PHX Centurion Lounge Review: Delicious Food, Underwhelming Atmosphere
The BBQ chicken and brisket served at the American Express Centurion Lounge in Phoenix make it worth visiting.
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The American Express Centurion Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) delivers a stellar dining experience but falls short in terms of design and ambiance. While the food is among the best in the Centurion Lounge network, the odd layout and dated aesthetic leave much to be desired — especially when compared to newer, competing PHX airport lounges like the Chase Sapphire Lounge.
How to access the PHX Centurion Lounge
Only certain American Express cards offer Centurion Lounge access. Even with an eligible card, some restrictions apply:
- You can only enter before a departing flight. You can’t land at an airport with a lounge and head inside (unless it’s a layover or connecting flight).
- There’s a time limit. You can only visit within three hours of the stated departure time on your boarding pass.
The guest policy for Centurion Lounges has tightened significantly in recent years to curb overcrowding. For most eligible cards, there's typically a minimum annual spending requirement to unlock complimentary guest access. You might also be able to add someone as an authorized user to your card to get them lounge access, but that comes with an additional yearly fee.
Otherwise, cardholders can pay for guest passes. Adult guest passes are $50; children ages 2 through 17 are $30. All guests must be accompanied by a cardholder.
Phoenix Centurion Lounge location
The Phoenix Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal 4, across from Gate B22. To get there, you’ll pass through a set of double doors shared with the Escape Lounge, which is also affiliated with American Express. As a cardholder, you might choose to visit that lounge instead, but more on that later.
For both lounges, check-in takes place on the main level. From there, head upstairs, where you’ll see two entrances: Centurion Lounge on one side and Escape Lounge on the other.
All the gates in Terminal 4 are connected post-security, which means you can walk to your gate without having to clear security again if your flight departs from Terminal 4. But if your flight is out of Terminal 3, you’ll have to take the PHX Sky Train and go through security again to reach your gate after visiting the lounge. This might not be worth the effort, especially if you don’t have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR+®, two programs that can help travelers speed through airport security lines.
» Learn more: Everything you need to know about AmEx Centurion lounges
Spaces to relax and work
The Centurion space features the same signature design elements found across the network, including the familiar blue color palette and suitcase wall. However, the main dining area looks more like a college cafeteria than a premium lounge.
The lounge also has a bar area, and a couple of work-focused rooms, including one with a long communal desk. There’s variety, but the overall atmosphere feels dated — especially when compared to the newly opened Chase Sapphire Lounge Phoenix. Chase’s lounge incorporates modern light fixtures, local art and an iconic fireplace that adds warmth and charm. While AmEx deserves credit for being the first major credit card issuer to have an airport lounge network, newer options, like Chase's, have set a higher standard.
Food and beverage options
The buffet
If there’s one area where the Centurion Lounge at PHX truly excels, it’s the food. The buffet features an exceptional spread, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, BBQ chicken thighs and tender smoked brisket.
These restaurant-quality dishes easily ranked among the best entrees I've had in the Centurion Lounge network.
And while this buffet would be most appealing to carnivores, the lounge also had strong vegetarian options including cole slaw, pesto tortellini and quinoa salad.
The desserts weren’t particularly remarkable, but still a good assortment of dessert bars and breads.
The bar and other drinks
Drinks at the bar are complimentary. Nonalcoholic options are self-service; there's an espresso machine and beverage dispensers for drinks like water or tea.
» Learn more: Which cards get me into AmEx Centurion Lounges?
Other Phoenix airport lounges to consider
If you hold an eligible American Express card and are traveling with someone else (but haven’t met the minimum spend requirement to bring in complimentary guests), consider the Escape Lounge next door, which allows complimentary guest access for two others.
There’s also an Escape Lounge in Terminal 3, which would be more convenient for travelers departing from those gates.
You can also access the newer Chase Sapphire Lounge in Phoenix by holding Priority Pass. With Priority Pass, members are entitled to one visit to a Chase Sapphire Lounge once per calendar year (subsequent visits for Priority Pass members cost $75 each).
PHX Centurion Lounge: Is it worth it?
The AmEx Centurion Lounge at PHX is a mixed bag. The thoughtful menu elevates the experience, making it worth a visit anyone looking for a solid pre-flight meal.
But while it boasts some of the best food in the entire network, the uninspired design and dated ambiance leave it lagging behind newer competitors. Cardholders traveling with guests may want to consider the Escape Lounge next door to avoid additional fees.
How to maximize your rewards
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- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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