Lounge Review: American Express Centurion Lounge – Atlanta (ATL)

… a green oasis in the world’s busiest airport

When: May 11, 2024

Rating: 8.5/10 – Very Awesome

Access: Platinum Card

More than a decade ago, American Express introduced its Centurion Lounge, which now comprises a worldwide collection of lounges.  These lounges were the first credit card branded lounges. In the U.S. especially, these lounges provided an elevated level food, drinks and décor than the typical airline lounge. The lounges have proven extremely popular and are a victim of their own success, with crowds and limited entry times. The newest lounge in the network is in Atlanta – the world’s busiest airport.

The Centurion lounge is a terrific departure from the Sky Clubs and other airline lounges in ATL and is easily accessible given the airport’s efficient tram system connecting all the concourses. The lounge is located in the E concourse, near gate E 11. Highlights: the bars, the greenery and outdoor spaces make this lounge a gem.

Upon entry, you will note the familiar design that is in every Centurion lounge. There is a variety of seating throughout: tables, lounge style seating, high-top tables, bar seating throughout. You will notice other familiar design elements like some of the artwork and bookcases that adorn the walls. Interesting light fixtures hang from the c Like others in the network, showers are available.

The buffet is the brainchild of a local chef (a feature of these lounges in most every city) and you will not leave hungry. I found the menu to be inventive: but nothing revolutionary. The salad bar seemed elevated as compared to other lounges I have visited.

However, there are things about this lounge that make it outshine others in the Centurion network.

The greenery – they transplanted a 50 – year olive tree into the lounge.  In fact, there are more trees and other greenery throughout the lounge – something that’s new to the network. Also, this outpost features two outdoor terraces with comfortable sofas and other cushioned seating. This is perfect considering Atlanta’s mild climate. One terrace has great tarmac views and the other a more intimate space. And there are two bars: a traditional bar and a whiskey bar called The Reserve. All drinks are complimentary. I heard some people complain that they only served on drink at a time. My response to that complaint: “Deal with It.”

Delta and American Express have a close partnership – which leads to a serious problem with this lounge – the crowding. I was there on a Sunday, and it was manageable – but on busy weekday workdays or holidays – this can be problem. And there was a line for getting in when I visited the lounge.

I rate this lounge 8.5/10. Best features: The bars, terraces and greenery. Flaws: Crowds.

Note: Atlanta’s lounge set up is peculiar: Being Delta’s largest hub (and HQ), there are a whopping 9 sky clubs in ATL, with a few quite excellent (concourse F and B centerpoint especially); United and American each have a smaller club (both in the T concourse); and prior to the Centurion lounge, one non-airline affiliated lounge – The Club (concourse F), which accepts Priority Pass and is to be avoided.