One of the benefits of being a member is being able to access American Express’ new Centurion Lounge. For those who fly on a regular basis, you are probably familiar with airport lounges and their amenities. Amex recently has revamped the lounge access program and started opening up their own branded lounges. They opened the first ones a year ago, and have opened two more this year. So far, the lounges are in Las Vegas (LAS), Dallas (DFW), New York (LGA), San Francisco (SFO), Miami (MIA), and Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), with plans to expand. If you have a Platinum or Centurion card, then you are granted complimentary access (plus that of a guest or family) to the lounges. If you have a branded Amex card, you can enter the lounge for $50. The Seattle lounge is known as the Centurion Studio, and as a result, only Platinum and Centurion members are allowed access.
The Centurion Lounges are an oasis at the airport. Not only are you able to escape the loud, busy terminals, but you are able to enjoy incredible amenities including: great seasonal fare created by notable chefs, premium drinks at the bar, high-speed Wi-Fi, work spaces, televisions, and some locations have showers and a spa.
Since the Seattle and Miami lounges just opened in the last few weeks, I thought I’d write about the lounges and my experience at the LGA lounge when I was in NYC for NYFW. And since a close friend, (and Centurion card holder) who recently missed out on the lounge simply because he didn’t know any Centurion Lounge existed, I felt it was worth discussing.
The lounge at LGA is pre-TSA between concourses B and C. So go check your luggage, if need be, and then head upstairs. When you walk in, you will be greeted by the staff at the member services desk who will check you in, and provide you with the password for the Wi-Fi, and help you should you need it. As I walked in, I noticed the more receptive vibe of the lounge, contrary to many other lounges I have visited. There was plenty of room to cozy up in my own cabana, or stretch out in one of the numerous chairs. They also had several photos with an homage to NYC from renowned photographers decorating some of their walls. The lounge was also rather quiet, and very peaceful.
I walked down the hallway towards the dining area and bar and decided to try some of the dishes created by renowned chef, Cedric Vongerichten. Of all the options that were available, I sampled the fried chicken with honey-lemon glaze and a vegetable medley of tomatoes, zucchini, and squash. The food was delicious, and far above the snacks or boxed wraps you would typically receive in other lounges.
I ended up posting up at the bar so I could order a drink with my meal, headed up by famed mixologist Jim Meehan. After perusing the menu, I had found my poison: Medford Stuyvestant. Rum is something I am really into; both neat and in cocktails. The Medford is the Centurion Lounge’s spin on a classic rum cocktail, the daiquiri. It was tasty, and not overly sweet or tart like some daiquiris have a tendency to be.
After finishing my meal and drinks, I had a little bit of time to relax in one of the cabanas before I needed to make my way to security and to the gate. At that time, actress Ashley Judd came in and sat next to me. She was lovely and very nice. We were on the same flight back to Nashville, so we pretty much were companions for the next three hours.
When you fly, one of the things that make traveling more enjoyable are the airport lounges. And the one that is a must visit is the Centurion Lounge. It’s an excellent benefit of your Platinum or Centurion card, with great amenities, and you never know who you might sit next to you.