Your Guide to Amex Centurion Lounge Chicago and Beyond

The American Express Centurion Lounge in Chicago is a gem for travelers. Located in the United Airlines terminal at O'Hare International Airport, it's a great spot to relax before your flight.

This lounge is open from 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM on weekends. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat or catch up on some work.

One of the best things about the Centurion Lounge is its food and drink options. You'll find a made-to-order menu with dishes like burgers, salads, and sandwiches, as well as a selection of wine, beer, and cocktails.

To get into the Centurion Lounge in Chicago, you'll need to present your eligible Amex card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel, and your government-issued identification.

American Express cardmembers with a Centurion- or Platinum-branded card, such as The Platinum Card from American Express or The Business Platinum Card from American Express, have access to Amex Centurion Lounges.

Authorized users with a Centurion or Platinum Card also have access, but you can only add up to three authorized users to the personal Platinum Card for a total of $195 per year.

Cardmembers with other Platinum Cards, such as the Schwab or Ameriprise versions and international versions, should also have access, but not those with the American Express Gold Card or the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card members also get complimentary access to Centurion Lounges in the U.S., Hong Kong, and London when flying on a Delta-marketed or -operated flight purchased with any U.S.-issued American Express card.

You can't purchase Centurion Lounge access, even if you carry another American Express card.

To enter a Centurion Lounge, you must present your eligible Amex card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel, and your government-issued identification.

You may be able to use the Amex mobile app for mobile check-in instead of showing your physical card, but you'll still need to show your boarding pass and identification.

The name on the card must match the name on your government-issued identification.

Access policies may vary from country to country for Amex's international Centurion Lounges.

Traveling can be tiring and stressful, but it doesn't have to be an all-around bad experience. Even if you're not flying in a first or business-class seat, you can get a first-class experience on the ground in an Amex Centurion Lounge.

Securing a ticket for admission with The Platinum Card from American Express may be a great idea if you travel frequently, particularly through airports where a Centurion Lounge is located.

Getting a first-class experience on the ground can make a big difference in how you feel about your travels.

The food and drink options at Centurion Lounges are truly impressive. Menus are designed and inspired by award-winning executive chefs who rotate dishes seasonally.

You'll find a variety of choices to suit all tastes, including meat, vegetarian, and even child-friendly options. Many items are also labeled for allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts.

All drinks are included at the bar, and you won't be served bottom-shelf liquor. You can enjoy signature cocktails, premium spirits, and a curated wine list.

If the Centurion Lounge is full, you may have to wait to enter. You'll usually need to provide your name and phone number.

You'll then get a text once it's your turn to enter the lounge. This is a good thing, as it allows you to wait comfortably while you're still on the go.

Amex recently expanded its online waitlist functionality to all U.S. lounges. This means you can add yourself to the list for a lounge at capacity ahead of time.

However, keep in mind that this won't give you an estimate of how long you'll have to wait.

Travel can be tiring and stressful, but it doesn't have to be an all-around bad experience. You can get a first-class experience on the ground in an Amex Centurion Lounge, even if you're not flying in a first or business-class seat.

Securing a ticket for admission with The Platinum Card from American Express may be a great idea, especially if you travel frequently through airports with a Centurion Lounge.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the third-busiest airport in the U.S. for passenger numbers, takes pole position for the most flight operations of any U.S. airport.

There are 16 lounges to accommodate ORD's waiting passengers with appropriate memberships, with lounges available in every terminal.

United Airlines has 3 lounges in Terminal 1 and a fourth lounge in Terminal 2, while American Airlines has 4 lounges, all in Terminal 3.

If you're a Priority Pass member, you'll be pleased to know that there is a lounge that accepts membership: the Swissport Lounge in Terminal 5.

As a Centurion cardmember, you're in for a treat. Access to the Centurion Lounge is virtually guaranteed, even when the lounge is at capacity.

One of the perks of being a Centurion cardmember is reserved seating, which is provided, sometimes in a special area. This is a great way to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Complimentary premium Champagne is available to Centurion cardmembers, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself.

A selection of complimentary premium drinks is also available, although this is not a standard offering at all Centurion Lounges.

The Amex Centurion Lounge has a presence in 26 airports globally, with 15 locations in the US and 11 international locations.

You can access the lounge with a Centurion- or Platinum-branded card, such as The Platinum Card from American Express.

Authorized users with a Centurion or Platinum Card also have access, and you can add up to three authorized users to the personal Platinum Card for a total of $195 per year.

Cardmembers with other Platinum Cards, such as the Schwab or Ameriprise versions and international versions, should also have access.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card members get complimentary access to Centurion Lounges in the US, Hong Kong, and London when flying on a Delta-marketed or -operated flight purchased with any U.S.-issued American Express card.

To enter a Centurion Lounge, you must present your eligible Amex card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel, and your government-issued identification.

You may be able to use the Amex mobile app for mobile check-in instead of showing your physical card, but you'll still need to show your boarding pass and identification.

Here are the US locations of the Amex Centurion Lounge:

Guests are welcome at the Amex Centurion Lounge Chicago, but there are some rules to keep in mind. Centurion and Corporate Platinum cardmembers can bring up to two complimentary guests, which includes immediate family members like spouses and kids under 18.

Platinum cardmembers with an annual spending requirement of $75,000 can also bring complimentary guests, but those without this requirement will need to pay $50 per adult guest and $30 per child. Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve cardmembers aren't allowed any complimentary guests.

If you're an Amex Platinum credit cardholder, you can bring your immediate family members or up to two complimentary guests into the Centurion Lounge.

Guest access is per cardmember, not per card, so you'll still only get two guests, even if you have the personal and business versions of the Platinum Card.

Children under 18 are considered part of your immediate family, but if you're a Platinum cardmember without the $75,000 annual spending requirement, you'll pay $50 per adult guest and $30 per child.

Children under 2 can enter for free, but you'll need to show a lap-infant boarding pass or proof of age to prove they're under 2.

Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve cardmembers can't bring complimentary guests, but they can purchase access for up to two guests per location.

If you want to bring additional guests over the complimentary limit, you can purchase day passes at the above rates, which can be used at multiple Centurion Lounges on the same day.

If you're looking for a credit card that offers Priority Pass lounge access, you've got several great options to choose from. The Amex Platinum card is our top pick, as it not only grants you access to all Priority Pass lounges but also to Amex Centurion lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, and Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner.

The Amex Platinum card is a premium credit card that offers a wide range of benefits, making it a great choice for frequent travelers. You'll get to enjoy the luxury of Priority Pass lounges, among other perks.

Other great credit cards that offer a complimentary Priority Pass lounge membership include the Business Platinum Card from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.

Here are some of the top credit cards for Priority Pass:

The Amex Centurion Lounge in Chicago is a game-changer for travelers, offering a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport.

The lounge's prime location near Gate C17 makes it easily accessible for travelers on American Airlines flights.

The lounge's size, seating 360 guests, ensures that there's always a comfortable spot to relax.

From the complimentary gourmet food and drinks to the shower suites and private nap pods, the Amex Centurion Lounge has thought of everything to make your travel experience more enjoyable.

The lounge's showers, equipped with luxurious amenities, are a welcome respite from the stresses of travel.

The lounge's private nap pods, complete with comfortable seating and soothing music, allow you to recharge before your next flight.

Overall, the Amex Centurion Lounge in Chicago is a must-visit for any traveler looking to upgrade their airport experience.