Travel has changed in many fundamental ways over the last year, but one thing remains true. A cozy, quiet space to relax before a flight can be wonderful, and if you add in chef inspired food, sommelier selected wines and mixologist level cocktails, the dreaded airport transforms into a relatively upscale affair.
American Express brought those good vibes to US Airports in the last decade with its revered Centurion Lounges, but the challenge has always been the same: getting space in more airports, where customers travel.
The global credit card brand has now accomplished that yet again, signing on for a new Centurion Lounge location at Washington Reagan National, known as DCA. It’s the start of what could be quite the battle between rewards credit card rivals in the DC area.
Amex Expands Centurion Lounges
American Express is adding a new Centurion Lounge to Washington Reagan (DCA), doubling the size of its San Francisco (SFO) Centurion Lounge and tripling its space at Seattle-Tacoma (SEA). This comes in response to more and more travelers grabbing Amex Platinum cards to up their travel perks.
The Amex Centurion Lounges in San Francisco and Seattle are lovely, but have been plagued by overcrowding, due to the credit card savvy markets they operate in. With hope, doubling and tripling the spaces, respectively will change that, and bring new amenities in line with changing travel trends.
But really, it’s all about DC right now. American Express appeared to be caught off guard when Capital One announced its first of a kind airport lounge space for Dulles International Airport in DC, bringing a new contender to the space.
It’s taken about a year to respond, but American Express has just upped the ante, with the announcement of a new Centurion Lounge for every popular DC commuter airport Washington Reagan. For what it’s worth, it’s GSTP’s favorite airport in the country.
Here’s what Amex has to say about the new space, expected to be ready for late 2022, as part of the airport’s massive $1bn overhaul.
With floor to ceiling windows, airfield views and one-of-a-kind design elements inspired by the city’s history, the new Centurion Lounge at DCA will span more than 11,500-square-feet. The upcoming lounge in DCA is estimated to open in late 2022, following the airport’s completion of Project Journey, a $1 billion capital improvement project.
Built from the ground up, the entrance will be located in National Hall near Terminal B, after security. In addition to special local touches, the lounge features signature Centurion Lounge amenities such as a complimentary custom bar and food menu, premium restrooms and shower suites, access to high-speed Wi-Fi, noise-buffering workspaces, and more.American Express
Doubling the San Francisco Centurion Lounge to circa 16,000 square feet will make a major improvement, and food from San Francisco Chef of the moment, Ravi Kapur, will bring a modern twist.
American Express recently opened its newest Centurion Lounges at New York JFK T4, and Denver, adding to an ever increasing list of US airports. In other words, if you’re a Platinum Card holder in a significant US gateway, it’s probably only a matter of time before a new Centurion Lounge pops up.
It’s one of at least 18 reasons the Amex Platinum despite a hefty annual fee, can more than pay for itself each and every year, even during a pandemic. The new discounts on airfare just for Platinum and Centurion ‘Black Card’ holders certainly don’t hurt, either.
