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American Express is expanding its Centurion Lounge network with new locations in Newark and London, plus major upgrades in Philadelphia and Houston.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
American Express announced on Thursday its largest expansion to the Centurion Lounge Network to date. The initiative includes two new lounges at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR), along with significant renovations at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
The new Centurion Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport is expected to open in 2027. According to American Express, the lounge will span more than 30,000 square feet across two floors, making it the largest in the global Centurion network. This size surpasses the current flagship lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), which is approximately 26,000 square feet.
Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, stated, "Since opening our first Centurion Lounge more than a decade ago, we continue to find ways to meet the growing demand for our premium airport lounge experiences. In Newark, we’re expanding the new lounge from the 18,000 square feet originally announced to more than 30,000 square feet, making it the largest in our network.”
The Newark lounge will be located in Terminal A. Once operational, American Express will become the first credit card issuer with proprietary lounges at all three major New York-area airports: Newark, New York JFK Airport (JFK), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The facility will feature a Blue Roast by American Express coffee and wellness bar, three separate bars, and food offerings from the Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge.
American Express plans to open a second Centurion Lounge at London Heathrow Airport in Terminal 5 in 2028. This addition will make American Express the only issuer with two proprietary lounges at LHR. The new lounge will span over 9,000 square feet and aim to recreate the character of London.
In the United States, existing lounges in Philadelphia and Houston will undergo major expansions:
Access to Centurion Lounges is primarily available to holders of specific American Express cards, including the American Express Platinum Card®, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve card requires the cardholder to be flying Delta for complimentary access.
The expansion comes amid increased competition in the premium travel sector. Rival issuers such as Chase and Capital One have also invested in lounge networks, while airlines like Delta and American Airlines continue to upgrade their own facilities. American Express has previously implemented restrictions on guest access to manage overcrowding, such as requiring $75,000 in annual eligible spending for complimentary guest passes on the Platinum Card.
This expansion represents a significant strategic move by American Express to reinforce the value proposition of its premium credit cards. By creating the largest lounge in its network and establishing a presence at all major New York airports, the company aims to differentiate its offerings in a crowded market. The investments reflect a broader industry trend where physical amenities are becoming critical tools for retaining high-spending customers.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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