Amex's first ‘Sidecar' by The Centurion Lounge® location hasn't even been open in Las Vegas (LAS) for a week yet and now we know where they're (almost certainly) heading next.
Charlotte's city council is scheduled to meet tonight. One of the items on its agenda? Approving a lease for a new American Express Sidecar lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), to complement the existing Centurion space. WSOC-TV news reporter Joe Bruno was first to report the news via X.
While it's not a done deal quite yet, all indications point to this item being quickly approved by city councilors. The space in question is 4,641 square feet, located in Concourse A, home to the likes of Delta, United, Southwest, and others.
While that's not big by typical airport lounge standards, Amex's new Sidecar concept isn't like traditional lounges … and it's positively massive, compared to the approximately 1,500 square foot space – with just 33 seats – that just opened in Vegas.
Instead of the usual buffet setup you'll find in most lounges, you scan a QR code, place your order, and servers bring your food and drinks directly to you at the new Sidecar location in Las Vegas. 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.
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 of food that look more appetizing than what you'll find at most Centurion Lounges these days.
Behind the bar, you’ll find craft cocktails like the lounge's signature Sidecar (a mix of cognac, Cointreau, and lemon), plus a curated wine list from sommelier Helen Johannesen, whose selections will soon roll out to all U.S. Centurion Lounges.
At the new location in Vegas, you'll also find two private bathrooms, power outlets at every seat, and free Wi-Fi.
With over three times the square footage planned for this new location at CLT, Sidecar could provide both a better experience for travelers crunched for time and a meaningful reduction in the long lines and wait time that have plagued most of Amex's other lounges.
How to Get In
Getting into Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge locations 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 about allowing travelers in: Cardmembers can only enter Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge within 90 minutes of their 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 is (likely) planning a second Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge® at Charlotte (CLT), a much larger version of the new quick-stop lounge concept that just opened in Las Vegas.
The Sidecar format focuses on fast, restaurant-style service for travelers short on time and could help ease overcrowding at traditional Centurion Lounges.
All images courtesy of American Express
