The Ultimate Guide to American Express Centurion Lounges

One of the best perks of holding an American Express Platinum, Business Platinum or Centurion card is unlimited access to American Express’ global lounge network. Card members can enter these Amex lounges before a flight, no matter which airline or cabin they’re flying.

(Holders of these cards also enjoy access to Virgin Australia lounges when flying with VA, as well as all Plaza Premium lounges before any flight. Plus, they score an unlimited Priority Pass membership, which can also be used before any flight.)

While Amex is steadily increasing the number of Centurion Lounges worldwide, it is also trimming access to the Australian lounges, starting February 2027. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s changing with Amex Centurion Lounge access in Australia?

From 15 February 2027, Amex Qantas Ultimate Card Members will no longer have access to Amex Centurion Lounges in Australia. This means you have until 14 February 2027 to use any existing passes. The Amex Velocity Platinum card lost access to Centurion Lounges during an earlier refresh.

This change means the only card that offers single-use passes to the Sydney and Melbourne Centurion Lounges will be the Amex Explorer card. Amex Platinum, Business Platinum and Centurion Card Members will continue to have unlimited entry to Centurion lounges globally.

Enjoy unlimited lounge access and more with the American Express Platinum Card.

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Offer ends: 25 Aug 2026

Bonus Points

200,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points¹

Annual Fee

$1,450 p.a.

Earn

Earn 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all eligible purchases, except for spend with government bodies, for which you will earn 1 point per $1 spent

Enjoy 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online by 25 August 2026, are approved and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Platinum Card within the first 3 months.

What are American Express lounges?

American Express own a network of branded lounges around the world – these are known as The Centurion Lounge and International American Express Lounges.

Centurion Lounges are generally a step up in terms of services and amenities, though you’ll mainly find them in the United States. Other Centurion locations include Tokyo Haneda, Hong Kong, London, Sydney and Melbourne.

These lounges are a space for card members to enjoy access before any airline flight. It doesn’t matter whether you’re flying Economy on a budget airline – if you have an eligible Amex card, you can get in.

How do I access American Express lounges?

You must have an eligible American Express credit or charge card to enter these lounges, plus be departing on a flight from that airport the same day.

Unlimited access to both Australian and overseas lounges is free for Platinum Card and Centurion Card Members, along with one guest travelling on the same flight. Simply flash your metal on arrival.

The Sydney and Melbourne lounges also offer two complimentary visits a year for other Australian Amex card members with the following cards:

• American Express Explorer
• Qantas American Express Ultimate (phasing out from 15 February 2027)

Remember that access through these complimentary passes is only for Australian lounges, not overseas. Each pass only admits one person, so a couple would need to use both passes to enter the lounge.

Like Platinum and Centurion members, you still only need to flash your card for entry. Your passes will be deducted at the lounge reception. Accompanying children under 18 can enter for free.

Which airports have Amex Lounges?

As of October 2026, there are over 25 American Express-branded airport lounges across the network. This includes two in Australia, over 15 across the US, and 11 across destinations such as London, Tokyo, Stockholm, Mumbai and Hong Kong.

What’s it like inside an Amex Lounge?

The in-lounge experience can vary depending on where you’re flying out of. In general, you should expect the following amenities when travelling:

• Selection of hot and cold food
• Wine, beer and spirits
• WiFi
• Shower suites
• Family room in many locations
• Workspaces

Centurion Lounges usually boast an elevated level of service and dining. You can access the lounge a maximum of three hours before your departing flight. This rule was recently put in place due to the increasing number of eligible card members.

Tokyo Haneda Centurioun Lounge

We visited this lounge in early 2026 and were impressed by the elegant space and food offerings, including a comprehensive cocktail and mocktail list. You’ll find this lounge in Tokyo Haneda Terminal 3, where most major international flights depart.

London Centurion Lounge

Amex’s London Centurion Lounge sets an aspirational new benchmark. It’s located in Terminal 3 (where Qantas, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines flights usually depart from). Tuck into world-class Middle Eastern fusion cuisine, led by Chef Assaf Granit of Michelin-starred restaurant Shabour, in Paris.

Amex is bringing dining benefits to restaurants around the world.

We’re also fans of the sleek interior design.

Sample food menu at the Amex London Centurion Lounge.

Sample wine list at the Amex London Centurion Lounge.

Dallas Centurion Lounge

Located in Terminal D near Gate D12 at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the Centurion Lounge offers a premium retreat featuring hot chef-inspired meals, a full bar with signature cocktails, shower suites, family rooms, and quiet workspaces with fast Wi-Fi.

Sydney Centurion Lounge

Amex’s newer Sydney lounge features plenty of space to work and dine. Enjoy a range of beverages, including barista coffee and cocktails alongside a buffet and a limited menu with made-to-order food.

Get access to the Amex Sydney Lounge.

Inside the newer Amex Sydney Centurion Lounge.

Pleny of places to charge up.

Some of the dining choices (pre-Centurion lounge)

There’s certainly a lot to choose from (pre-Centurion)

Communal spaces in the Amex Sydney Centurion Lounge.

Delactable food at the buffet (pre-Centurion).

Melbourne Centurion Lounge

The Centurion Lounge in Melbourne is a bit smaller than its Sydney counterpart, but still has various areas to chill out before your flight. Think of it more as a place to relax away from the busy terminal (but be aware it can also become quite full itself).

Stockholm

Our former writer, Matt Moffitt, visited the Stockholm ‘lounge’ in Terminal 5 in April 2018. It’s basically an exclusive area within a restaurant. The WiFi was fast and the service customer-friendly, with a waiter offering made-to-order drinks and bringing trays of food to guests’ tables.

Dining at the Stockholm American Express lounge.

Light bites at the Stockholm American Express lounge.

Miami

This lounge is located near Gate D12. It’s accessible from all terminals but we suggest using the Skytrain if you’re far away.

Matt visited this lounge on a typical Monday afternoon/evening in August 2017 and it was pretty packed in the main areas until 8 pm, after which it started to clear out. The size of the lounge has been expanded since January 2019.

Be productive at the Miami Centurion Lounge.

Great views from the Miami Centurion Lounge.

Inside the Miami Centurion Lounge.

Pleasingly, there are some good views of the apron. You can also avoid the crowds by returning to the front desk (facing the exit) and using the workbenches curving to the left. Alternatively, the workbenches, seats and lounges to the right offer the chance for some shut-eye.

Houston

The Houston lounge can be a bit hard to find. It’s tucked away via an elevator located in the duty-free store at the top of the escalators, after security in Terminal D.

The good news? If you’re departing from another terminal at Houston, you can connect to Terminal D without having to re-clear security. Like the other Amex lounges in the US, it is beautifully appointed.

Summing up

American Express Lounges are a valuable space for customers who don’t usually enjoy airline lounges, or want to make the most of generous family and guest access privileges. As a downside, these lounges can be quite crowded – since many people are eligible for access. However, this is being addressed in the US by cutting guest allowances.

In Australia, the American Express Platinum and American Express Business Platinum cards provide unlimited Amex lounge access worldwide. Going forward in 2027, the Amex Explorer will be the sole remaining mid-level card offering two complimentary visits a year to the Sydney or Melbourne lounges.

Supplementary images by American Express. This article was previously written by Matt Moffitt.