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It's long been rumored that American Express had an impressive, new 26,000+ square foot Centurion Lounge in the works at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. And if you've wondered when that space would open, we're here bearing good news. Amex has cut the ribbon on its newest space and started welcoming guests into its largest lounge on February 14, 2024.
Here's a tour inside the new lounge to show you what you can expect from the Centurion Lounge in Atlanta.
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Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta Hours and Access
Atlanta's American Express Centurion Lounge is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.. The last daily departure from ATL takes off around 11 p.m., so there's plenty of time to check out the new space if you've got a long enough layover.
How to get into the ATL Centurion Lounge
Centurion Lounges aren't like most other airport lounges where you can buy a membership or a day pass. You have to carry a credit card that offers access to enter the lounge.
To get in, you'll need to hold an eligible American Express card and show it to the desk agent, along with a government-issued form of identification and a same-day boarding pass. You can enter the lounge up to three hours before your scheduled departure time. If you're connecting, the three-hour limit won't apply, but you'll need to show your inbound and outbound tickets to the representative at the desk.
For those traveling with a guest or two, Centurion Lounge guest policies vary by card. However, most cards won't allow you to bring in a guest without incurring an extra charge. The only exception is for children under two, who are allowed into the lounge for free with the primary cardholder.
Location of the Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta
The Amex Centurion Lounge in Atlanta is located in Concourse E — near gate E11. Concourse E is where you'll find many of ATL's international flights.
No matter where your inbound or outbound flight departs from in ATL, the Centurion Lounge is reachable post-security by the Plane Train.
However, if you're not careful, you might miss the lounge's entryway. Despite being a massive space, the entrance is a bit inconspicuous. It's nestled in the far corner of E11 opposite the gate agent — behind rows of seats. In an exclusive conversation with spokespeople for Amex, we were told that the plan is to make the entry more accessible and more appealing by removing some of these seats.
Amex Centurion Lounge ATL Standout Features
Atlanta's Centurion Lounge has a handful of features and amenities you won't find at any other Amex lounge. Those are in addition to standards you've come to expect at Centurion Lounges, such as bathrooms, showers, workspaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and the signature Amex scent (yes, it's a thing).
Multiple outdoor terraces
Few things are better than getting a breath of fresh air — especially during a travel day. At the Atlanta Centurion Lounge, you'll have access to a few outdoor terraces year-round. Even better, there are heaters and fans to keep the space temperate.
The outdoor space is gorgeous. Like other unique elements in the lounge, the outdoor aspect is nature-focused. And it's surprisingly quiet outside despite the large jets nearby — more than one would expect.
Amex took the time to landscape the outdoor areas meticulously and install comfy wood-finished seating areas (with chairs customized uniquely for this lounge) to make for a more-than-adequate space to kick back and relax.
And if you're an aviation fanatic, you'll have fantastic views of ATL's apron (although this perk isn't exclusive to the outdoor terraces). Since the lounge is located in one of two international terminals, there's no shortage of wide-body airplanes taxiing and parking at nearby gates.
The first Centurion Lounge with a whiskey bar
Like other Centurion Lounges, Atlanta's version also features an accolade-worthy bar. It's the first and only dedicated whiskey bar in the Centurion Lounge network — dubbed “The Reserve by American Express.”
Inside the bar, you'll find a cozy space complete with rustic touches, friendly bartenders, and locally inspired wall-to-wall art.
The bar offers more than 24 unique whiskies and bourbons, so if that's your drink of choice, you can take your pick. But if you're not a whiskey drinker, you're not out of luck. Sommelier-selected wines, handcrafted locally-inspired cocktails, and more adorn the broader menu, so there's something for everyone.
An olive tree
In the main seating area, you'll find the lounge's most unique attraction: Olivia — a 50-year-old olive tree. The inclusion of the tree pays homage to Atlanta's nickname, “The city in the forest.”
And if you're wondering how Amex transported the tree into the lounge, construction crews did so by crane. The tree was lifted from the tarmac, brought in through the exterior door you'll walk through to visit the apron-side terrace.
But that's not the only nature-inspired element in the Atlanta Centurion Lounge. If you look up, you'll see a 3,850-square-foot light sculpture resembling a forest canopy covering almost the entirety of the lounge's ceiling.
Yes, it's easy to forget you're in an airport — not to mention the busiest one in the world.
Amex Centurion Lounge ATL Amenities
But wait, there's more. Alongside the elements unique to Amex's outpost in Atlanta, you'll find plenty more routine amenities.
Seating areas and workspaces
In a big lounge, one might expect a lot of seating areas. And at Atlanta's Centurion Lounge, you'll find seating areas virtually everywhere. And yes, there's always an outlet within arm's reach.
There's more privacy in the first room you'll walk into after checking in at the front desk. Around Amex's signature travel-inspired bookcases, numerous seats, tables, and couches offer more privacy than seats near the olive tree (which is in the middle of the lounge).
Cubby seats also make for a private experience. There are dozens of these seats tucked into different corners, providing separation from the busier and more well-trodden parts of the lounge.
The lounge's larger room has seats spanning the perimeter, which are sufficient for working solo or with someone else. There's a second bar (more on this shortly) separating the seating area near the olive tree from the dining room, which helps dampen the noise and clanking of dishes.
Self-serve drinks and snacks
If you're just stopping by for a snack, there are two self-serve refreshment stations outside of the dining room area. At the one nearest the bookshelves, you'll find a selection of teas, coffees, drink mixers, fruit, and desserts.
And at the other — near the base of the olive tree — there's an identical snack selection, plus infused water.
Buffet-style dining room
The food in Atlanta's Centurion Lounge is crafted by former-flight-attendant-turned-acclaimed-chef Deborah VanTrece. The fare is a twist on traditional Southern food, and you can load up at two buffet lines.
And after filling a plate or two, you'll have a choice of several places to sit. In the main dining room area, there are booths and restaurant-style tables. Plus, there's a third refreshment station. You won't go hungry here.
Along the dining room's wall is a mural dedicated to the lounge's theme of “bringing the outdoors inside.” Sitting under the mural will provide a great opportunity to get a good look at this unique work of art.
Or, if you'd rather take your plate of food outside, there are several tables only a short walk from the buffet line, with more mural for your viewing pleasure.
Another bar
And if one bar wasn't enough, the Centurion Lounge in Atlanta has a second one. The second features a similar drink selection to the first, but the counter in the centrally-located bar has twice the counter space.
And like at “The Reserve,” you'll find equally friendly bartenders ready to craft you a signature drink.
Bathrooms and showers
The Centurion Lounge in Atlanta has plenty of bathrooms and a few shower suites. It's hard to find a fancier bathroom anywhere, much less in an airport.
Final Thoughts
If you've got The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, or one of a few other American Express cards that offer lounge access, the new Atlanta Centurion Lounge is absolutely worth a visit. On your next Atlanta layover, trek over to E11. You won't be disappointed.
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