A recent American Express survey found that 60% of respondents arrive at the airport early to enjoy airport lounges. 

In 2023, American Express plans to open a Centurion Lounge on Concourse E at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

The new lounge will be the largest in the Centurion Lounge network– measuring approximately 26,000 square meters with distinctive amenities that passengers will enjoy.

Let's go over the details we've got so far!

What to Know About Amex Centurion Lounges

The Centurion Network is composed of over 40 locations worldwide. Around 13 of those locations are found across the U.S., including:

• JFK and LaGuardia (LGA) in New York
• Charlotte (CLT)
• Dallas (DFW)
• Denver (DEN)
• Houston (IAH)
• Las Vegas (LAS)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Miami (MIA)
• Philadelphia (PHL)
• Phoenix (PHX)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Seattle (SEA)
  

The Centurion network also includes International Lounges and Escape Lounges (the Centurion Studio partner).

Amex Centurion Lounges are one of my favorite lounge networks when traveling domestically. They offer amenities like fast Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, an open bar with complimentary wine and drinks, and meals that outperform what you’ll find in most other airport lounges. 

The newest lounges, such as the JFK Centurion Lounge in New York City (JFK) and the Centurion Lounge in Denver (DEN), have taken what makes Centurion Lounges unique and elevated it with some local style, signature touches, and plenty of additional space.

The new Centurion lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson, Atlanta, will surpass both the Denver (DEN) Centurion lounge and New York’s Centurion lounge in terms of size and special amenities. Currently, Hartsfield-Jackson features nine Delta Sky Clubs, one United club, one American Admirals Club, and one common-use lounge called The Club ATL on international Concourse F.

What Can We Expect at the Atlanta Amex Centurion Lounge?

The new Atlanta Centurion lounge will be the largest in the world, measuring 26,000 square feet, and will be constructed on top of the existing roof, next to gate E11.

Located in Concourse E between the domestic and international terminals, this new lounge will be accessible from all terminals by The Plane Train or by walking along the Transportation Mall. The lounge will also provide Card Members with travel needs like high-speed Wi-Fi, shower suites, private telephone rooms, private noise-canceling workspaces, and more.

Furthermore, according to American Express, qualified Card Members will receive an authentic taste of Atlanta thanks to unique features such as:

• Multiple outdoor spaces, including a garden terrace inspired by the city's dense tree canopy and open tarmac landscapes–which are a first for a Centurion Lounge.
• Modern architecture inspired by Atlanta's local scenery and culture
• Locally inspired beverage and dining options, including a contemporary bourbon bar, selected by a local chef and Centurion Lounge mixologist, Jim Meehan.
• Additional local and distinctive features exclusive to Atlanta's Centurion Lounge will be disclosed closer to the opening date.

Why Did Amex Choose Atlanta?

Atlanta is the biggest and busiest airport with approximately 300,000 passengers passing through every day. 

The airport is about seven miles south of Downtown Atlanta. From Atlanta International Airport, over 1,000 aircraft services run to numerous international and local destinations. It is also considered Delta Airlines' primary hub. The airport features two terminals and seven concourses, totaling around 195 gates.

Despite the fact that the Delta mega-hub is filled with Sky Clubs, there are few lounge options for passengers traveling with other carriers. The Club at Concourse F is the only Priority Pass Lounge, in addition to lounges for American and United frequent travelers.

As stated by the Atlanta City Council in public records about the lounge, this will leave passengers flying on the remaining 15 airlines at ATL with just one substantially undersized option, even if they are flying in a premium class.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Council approved a contract for the lounge in June, but American Express stated that construction, permitting, design, and staffing will take until next year to complete. The council also mentioned that American Express will foot the bill for the lounge's $40 million shell construction.

Who Can Access Centurion Lounges?

Centurion lounges are complimentary to all American Express card members with The Platinum Card® or The Business Platinum Card® on the day of their flight. 

Alternatively, if you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and are flying on a Delta flight the same day, you can also access a Centurion Lounge at no cost.

Upcoming Centurion Network Expansion

In the past 18 months, American Express has opened new additional sites including JFK in New York, Centurion Lounges in Denver (DEN), and London’s Heathrow (LHR) airport. The former lounge at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York was also replaced with a new location in the airport's reconstructed Terminal B.

Apart from the Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, another new lounge is being built at Reagan National (DCA) in Washington, D. C. airport and is set to open later this year. Meanwhile, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's board has approved the construction of a Centurion Lounge in Newark (EWR) airport's new Terminal A, which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2023.

Conclusion

We don’t have the exact date yet but it was reported that the new Centurion Lounge at Atlanta Airport Concourse E is expected to open in 2023. While this is a pretty broad time frame, I don’t think it'll open until the third or fourth quarter of next year.

Amex seems to be spending more on its lounges as the network expands. Especially now that the annual premium for the Personal Platinum card in the United States has been raised to $695, they would be wise to broaden their lounge portfolio.