American Express just opened the doors to a brand-new lounge concept at Las Vegas (LAS) – and it’s unlike any Centurion Lounge® we’ve seen before. In fact, it's not a lounge at all.
Called Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge®, this new space is designed for solo travelers and small groups looking for a quick stop before catching a flight. But here’s the real headline: It only has seating for 33 guests. No, that’s not a typo.
Lounge congestion has been one of the biggest pain points for travelers in recent years, especially as travelers scramble to pick up more and more of the premium credit cards continually flooding the market. While this small new space is designed to cater to the in-and-out flyers who just want a quick bite before boarding, Amex adding just 33 more seats feels more like a band-aid than a solution.
On the plus side, the design looks stunning – and the food and drink offerings should be top-notch, with full table service at every seat. Beyond complimentary bites and beverages, guests can expect standard lounge amenities, including plenty of outlets and Wi-Fi. But with such a small footprint, there isn't room for any of the frills you'll find at many other new lounges.
Amex's Sidecar outpost is located in Terminal D near gate D1, right next door to the existing Centurion Lounge. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Here’s what to expect, how to get in, and everything else you need to know before you visit.
What to Expect Inside
Assuming you can get in, it looks like you'll be in for a treat.
Sidecar is designed as a speakeasy-inspired, “oasis in the desert” space with brass accents, warm lighting, desert tones, and subtle pops of Amex blue. Despite its small footprint, the design aims to keep things efficient while adding a touch of elegance.
Don't expect a typical buffet-style lounge here. When it's time for food and drinks, you scan a QR code, place your order, and servers bring your food and drinks directly to you. That's closer to a restaurant-style setup, popularized by both Chase and Capital One, than the self-serve model Amex uses at its other lounges.
The goal? A quicker, more efficient stop for travelers who don’t want to commit to a long lounge visit.
“Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge was born out of the fact that a significant portion of Centurion Lounge visitors stay for an hour or less. This is not only an exciting return to LAS, but a new approach we created for those travelers looking for an upscale and efficient respite – even when they have a short window before boarding their flight,” said Audrey Hendley, the president of American Express Travel.
When it comes to food, Amex is relying on a small group of Resy – and more importantly, James Beard Award-winning – chefs it calls “The Culinary Collective” to craft the menu.
The rotating list of options features small plates such as:
- Crushed cucumber salad with crispy rice pearls
- Avocado toast with schug labneh and black sesame
- Mushroom & mustard greens egg bites with black garlic aioli
- Monthly chef-inspired sandwiches (starting with “Chicky Chicky Parm Parm” sliders)
Behind the bar, you’ll find craft cocktails like the lounge's signature Sidecar (a mix of cognac, Cointreau, lemon), plus a curated wine list from sommelier Helen Johannesen, whose selections will soon roll out to all U.S. Centurion Lounges.
There are also two private bathrooms, power outlets at every seat, and free Wi-Fi – all pretty standard, but appreciated, perks.
For a quick bite and a cocktail before boarding, it sounds like a solid upgrade over the usual lounge buffet fare.
The Bigger Picture in Vegas
Las Vegas has quietly become one of the most competitive lounge markets in the country.
In addition to the full-fledged Amex Centurion Lounge, you’ll find a Chase Sapphire Lounge, a Capital One Lounge, a United Club, and two different “The Club” lounge locations accessible with Priority Pass. Delta is planning to open its own Sky Club, too … but not until 2029.
That’s a lot of options. And Sidecar adds to that mix and gives Amex cardholders another choice – even if it's positively tiny. In fairness, terminal space is always at a premium – and this was likely the biggest chunk of real estate Amex could secure. Heck, the new Sapphire Lounge in Terminal C isn't that much bigger, with room for just 87 guests.
Clark County Director of Aviation, James C. Chrisley, more or less confirmed this by noting: “At LAS, every square foot counts. That’s why we are excited American Express is launching Sidecar with us. The new speakeasy-inspired design reflects the creativity of Las Vegas while maximizing space and delivering a high-quality experience for guests on the move.”
If you’re flying out of Terminal D and want a quieter, quicker stop, Sidecar could be a nice alternative. Just don’t expect it to solve the overcrowding problem overnight.
How to Get In
Getting into this new Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge location looks nearly identical to Amex's regular Centurion Lounges. Simply show your *amex platinum*, *biz platinum*, or American Express Centurion Card (invite-only), a boarding pass, and an ID.
One important thing to note: American Express is even more restrictive with letting travelers in: Cardmembers will only be able to enter Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge within 90 minutes of scheduled departure. That's less than half the normal three-hour window American Express typically allows lounge entry. And considering some airlines begin boarding 50 minutes before departure, it leaves a very narrow window to get in and out.
Learn more about the *amex platinum*.
You can also get in with the top-tier *delta reserve card*, but there's a hitch: You have to be flying Delta that day – and you have to pay for your ticket with your Reserve Card, too.
Guests cost $50 apiece (or $30 for minors) unless you charge a whopping $75,000 per year to your Amex Platinum Card.
Read our full guide to Amex Centurion Lounges!
Bottom Line
American Express just opened a new speakeasy-style lounge concept – dubbed Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge – in Las Vegas, designed for travelers pressed for time. Inside you'll find restaurant-style service, craft cocktails, and chef-crafted small plates, all ordered by QR code and delivered directly to your seat.
But with seating for just 33 guests, it’s unlikely to do much to ease the overcrowding that plagues Amex's full-fledged lounge next door. And tight time restrictions for when travelers can get in will make it even harder to make use of.
All photos courtesy of American Express
