American Express opens Centurion Lounge in Atlanta (ATL)

Matthew Justice
Olive tree and central lounge area for Atlanta Centurion lounge.
Source: American Express

American Express has opened its largest Centurion Lounge at the world's busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). As written in the Lounges, 2023 Year in Review, I mentioned this lounge being one of the exciting lounges to open this year. The lounge opened its doors on February 14th, 2024, in Concourse E, near Gate 11, and is open daily from 06:00 to 23:00 (11 pm).

terminal map showing where the Centurion ATL Lounge is located.
Source: American Express

Comparing size to the next two largest Centurion lounges, the New York (JFK) lounge is 15,000 square feet, and the Dallas (DFW) Centurion Lounge (13,000 square feet) is half the size of this new Atlanta location.

Amenities

The lounge spans 26,000 square feet, making it the largest lounge in the (ATL) airport, surpassing the Delta Sky Club in Concourse F. The lounge features both inside and outside areas for customers to enjoy. The lounge's centerpiece is a 50-year-old olive tree and lighting symbolizing a forest canopy. Under the tree are seating and tables to relax. The outdoor areas are a first for the Centurion lounge network and are equipped with heaters and fans for year-round use with views of the airport. The lounge also has dedicated work areas, private phone booths, premium restrooms, shower suites, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

outdoor seating area with chairs, tables, and fans.
inside whiskey bar with bottles in the background and leather chairs.

Dining and Beverages

American Express has enlisted the Atlanta-based chef Deborah VanTerce, a James Beard Award semifinalist and local restaurant owner, to design the menu. Her unique “global” approach to Soul Food is inspired by working as an international flight attendant, fused with her family’s cultural traditions and the fresh ingredients grown year-round in Georgia.

Food: Tomato, Spinach, Egg and Scallion Bread Pudding, Sweet Potato Hash, Pimento Cheese Grits, Black Eyed Pea Biryani, Three Cheese Macaroni Bake, Braised Greens with Smoked Turkey, Vegetable Gumbo with Jalapeño Hoe Cakes, Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri, and more. There are also dedicated vegan and gluten-free options.

 
Drinks: locally inspired cocktails such as Drink A Peach, Hot One, and Peachy Keen. The drinks were created by Jim Meehan (cocktails) and Anthony Giglio (wine). There are also non-alcoholic drinks as well as coffee, expresso, teas, and sodas.

As another first for the Centurion lounges, the Atlanta lounge has opened its first whisky bar, titled The Reserve. This bespoke whiskey bar serves signature cocktails designed by Jim Meehan (author of the Mr. Boston Official Bartenders Guide) and a selection of over 20 classic and American whiskeys.

News Coverage

Below is a video and tour inside the lounge provided by local news and presented on Good Day Atlanta.

Lounge Access

American Express has changed the lounge access rules over the years, but the following cards will get you access into the Centurion Lounges.

  1. Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee)
  2. Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee)
  3. American Express Corporate Platinum Card ($550 annual fee)
  4. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($650 annual fee)
  5. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card ($650 annual fee)
  6. Centurion® Card from American Express* ($5,000 annual fee; invitation only)

Guests with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express can also enter as long as they are flying Delta and paid for the ticket with the card. Guests may accompany the cardholder for $50 each ($30 for minors, and children under two are free).

Currently, American Express members have access to 28 Centurion Lounges (14 in the United States). Amex has plans to open a new Centurion Lounge at Washington DC’s Reagan National (DCA) airport later this year, as well as a Newark (EWR) location in 2026.

Closing Thoughts

Even though this opening has been delayed for nearly two years, this is very exciting news for Atlanta (ATL). Considering this is the busiest airport in the world, it only has 13 lounges, so this addition is much needed. I am curious how this will help relieve crowding at Sky Clubs. There was no mention of a spa at this location, which, if true, is a downside. The menu, olive tree, and outdoor terrace make this lounge a place I can't wait to visit.

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