features that you won’t find in any other Centurion Lounge.
Next-level ambiance
Centurion Lounges feel luxurious, with a blend of natural wood, living plant walls, and glass. Per American Express, this new Centurion Lounge highlights Atlanta’s reputation as “the city in the forest” with a few techniques to further incorporate nature into its décor.
The crown jewel of the lounge is a 50-year-old olive tree displayed in the main seating area. It’s complemented by a 3,850 square foot forest canopy light sculpture. Also available are a handful of landscaped outdoor terraces; heaters and fans make these spaces accessible all year.
Dedicated whiskey bar
The Reserve by American Express is the lounge network’s first dedicated whiskey bar. Its dark accents and leather seats make it an icon of the space. It even connects to one of the aforementioned outdoor lounge areas.
On its distinctive menu are more than 20 classic and new American whiskeys, as well as five specialty whiskey cocktails curated by Jim Meehan, an award-winning mixologist. The Reserve is in addition to the lounge’s main bar, which includes a complimentary cocktail menu and a variety of wines chosen by sommelier Anthony Giglio, the Centurion Lounge Wine Director. In a nod to the sober-curious crowd, the Centurion Lounge also has a curated mocktail selection.
Soul food specialties
Each Centurion lounge draws inspiration for food menu items from its locale. The Atlanta Centurion Lounge will specialize in “modern, global soul food,” according to American Express. This includes dishes like Black Eyed Pea Biryani, Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri, and Twisted Soul Salad with Strawberry Peppercorn Vinaigrette.
You’ll also find a dedicated food and beverage station offering both gluten free and vegan items — think smoothies, salads, protein bites, and immunity booster juice shots.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Intro bonus
80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of card membership
Annual Fee | $695 |
Purchase APR | See Pay Over Time APR |
Foreign Transaction Fee | None |
How to get access to Amex Centurion Lounges
You can’t purchase entry to Amex Centurion Lounges. If you want in, you must hold one of the following travel rewards cards:
These cards offer access to additional airport lounges beyond Centurion Lounges, as well. For example, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardholders can waltz into any Delta Sky Club as long as they’ve got a same-day Delta boarding pass. And the Amex Platinum Card confers Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), which grants entry to over 1,400 lounges worldwide. It also allows you to access Delta Sky Clubs with a same-day Delta boarding pass.
Those who frequent the Atlanta airport have an especially compelling reason to open one of the above cards. Serving as Delta’s primary hub, there are a whopping nine Delta Sky Clubs peppered throughout seven concourses. This new Centurion Lounge provides an ultra-premium (and perhaps superior) option.
Bottom line
The newest member of the Amex Centurion Lounge collection is in Atlanta— and it’s the biggest one yet. Only time will tell if the crowds manage to overflow even this giant space.
Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company
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