Opening on February 14th, American Express unveiled its largest Centurion Lounge to date. Nestled in Concourse E near gate E11, this lounge is a testament to American Express’s commitment to providing unparalleled luxury and convenience for its card members by offering exclusive amenities and an exceptional ambience.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ offers access to more airport lounges than any other credit card issuer as it focuses on enhancing the travel experience for its customers. The Centurion Lounge is the flagship program within this collection, providing eligible cardholders exclusive access to 28 Centurion Lounges worldwide and over 1,400 lounges across 140 countries.
American Express continues to enhance its network, with plans to open new lounge locations at Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, in addition to the latest lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
As one of the busiest airports in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is a centre of global transit, serving over 100 million passengers annually. Despite facing challenges posed by the pandemic, the airport has prioritised safety protocols while continuing to excel in efficiency and financial stability. With a direct economic impact of $66 billion in the state, ATL has consistently received awards for its excellence in concessions, operations, sustainability, architectural engineering, and construction.
The new Centurion Lounge upholds the ATL’s commitment to architectural elegance with its opulent and modern design. Spanning an impressive 2,400 square meters, the Centurion Lounge in Atlanta aspires to be a haven for travellers seeking comfort, style, and unique amenities. One exclusive feature of the lounge’s design is the 50-year-old olive tree placed in the centre of the room. Inspired by Atlanta’s reputation as ‘the city in the forest,’ American Express’s creative team emphasised this horticultural imagery by incorporating natural foliage, outdoor terraces, and a custom light sculpture representing a leafy canopy. This wellness-centric design scheme aims to create a serene and relaxing environment for card members to unwind before their flights.
Beyond the aesthetic allure, the Centurion Lounge in Atlanta offers practical amenities to enhance the pre-flight experience. Dedicated workstations and phone booths cater to business travellers, while high-end restrooms and shower suites provide a touch of luxury. Multiple seating areas and complimentary high-speed internet access contribute to the ultra-luxe ambience that cardholders have come to expect from the Centurion Lounge network.
Furthermore, renowned Atlanta-based chef Deborah VanTrece, a former flight attendant and owner of multiple esteemed eateries, has curated a menu for the lounge inspired by modern, global soul food. Showcasing some of her flavourful fusion dishes like “Black Eyed Pea Biryani” and “Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri”, VanTrece provides a variety of dishes catering to diverse tastes, including gluten-free and vegan options. Guests can enjoy their meals in the lounge’s multiple outdoor terraces, a first for the Centurion Lounge network. The meticulously landscaped seating areas are equipped with heaters and fans, ensuring year-round comfort for visitors.
Another significant highlight of the Centurion Lounge at ATL is The Reserve, the American Express network’s first-ever whiskey bar. This inaugural whiskey bar celebrates American whiskey’s rich history, featuring 20 classic and new American whiskeys, 10 hand-selected wines, and non-alcoholic options curated by award-winning mixologist Jim Meehan. The menu features five specialty whiskey cocktails, including the intriguing ‘Drink a Peach’ and ‘Mayme, Tailored,’ to showcase the versatility and craftsmanship of American whiskeys. Like the VanTrece restaurant, The Reserve bar leads to an outdoor lounge to deliver a unique and enjoyable drinking experience for whiskey enthusiasts.
The opening of the Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport signifies American Express’s commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences for its card members. From the locally inspired design and culinary offerings to the exclusive amenities like The Reserve whiskey bar, this lounge exemplifies the intersection of luxury, convenience, and innovation. As American Express continues to expand its Centurion Lounge Network, cardholders can look forward to more exclusive and unparalleled travel experiences in the future.