{"id":250541,"date":"2026-04-01T13:10:31","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T13:10:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=250541\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:36:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:36:11","slug":"sidecar-centurion-clt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/sidecar-centurion-clt\/","title":{"rendered":"Amex Confirms a Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge Is Coming to Charlotte \u2014 Here\u2019s What We Know So Far"},"content":{"rendered":"

It wasn't long after American Express opened the doors to its first Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge<\/a> that we got a hint about where the second location might land.<\/p>\n

At the media event unveiling the first Sidecar, Amex representatives were clear that this type of “lounge” makes the most sense at space-constrained airports \u2014 and at airports where the issuer might need a pressure-release valve to help ease crowding at its primary Centurion Lounges.<\/p>\n

That makes Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) a logical place to look. And based on what came out of the City Council\u2019s business meeting on March 9, 2026, along with confirmation from Amex, it appears a Sidecar at CLT will be here before you know it.<\/p>\n

Coming Soon to CLT: Amex Confirms Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ahead of the Charlotte City Council's business meeting on March 9, WSOC-TV's Joe Bruno shared via X\/Twitter<\/a> that an item on the agenda was a vote on an “Airport American Express Sidecar Lounge Lease.” It was confirmed shortly after the meeting that the city approved the terms of the lease<\/a> \u2014 and Amex confirmed publicly on April 1, 2026, that it plans to move forward with the new space.<\/p>\n

Based on that April 1 Amex press release, the lounge is expected to open sometime in 2027.<\/p>\n

\"Rendering
Credit: American Express<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

A few other interesting details came out of the original meeting, including that Amex would lease a 4,641-square-foot space for a period of five years, with an option to renew for an additional five years. Moreover, this new build will be located in CLT's Concourse A, which is currently undergoing expansion.<\/p>\n

What's interesting about that is that the new Sidecar won't be a literal sidecar. That's because the primary Centurion Lounge is located between concourses D and E. So, you'll have to walk a bit to get between the lounges.<\/p>\n

Related: Amex Centurion Lounges: Locations, Rules, and Guest Policy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

What to expect at the Amex Sidecar at Charlotte<\/span><\/h3>\n

Details are still pretty slim, but we can make some educated guesses about what to expect at the CLT Sidecar and highlight what we know for sure.<\/p>\n

For instance, the Sidecar at Las Vegas (LAS) measures about a third the size of the planned Sidecar at Charlotte, so we can guesstimate that the new lounge could have space for upwards of 100 guests. That's a big increase from Las Vegas' 33 Card Member capacity.<\/p>\n

We also know that Amex will tap its Culinary Collective<\/a> team to develop a menu unique to the space. And when it comes to the food and beverage program, Amex has confirmed the lounge will feature Blue Roast by American Express coffee, along with other \u201csignature amenities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beyond that, we have one official rendering (of the new space's exterior), so we'll get to be surprised about what the interior of it looks like.<\/p>\n

Related: Upgrade Your Travel Experience: Best Travel Credit Cards With Lounge Access<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n

It's an exciting time to be a CLT regular \u2014 especially if you've got an American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> or The Business Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/a>. Starting sometime in 2027, you\u2019ll be able to access an upscale dining experience up to 90 minutes before your departing flight.<\/p>\n

And this is just one of many new and refreshed lounges coming to CLT. If you might recall, Capital One also has bold plans to bring a lounge to Charlotte<\/a>, and American Airlines has plans of its own to step up its lounge game<\/a> at one of its busiest hubs.<\/p>\n

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American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n
\"American<\/div>\n
How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n
Rates & Fees<\/a>
(Terms apply)<\/span><\/div>\n
Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n
Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n
Annual Fee:<\/strong>$895<\/b><\/div>\n
Show more<\/a>Why We Like It<\/a>Highlights<\/a>Earning Rates<\/a>
Cardholders can access more than 1,550 airport lounges worldwide, take advantage of up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $209 in CLEAR+ credits, and TSA PreCheck\u00ae<\/sup> or Global Entry fee credits. The card also includes an annual hotel credit worth up to $600 on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts\u00ae<\/sup> or The Hotel Collection bookings (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay), Hilton Honors\u2122 and Marriott Bonvoy\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Elite status, and a suite of benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts\u00ae<\/sup>. Additional perks include $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership credit (with applicable sales taxes and Plus Ups not include), up to $300 in annual digital entertainment credits, up to $300 Equinox credits, and up to $200 annual Uber Cash and $120 Uber One Credit. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.<\/div>
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