Background:
Recently, I visited the American Express Centurion Lounge Los Angeles (LAX) before my United flight. This particular lounge opened last June of 2022 after it had a long closure to fix a problem that led to jet fumes entering the lounge.
I visited the lounge in August of 2022 and didn’t like the dungeon feel. And on my last visit in March 2023, the lounge was emptier and the food selection was solid. But, in terms of lounging comfort, it still didn’t score high marks from me. I was curious to see if my sentiments would change this time around, and they kind of did. I’ve accepted the fact that there are no views, and have grown to appreciate the lounge more.
Location:
The American Express Centurion Lounge LAX is located in the Tom Bradley International Terminal B (TBIT). As of my June 2023 visit, the current hours are from 6 am to 10 pm.
TBIT is accessible airside from all LAX terminals except for Terminal 1. There’s a terminal connector walkway from Terminals 4-8, and an airside bus from Terminals 2 and 3. LAX is currently building a post-security connector from Terminal 2/3 to Terminal B (TBIT) which should be completed later this year.
I was flying on United, and didn’t have any bags to check so I cleared security at TBIT to save on walking. Then when I left the lounge to get to the gate, I walked from TBIT, Terminal 4, 5, 6 then finally arrived at 7. It was a 25-minute or so walk for me, so be sure to take that into account if you’re going to take that trek.
Access:
Complimentary access is available for
- Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, and Corporate Platinum Card® Members
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Reserve Business Card Members
- Centurion® Members
As of February 2023, U.S. Platinum Card and U.S. Business Platinum Card Members will be charged a $50 fee for each guest (or $30 for children 2-17). Or, if you spend $75,000 in a calendar year on the cards, you’ll get 2 guests for free. You can see the full rules on access here if you’re interested.
Finding the Lounge:
The lounge entrance is easy to find right after you clear security, especially from the TSA PreCheck lanes. Also, it is perfectly located right where the escalator from the airside bridge that connects to Terminals 4-8.
Normally with airport lounges, you take elevators up to get views. But here, you take the elevators down 2 floors to access the lounge. I am not a fan as it gives underground vibes. And, there are no views for plane spotting which is a bummer.
Arrival:
I arrived around 10:30 am on a Monday and I was quickly checked in.
As I walked through the lounge to find a seat, I noticed the lounge wasn’t too crowded yet, but when I left around 12:30 pm, it seemed much more full.
Near the front of the lounge, you’ll see the famous painting with AMEX’s original logo of a watchdog dating back to 1890. At this lounge, the area is reserved for Centurion Card holders.
Second Bar:
If you continue walking down, you’ll find a secondary bar with seating along with a refreshment center with tea and coffee. Sadly, you can really sense the low ceilings in this area. Thankfully with the lounge being quite empty, it helped the lounge feel less claustrophobic.
On the right, there’s a section with little private desk spaces with high walls. I was able to snag a seat here which I really liked!
Continuing down the lounge, there is a multipurpose family room and Exhale spa. The spa provides some complimentary treatments on a first-come, first-served basis, such as massages. You’ll want to check with the front desk agent for availability if you’re interested.
Themed Rooms:
Additionally, at the end of the hall, there are two areas called the Sunrise and Moonrise rooms. The sunrise room is bright and features individual and group seating. On my visit, this room was reserved for Centurion cardholders only which was a bummer as I would have liked to hang out there.
Right next to the Sunrise Room is the Moonrise room. It is dark and has stars on the ceiling which makes it look like you’re in space. It seems pretty cool to take a nap there.
Food:
After you check-in, the main buffet area is on the right. I arrived right before breakfast was about to end at 11, and so the breakfast offerings were still neatly plated. The offerings changed a bit from my March visit but I was still impressed by the breakfast offering as there was avocado toast, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, french toast, fresh fruit, and more.
I really enjoyed the bacon, and that was my favorite dish from the breakfast.
Additionally, they had a decent amount of options for lunch service. There was grilled chicken, a creme pasta dish, zucchini, salads, and breads. It was similar to the March 2023 lunch offerings.
Across from the food buffet is a tea/coffee station.
Bar:
Next to the buffet is the main bar and dining tables for eating. This is the only part of the lounge where you get any “outside light” which comes from inside the TBIT terminal.
There are also two refreshment centers on both sides of the bar for coffee, tea, and water (still and sparkling). Iced tea and cranberry juice were also laid out. However, if you want soda you’ll have to ask a bartender.
Restrooms and Showers:
The bathrooms are located next to the dining area, and they were quite clean. L’Occitane soaps were provided which was nice. There are also two shower suites, and you can ask an attendant if you want to use one.
The Verdict:
Overall, the AMEX Centurion Lounge Los Angeles (LAX) offers a solid place to grab a meal before a flight. The food selection during my breakfast and lunch visit was pretty solid. I’ve grown to accept the fact that the lounge has no views, and the lounge is starting to be more favorable in my view, as there are also limited alternatives to visit with an AMEX Platinum Card at LAX.
Have you been to the AMEX Centurion Lounge Los Angeles (LAX) before? How was your visit? Comment below!
Cheers,
Ty
Have any questions? Comment below or email me at takeofftotravel@gmail.com. I’ve also started working with a travel agency, Fora Travel, and can assist in booking hotel stays or planning trips. You can also view all my other posts here! Thanks for stopping by!
Good write-up.
LAX lounge situation has become dire. I recall the good ol’ days of lounge hopping between the KAL lounge (loved its balcony overlooking the central atrium in TBIT), the Virgin Atlantic Lounge, Maple Leaf Lounge, and Alaska Lounges on priority pass. Now priority pass has nada and Amex Plat only gets you into their basement-based centurion lounge unless you’re flying Delta. I’d advance the argument that the best “lounge” for those limited to access via PP or amex plat is now the In n out burger off Sepulveda with its good food and amazing plane spotting views.
Totally agree! Thanks for reading, and here’s hoping to more lounge options at LAX.
Looks dark and ?? like the one in Mex City!!
It’s definitely dark! I have not been to the one in Mexico City yet, but maybe one day soon. Thanks for reading!
Thanks for this! I have been hesitant to visit the new Centurion lounge at LAX because it seems like a real hassle to get to it from the domestic terminals at the airport. It honestly sounds like Amex has missed a golden opportunity to shine at such an important airport, especially compared to the amazing new lounge that Delta has debuted in Terminal 3. For that reason, I try to fly Delta out of LAX if it is at all price competitive for my trip.
Thanks for reading and sharing! Totally agree, the new Sky Club is very nice.
I was able to use the Sunrise Room on my last visit. It was okay simply because there was one of those alcove seats available. Otherwise, just okay as it was a cumbersome long-ish walk through most of the other rooms to get food and drinks.
That is true! Thanks for sharing and reading.