American Express is back with another round of Centurion Lounge® news … though if you’re a regular Thrifty Traveler reader, this might feel a bit like déjà vu.
That’s because we’ve already reported on all three of these projects. But Amex is finally making it all official, adding a few new details, and (importantly) giving us updated timelines:
- A new Centurion Lounge is coming to Boston (BOS) … but not until 2029!
- After debuting in Las Vegas (LAS) last month, Amex's new “Sidecar” concept will head next to Charlotte (CLT) with plans to open sometime in 2027
- A major expansion to the Centurion Lounge in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – one of the most notoriously crowded lounges in its network – is expected to open next year, too
Old news or not, this announcement matters … and not just because Amex is expanding its lounge network.
Crowding has become one of the biggest pain points in airport lounges today – and Centurion Lounges have arguably been the poster child. The growing popularity of premium travel cards like the *amex platinum card* has given more travelers than ever lounge access, making seats harder and harder to come find … if you can even get in the door.
To its credit, Amex isn’t standing still, hoping the long lines magically disappear. Between expanding existing lounges, building entirely new ones, and experimenting with smaller concepts like Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge, the issuer is actively seeking a solution – multiple solutions, really – to fix the problem. In addition to new and expanded lounges, the bank has repeatedly ratcheted up entry restrictions over the last few years – including a slew of minor changes set to take effect this spring.
“We listen closely to our Card Members and evolve our lounges to meet their needs, whether that’s opening Centurion Lounges in new places, introducing new concepts like Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge for shorter stays, or expanding existing locations,” said Audrey Hendley, President, American Express Travel.
Here's everything we know about – and what you can expect inside – these new and expanding lounges.
Related reading: Where to Find Amex Centurion Lounges & How to Get In
Boston Gets a Big, Two-Story Lounge … Eventually
When American Express finally opens a Centurion Lounge in Boston, it won’t be subtle.
The company is planning a massive two-story, 20,000-square-foot space at Boston Logan that’s set to become one of the largest lounges in Amex's entire network. In a first for the airport, it’ll include an open-air terrace where travelers can step outside, get some fresh air, and watch planes taxi by – a rarity in the U.S. lounge scene.
“We're excited to collaborate with American Express to start building the new Centurion Lounge in Terminal C at Boston Logan, which will be a premium space for passengers to relax and recharge,” said Ed Freni, Executive Director of Aviation, Massport.
Like most of Amex's new lounges, the bank is leaning into the local angle with a space that's unique to Boston. Travelers should expect local artwork, nods to its academic legacy, and design touches inspired by coastal New England. It’s the kind of lounge that’s meant to feel like an extension of the destination rather than just another generic airport outpost.
The lounge will also feature many of the amenities travelers have come to expect from Amex Centurion Lounges, including dedicated workstations, plenty of outlets and USB ports, premium food (only the best cuts of chicken thighs!) and beverage options, several seating areas, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and more.
But for all the ambition behind it, there’s one glaring downside: This lounge isn’t expected to open until 2029 – a full two years later than originally planned when the project was approved. That’s a significant delay, especially for a market like Boston, which is long overdue for a Centurion Lounge.
So yes, Boston is getting a flagship-worthy space. But travelers will need a lot of patience before they ever set foot inside.
Charlotte's Sidecar Solution
In Charlotte, Amex isn’t building bigger – it’s thinking smaller. Rather than expanding the existing Centurion Lounge, the bank is bringing its new “Sidecar” concept to CLT to help with crowding.
If you’ve been through the existing Centurion Lounge in Charlotte, you already know the problem: It's often packed with a line outside the door. Sidecar is Amex’s attempt to relieve some of that pressure without building an entirely new (full-scale) lounge from scratch.
The idea is simple: Not every traveler has time to sit down for a full lounge visit. Sometimes you’ve got 30 or 40 minutes before boarding and just want a drink, a quick bite, and a comfortable place to sit.
Sidecar checks those boxes with its design and even stingier entry requirements: You can only get in 90 minutes prior to departure. Tighter access reinforces that this is meant to be a short-stay option, not a place to camp out for hours.
Instead of a buffet and sprawling seating areas, the 4,641-square-foot space provides a streamlined experience. You order food and drinks via QR code, and they’re delivered directly to your seat. The menu leans toward elevated small plates, cocktails, and wine. Quick, but functional.
“Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge is a welcome addition for passengers seeking a quick break with premium amenities,” said Charlotte Airport's Chief Business & Innovation Officer Ted Kaplan.
Design-wise, Amex says it will blend Southern charm with modern finishes, creating a space that feels upscale but approachable.
Set to open in 2027 in Concourse A, this will be just the second Sidecar location ever – with the first opening in Las Vegas (LAS) earlier this month – and a clear signal that Amex is experimenting with new ways to handle crowding without the precious real estate required to build a bigger lounge.
Dallas Gets More Space, More Seats, and One Sweet Perk
As they say, everything is bigger in Texas … and I guess that will soon apply to the Centurion Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).
If Boston is about the future and Charlotte is about experimentation, Dallas is about fixing what already exists. The Centurion Lounge at DFW has been one of the busiest – and most crowded – in the entire network … for years.
So instead of starting from scratch, it’s betting big on an expansion. When the renovation is complete, the lounge will be nearly 50% larger, adding more seating, a new dining area, and a second full-service bar. In other words, the kinds of upgrades that directly address the biggest complaints (crowding) travelers have today.
“This project reflects a shared commitment to providing modern, high-quality amenities that meet the evolving needs of our customers, while continuing to elevate the overall terminal environment,” said Dallas Airport's EVP and Chief Revenue Officer Ken Buchanan.
But Amex is also adding a bit of personality to the revamped space with a walk-up ice cream window – a small but clever touch that gives travelers a quick, sweet treat on the go without having to hunt for a seat or wait for service.
The design will lean into a modern Western aesthetic, with warm tones and textured finishes meant to reflect the spirit of Texas.
It’s not a total reinvention of the wagon wheel (so to speak), but it doesn’t need to be. This is about making a crowded, overburdened lounge actually usable again.
The updated DFW lounge, located in Terminal D near Gate D12, is expected to open in 2027. For frequent flyers passing through Dallas, that upgrade can’t come soon enough.
Bottom Line
American Express is making it official: New lounges and expansions are on the way in Boston, Charlotte, and Dallas. More importantly, these projects show Amex is actively trying to tackle the overcrowding that's plagued much of its network.
Between a massive new space in Boston, a clever Sidecar concept in Charlotte, and a much-needed expansion in Dallas, relief is coming – just don't expect it overnight.
