Largest AmEx Centurion Lounge to Open in Atlanta

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the largest airport in the U.S. by passengers. Thus, it’s only fitting that it hosts what is now the largest American Express Centurion Lounge anywhere in the world.

The 26,000-square-foot lounge is set to open on Wednesday, Feb. 14, in Concourse E near gate E11. Among the highlights inside the massive lounge are a soul food menu designed by James Beard Award semifinalist Deborah VanTrece, a whiskey bar and shower suites. There are also multiple outdoor terraces for guests to get some fresh air.

The new Atlanta Centurion Lounge joins a list of now more than two dozen lounges worldwide. And like all Centurion Lounges, this one is quite exclusive. It’s only accessible to AmEx customers who hold certain premium travel credit cards, such as the The Platinum Card® from American Express. Terms apply.

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Atlanta AmEx Centurion Lounge amenities

Each AmEx lounge has its own local flair, and at the Atlanta location, AmEx leans into the South’s famous food and beverages. There will be a soul food buffet and the first dedicated whiskey bar in a Centurion Lounge.

You’ll be able to choose from a selection of more than 20 American whiskeys. There’s also a specialty whiskey cocktail menu with offerings like “Drink a Peach” (peach flavored whiskey and bitters) or “Mayme, Tailored” (American whiskey with ginger beer). If whiskey isn’t your thing, there’s also a wine menu and spirit-free options.

Turning to the food, you’ll nosh on a menu designed by chef VanTrece. She’s the owner of a few local Atlanta restaurants, including Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Oreatha’s At The Point and La Panarda.

Menu items at the lounge include:

• Black eyed pea biryani.

• Za'atar grilled chicken thighs with green tomato chimichurri.

• Twisted soul salad with strawberry peppercorn vinaigrette.

Other options target gluten-free, vegan and health-conscious diets with snacks such as protein bites, salads, smoothies and immunity booster juice shots.

Folks seeking to freshen up before their flight can take advantage of the complimentary showers. There are also dedicated workstations and phone booths.

» Learn more: 5 places to shower at the airport

Atlanta AmEx Centurion Lounge design

While AmEx lounges typically embrace the company’s signature deep blue color, this one leans into green, too. In a nod to Atlanta’s nickname as a “city in the forest,” trees are front and center here — even indoors. The main seating area features a 50-year-old olive tree. There’s also a 3,850-square-foot custom light sculpture designed to look like a forest canopy.

And it’s not just about the lounge’s interior. The lounge features multiple outdoor terraces that are equipped with heaters and fans for use all year. Outdoor terraces have become a popular trend in lounges lately, as seen in other top-tier lounges like the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO and the Delta Sky Club at JFK. But this is the first time we’ve seen outdoor terraces used in an AmEx Centurion lounge.

How to access AmEx Centurion Lounges

AmEx Centurion Lounges are open to eligible cardholders within three hours of the departure time on their same-day, confirmed boarding pass. Credit cards with AmEx lounge access include:

Other cards with access include:

• Corporate Platinum Card®.

• Centurion® Card.

• Business Centurion® Card.

Terms apply.

If you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express or the Centurion® Card, you can bring up to two guests, albeit for a fee of $50 per adult guest. Though, cardholders can bring up to two complimentary guests if they spend $75,000 or more each calendar year on their card. Terms apply.

(Top photo courtesy of American Express)