The world’s busiest airport deserves the largest Centurion Lounge in the world. On February 14th, 2024, American Express unveiled its largest airport club ever at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
At nearly 26,000 square feet, the lounge is packed with amenities, and it’s already shaping up to be a traveler’s favorite.
In this post:
American Express Centurion Lounge Atlanta design
Located in Concourse E, near gate E11, the new Amex Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a tale of superlatives.
At nearly 26,000 square feet, the club is the largest Centurion Lounge outpost worldwide, and an impressive 11,000 square feet larger than the flagship, bi-level Centurion Lounge JFK.
Centurion Lounges have been a victim of their own success, and they’re often crowded. American Express has heard the message loud and clear. Each new location seems to be larger than its predecessors.
The Atlanta outpost boasts three outdoor terraces (a first within the Centurion Lounge network), two bars, a dramatic 3,850 square foot light sculpture evoking a forest canopy, a 50-year-old olive tree, and an eye-catching 60-foot mural.
If these don’t sound like familiar features of the Centurion Lounge network, that’s precisely the intent. The decor of the Centurion Lounge Atlanta is perhaps the most accomplished. The financial institution has designed a bespoke space with a sense of place, which celebrates the “city in the forest.”
Loyal American Express customers won’t feel too disoriented, though. The decor incorporates numerous components of the Centurion Lounge lineage’s DNA, such as the card issuer’s signature memorabilia, motifs, patterns, finishes, and furnishings.
Some of the seating zones indeed feel immediately familiar, and are perhaps slightly too cookie-cutter, while the decor of the dramatic central area is a complete departure from the traditional Centurion Lounge design.
Guests have their choice of plush couches, cube chairs, solo seats, or dining tables and booths. There is also plenty of tabletop seating by the windows, with front-row views of the tarmac. Power outlets and USB ports are located at arm’s length.
The club features works from local artists Lucha Rodríguez and Michi Meko, as well as a 60-foot mural of leaf-like shapes conceived by Evan Blackwell Helgeson.
The central area aside, the two outdoor terraces are the most distinctive features of the club. Equipped with both heaters and fans for year-round comfort, the spaces are outfitted with greenery, comfortable seating, and easy access to the bar. The main deck features panoramic views of the airfield, while the second exterior space is enclosed.
Centurion “Black Card” holders have access to a third, secluded outdoor terrace, as well as a private relaxation room with a small self-service bar.
American Express Centurion Lounge Atlanta amenities
American Express Centurion Lounges are known for their expansive amenities, and the Atlanta outpost doesn’t disappoint.
The culinary offerings are crafted by Chef Deborah VanTrece, a former flight attendant and the owner of three Atlanta restaurants. Highlights of the menu include black eyed pea biryani, Za’atar grilled chicken thighs with green tomato chimichurri, and “twisted soul” salad with strawberry peppercorn vinaigrette.
Guests will also find a variety of snacks and treats, gluten free and vegan options, smoothies, and immunity booster juice shots.
The main bar serves a wide selection of beers, wines, and cocktails curated by mixologist Jim Meehan. A master of his craft, Meehan has been spearheading the Centurion Lounge beverage program since the onset of the Centurion network. His philosophy has remained unchanged: “My goal as a mixologist—regardless of the client—is to use cocktails as a storytelling vehicle that captures the spirit of the place and people where the drink is being served”, mentioned Jim Meehan when we interviewed him back in 2018.
In Atlanta, this means, naturally, a celebration of the Peach State. Among other creations, the “Drink a Peach” cocktail features peach flavored whiskey and bitters.
In fact, whiskeys lovers are in for a treat. The Centurion Lounge Atlanta features the first American Express Whiskey Bar. Dubbed “The Reserve by American Express”, the indoor-outdoor space boasts a selection of over 20 classic and new American whiskeys, served in an alluring space decked with dark tones and leather furnishings.
All beverages are complimentary. Holders of the elusive Centurion “black card” should inquire about Centurion specials, as the bartenders typically pour higher-end Champagne for the card issuer’s most valued customers.
The Centurion Lounge ATL also features spacious bathrooms, along with three shower suites stocked with L’Occitane amenities. Considering the dimensions of the lounge and its location near international departure gates, three shower suites are unlikely to be sufficient at peak times. We expect a waitlist to be the norm.
Other amenities include four private phone booths, a multi-purpose room that can serve as a VIP space or as a family room, fast Wi-Fi, and a printer/copier.
Where is the Centurion Lounge by American Express at Atlanta Airport?
The Amex Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is located in Concourse E, near gate E11.
All concourses are connected airside, so passengers are welcome to visit the Centurion Lounge regardless of their destination. However, Concourse E can be a long train ride from Concourses A, B, and T, and the location isn’t ideal for the majority of Atlanta passengers. Concourse E is primarily used for Delta’s international flights, and is relatively underused compared to the other terminals, which is likely why American Express was able to find a suitable space to build a lounge.
Centurion Lounges are chronically crowded, and the “remote” location might help limit visitation, but time will tell.
Who has access to The Centurion Lounge by American Express at ATL?
The Amex Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is open daily, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Like all Centurion Lounge locations, the new American Express lounge at ATL welcomes:
- American Express Centurion® Card holders. Black card holders can access the lounge anytime—whether departing, connecting, or arriving.
- American Express Platinum Card® holders within 3 hours of departure of their first flight and at any connection points. Platinum Card holders can no longer visit a Centurion Lounge at their final destination.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card holders departing on a flight operated by Delta, within 3 hours of departure of their first flight, and at any connection points. SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card holders cannot visit a Centurion Lounge at their final destination.
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card holders departing on a flight operated by Delta, within 3 hours of departure and at connection points. SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card holders cannot visit a Centurion Lounge at their final destination.
Early 2023, American Express adjusted the guest policy as follows, in a bid to minimize crowding:
- American Express Centurion Card holders can bring two guests or members of their immediate family.
- American Express Corporate Platinum Card holders can bring two guests.
- American Express Platinum Card holders who spend $75,000 or more on eligible purchases during a calendar year receive can bring two guests per visit for the current calendar year, the next year, and through January of the following year. Platinum Card holders who do not meet the spending threshold can purchase access for guests for $50 per adult and $30 per child (ages 2-17, proof of age required.)
- Other eligible customers cannot bring any guests.
Take the guess work out of lounge access. Use our Lounge Access Wizard or download the LoungeReview app to find out which lounges you have access to.
Bottom line
At nearly 26,000 square feet, the new Centurion Lounge by American Express at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the financial institution’s largest airport lounge so far. The club boasts three year-round outdoor spaces, two bars including a whiskey bar, a generous hot buffet, and three shower suites.
The remarkable decor is a feast for the eyes and a welcome departure from the drab terminal and other cookie-cutter lounges.
The arrival of the Centurion Lounge is bound to shake up the lounge scene at Atlanta airport. ATL is heavily dominated by Delta, who operates nine Delta Sky Clubs across all concourses. Other carriers have a token presence (there is one United Club and one American Airlines Admirals Club in Concourse T.) The only independent club is the less-than-stellar The Club at ATL in Concourse F, though there are also several Minute Suites throughout the airport (which, while highly private, have very limited capacity.)
With little true competition, the lounge scene at Atlanta airport has remained dormant for many years. Even Delta’s “flagship” Sky Club near gate B18, which cost a small fortune to build, is much more remarkable from an engineering standpoint (the airline had to design a terminal expansion suspended over the tarmac) than from a user’s perspective.
The American Express Centurion Lounge is breath of fresh air. But, time will tell how the new club fares, and whether it becomes crowded just like its siblings across the US. The location in Concourse E might limit traffic to some extent, though many passengers are likely to make the trek to the Centurion Lounge in light of the better design and amenities. Besides, as of February 1st, 2025, holders of the American Express Platinum Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card will only receive up to 15 complimentary Sky Club visits. It’s likely that they’ll choose to patronize the Centurion Lounge instead. Unless, of course, American Express places further restrictions on club access, which would severely impact the value of the card.
Photos courtesy of American Express
Write a comment or reply