How to Get into an AmEx Centurion Lounge Before Your Flight

What if your credit card could unlock a private airport oasis with craft cocktails, chef-prepared meals and a place to truly relax before your flight?

If you carry the right American Express card, that’s not a fantasy — it’s your pre-boarding reality. Centurion Lounges are some of the most luxurious spaces in U.S. airports, and they’re available only to select AmEx cardholders. From the delightfully British tea cart at the London (LHR) Centurion Lounge to a Napa-inspired, wine-tasting area at the San Francisco (SFO) Centurion Lounge, these lounges are a serious upgrade from waiting at the gate. Here's exactly how to get in.

How to get into an AmEx Centurion Lounge

To enter a Centurion Lounge, you must hold one of the eligible American Express cards listed below. Once at the airport, you can check in at the lounge by either:

• Showing your eligible AmEx card, government-issued ID and same-day boarding pass.

• Using the AmEx app to check in and generate a QR code for contactless entry — a good option if you don't carry your physical card with you. You'll still need to show government-issued ID and a same-day boarding pass.

At most Centurion Lounge locations, you're only allowed access within three hours of your flight's departure time, or within five hours of a connecting flight. You aren't allowed entry if you’ve just landed, unless you have a layover or connecting flight that departs on the same day.

Which cards offer AmEx Centurion Lounge access?

Six American Express cards currently grant access to Centurion Lounges, but each has unique policies and perks.

American Express Platinum Card®

Annual fee: $895 (see rates and fees). Terms apply.

Access: Complimentary unlimited access to those who hold the American Express Platinum Card®, granted they have a same-day boarding pass and are arriving within three hours of their departing flight.

Up to two guests may accompany the cardholder at no additional cost if the cardholder has spent $75,000 in a calendar year. Otherwise, guests are $50 each.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Annual fee: $895 (see rates and fees). Terms apply.

Access: Complimentary access with a same-day boarding pass, if arriving within three hours of the departing flight.

The same guest rules apply as the personal version of the American Express Platinum Card®.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees). Terms apply.

Access: Complimentary access if you're flying a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight paid for on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. You're also only allowed access at specific locations, including domestic lounges, Hong Kong, London and Tokyo. Terms apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees). Terms apply.

Access: The same access rules apply as the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

» Learn more: What to know about American Express lounge access

Centurion Card

This invitation-only card is so elite that there are few public details. Among its many perks are that up to two guests can enter at no additional cost — and with no additional spending threshold required. Terms apply.

American Express Corporate Platinum Card

Like The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express Corporate Platinum Card offers business-focused benefits. Cardmembers are allowed access to the Centurion Lounge with up to two guests who are traveling on the same flight as the cardmember. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Can you access a Centurion Lounge without an eligible AmEx card?

No — unless you're a guest of someone who holds an eligible card. Even then, complimentary guest access depends on whether the cardholder met that minimum $75,000 spending threshold. Otherwise, guests pay:

• $50 per adult.

• $30 per child aged 2 to 17. Terms apply.

Additionally, guests must be traveling on the same flight as the eligible cardmember. And again, not all American Express cards will get you into a Centurion Lounge. Only those named above offer access.

» Learn more: How the Centurion Lounge guest policy works

American Express Centurion Lounge locations

American Express was the first major credit card issuer to launch its own branded lounges. Today, there are more than 40 Centurion Lounges around the world.

More locations are on the way, and each lounge is part of the broader American Express Global Lounge Collection, which includes more than 1,550 lounges worldwide.

Final thoughts on Centurion Lounge access

If you’re looking to upgrade your airport experience, a Centurion Lounge can make all the difference. With top-tier amenities, gourmet meals and quieter workspaces, these lounges are worth a visit — especially on long layovers or during travel delays.

Grab one of the six cards afforded access if you'd like to experience the AmEx Centurion Lounge. These include well-known options such as the American Express Platinum Card® or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Terms apply.

To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, see this page.

To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit American Express' rates and fees page.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please visit American Express' rates and fees page.