How to Get into an AmEx Centurion Lounge Before Your Flight

Navigating the airport can be an exhausting experience. Whether you're taking your shoes off for the hundredth time or trying to explain to the gate agent that you really do have just one personal item, traveling can take a lot out of you.

This is likely one of the reasons that airport lounges are so popular. These specially designed lounges, crafted as a respite from crowded terminal areas, provide food, drinks and seats removed from the masses. Entrance to these facilities is limited and you'll need to meet the right conditions for access.

If you are an American Express cardholder, you are in luck. AmEx has worked to create a calmer airport experience for its customers, which is why the AmEx Centurion Lounges exist. We'll break it down for you if you're wondering how to get into the AmEx lounge.

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AmEx was the first card issuer to start creating its own branded lounges, which means it has more than a few locations to offer domestically and overseas.

All told, there are more than two dozen AmEx Centurion Lounges from which to choose, encompassing some of the largest airports in the world with more on the way.

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There is only one way to get access to an AmEx Centurion Lounge: You or someone in your traveling party must hold an eligible American Express card.

If you already have an eligible card, there are a couple of ways you can use it to enter the lounge. First, if you have it on hand, you can choose to present the card, your ID and your same-day boarding pass to the lounge agents at your selected location.

Otherwise, you can use contactless mobile check-in via your AmEx app to generate a QR code, which you can scan to get into the lounge. This is a great feature of the app and can come in handy if you've forgotten your card at home.

Six cards will get you into AmEx's Centurion Lounges, though they all have different restrictions.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

AmEx limits entry to its lounges to eligible cardholders and their guests. The first, and likely most well-known card that can grant you access is The Platinum Card® from American Express. Along with a $695 annual fee, the card provides a variety of credits, such as an airline fee credit, a monthly Uber credit and a Walmart+ credit (see rates and fees). Terms apply. Enrollment required.

Those who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express receive complimentary unlimited access to the Centurion Lounge for themselves. The guest policy allows for up to two guests if the cardholder has spent $75,000 in the prior calendar year. Those who cannot meet the required spend will need to pay $50 for each guest. Terms apply.

» Learn more: Everything you need to know about AmEx Centurion Lounges

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The business version of The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express will also grant you access to the Centurion Lounge. Terms apply.

Although The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also features a $695 annual fee, that fee is offset by statement credits such as a $400 annual Dell credit and a $200 annual airline fee credit (see rates and fees). Terms apply. Enrollment required.

Much like the consumer The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll receive complimentary unlimited access to Centurion Lounge locations by holding this card. Terms apply.

Centurion Card

Not a lot is known about the Centurion Card, AmEx's most high-end card offering. Available via invitation only, the Centurion Card provides access to all of AmEx's Centurion Lounges without restriction. In addition, these cardholders can bring up to two guests into the lounge. Terms apply.

American Express Corporate Platinum Card

Similarly to the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express Corporate Platinum Card offers a variety of benefits targeted to business users. Those who hold the card are allowed unrestricted access to the Centurion Lounge with up to two guests. Terms apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta's premium co-branded card provides access to Centurion Lounges, but on a limited basis. Unlike other AmEx cards, you’ll need to be flying a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight in order to enter the Centurion Lounge with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. You're also only allowed access at specific locations, including domestic lounges, Hong Kong and London. Terms apply.

Finally, those who hold this card are only allowed complimentary access for guests four times a year; after that, cardholders may bring up to two guests for $50 per person, per location. Terms apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

The business version of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card will also get you in the AmEx Centurion Lounge, with the same restrictions. You'll need to be on a Delta-marketed or -operated flight, you don't get free guests and you're limited mainly to domestic lounge locations. Terms apply.

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

Centurion Lounge access without a card is not possible unless you are the guest of someone who does have an eligible card.

As of February 2023, guests can only enter for free if the relevant cardholder has spent $75,000 on an eligible card in the calendar year prior. If they meet the spend threshold, the cardholder will get two free guest passes for the following year. Otherwise, expect to pay a guest fee of $50 per person (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17).

» Learn more: How the Centurion Lounge guest policy works

AmEx has done a good job creating a space away from the main airport terminals. With two dozen branded lounges worldwide, odds are you'll end up near a Centurion Lounge the next time you travel.

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 The Platinum Card® from American Express or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Terms apply.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, 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.