DFW Centurion Lounge: Crowded, But Worth a Visit

The Centurion Lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) might sound like a quiet, exclusive club for a lucky few — but it's one of the most crowded lounges I’ve ever visited.

I’ve been several times, and finding a seat is a real challenge; I often end up snagging the last one available. I even had to spread out research for this review over two visits because it was really difficult to get pictures without accidentally snapping portraits of unsuspecting travelers, instead of the space.

Still, if you don’t mind a slightly hectic atmosphere and a potential struggle to find a seat, it’s worth a visit for a good meal, free craft cocktails and fresh-churned ice cream.

» MORE: Everything you need to know about Centurion Lounges

Location

The DFW Centurion Lounge is located near Gate D12 and is open from 5:30 a.m. through 10 p.m.

The space

The 12,500-square-foot Centurion Lounge at DFW features a classic AmEx design with a blue color palette and wood accents. Unlike some newer locations that highlight local design elements from its parent city, this lounge doesn’t feel very Texan. But still, the sleek design and calming colors provide a rich ambiance away from the busy lounge below.

You’ll find a dining area, plus several seating areas with comfortable chairs and booths where you can spread out — if it’s not too crowded.

If you have some work to do before your flight, the far corner of the lounge features a large table and separate computer stations.

There’s also a private phone room if you need to make a call or join a meeting. With its small size and bare walls, the space feels very claustrophobic. But hey, at least you could take a meeting without your boss knowing where you are.

The family room features bright rainbow walls, cushy stools, plus toys and a TV to keep your kids occupied, a stark difference from the bleak phone room.

I did appreciate that the lounge has a bathroom at either end of the space. The one I visited had a calm atmosphere and ample stalls. Even at its busiest, I’ve never had to wait in a line.

Food and drink options

The buffet serves meat dishes as main courses, multiple sides and several salads. Unlike the decor, the buffet is very much Texan. Not every dish is inspired by the state, but you will find multiple dishes with Southwestern flair, complete with roasted jalapenos.

Last time I visited, I ate chicken in herb sauce, risotto, poblano soup, roasted vegetables and sweet potatoes. While everything I ate was good, the poblano soup was the standout for me. It was warm and filling without being too heavy — perfect before a flight.

The buffet also has multiple dessert options, including a cobbler. Around the corner, you can also get fresh-churned ice cream. Having a lot of dairy before a flight is a risky decision for me, but the ice cream was well worth it. I only wish it was served in the same line as the cobbler, so I could eat the two together without waiting in multiple lines.

Bars

The bar is stocked with liquor, wine and beer, including some options from local breweries and, of course, the mainstay Texas beer, Shiner.

The cocktail menu features unique takes on classic cocktails, like a daiquiri with banana liqueur, plus several Texas-themed cocktails. I loved the Tex/Mex, a spicy, citrusy cocktail with vodka and tequila.

I find that most cocktails at Centurion Lounges tend to be strong and have multiple types of liquor, so I usually only order one drink per visit, if I drink at all. But the Tex/Mex was perfectly balanced and extremely sippable. I definitely would have ordered another if I didn’t have a plane to catch.

There’s also a second, smaller bar, but it was only serving bottled beer and wine. If you want a cocktail or draft beer, head to the main bar.

Nonalcoholic drink options

The lounge also has several nonalcoholic drink stations serving coffee, hot tea and water.

If you’re in the mood for a cold drink, some coffee stations have cold brew. Or you can grab a flavored iced tea or agua fresca. I had multiple glasses of the hibiscus punch tea.

How to get into the lounge

AmEx doesn’t let you purchase a day pass to Centurion Lounges, so you’ll only be able to get in if you have an eligible card, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express . You can also access the lounge with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, but only when you’re flying Delta. Terms apply.

Reserve a spot in line

Cardholders can reserve a spot in line through the AmEx app. In the “Membership” section, click on “Airport Lounge Access.” It’ll pull up all of the lounges near your location. Once you find the Centurion Lounge, you’ll be given the option to check in from your phone. If there’s a wait, you’ll be put on a waitlist, and AmEx will send you a QR code when they’re ready for you. Once you get your QR code, you’ll have 10 minutes to check in before you lose your place in line.

Other DFW lounges

If you’re facing a wait to get into the Centurion Lounge, DFW has quite a few other lounges to consider visiting. With The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can also visit The Club DFW in Terminal D or the Plaza Premium lounge in Terminal E through the cards’ Priority Pass benefit (enrollment required). Both of these lounges are also available with other credit cards with Priority Pass, like the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

If you have the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (or don’t mind paying an entry fee), you can visit the Capital One Lounge, also in Terminal D. Depending on what airline you’re flying and what credit cards you have, you could also check out airline-specific lounges.

» MORE: DFW airport lounges

Is it worth it?

The Centurion Lounge at DFW is well worth a visit if you’re primarily looking for a good meal, desserts and cocktails. But the crowds can make it difficult to take advantage of all of the amenities the lounge offers. If you’re specifically wanting a calm, comfortable place to spread out during a long layover, you might be better off visiting a different lounge.