American Express plans Centurion Lounge for Los Angeles Airport
By Chris C., November 13 2015
American Express’ network of airport lounges in the United States looks to expand with a new Centurion Lounge planned for Los Angeles Airport.
A recent Terminal Operations newsletter published by Los Angeles World Airports – the company behind LAX – shows the lounge as being located between Terminals 6 and 7…
… and explains the recent arrival of furniture immediately beyond the security checkpoint at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, carrying signage which reads “courtesy of The Centurion Lounge”.
When asked exactly where the Centurion Lounge would reside, a spokesperson for American Express USA told Australian Business Traveller that the company is “still in discussions with the airport about finding the right space and location for a lounge that will fit (our) Card Members’ needs.”
“LAX is an important and much-frequented airport for American Express Card Members, and Amex is actively exploring ways to bring The Centurion Lounge to Los Angeles,” they added.
American Express Centurion Lounges: who gets in?
American Express Centurion Lounges differ from those run by airlines in that they welcome passengers flying to any destination in any class of service with any airline – travellers don’t need to be flying in business or first class or hold frequent flyer status to get through the door.
Instead, entry is complimentary for personal and business Centurion and Platinum Charge Card holders – including those from Australia – and can be purchased at the door for US$50 on the day of travel by anybody else holding any American Express card from any country.
The American Express Centurion Lounge at Las Vegas Airport...
Included among that list are holders of AMEX cards from the likes of ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac, and of the more ‘traditional’ American Express cards issued directly by American Express Australia.
The best part? Travellers with a same-day boarding pass from LAX can clear security at any terminal to enjoy the shops or lounge facilities, before later returning to their own terminal closer to boarding time.
That means that even when you’re from a different terminal – such as on Qantas or Virgin Australia from the Tom Bradley Terminal – you could still venture into T6/7, enjoy the Centurion Lounge and then wander back to TBIT, leaving ample time to clear security and reach your gate.
American Express also operates Centurion Lounges in New York, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Miami and San Francisco, plus a smaller Centurion Studio in Seattle exclusively for Platinum and Centurion Charge Card customers.
Also read: Photos: Inside the American Express Centurion Lounges
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Mar 2014
Total posts 567
Chris, any intel on when / if they'll be opening a Melbourne lounge?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2441
Nope.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1378
I take it these means the Australian Platinum Credit Cards (Amex issued) do not get comp access?
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2441
If it's not the Centurion Card or Platinum Charge Card entry is charged at US$50.
American Airlines - AAdvantage
15 Feb 2013
Total posts 45
It may be an excuse to start flying United again. Maybe.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Feb 2015
Total posts 26
no no don't get trapped by that...!! :) enjoy the lounge and then walk to the other terminal :)
10 Mar 2015
Total posts 6
is it possible to get to the lounge once you have checked into other terminals?
American Airlines - AAdvantage
15 Feb 2013
Total posts 45
You wouldn't need to pass through security again if you were flying United, Alaska or some aa flights operated by former us airways. Both delta and aa have an airside bus from terminal 6 going to their respective terminals and Tobit but only I believe for pax coming off Alaska airlines and holding boarding passes for connecting flights. Otherwise you would need to clear security again and it may be more trouble than it's worth.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Jun 2013
Total posts 366
As a centurion card holder we need one of these in Melbourne. Amex!!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Feb 2015
Total posts 26
For LAX I truly hope they will find a space in TBIT...All i can say is that the Miami lounge was really superb, nice back and neck massage, quality food, great tarmac views, confortable seating and nice personnel. I see they are expanding the concept to other airports which makes me a very happy cardholder, although I just hope they will keep the Priority Pass agreement in place as their network is obviously way larger. Dallas was nice too although not as pleasant as Miami. :)
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