Lounge Review: Reopened AMEX Centurion Lounge LAX

Background:

The AMEX Centurion Lounge LAX just reopened in June after a lengthy closure due to repairs to fix a problem that led to jet fumes getting into the lounge. While the lounge was being fixed, AMEX offered a Grab and Go station nearby, and I visited that back in April. Since the actual lounge is open now, the grab and go has been discontinued and I was excited that had the opportunity to visit the newly reopened lounge on my visit to LAX last week.

Location:

The AMEX Centurion Lounge LAX is located in Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). The current hours are 6am-4:30pm.

TBIT is accessible airside from Terminals 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. I was flying on JetBlue, so I walked from Terminal 5 to TBIT. I walked from 5, to 4, and then to TBIT. It took me about 11 minutes to walk to the lounge, but I do walk quickly. If you walk at a slower pace give yourself 15-20 minutes from Terminal 5.

Access:

Access is complimentary for global Platinum Card, Delta Skymiles Reserve Card and Centurion Members.

You can access the lounge within 3 hours of the departure time stated on your same-day, confirmed boarding pass; or if your outbound flight departs after the lounge closes for the day, as early as 3 hours prior to the lounge closing.

Guests:

Currently, Platinum Card® Members may enter with up to two guests at no additional charge, and Centurion Members may enter with up to two guests or immediate family (spouse or domestic partner, and children under 18) at no additional charge. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person who are also traveling on a same-day Delta flight.

However, effective February 1, 2023, U.S. Platinum Card® and U.S. Business Platinum Card® Members will be charged a $50 USD fee for each guest.

The Lounge:

I went to visit on a Saturday at 1PM. I checked in on my AMEX app and it said that it was “Almost Full”. It’s nice to be able to check-in online to track wait times, as well as get a QR code so that you don’t need to take out your Platinum Card if you forgot to bring it.

The lounge entrance is perfectly located right where the escalator from the bridge that connects to Terminal 4 drops you off. Oddly, you take the escalators down 2 floors to access the lounge. It gives ground floor/underground vibes, and as such, there are no views for plane spotting from this lounge which is a bit of a downer.

I was quickly checked in, and then I walked around the lounge.

Food:

The main buffet area is on the right after checking in, and had a decent amount of options for lunch service. There was a grilled chicken, potatoes, eggplant, some cheeses, salads and breads. Across from that was a tea/coffee station.

Bar:

Right next to it, is the main bar, and a good amount of dining tables. Here is the only place where you can “see out of the lounge” and see inside the TBIT terminal (from a lower level).

Bathrooms are located right next to this dining area, and they were pretty clean and roomy. Showers are closed at this time.

On the other side of the lounge is plenty of seating, and then another bar. There is also a refreshment center with tea and coffee here as well.

Then there’s a section with a meeting room, and little private desk spaces. One of the desk spaces was open so that’s where I sat during my visit.

Towards the back there is multipurpose family room and Exhale spa (which is closed at the moment). Also there are two rooms called the Sunrise and Moonrise rooms. The sunrise room has bright seating and a section that is offering massages. I wanted to sit in the sunrise room as it looked cheerful but it seemed awkward looking at people get massages.

Right next door, the Moonrise room looks like outer space with stars in the sky. Both rooms were quite crowded so I didn’t snap any shots of them.

The Verdict:

In all honestly, I really didn’t like the Centurion Lounge at LAX much. The lack of windows makes me feel like I’m in some sort of a dungeon. It would be nice to see into the terminal from above (like the KAL Lounge nearby) or be able to look at some planes. While it’s nice to grab a bite to eat or a drink, I probably would only visit quickly and not want to spend too many hours here.

Have you visited the AMEX Centurion Lounge LAX before? What were your thoughts? Comment below!

Safe travels,

Ty

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