LAS Centurion Lounge Review: Premium Name, Mediocre Experience
The American Express Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas is almost always packed, so join the waitlist early. But a second lounge option is on the horizon.
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The American Express Centurion Lounge at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas (LAS) is one of the less impressive locations in the Centurion Lounge network, with underwhelming amenities and overwhelming crowds. Although it’s a premium space exclusive to AmEx cardholders, it doesn’t feel like one.
This outpost, which opened in 2013, was the very first Centurion Lounge. Like others in the network, it’s open primarily to Centurion Members and cardholders with the American Express Platinum Card®, which has an annual fee of $895 ( see rates and fees ).
I used that card to visit on a weekday in early December 2024, a typically slow travel season, and still found long lines, limited seating and average food. But that may soon change.
In July 2025, AmEx announced the upcoming debut of Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge, a second lounge at LAS opening in 2026 (more on that later).
Las Vegas Centurion Lounge location
The lounge is located in Concourse D, across from Gate D1. All terminals feed into the D gates via driverless tram, so you can reach it from any gate — but factor in time for the ride and a possible hike back to your gate, especially if you're flying Southwest from Concourse C.
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How to get into the LAS Centurion Lounge
Here’s how to gain access to Centurion lounges:
Getting in (and managing the crowds)
Because the lounge is so busy, there’s generally a waitlist to get in. You can add your name to it in person, but it’s faster if you go through the app — something many travelers evidently weren’t used to. When I visited on a Tuesday in early December, a large crowd lingered outside the lounge, many visibly flustered as they tried to navigate the app and join the list.
Thankfully, I had added my name to the list while in the security line. Even with this head start, I waited 20 minutes before receiving a text to check in, only to face another line at the front desk once inside.
Once inside, seating was still limited, even after a 2020 expansion that increased the lounge’s size from 9,000 square feet to 13,400 square feet.
Spaces to relax and work
The LAS Centurion Lounge decor reflects Amex’s standard design aesthetic, with blues, grays and a wall of vintage suitcases.
While the aesthetic is consistent with the brand, it feels uninspired compared to newer locations. That includes the New York (JFK) Centurion Lounge, which has a stylish speakeasy cocktail bar, or the London LHR Centurion Lounge, which features a delightful British tea cart.
This particular lounge is dimly lit, with shades pulled over the windows.
There’s a multi-purpose room, private telephone rooms and work areas, all recent additions from the 2020 expansion.
An area reserved for AmEx's most exclusive customers was almost entirely empty.
Las Vegas-specific touches in the lounge were few and far between. But I enjoyed some of the photos lining the hallway to the bathroom, including a piece titled “Liberace Taking A Bubble Bath.”
Bathrooms
The bathrooms had fancy fixtures and were stocked with L'Occitane toiletries, which felt luxurious. But they’re also small, with just two private stalls in the women’s bathroom.
The LAS Centurion Lounge also offers a shower suite, which can be especially welcome during a long layover. AmEx provides the bath products, including fresh towels. But there’s just one shower, which requires a reservation at the front desk.
Food and beverage options
The buffet
The food at the LAS Centurion Lounge is a mixed bag. On one hand, the salad bar shines with fresh, healthy options like chickpeas, olives and multiple types of greens. For those seeking a lighter, nutritious meal, this was a highlight.
However, the hot food selection was less impressive, with bland mashed potatoes and oily roasted carrots. The chicken and pesto pasta didn’t stand out either.
The dessert station was much better, with espresso chai latte cake, cranberry-orange vegan brownies and classic cookies. These sweet treats were the most memorable part of the culinary experience, though they didn’t make up for the mediocre hot entrees.
The bar and other drinks
Drinks are complimentary at the bar, as is the case with all Centurion lounges. After spending a few days in Vegas, I wasn’t in the mood to drink — but honestly, the thought of waiting in yet another line, this time for the bar, was even less appealing.
As is typically the case with Centurion lounges, there was a self-service espresso machine, plus beverage dispensers for drinks like water or tea.
Coming in 2026: Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge
A second AmEx lounge is opening at LAS in 2026. Called Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge, it’s designed for travelers with tight schedules who still want gourmet bites and cocktails. The vibe? Speakeasy-inspired, with desert hues, natural stone, brass and greenery.
Access will be free to eligible cardholders, just like the main Centurion Lounge, but limited to 90 minutes before departure (versus three hours for this lounge). The concept theoretically should ease crowding at this original LAS location.
How to get into the LAS Centurion Lounge
Hold the right cards
Many guests enter the lounge by holding the American Express Platinum Card®. It’s also accessible through a few other American Express cards, including:
Cards with Centurion Lounge access
Annual fee
$895
$895
$650
$650
Centurion Lounge guest policy
A fee of $50 for each guest ($30 for children aged 2 through 17) unless an annual spend requirement of $75,000 is met each calendar year. If the spend requirement is met, two complimentary guests will be allowed.
A fee of $50 for each guest ($30 for children aged 2 through 17) unless an annual spend requirement of $75,000 is met each calendar year. If the spend requirement is met, two complimentary guests will be allowed.
A fee of $50 for each guest ($30 for children aged 2 through 17) up to two guests.
A fee of $50 for each guest ($30 for children aged 2 through 17) up to two guests.
Welcome offer
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Terms apply.
Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms apply.
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
Still not sure?
» Learn more: Which cards get me into AmEx Centurion Lounges?
Accompany a card member as their guest (maybe)
You can bring up to two complimentary guests into the Centurion Lounge if you spend $75,000 or more in eligible purchases on your card each calendar year. Otherwise, card members can purchase guest passes, which are $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 2 through 17.
People who travel often with the same companion (and also won’t otherwise meet the $75,000 minimum spending requirement) might rather add an authorized user to their card, giving them the same lounge access privileges. Though there’s also a fee for that ($195 per additional card, up to three cards). Terms apply.
Know the lounge entry rules
One rule that’s strictly enforced is that you’re only welcome within three hours of the stated departure time on your boarding pass.
Additionally, entry is permitted before departing flights only. So, you wouldn’t be able to land at LAS and just head inside (unless you’re in the airport for a layover).
Other Las Vegas airport lounges to consider
Cardholders with the American Express Platinum Card® also receive a complimentary Priority Pass membership. Enrollment required. The Priority Pass airport lounge program allows members access to its international network of lounges. Two of those Priority Pass locations are at the Las Vegas airport, both of which are under The Club brand.
The LAS Priority Pass lounges aren’t necessarily any better than the LAS Centurion Lounge, but they might be a good option if AmEx’s lounge is too crowded or too far away from your departure gate.
LAS Centurion Lounge: Is it worth it?
The LAS Centurion Lounge is functional but underwhelming. While it has a few bright spots, like the salad bar and desserts, it falls short of the elevated experience expected from the Centurion brand. Add in the long queues and uninspired decor, and this lounge doesn’t feel worth the extra time or effort — especially in a city known for exceptional dining options.
For most travelers, arriving early to enjoy this lounge may feel more like a chore than a luxury. Instead, you might be better off savoring one last meal on the Strip before heading to the airport.
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.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.
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- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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