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AmEx Opens Largest and Most Exclusive Lounge at LAX

Centurion lounge at LAX to feature local art, wellness amenities and an exclusive menu from Nancy Silverton

by Business Traveler

March 9, 2020

With new Centurion Lounges opening at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) earlier this year, American Express is opening its 12th Centurion Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) today. The lounge is American Express’ largest yet, spanning nearly 14,000 square feet in the Tom Bradley International Terminal, and accessible post-security from Terminals 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

LAX is the fourth busiest airport in the world, seeing the arrivals and departures of  more than 88 million travelers each year, making it an ideal location for a world class Centurion Lounge. It’s also one of the most frequented airports by premium American Express® Card Members, who booked 10% more flights through this airport in 2019 than the year prior.

“We are transforming LAX into the world-class airport and adding modern, sought-after amenities that elevate the passenger experience at all points in their journey,” said Justin Erbacci, Interim Chief Executive Officer, LAWA.

The new location is designed to be a center of tranquility with unique spa services and wellness experiences from Exhale, locally inspired and produced artwork by Ellierex and a bespoke menu from Los Angeles-based, award-winning Chef Nancy Silverton.

“The new Centurion Lounge at LAX brings the best of Los Angeles into the airport thanks to the locally inspired art, food and wellness experiences,” said Alexander Lee, Vice President of Travel Experiences and Benefits at American Express. “This new lounge is a great example of how we’re continuing to enhance the end-to-end airport journey for Card Members, from lounge discovery to the immersive experience waiting just behind the blue doors.”

Tranquility Area and Spa Services

For those traveling into new time zones, or guests hoping to relax before a long flight, the Centurion Lounge at LAX will feature first-of-its-kind Sunrise and Moonrise tranquility rooms, offering brightly and dimly lit quiet spaces to relax and recharge. The Moonrise room ushers in a sense of nighttime relaxation through a starry night inspired ceiling, creating an atmosphere of subtle, yet relaxing energy. Meanwhile, the Sunrise room helps awaken the senses with illuminated walls, emanating an atmosphere of dawn-like hues.

American Express has also partnered with Exhale to offer elevated wellbeing and spa services centered around energy and light. Guests can indulge in Light Therapy designed to hydrate skin, Reiki treatments to restore the body’s equilibrium, and Ear Reflexology to relax the mind and ease the body. Hand and nail therapies, as well as chair massages, will also be available.

A Taste of California

To offer a taste of Los Angeles’ exceptional culinary fare, American Express Global Dining Collection Chef, Nancy Silverton, Executive Chef of the LAX Centurion Lounge, is creating a bespoke menu that will incorporate a variety of local and artisanal ingredients. Some of these locally inspired dishes include: Asparagus Egg Pie, Panettone French Toast, Farro Salad with Fresh Herbs and Feta, Mozza Meatballs, Roasted Beets with Horseradish Vinaigrette, and Butterscotch Budino. Silverton’s restaurants in Los Angeles include Osteria Mozza, Chi Spacca, La Brea Bakery Café, Bestia, and Osteria Mamma, among others.

The new lounge will offer premium wine selections and specialty cocktails by renowned Centurion Lounge mixologist Jim Meehan. Meehan’s menu of unique cocktails features locally sourced ingredients such as California brandy, Miracle Mile Bitters and Dirty Sue cocktail cherries. Some of the specialty cocktails include the Maliblue Lagoon, a color-coded ode to Malibu’s own blue lagoon and the Private Plane, a playful twist on New York bartender Sam Ross’ classic Paper Plane cocktail.

Guests will also be able to enjoy coffee from Los Angeles-based City Bean Roasters, whose coffee is sustainably sourced directly from local farmers.

LA Arts & Culture

Upon entering the lounge, guests will be greeted by a custom mural created by Los Angeles-based mixed media muralist, Danielle “Ellierex” Garza. Paying homage to Los Angeles’ iconic film legacy American Express curated hand-picked film artifacts for the lounge, and an intimate seating area features a backlit, silhouette of the Hollywood Hills. Teal shades in the space are inspired by design trends of the contemporary Los Angeles’ arts district.

Work and Tech

The lounge will also provide guests with private noise-buffering workspaces, a family friendly room, high-speed Wi-Fi, premium restrooms and showers, power outlets and American Express Member Services Professionals to assist with on-site Card and travel-related services.

The American Express Global Lounge Collection® provides Platinum Card Members, Centurion Members and Delta Skymiles® Reserve Card Members with places to relax and recharge while traveling the globe, claiming to offer access to the most lounges compared to any U.S. credit card, including more than 1,200 lounges around the world, in 500 plus cities across 130 countries and counting.

Card Members can find lounge locations through the Find A Lounge tool online or within the American Express® App. They can also check into select Centurion Lounges through the mobile check-in tool within the American Express® App.

Current locations of The Centurion Lounge include New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Miami International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Houston’s George Bush International Airport, Hong Kong International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

In addition to The Centurion Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport, American Express has announced new locations coming to New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, Denver International Airport, and London Heathrow.

Access to The Centurion Lounge is complimentary and exclusive for Platinum Card Members, Centurion Members and Delta Skymiles® Reserve Card Members. Platinum Card Members may enter with up to two travel companions at no additional charge. Centurion Members may enter with their immediate family or up to two travel companions. Platinum and Centurion Card Members may purchase access to The Centurion Lounge for additional guests for $50 each guest. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.