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Key Takeaways
- American Express is opening two more airport lounge locations and expanding a third.
- American Express leads the industry in providing access to airport lounges, which are available for free to its Platinum Card members.
- Airport lounges are popular, with 70% of travelers saying that having more options for lounge access would improve their time at the airport.
American Express has plans to expand its airport lounge network with new and enhanced lounges. The Centurion Lounge Network has 32 locations with new ones scheduled to open in airports in Boston and Charlotte. An expanded Centurion Lounge is planned for Dallas-Fort Worth.
A Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge is scheduled to open at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 2027. Two years later, The Centurion Lounge at Boston Logan International Airport is expected to open. American Express also has plans to expand The Centurion Lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in 2027.
“We listen closely to our Card Members and evolve our lounges to meet their needs, whether that’s opening Centurion Lounges in new places, introducing new concepts like Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge for shorter stays or expanding existing locations,” said Audrey Hendley, President, American Express Travel, in a press release.
American Express Platinum card members have complimentary access to Sidecar and Centurion Lounge locations. They can access The Centurion Lounge within three hours of their departing flight and they can access Sidebar within 90 minutes of a departing flight.
Coming to Boston
The Centurion Lounge in Boston will be two stories and the lounge will offer premium food and beverage options, workstations, several seating areas, and feature an outdoor terrace for travelers between flights. The lounge will be located in the airport’s Terminal C.
“The space will have thoughtfully designed features and Logan’s first ever open-air patio with views of the airfield, and will deliver an elevated experience that reflects our commitment to enhancing the customer experience,” said Ed Freni, Executive Director of Aviation, Massport.
Coming to Charlotte
Already home to a Centurion Lounge at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, American Express is adding a more intimate lounge called Sidecar By The Centurion Lounge. The first Sidecar was opened at Harry Reed International Airport in Las Vegas on March 4.
Sidecar lounges are designed for small groups and solo travelers who have limited time before flights. Small plates and signature cocktails are on the Sidecar menu, and the Sidecar in Charlotte will include Blue Roast by American Express Coffee Bar. The Sidebar in Charlotte will be in the airport’s Concourse A.
“Sidecar by the Centurion Lounge is a welcome addition for passengers seeking a quick break with premium amenities,” said Ted Kaplan, Chief Business & Innovation Officer, Charlotte Douglas International Airport. “It reflects strong demand for premium spaces and our commitment to an elevated passenger experience.”
Expanding in Dallas Fort Worth
The Centurion Lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is being renovated and expanded. Through the expansion, the lounge will be 50% larger with more seating, a new dining area and a second, full-service bar. There also will be a walk-up ice cream window.
“We are excited to see American Express’ continued investment in enhancing the lounge experience at DFW,” said Ken Buchanan, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

“This project reflects a shared commitment to providing modern, high-quality amenities that meet the evolving needs of our customers, while continuing to elevate the overall terminal environment.”
New Centurion Lounge locations also are planned for Newark Liberty International Airport and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
A Leader in Airport Lounge Access
With its 32 flagship Centurion Lounge locations and a Global Lounge Collection of more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries, American Express is the industry leader in providing access to airport lounges to its Platinum Card members.
But its competitors are active in courting premium cardholders through lounge expansion as well. Chase offers the Chase Sapphire Lounge Network. Lounges are available at airports in Boston, Las Vegas, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego with lounges coming soon in Dallas and Los Angeles.
Cardmembers with Chase Sapphire Reserve cards and Chase Sapphire Reserve Business cards have access to these airport lounges. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders also have access to more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world.
At Capital One, Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders have complimentary access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations. In addition, Capital One’s new travel app shows travelers airport lounge locations and wait times.
The Appeal of Airport Lounges
Travelers may choose premium credit cards with lounges based in their home airport and places they tend to travel frequently. Having a nice, exclusive place to rest and recharge, have a meal or a drink is a welcome respite from the rigors of traveling.
But credit card issuers have to strike a balance between exclusivity and access. There has been some pushback about airport lounges having too many people. A overcrowded lounge can ruin the ambience the lounge is trying to create. Still, these lounges are popular selling points for premium and travel credit cards, and that is likely to continue.
But even industry leader, American Express is cutting back on some of its lounge access. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2027, American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardmembers will no longer get unlimited free visits to Plaza Premium and Priority Pass lounges.
Travelers are clamoring for more access. According to Airport Dimensions, 70% of travelers say that more options for airport lounge access would improve their time at the airport.
The Bottom Line
American Express is opening two more airport lounge locations and expanding and renovating another location.
A Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge is expected to open in Charlotte, and a Centurion Lounge location is set to open in Boston. Renovations and expansion of a Centurion Lounge will take place at the Dallas Fort Worth International airport.
Airport lounges are popular with travelers, and long wait times are not uncommon. American Express, Chase, and Capital One are among the card issuers that offer airport lounge access to premium cardholders that travel.
