Amex Centurion Lounge Philadelphia International Airport Experience

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The Amex Centurion Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport is a game-changer for travelers. Located in Terminal A-West, it offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the airport.

The lounge is open from 5:30 AM to 8:30 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 5:30 AM to 6:30 PM on weekends. This means you can enjoy the lounge's amenities at your convenience.

One of the standout features of the lounge is its dining options. You can enjoy complimentary food and drinks, including made-to-order breakfast sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

Location & Hours

The Amex Centurion Lounge in Philadelphia is located post-security in Terminal A, West near Gate 14. You can walk to every other terminal without having to clear security again, which is a huge benefit.

The lounge is open seven days per week from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Breakfast is served from 5:30 a.m. – 11 a.m, with hot food starting at 6:30 a.m. Lunch and dinner are available from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

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Here are the key hours to keep in mind:

* TimeFood Service5:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.Breakfast6:30 a.m.Hot food starts11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.Lunch and dinner

Keep in mind that the lounge can get crowded during peak hours, especially in the afternoons. So, it's a good idea to arrive early to secure a comfortable spot.

Eligibility and Access

To get into the Amex Centurion Lounge in Philadelphia, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements. You must hold one of the following eligible American Express cards: The Platinum Card, The Business Platinum Card, or The Centurion Card.

To enter the lounge, you'll need to present your eligible card, a boarding pass for same-day travel, and a government-issued ID. You can use the Amex mobile app for mobile check-in, but you'll still need to show your boarding pass and ID.

Here are the eligible cards for access to the Philadelphia Centurion Lounge:

  • The Platinum Card from American Express – $695 annual fee
  • The Business Platinum Card from American Express – $695 annual fee
  • The Centurion Card from American Express – Invite Only
  • Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card – $650 annual fee (must have a Delta flight booked the same day)
  • Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card – $650 annual fee (must have a Delta flight booked the same day)

Children under 2 can enter for free with a valid lap infant boarding pass or proof of age, but those over 2 will need to pay a fee. The fee for guests varies depending on the card you hold, so it's worth checking the specific policies for your card.

American Express

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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.

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

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.

However, authorized users with the Platinum's complimentary additional Gold Card don't 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 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.

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Here's a breakdown of who qualifies for entry to an American Express Centurion Lounge:

  • Centurion- or Platinum-branded cardholders (e.g. The Platinum Card from American Express or The Business Platinum Card from American Express)
  • Authorized users with a Centurion or Platinum Card
  • Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card members (when flying on a Delta-marketed or -operated flight)

Eligibility and Access

To get into an American Express Centurion Lounge, you'll need to hold one of the eligible cards, such as The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, or The Centurion Card.

You can also get access with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card or a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card, but only if you have a Delta flight booked on the same day with your Reserve Card.

To enter, you'll need to present your eligible American Express card, a boarding pass for same-day travel on any airline, and a government-issued ID.

You can use the Amex mobile app for mobile check-in, but you'll still need to show your boarding pass and identification.

Cardmembers with a confirmed connection may enter the lounge after landing, but not more than three hours before their departure time.

Credit: youtube.com, Access and Eligibility

Here's a breakdown of who can bring guests into the lounge:

  • Platinum cardmembers can bring up to two guests for a fee of $50 per adult guest and $30 per child guest between 2 and 17.
  • Centurion cardmembers can bring two guests or immediate family members (spouse/domestic partner and children under 18) for free.
  • Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve cardmembers can't bring complimentary guests.

Children under 2 can enter for free with a Platinum or Centurion cardholder, provided they don't occupy a separate seat.

If you spend $75,000 or more on your card annually, you qualify for complimentary access for two guests at all US Centurion Lounge locations.

Note that guest access is per cardmember, not per card, so you'll still only get two guests even if you have multiple cards.

Policies and Procedures

To enter an Amex Centurion Lounge, 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. You can use the Amex mobile app for mobile check-in, but you'll still need to show your boarding pass and identification, and carrying your physical card is recommended.

The name on your card must match the name on your government-issued identification, and access policies may vary by country for international Centurion Lounges. If you're a non-Centurion cardmember, you can't enter with a boarding pass for a flight that has just landed unless you have a confirmed connecting flight departing from the same airport.

Credit: youtube.com, Amex Centurion Lounge: Philadelphia (PHL)

You can access the lounge up to three hours before your scheduled departure time, but if you're connecting through a Centurion Lounge location, you can enter at any time before your onward flight. If the lounge reaches capacity, you can add your name to a lounge entry waitlist in the American Express app.

Guest Policies

To enter a Centurion Lounge with guests, you'll need to know the rules. Cardholders can bring up to two guests for a fee, which is typically $50 per adult guest and $30 per child guest between 2 and 17.

If you're a Platinum or Business Platinum cardholder, you can bring two guests for free if you've spent $75,000 or more on your card in the previous calendar year.

Guests can only enter and remain in the lounge while accompanied by the cardmember who provided them access. This means you'll need to stay with your guests at all times.

Interior of modern lounge zone with soft couch near creative brick wall with illuminated picture
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Here's a breakdown of the guest fees:

  • Adult guests: $50 per guest
  • Children (2-17): $30 per child
  • Children under 2: Free, but you'll need to show proof of age or a lap-infant boarding pass.

Note that these fees and policies may vary by location, so it's always a good idea to check with the lounge staff or the American Express website for the most up-to-date information.

Waitlist Procedures

Capacity limits at Centurion Lounges are determined by state and local governments as well as health authorities.

You might have to wait to gain entrance to a Centurion Lounge, which can be frustrating.

Staff at the member desk will ask for your name and cell number, so be prepared to share that information.

You'll get a text when it's your turn to enter the lounge, so keep your phone handy.

Guest Information

Cardmembers can bring their immediate family members or up to two complimentary guests into the lounge, defined as a spouse or domestic partner plus children under 18.

Platinum cardmembers who meet the $75,000 annual spending requirement on their cards can also bring two complimentary guests. Otherwise, they'll pay $50 per adult guest and $30 per child (ages 2 to 17). Children under 2 can enter for free.

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

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.

You can purchase day passes at the above rates if you want to bring additional guests over the complimentary limit. These one-day passes can be used at multiple Centurion Lounges on the same day as long as the cardmember still accompanies the guest.

Here's a breakdown of the guest fees:

  • Adult guests: $50 per guest
  • Child guests (ages 2-17): $30 per child
  • Children under 2: Free with a lap-infant boarding pass or proof of age

Note that all guests can only enter and remain in Centurion Lounges while they’re accompanied by the cardmembers that provided them access.

Amenities and Services

The Philadelphia Centurion Lounge offers a range of amenities to make your pre-flight experience more enjoyable. You'll find comfortable seats to relax or work in.

The lounge features business services, including a printer, fax machine, and copy machine, perfect for last-minute work or printing out your boarding pass. High-Speed Wi-Fi is also available, but you'll need to ask the front counter for credentials to access it.

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Here are the featured amenities in the Philadelphia Centurion Lounge:

  • Bathrooms
  • Business Services (printer, fax machine, copy machine)
  • High-Speed Wi-Fi (ask the front counter for credentials)
  • Member Desk Services
  • Phone Room
  • Shower Suite
  • Workspaces

The shower suite is a great perk, especially for morning flights or long layovers. It's equipped with everything you need, including soap, shampoo, and towels. Just be sure to check with the front desk about reserving a spot.

American Express Network

The American Express Centurion Lounge Network is a departure-only lounge that offers a range of amenities to make your travel experience more enjoyable. Introduced in 2013, these lounges have become incredibly popular.

You can access the Centurion Lounge with your American Express Centurion card, but be aware that access is limited to three hours before your same-day departure time.

Amenities vary by location, but you can expect to find a member services desk, locally-inspired cuisine, and high-speed wi-fi at every Centurion lounge. Some lounges also offer unique features like tarmac views, conference rooms, and relaxation rooms.

The food at the Centurion Lounge is designed by local chefs, and the cocktail menu is crafted by renowned mixologist Jim Sheehan. You can also enjoy a curated wine program designed by Food & Wine writer and sommelier Anthony Giglio.

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If you're traveling with family, you'll appreciate the family room or area available at many Centurion lounges. And, for those who need to stay connected, there's a computer bar and print-fax-copy services available.

Here are some of the Centurion lounges you can find around the world:

  • Mexico City Centurion Club
  • Miami Centurion Lounge
  • San Francisco Centurion Lounge
  • Seattle Centurion Lounge

What to Do If It's Full

If the Centurion Lounge is full, you may have to wait to enter. Access will vary based on capacity and demand, which can change quickly.

You'll usually need to provide your name and phone number to get on the waitlist. Then, you'll get a text once it's your turn to enter the lounge.

Amex has recently expanded its online waitlist functionality to all U.S. lounges, giving you the chance to add yourself to the list for a lounge at capacity ahead of time.

Amenities at

The Philadelphia Centurion Lounge offers a variety of amenities to make your airport experience more enjoyable. You'll find bathrooms, business services with a printer, fax machine, and copy machine, high-speed Wi-Fi, member desk services, a phone room, shower suite, and workspaces.

Credit: youtube.com, Hotel rooms amenities and services presentation

The lounge provides a comfortable space to relax or work before your flight. There are plenty of seating options, including comfortable chairs and workspaces.

The shower suite is a great perk, offering everything you need, including soap, shampoo, and towels. Be sure to check with the front desk about reserving a spot.

The lounge also has a hot beverage station with a high-end coffee machine that can prepare any hot coffee beverage you like. The coffee is very good, and you can even order specialty drinks created by a top mixologist.

Here are the featured amenities at the Philadelphia Centurion Lounge:

  • Bathrooms
  • Business Services (printer, fax machine, copy machine)
  • High-Speed Wi-Fi (ask the front counter for credentials)
  • Member Desk Services
  • Phone Room
  • Shower Suite
  • Workspaces

The lounge has a variety of seating options, including a room behind the bar with a board room-style table, high private chairs, and a separate room for private phone meetings. The lounge was very tastefully appointed.

Philadelphia Centurion Lounge

The Philadelphia Centurion Lounge is a fantastic spot to relax and recharge before your flight. Located in Terminal A West, near Gate A14, it's easily accessible from any other terminal by walking or using a shuttle bus.

Credit: youtube.com, American Express The Centurion Lounge PHL SHOWER TOUR

The lounge offers a range of amenities, including a phone room and workspaces, perfect for getting some work done or making a quick call. Four-time James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Solomonov designed the dining options, which feature his signature Israeli-inspired fare.

The lounge is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., making it a great spot to grab breakfast or lunch before your flight. If you're planning to visit with companions, be aware that the American Express guest access policy applies, so check the latest guidelines before heading to the lounge.

Here are the key details about the Philadelphia Centurion Lounge:

Reviews and Feedback

The Amex Centurion Lounge in Philadelphia has received mixed reviews from travelers. One notable review mentions a visit in July where the lounge was extremely overcrowded, making it difficult to find two seats together.

Travelers have reported varying experiences with the lounge's food options, with some being disappointed by the quality. Being from the Middle East, one reviewer was particularly let down by the food, which they found to be below par compared to what they're used to.

Credit: youtube.com, American Express Centurion Lounge in PHL - What's this Centurion Lounge like?

If you're considering visiting the PHL Centurion Lounge, it's worth noting that the staff have been praised for being wonderful. However, this may not be enough to compensate for the lounge's other drawbacks.

Here are some of the other Amex Centurion Lounges that have been reviewed:

  • Mexico City Centurion Club
  • Miami Centurion Lounge
  • San Francisco Centurion Lounge
  • Seattle Centurion Lounge

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 3-hour rule for American Express Centurion lounge?

To access The Centurion Lounge, Platinum Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight and present their valid Card, boarding pass, and government ID. This 3-hour rule ensures a smooth and convenient lounge experience for Platinum Card Members.

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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