The Escape Lounge at Oakland International Airport was recently removed from the Priority Pass list and added to The Platinum Card from American Express benefits. Without Amex membership, the entry fee is $40 + tax. Is the Escape Lounge worth visiting?
Walk-up entry is available to all Oakland passengers for a $45+tax entry fee. American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders can enjoy complimentary access and bring up two guests.
Complimentary food and drinks are available.
The Escape Lounge is located in Terminal 1 and past the TSA security checkpoint, right next to Gate 8.
The Escape Lounge boasts a wide range of complimentary food and drinks, but unfortunately, your experience may vary based on the time of day you visit. We stopped by the lounge around 3 pm, and they ran out of food. The hot food was not refilled and what you see was what you got.
Below is a picture of where the hot food should be. As you can see, it's completely empty.
The majority of the lunch/dinner buffet items were nowhere to be found. There should be an asterisk to let people know that food is on a first come, first serve basis. I'm glad we didn't spend $40+ tax to access the lounge.
If your goal at the lounge is to get a decent drink, you're in luck. The lounge has a well-stocked bar with complimentary drinks.
Complimentary coffee and tea.
The lounge itself is relatively small. There are plenty of tables and chairs to sit and relax. Service was lackluster. It seemed like only two employees were managing the lounge — one at the bar and one at the front desk. The front desk employee was also responsible for cleaning tables.
Restrooms are separate from the lounge and located right outside the front doors.
If you have an American Express Platinum or Centurion card, I would recommend visiting the lounge to get a drink and relax. Without the card, I would not pay $40+tax to visit the lounge. The Escape Lounge is supposed to be comparable to the Centurion Lounge, but it misses the mark by a long shot. The only redeeming factors are the interior design and drinks.
Since the food is not continuously refilled throughout the day, you can easily spend less than $40 to grab a decent bite in the airport.
Overall, there's plenty of room for improvement.
Seattle- Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has two Delta Sky Clubs where you can enjoy local cuisine, select complimentary drinks, a spa, and shower. The Delta Sky Club in Concourse A is larger and has longer hours than the one near Gates S.
The larger Delta Sky Club in Concourse A is located near Gate 1.
The smaller Delta Sky Club in the Gate S area is located on the second floor near Gates S-9 and S-10.
Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion members traveling in any cabin with a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge when they hold one of the following credit cards:
Delta Sky Club Membership
Delta Sky Club Memberships are available for purchase only by Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members. Club Members must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge.
Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Cabin Passenger
Lounge access is available to passengers traveling on a same-day Delta One flight.
When traveling on a SkyTeam flight (excluding Delta), passengers must be on a same-day international First or Business class ticket on a SkyTeam-operated flight. You must be confirmed in the First or Business class cabin for all segments of your journey.
See the Delta website for guest policies: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
The Delta Sky Club in Concourse A has two stories and an amazing view.
The lounge area is thoughtfully designed with power outlets available near almost every seat.
Complimentary food and drinks are available in the self-serve buffet area. Food features local fare like clam chowder, pasta bolognese, and coconut curry lentil soup.
Cold food selection includes salad creations and crudites.
Coffee, tea, soda, and select alcoholic drinks are complimentary.
Overall, the Delta Sky Club in Concourse A is spacious and a great place to grab a bite and relax before your flight.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a few Delta Sky Clubs where you can find snacks, select complimentary drinks, and showers. The largest Delta Sky Club in LAX is located in Terminal 2. There are additional (smaller) Delta Sky Clubs in Terminal 3 located above the food court.
The Delta Sky Club in Terminal 2 is located on the Mezzanine Level past TSA security. Once you’re in the terminal, you’ll see a large flight of stairs that lead to the lounges. The Delta Sky Club is opposite of the Virgin Atlantic Lounge.
Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion members traveling in any cabin with a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge when they hold one of the following credit cards:
Delta Sky Club Membership
Delta Sky Club Memberships are available for purchase only by Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members. Club Members must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge.
Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Cabin Passenger
Lounge access is available to passengers traveling on a same-day Delta One flight.
When traveling on a SkyTeam flight (excluding Delta), passengers must be on a same-day international First or Business class ticket on a SkyTeam-operated flight. You must be confirmed in the First or Business class cabin for all segments of your journey.
See the Delta website for guest policies: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
The Delta Sky Club in T2 has plenty of space to lounge around or get work done.
If you need to freshen up before or after a flight, shower rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis.
The food and drink are typically the same throughout all the Delta Sky Clubs, but the one in T2 has slightly more options.
Food consists of a hot dish, salad bar, cheese board, and dessert.
For non-alcoholic drinks, there is detox water, coffee, and a soda dispenser. Self-serve alcoholic drinks are also complimentary.
The award-winning Delta Sky Club at SFO offers expansive views of the runways and great amenities like snacks, select complimentary drinks, and showers.
After our visit at the SFO Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3, we took the skytrain to Terminal 1 to visit the Delta Sky Club Lounge. If you want to visit both lounges, you’ll have to go through TSA security check at each terminal.
The Delta Sky Club Lounge is located in Terminal 1, right next to Gate 41.
Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion members traveling in any cabin with a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge when they hold one of the following credit cards:
Delta Sky Club Membership
Delta Sky Club Memberships are available for purchase only by Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members. Club Members must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight may access the lounge.
Delta One or SkyTeam Premium Cabin Passenger
Lounge access is available to passengers traveling on a same-day Delta One flight.
When traveling on a SkyTeam flight (excluding Delta), passengers must be on a same-day international First or Business class ticket on a SkyTeam-operated flight. You must be confirmed in the First or Business class cabin for all segments of your journey.
See the Delta website for guest policies: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
The Delta Sky Club is sleek and modern in design; its hands down one of the most gorgeous airport lounges in the U.S.
When you walk up the stairs or take the elevator to the second level, you’re greeted by friendly Delta staff. The front of the lounge has “walls” along the bar to create sections of seating.
The lounge has high ceilings and windows with a spectacular view of the runway.
Plenty of seats and high top seating near the bar.
More bar seating and a picture of the bar. Select complimentary drinks are available.
Even the restrooms are sleek and modern in design.
There’s a wide range of salad and snacks available in the lounge, including a DIY chicken pho bar. The pho was okay.
Hummus, cheese, toppings, and bread.
DIY salad bar, pasta, rice, and stew.
Complimentary wine with mini cheesecake. Starbucks coffee with a self-serve espresso machine.
The American Express Centurion Lounge at LAS features fresh seasonal fare, a premium bar, a conference space, and much more. Here's everything you need to know about the LAS Centurion Lounge.
The lounge is located in Concourse D, accessible via the transit system from Terminal 1 or Terminal 3. Once you pass security, follow signs to D gates.
Complimentary lounge access is available to the following cardholders:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardmembers must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
What is the guest policy?
U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members can pay a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17). To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, you must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members can bring up to two guests per visit for $50/per person who is also traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion Members may bring up to two complimentary guests at no additional charge.
The LAS Centurion Lounge has an interesting variety of food during lunch including salad, bruschetta, udon, and fried chicken. See more of the food in the video at the end of the post.
Like all Centurion Lounges, there's a fully stocked premium bar that serves complimentary drinks.
The lounge was packed in the afternoon, so the conference space was occupied. Conference rooms are available on a first come, first serve basis. Semi-private workspaces are scattered throughout the lounge.
Surprisingly, the shower suite didn't have a waitlist. Watch the video below for a full tour of the LAS Centurion Lounge!
The American Express Centurion Lounge at HKG features a locally-inspired menu, dedicated work areas, and a reserved area for Centurion card holders.
The lounge is located in Terminal 1 near Gate 60. Once you see the signs for the Amex Centurion Lounge, take the escalators up.
Complimentary lounge access is available to the following cardholders:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardmembers must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
What is the guest policy?
U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members can pay a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17). To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, you must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members can bring up to two guests per visit for $50/per person who is also traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion Members may bring up to two complimentary guests at no additional charge.
The food at HKG features locally-inspired cuisine which included Chinese chicken soup, steamed dumplings, and asian desserts.
The Chinese radish and chicken soup was flavorful, but the rest of the food offerings were disappointing. The main entrees were dry and bland. Most airport lounges in Asia have excellent food, so it's hard to compete.
If I were to compare the food to the U.S. Centurion Lounges, the U.S. wins because of the quality.
The steamed shrimp dumplings were okay, and I was hoping they would feature more varieties of dim sum.
I was pleasantly surprised to find osmanthus wolfberry jelly at the dessert station — a must try! The mini cheesecake and raspberry mousse cake were also delicious.
The premium bar is complimentary and features signature cocktails created by Jim Meehan from PDT at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong. The wines were handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio.
As of writing this post, the HKG Centurion Lounge is the only one to have an exclusive area reserved for Centurion Members.
Centurion Members gain access to an exclusive lounge area and tasting menu by Michelin-star chef Lau Yiu Fai of Yan Toh Heen at the InterContinental Hong Kong. Check out The Point's Guy review here.
On a side note, if any subscribers are a Centurion Member and would like to invite us to check out the exclusive area, we will gladly take you up on the offer. :)
The PHL Amex Centurion Lounge opened it’s doors in late 2017 and features a sophisticated menu by Michael Solomonov, a four-time James Beard Award Winning Israeli Cuisine Pioneer..
The PHL Amex Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal A West, near Gate A14.
Complimentary lounge access is available to the following cardholders:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardmembers must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
What is the guest policy?
U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members can pay a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17). To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, you must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members can bring up to two guests per visit for $50/per person who is also traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion Members may bring up to two complimentary guests at no additional charge.
The lounge covers 6,300 square feet with a dining area, bar, and a second room with individual workstations.
A phone room to take calls is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Secondary room with work stations, a conference table, and sofa.
Food and beverages are complimentary in the lounge. I’m a fan of Israeli fusion cuisine, and the food was the highlight of the lounge visit.
The lunch/dinner menu featured a soup, baked chicken, and roasted vegetables.
One of the featured desserts was passionfruit malabi.
An assortment of snacks and cookies is also available.
Each Centurion Lounge features a unique cocktail menu inspired by the respective city. Drinks are complimentary.
The shower in the lounge is available on a first come, first serve basis. Signup for your spot in line at the front desk to receive a pager.
You’re limited to up to 15 minutes in the shower room.
The shower amenities feature products from L’Occitane En Provence.
The American Express Centurion Lounge at SFO features a wine tasting bar, an award-winning chef, craft cocktails, and much more. Here’s everything you need to know about the Centurion Lounge.
The lounge is located in Terminal 3 past security in the United Airlines area, right across from Gate 74. If you are flying out of another terminal, you may be able to use your boarding pass to enter through Terminal 3 security, subject to TSA approval.
Complimentary lounge access is available to the following cardholders:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardmembers must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
What is the guest policy?
U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members can pay a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17). To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, you must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members can bring up to two guests per visit for $50/per person who is also traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion Members may bring up to two complimentary guests at no additional charge.
One of the featured amenities at the SFO Centurion Lounge is the vast wine selection. Each wine is handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio.
From the moment you walk in, you’ll see the large wine collection. Guests can request a wine voucher good for five ounces of wine tastings.
The wine tastings are self-serve and dispensed in one-ounce servings. There are 15 different varieties Napa Valley of wine to choose from.
The Centurion Lounge boasts a complimentary premium bar. The experienced bartenders are ready to make any craft cocktails you desire.
San Francisco-inspired cocktails and wines were developed by one of the nation’s top mixologists, Jim Meehan.
Our favorite amenity is the food. The Executive Chef at the SFO Centurion Lounge is Daniel Patterson, founder of Alta CA.
Daniel is best known for his innovative approach to fine dining at 2-Michelin star Coi.
Each Centurion Lounge is staffed with award-winning chefs to ensure the food is the highest possible quality.
Looking to refresh after a long flight? Request access to the shower suite at the member services desk. Access to the shower suite is issued in 15-minute slots. There’s usually a line, so be sure to put your name on the waitlist when you check-in.
Each guest also receives complimentary toiletries like a toothbrush and shave kit.
Tired? Feel free to take a nap on one of the couches.
The Centurion Lounge features a beautiful workspace and a computer bar, so you can get work done while waiting for your flight.
Complimentary high-speed wi-fi is also available to all guests. Be sure to ask for the wi-fi code at check-in.
Other amenities like lockers are available for your convenience.
The lounge also features a family room and a computer bar.
Large flat-screen TV’s and reading periodicals can be found throughout the lounge.
The American Express Centurion Lounge at LGA features a view of the runway, fresh seasonal fare, and a premium bar.
The lounge is located pre-security, on the 3rd floor between Terminal B and C. The elevator to the lounge is located directly across from the escalators to the basement food court.
Take a left when you exit the elevator on the 3rd floor and follow the signs to the lounge.
Complimentary lounge access is available to the following cardholders:
You must have a same-day boarding pass to access the lounge. Delta Reserve cardmembers must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
What is the guest policy?
U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members can pay a $50 USD fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17).
To qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, you must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card each calendar year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members can bring up to two guests per visit for $50/per person who is also traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
Centurion Members may bring up to two complimentary guests at no additional charge.
The food at LGA was the best compared to the SFO and LAS Centurion Lounges. The menu is designed by one of Zagat's top 30 under 30 chefs, Cedric Vogericheten.
The staff was attentive and refilled the food often. Below are the seasonal strawberry and watermelon smoothie, and brownies.
We visited the lounge in the afternoon. The hot food consisted of tomato bisque, fried chicken, green pea puree, carrots, and ginger rice. Fried chicken was boneless and topped off with a lemon zest — easily one of the best fried chicken entrees I've ever tasted.
Enjoy a cocktail at the premium bar. The cocktail menu was designed by one of the nation's top mixologists, Jim Meehan. Wines were handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio.
The member services desk is located right when you walk into the lounge. The staff is super friendly and is ready to assist with anything. Be aware that this lounge does not have showers.
Complimentary high-speed wifi is available to all guests. Be sure to ask for the wi-fi code at check-in.
Semi-private workspaces can be found throughout the lounge. There's a corridor with nooks and large flat-screen TVs.
A computer bar is available to surf the web or print documents.
Communal workspaces are available throughout the lounge.
The Centurion Lounge at LGA is a great experience for anyone looking to enjoy a meal with a view before/after a flight. Although it is smaller than some of the other Centurion Lounges, the food and service makes up for it.
Chased on our other lounge experiences at SFO and LAS, the LGA lounge has the best variety and quality of food.
The United Club at LAX is the airline's largest lounge that features a light buffet spread, bar, outdoor patio, conference rooms, and phone booths.
The lounge is located in after TSA security in Terminal 7, adjacent to gate 71A.
Passengers with premium cabin tickets traveling on an international flight or United Business on a premium transcontinental flight can access the lounge when they present a same-day United boarding pass.
United MileagePlus Club credit card cardholders may also access the lounge with their membership.
If you have a one-time use United Club coupon, you can access the lounge (no guests).
The guest policy varies based on how you access the lounge (via airline status, partnership program, or credit card). Click here for a detailed guest policy list on United's website.
After you check-in to the lounge, take the escalators up to find reading periodicals, plenty of tables and seating areas, and the buffet spread.
Rows of work benches are available power outlets galore.
The bar features complimentary and premium menus.
Multiple phone rooms are available in case you need to have a meeting or take a phone call.
The food features light seasonal fare that ranges from bread, fruits, trail mix, soup, and salads.
The dessert station features cookies and brownies.
Illy coffee and espresso are available for self-serve.
If you want to get some fresh air, the patio is worth visiting. You can enjoy a drink and watch planes take off and land.
Overall, the United Club is worth visiting if you're looking a place to unwind or get work done. There are plenty of nooks and quiet corners to relax.
The food isn't the highlight if you're looking for a meal. For more substantial food, visit the Star Alliance lounge if you're a Star Alliance Gold member.
