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

by Adam Stuart | September 15, 2024 | 0 Comments

… 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.

Also on BoardingArea
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: Andaz 5th Avenue
After spending a night at the Hyatt Centric Wall Street New York (a review… The post Hotel Review: Andaz 5th Avenue appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
The Bulkhead Seat
My Experience: Great Service Recovery by United Airlines After NYC Storms
We returned back to the United States early after having our belongings stolen in… The post My Experience: Great Service Recovery by United Airlines After NYC Storms appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
What are the “must have” Chase cards?
If you’re new to credit card rewards, Chase can be a great place to start, as it offers a terrific variety of valuable cards, often with excellent initial welcome offers. That said, the main reason to begin with Chase is because of its notorious 5/24 Rule, which can make it...
Points With a Crew
5 reasons I keep recommending the Chase Sapphire Preferred for people starting out (Higher Welcome Offer)
Amongst my friends and family, I'm considered the "credit card guy". When I'm asked for recommendations, most of the time it's the Chase Sapphire Preferred...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
So — Will You Change How You Leave Gratuities?
What is crudely known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has been passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States and signed by Donald J. Trump — meaning that the campaign promise of no tax on tips will eventually become reality — so...
You Are Travel
Marriott Brings Its Upscale Lifestyle Brand to the ‘Cradle of the Renaissance’ – W Florence Now Open
Tl;dr – Marriott brings its ‘luxury lifestyle brand’ – The W – to Florence. Earlier this week, Marriott…
ATX Jetsetter
Spirit Airlines Planes Covered in Foam After Sprinkler Mishap
Three Spirit Airlines planes have been removed from service after being accidentally coated in fire suppression foam. The post Spirit Airlines Planes Covered in Foam After Sprinkler Mishap appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Your Mileage May Vary
6 Things That Can Get Your Luggage Flagged By TSA
With so many more people traveling through airports and the TSA scrambling to hire more employees (would YOU want to work at a place that treats their workers like this?),…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Passenger Onboard Ryanair Plane Will Need 3 Surgeries After Jumping From Wing That Didn’t Appear Configured For Emergency Evacuation
A passenger who was on a Ryanair Boeing 737 that evacuated onto the tarmac of Palma Airport on the Spanish island of Mallorca in the early hours of Saturday morning has been told that she’ll need three surgeries to repair the horrendous injuries she sustained when she jumped from wing...
Travel Codex
Exclusive Sale: Lindblad Expeditions More Than 30% off Public Pricing
Galápagos, Baja California, Panama Canal, France, Scotland, or the wilds of the Arctic with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic is on sale. Now is the time to make that dream a reality and explore the world! From Patagonia to Copenhagen, Svalbard to Baja California and nearly everywhere in-between I have...
The Bulkhead Seat
Foam Frenzy: Spirit Airlines Hangar in Detroit Overflows After System Malfunction
Spirit Airlines found itself in a sticky situation at its maintenance facility on July… The post Foam Frenzy: Spirit Airlines Hangar in Detroit Overflows After System Malfunction appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Travel Codex
Seabourn Antarctica Sale. Patagonia, South Georgia and Antarctica from just $9,399!
Every time I think prices have hit rocked bottom I stumble across a new deal. Deals so good I have to share them. There’s no pretending, I love Antarctica. I’ve been twice on Seabourn alone and these deals are so hot I am trying to convince my partner to go...
One Mile at a Time
How Much Are Airline, Hotel, And Credit Card Points Worth?
I often get asked how much I value various miles & points currencies, including those issued with credit cards, airlines, and hotels. The truth is that there’s no valuation for these currencies that everyone will agree on. That’s because the value that you’ll get from rewards points will vary significantly...
Economy Class & Beyond
Airplane Art – Wizz Air Malta Airbus A321neo at Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport
It’s Sunday again, so it must be time for some more Airplane Art.  This week, we have a Wizz Air Malta Airbus A321neo parked at Bucharest Henri Coandă Airport as it awaits its next duty. Wizz Air’s Malta unit operates a fleet of 71 Airbus A321neo aircraft in its fleet. The...
Your Mileage May Vary
We Love This Cheap NYC Transportation Most People Don’t Know About
Navigating New York City can be challenging, even for seasoned New Yorkers. It’s even more confusing if it’s your first trip to the city. My wife, Sharon, and I fall…
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights between Canada and Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, Mexico or the Caribbean
Air Canada has a new early bird flight bonus for most international flights this fall! Aeroplan members who register and book flights during this promotion will earn 2x points on flights to Asia, Australia, Europe, South America, Mexico or the Caribbean. As with all Aeroplan flight bonuses this offer is...
Frequent Miler
$100 inKind gift card for $64.99 at Costco.com
Costco is once again offering a $100 inKind gift card for a discount, though this time around the price has dropped to $64.99 (the most recent previous sale was at $69.99). This could be a good deal if you have upcoming plans to dine at an inKind restaurant. You can also...
Monkey Miles
Get up to 50% off at Amazon by using just 1 Amex Point – Targeted, up to $80
Get up to 50% off at Amazon by using a single Amex Point! The post Get up to 50% off at Amazon by using just 1 Amex Point – Targeted, up to $80 appeared first on Monkey Miles.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
3 Reasons Why I Back Into Parking Spots
This article on the 3 reasons why I back into parking spots is written primarily pertaining to rental vehicles while traveling in countries around the world; but they also apply to my own vehicle at and near where I am based as well. Driving a vehicle typically requires a place to...
One Mile at a Time
Shockingly Classy: Kuwait Airways Chairman Apologizes To YouTuber
Several days ago, I wrote about how popular aviation YouTuber Nonstop Dan had a horrible flight in Kuwait Airways first class, where he was threatened for filming. This first involved the purser, then the captain, then the ground staff, and then the police. The level of escalation here was just...
Altitude Yes
All About the Collins Aurora Business Class Seat, Coming to American’s A321XLR
American's A321XLRs are still some time away, but there's a lot to look forward to with their new interior. The post All About the Collins Aurora Business Class Seat, Coming to American’s A321XLR first appeared on Altitude Yes.
View from the Wing
How Much Free Food Is Too Much? Travelers Test The Limits At United Airlines’ Airport Minimarts
It's a place to pick up packaged food, like chips, veggies, fruit and sad salads. What people like best is (1) the barista made coffee, and (2) free food since you really aren't supposed to take food from United's regular clubs (but people still do). Continue reading How...
Your Mileage May Vary
Has CLEAR Jumped the Shark?
As I was perusing the internets the other day, I found a discussion on Reddit from a while ago that brought up something I had been thinking about, albeit in…
Miles To Memories
Don’t Close That Bank of America Card – Do This, Instead
We're often busy with the newest points and travel developments. But the Bank of America product change remains and shouldn't be forgotten. The post Don’t Close That Bank of America Card – Do This, Instead appeared first on Miles to Memories.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers