On Wednesday, February 14, American Express will unveil the most recent addition to its Centurion Lounge Network. The new lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will be the network’s largest yet and will feature elements inspired by Atlanta’s landscape and culture.
Not only will lounge visitors be able to indulge in a locally inspired food menu and grab a specialty whiskey cocktail, they’ll be able to stay productive at dedicated workstations and view the airfield from multiple outdoor terraces.
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Features of the American Express Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
ATL is the busiest airport in the world, and Amex has created a lounge to match this demand. The new Centurion Lounge is the issuer’s largest yet, at nearly 26,000 square feet.
As the primary hub for Delta Air Lines, those who pass through ATL may be familiar with the airport’s multiple Delta Sky Club lounges. The new Centurion Lounge—located in Concourse E near gate E11—will make Amex the only credit card issuer with a proprietary lounge at ATL.
Guests will find the typical Centurion Lounge amenities, such as complimentary Wi-Fi, multiple seating areas, dedicated workstations, phone booths, premium restrooms and shower suites. Where this lounge stands out is in its design and curated food and drink offerings.
A Design Inspired by Atlanta
Amex’s Centurion Lounges are known for paying homage to their locations. The new lounge is no different, drawing inspiration from Atlanta’s reputation as “the city in the forest.”
The main seating area showcases a 50-year old olive tree partnered with a 3,850 square foot custom light sculpture representing a forest canopy. These features create a relaxing landscape for visitors awaiting their flights.
Another first for Amex’s Centurion Lounge Network is the multiple outdoor terraces, where lounge-goers get a front-row seat to the airfield. These landscaped areas are equipped with fans and heaters to allow for year-round use.
The lounge also showcases commissioned artwork from local artists, including a 60-foot mural painted by Evan Blackwell Helgesom that stretches from the interior dining area to outdoor terrace. Other artwork includes a textural interpretation of Amex’s old watchdog logo by Lucha Rodríguez and a multimedia piece by Michi Meko inspired by Georgia’s landscape.
Soul Food Curated by a Local Atlanta Chef
Chef Deborah VanTrece, the owner behind Atlanta restaurants Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Oreatha’s At The Point and La Panarda, will curate modern, global soul food offerings for the lounge. The menu includes black-eyed pea biryani, za’atar grilled chicken thighs with green tomato chimichurri and twisted soul salad with strawberry peppercorn vinaigrette.
Additionally, the lounge will feature a dedicated food and beverage station with gluten free and vegan options, including protein bites, salads, smoothies and immunity booster juice shots.
The Centurion Network’s First Whiskey Bar
Within the ATL lounge will be The Reserve by American Express, the network’s first dedicated whiskey bar. Guests can choose from over 20 classic and new American whiskeys or try one of the five whiskey cocktails off the cocktail menu, curated by award-winning mixologist Jim Meehan.
If whiskey isn’t your taste, the lounge has you covered, featuring a main bar with 10 wines hand-selected by sommelier and Centurion Lounge Wine Director Anthony Giglio, a local cocktail menu with spirit free options and Centurion Lounge signature drinks.
Who Has Access to American Express Centurion Lounges?
In order to access the Centurion Lounge Network, you must hold a select American Express credit card. The following cards, which all carry a steep annual fee, come with complimentary access:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee) (terms apply, see rates & fees)
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee) (terms apply, see rates & fees)
- American Express Corporate Platinum Card ($550 annual fee)
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($650 annual fee) (terms apply, see rates & fees)
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card ($650 annual fee) (terms apply, see rates & fees)
- Centurion® Card from American Express* ($5,000 annual fee; issued by invitation only)
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card members can only use the lounge when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
The ATL lounge is Amex’s fourteenth within the United States, and the issuer has plans to open new locations at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C. and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. The Centurion Network consists of over 40 locations worldwide, factoring in both Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges, a Centurion Studio Partner.
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Centurion Lounge Guest Policy
Depending on which American Express card you hold, there may be an additional cost to bring a guest into a Centurion Lounge.
For example, Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders must pay $50 per guest ($30 for children aged 2 through 17). However, cardmembers can receive complimentary access for up to two guests at lounges in the U.S., Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) after spending $75,000 on their card per calendar year.
Bottom Line
If you hold an eligible American Express card, the new Centurion Lounge in ATL is another place you can take advantage of during your travels. If you plan on traveling through the busy airport, make sure to arrive a bit early to grab a meal and cocktail or take a shower and relax. Also keep an eye out for the upcoming lounges American Express plans to open so you can maximize the perks to utilize in exchange for paying a card’s high annual fee.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card please visit this page.
