American Express is adding one of its fantastic Centurion Lounges at Los Angeles (LAX) airport, making it the credit card issuer’s 12th outpost when it opens sometime in 2019.
The LAX lounge has been rumored for years, and American Express started putting the plans in motion earlier this spring. The company finally announced the details for its LAX lounge Tuesday, and it sounds like a winner.
The LAX Centurion Lounge will have a spa – a rarity for domestic lounges. American Express is touting an “enhanced tranquility area, offering both brightly-lit and dimly-lit quiet areas to help global travelers adjust to new time zones as they travel internationally.” There will also be the usual mix of family rooms, showers, cocktails, and food. At more than 13,900 square feet, it will be one of the largest in the Centurion network.
This is American Express’ third new lounge announcement of 2019, behind New York City-JFK (JFK) and Denver (DEN). All three will open sometime in 2019, with JFK expected to be the first early next year.
LAX is one of the largest airports in the world and a major international gateway, so this addition makes sense. The lounge will be located in LAX’s international terminal, Tom Bradley International Terminal.
Current Centurion Lounges are at Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), New York (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Miami (MIA), Seattle (SEA) and San Francisco (SFO). American Express recently opened its first international lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).
While domestic airport lounges usually aren’t worth highlighting, that’s slowly changing – and American Express is leading the charge. Every Centurion Lounge has high-speed WiFi and free food that far outpaces the standard lounge fare.
Meanwhile, the big three domestic carriers are upping their game as well. American Airlines has new Flagship lounges, Delta’s SkyClub renovations are ongoing and United Polaris lounges are creeping forward.
Getting into Centurion Lounges
Accessing the upcoming Centurion Lounge at LAX and the 11 others is easy. It’s one of the best perks of the American Express Platinum card, which comes with a rich set of benefits that makes it worth considering in spite of its $550 annual fee.
Cardholders get into Centurion Lounges for free and can bring two guests as well. The card also comes with a membership to Priority Pass, which has a global network of 1,000 lounges as well as partnerships with many airport restaurants. Again, two free guests can accompany you into the lounges.
You can also get into Delta SkyClubs with the Platinum Card so long as you’re flying Delta that day. Just be warned that comes with no guesting privileges. And finally, you can access some one-off independent lounges like the fantastic Escape Lounge at MSP.
Bottom Line
The new Centurion Lounge at LAX should be a killer addition. Any expansion of the best domestic lounge network is welcome news in our books. And it only adds to the value of holding the American Express Platinum card.
Lead Photo credit of American Express
Has Centurion opened in Lax?
Not yet. Right now there is no word on when it will open other than “2019” from Amex.