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If you've been wondering when Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's infamous white wall bearing the words “Coming Soon” would be removed in favor of a glass portal open to American Express Card Members, we're here bearing good news. Washington National Airport's years-awaited American Express Centurion Lounge DCA is here, and it's a stunner.
Before the official opening — which happened on July 17, 2024 — Amex invited select media, including AwardWallet, to the nation's capital to tour the space and preview its amenities and offerings. So, without further ado, here's your first look at DCA's long-awaited Centurion Lounge.
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Amex Centurion Lounge DCA Hours and Location
Starting July 17, the Centurion Lounge DCA is open to eligible Card Members daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays.
DCA's Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal 2, past the south security checkpoint. Terminal 2 is home to American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue, and United. You won't miss the Amex-branded entryway.
Note that Washington National Airport has two terminals — 1 and 2. Both are connected via walkway and shuttle bus but outside the secure area. You must re-clear security if you're going between terminals to visit the Centurion Lounge.
Accessing the Amex Centurion Lounge DCA
Washington National Airport's Centurion Lounge is open to Amex Card Members with a Platinum-branded card, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
The lounge admits those carrying the invite-only Centurion® Card from American Express as well.
Additionally, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Members are granted complimentary access to the DCA Centurion Lounge when flying on a same-day Delta marketed or operated flight.
Pro Tip: If the line to get into the DCA Centurion Lounge is too long, Delta Reserve and Business Delta Reserve Card Members can access the Delta SkyClub located above Gate B15.
Like other Centurion Lounges located worldwide, day passes are not available for purchase at the door.
Amex's restrictive guest policies remain in place for DCA's Centurion Lounge. Amex Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members must meet an annual $75,000 spending requirement to bring complimentary guests into the lounge. However, in lieu of meeting the requirement, Card Members can pay $50 per adult guest and $30 per child (ages 2-17). Children under two may enter with the basic Card Member free of charge.
Those with an Amex Centurion Card or The American Express Corporate Platinum Card® are entitled to bring up to two complimentary guests into the lounge.
Related: American Express Centurion Lounges and Locations
Amex Centurion Lounge DCA Layout
Amex's DCA outpost is just under 12,000 square feet, which is comparable to Centurion Lounges in Miami (MIA), New York-LaGuardia (LGA), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW).
Unfortunately, there's just not enough space in Washington National Airport to construct a lounge the size of Amex's second-newest lounge in Atlanta (ATL). As an airport authority spokesperson noted, “DCA has a small footprint; American Express maximized every inch.”
But like all the rest, this space should be an immediate hit, making overcrowding all but a given. Amex didn't disclose the official capacity of the lounge, but if we had to guess, it's likely limited to a few hundred guests.
Design-wise, some aspects of the DCA Centurion Lounge are location-specific, and others are staple fixtures common across other Amex-branded spaces — starting with the iconic living wall.
The floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the airfield and nearby Potomac River are a prime example of something you'll find here but nowhere else. It's just too bad the view isn't crystal clear.
And the more you look, the more you'll find elements that pay homage to the Washington, D.C.'s extensive history. The central dining area, for instance, showcases a sculpture constructed from 260 lanterns — signifying the original boundary markers used to outline the city when it was founded more than 230 years ago.
Most of the art decorating the walls has a backstory, too. The sizable printed canvas showcasing the Capital Building, for example, is the product of a local pop impressionist artist, as are several other pieces.
You'll find a variety of seating options lining the lounge's perimeter. In the center of one of two “living rooms,” you'll have access to a co-working table.
Amex outfitted the second living room with cubby-style seats and alcoves for solo travelers.
And for those who came to work, a handful of private workspaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amex Centurion Lounge DCA Amenities
The Centurion Lounge at Washington National Airport offers several amenities that contribute to what should feel like an elevated experience.
There's something for everyone — working professionals, those after some semblance of relaxation, and aviation enthusiasts alike. And if you happen to check all three boxes, you'll be well satisfied.
One notable amenity includes a designated area just for those with the fabled “Black Card.”
If you're not among the lucky few to get an invite for Amex's fanciest card, it's hard to argue with the overwhelming number of places to relax. I lost count after ten unique chair styles.
Moreover, you can't go far without losing sight of a power outlet or a charging port built into several pieces of furniture. The Wi-Fi is quick, too.
You'll also find tile-walled bathrooms and a couple of shower suites. Now, if only every airport lounge would adopt shower suites… it really is a luxury that all should have.
And, if you happened to be wondering, Amex did bring its signature scent to the DCA Centurion Lounge.
Amex Centurion Lounge DCA Food and Beverage
The DCA Centurion Lounge's early claim to fame is its food and beverage options. Like other Amex lounges, the menu is chef-inspired. But what's unique to this location is the number of chefs who collaborated on it.
Michelle Bernstein, Ravi Kapur, and Michael Solomonov are the masterminds behind several popular dishes at other Centurion Lounges. Together, they are introducing Latin, Israeli, and Hawaiian cuisine to Washington National Airport.
We'll be the first to admit that the menu is unique. Shabazi spiced salmon with pomegranate BBQ sauce, tamari-honey glazed tofu and pineapple, and lamb merguez shakshuka are, dare we say, a mouthful.
For those who like to keep it simple, there's plenty more on offer. It's hard to argue with a basic salad, fresh fruit, or a frisbee-sized chocolate chip cookie.
In addition to a perceptively fine dining experience, Card Members can enjoy a slew of cocktails designed by Centurion Lounge mixologist Jim Meehan. The lounge's signature drink is what's known as the “Haku Hanami” — a D.C. cherry blossom-inspired mixed liqueur.
If mixed drinks aren't your speed, perhaps wine is. The DCA Centurion Lounge features an extensive wine list, several of which are sourced from local vineyards.
Or, if you're just stopping by for a cup of coffee or an unleaded beverage, Amex has installed a few cubbies with DIY coffee machines and self-serve beverages.
Final Thoughts
American Express' brand-new Centurion Lounge in Washington National Airport will be a well-received addition to an airport already jam-packed with airline lounges.
It's not Amex's largest branded space (that honor goes to Atlanta). Still, it's a continuation of the issuer's plans to bring locally inspired design, unique amenities, and chef-inspired food and beverage to a growing number of airports.
Sure, there will be crowding and long lines at times, an all-but-given consequence of many a traveler carrying a premium rewards card top of wallet. But DCA's Centurion Lounge is still worth the visit — especially if you can check it out during off-peak hours.
And remember, there's more in the cards, too. American Express is planning additional Centurion Lounges in Newark (EWR) and Tokyo-Haneda (HND). As to what comes after that, who knows? But if one thing is for sure, continued investments in the lounge experience are a given — Amex made sure to state as much.
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