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This week, the lengthy list of American Express Centurion Lounge locations open to eligible guests decreased by one. American Express quietly removed all references to the Centurion Lounge at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) from its website. When we asked about it, Amex confirmed to AwardWallet that the removal was intentional. The Centurion Lounge São Paulo has been permanently closed and won’t reopen.
Here’s what Card Members need to know about the GRU lounge closure — and which lounge Amex is directing travelers to instead.
American Express Confirms Closure of São Paulo Centurion Lounge
American Express operates several Centurion Lounges outside the U.S., but one of its South American locations has now closed for good. The Centurion Lounge at GRU has been shuttered, and there are no plans for it to reopen.
AwardWallet first noticed the change when Amex scrubbed mentions of the lounge's location and operating hours from its website. After we reached out, Amex confirmed the following:
“The Centurion Lounge located at Guarulhos Airport (GRU) in São Paulo, Brazil has closed.”
However, the issuer stopped short of providing a reason for the closure.
Related: A Guide to American Express Centurion Lounges: Locations, Amenities, and Access
Lounge alternatives for Amex Card Members at GRU
After confirming the Centurion Lounge closure, Amex informed AwardWallet that alternative lounges are available for Card Members at GRU:
“Eligible Card Members may access W Lounge Pier Site at GRU. Access to W 5th Av Site, an exclusive lounge for eligible American Express Card Members, located in Terminal 3, will be available later in March.”
While it’s disappointing that the lounge closed — and that Amex didn’t directly communicate the news to those with the The Platinum Card® from American Express — there’s still a lounge option at GRU available now, with another coming soon.
However, it’s worth noting that the W Premium Lounge – The Pier is part of the Priority Pass network. This means you’ll need to activate your enrollment-required complimentary Priority Pass Select membership to access it. This benefit is available with the The Platinum Card® from American Express, as well as several other non-Amex cards.
Related: Best Travel Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access
Final Thoughts
Until recently, Amex operated a Centurion Lounge at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport. Now, that location has been closed, with no official explanation as to why. However, eligible Card Members still have access to the W Premium Lounge (provided you've activated your Priority Pass Select membership) — and a second lounge will be available later this month.
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