Amex Centurion Lounge Phoenix: A Guide to Airport Luxury

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Modern spacious interior of lounge with TV and leather sofa
Credit: pexels.com, Modern spacious interior of lounge with TV and leather sofa

The Amex Centurion Lounge in Phoenix is a game-changer for travelers. It's located in Terminal 3, after security, near Gate B22.

This lounge is exclusive to American Express Centurion cardholders and their guests. You'll need to show your card or invitation to gain entry.

One of the best things about this lounge is its spacious layout, which includes a large dining area, comfortable seating, and plenty of natural light.

Location and Access

The Amex Centurion Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is located in Terminal 4, across from gate B22. This is a great spot to relax and unwind before your flight.

The lounge is situated in a large central walkway on both sides of the terminal, with multiple piers stemming off from it. To find it, look for the farthest pier to the right once you come out of Terminal 4 security, about midway down the pier on your right-hand side.

Interior of modern lounge zone with soft couch near creative brick wall with illuminated picture
Credit: pexels.com, Interior of modern lounge zone with soft couch near creative brick wall with illuminated picture

You'll notice that this pier houses many of American Airlines' smaller regional jet flights, as well as flights from other airlines like WestJet and British Airways. If you're traveling on an American Airlines mainline or Southwest flight, you may need to allow some extra time to get to your departing gate, as it's a bit of a walk.

If you're traveling on an airline out of Terminal 3, such as Delta or United, you'll need to re-enter security to access the lounge, which can be a lengthy process.

Here's a list of the Amex Centurion Lounge locations you can access with your membership:

  • Atlanta (ATL)
  • New York (JFK)
  • Charlotte (CLT)
  • New York (LGA)
  • Dallas (DFW)
  • Philadelphia (PHL)
  • Denver (DEN)
  • Phoenix (PHX)
  • Houston (IAH)
  • Salt Lake City (SLC)
  • Las Vegas (LAS)
  • San Francisco (SFO)
  • Los Angeles (LAX)
  • Seattle (SEA)
  • Miami (MIA)
  • Washington, D.C. (DCA)
  • Newark (EWR)

Remember to check the lounge hours and availability before heading there, as they may vary depending on the location and time of day.

Checking In and Policies

To check in at the Amex Centurion Lounge in Phoenix, you'll need to follow a few requirements. The lounge is hosted next to an Escape Lounge, and you'll want to head to the desk marked with the Centurion Lounge logo if you're using the Centurion Lounge.

Credit: youtube.com, The Ultimate Guide to Accessing American Express Centurion Lounges

You'll need to have one of the eligible American Express cards in hand, including The Platinum Card, The Business Platinum Card, Centurion Card, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card. You'll also need your boarding pass and a government-issued ID.

Here are the specific access requirements to keep in mind:

  • You need to be on a flight within 3 hours to use the lounge space.
  • You need to be on a departing flight, not an arriving flight.
  • Using the lounge on a connection is fine, but you need to have a confirmed seat on a flight and can't be flying on standby.

Keep in mind that capacity controls may be in place during peak times, and you can add your name to a lounge entry waitlist in the American Express app if you're unable to enter.

Checking In

To check in to the Centurion Lounge, you'll need to follow a series of requirements, which are the same as for all Centurion Lounges.

The Centurion Lounge is located directly next to an Escape Lounge, which also accepts American Express cardholders but has different entry requirements.

You'll enter the lounge through sliding doors, and be sure to visit the desk marked with the Centurion Lounge logo to check in if you're using the Centurion Lounge.

Here's an interesting read: American Express Credit Card Platinum

Policies

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To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the American Express Centurion Lounge, it's essential to understand the access policies. You'll need one of the following American Express cards to enter: The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Centurion Card from American Express, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card (when you book your Delta flight with your Delta Reserve card), or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card (when you book your Delta flight with your Delta Reserve Business card).

You'll also need to have your American Express card in hand, as well as your boarding pass and a government-issued ID. Be aware that the lounge has a few additional access requirements, including being on a flight within 3 hours, being on a departing flight, and having a confirmed seat on a flight.

Here are the specific timing and eligibility policies:

If you're planning to bring guests, know that holders of either The Platinum Card from American Express or The Business Platinum Card from American Express may bring up to two guests for a fee (typically $50 per adult guest and $30 per child guest between 2 and 17). However, cardholders with a spend of $75,000 or more in the previous calendar year may be eligible for complimentary guest access.

See what others are reading: Amex Platinum Centurion Lounge Guest Policy

The Lounge Experience

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The Lounge Experience is a highlight of the Amex Centurion Lounge Phoenix. The lounge is relatively small, so you won't find a lot of space to walk around.

You'll pass the reception desk and go left or right at the green plant wall, which is a familiar sight in most American Express lounges. Behind this wall is a large seating area featuring private seating, traditional couches, a conference table, and a mixed variety of tables and chairs.

The lounge doesn't have any private rooms for conference calls or meetings, which might be a drawback for some. To the right of the seating area are the bathrooms, with separate facilities for men and women.

The Centurion Lounge is the larger of the two lounges, with areas for dining, working, and relaxing. You'll find good views of the B Concourse tarmac and the approach end of Runway 26.

Power outlets are abundant, and the wifi is very good, making it easy to stay productive while you're there. You'll also find printing and copying facilities, which is convenient.

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Food and Beverages

Credit: youtube.com, Trip Report: American Express Centurion Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

The food and beverages at the Amex Centurion Lounge in Phoenix are top-notch. You can order from a wide selection of drinks, including local favorites like Blue Door and Dusk till Dawn. The bar area is located directly across from the buffet line, making it easy to grab a drink and head to your seat.

The Centurion Lounge's menu is managed by chef Doug Robson, who also owns two famous Mexican restaurants in Phoenix, Gallo Blanco and Otro Cafe. He creates southwest-inspired dishes that are available in both lounges.

The buffet changes throughout the day and from day to day, offering guests new food choices. You can expect to find warm dishes like chicken, beef, rice, and mac and cheese, as well as salads, cookies, and other sweets.

Here are some of the drinks you can order at the bar:

  • Blue Door — Scotch whisky, dark rum, lemon juice, Benedictine, pastis
  • Diamondback — Arizona Distilling Park Rye Whiskey, Laird’s Apple Brandy, Green Chartreuse
  • Dusk till Dawn — Blanco Tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, grenadine
  • Martini Bianco — gin, Bianco Vermouth, orange bitters, olives, rosemary
  • Tito Pepe — Tito’s Vodka, Tio Pepe Fino Sherry, Chareau Aloe Liqueur
  • U.F.O. — rum, lime juice, cream soda

Power outlets are rather scarce in the dining area, but you can find them at the dining tables at the back of the lounge, along the wall, or at the high tables in front of the window.

Escape and Requirements

Credit: youtube.com, Escape Lounge Phoenix Tour | Great Option With Your Amex Platinum Card

The Escape Lounge is a convenient option for Amex Centurion Lounge cardholders. It's located in the same lounge complex as the Centurion Lounge, and you can access it by checking in downstairs.

You can choose to enter either the Escape Lounge or the Centurion Lounge, but once you've entered, you can't switch to the other lounge. The Escape Lounge shares the same food and shower facilities as the Centurion Lounge, making it a similar offering.

If the Centurion Lounge is crowded, the Escape Lounge is a great alternative to use without any additional entry fee. This is especially helpful during peak times of the day.

To enter the Centurion Lounge, you'll need to meet the eligibility requirements, which include holding one of the following American Express cards: The Platinum Card, The Business Platinum Card, or The Centurion Card.

Here are the cards that grant access to the Centurion Lounge:

  • The Platinum Card
  • The Business Platinum Card
  • The Centurion Card

You'll also need to present your eligible American Express card, a boarding pass for same-day travel, and a government-issued ID. Complimentary entry is only available on the day of departure, not arrival.

If you're traveling from Phoenix, you can access the Centurion Lounge up to three hours before departure, unless you're on a connecting itinerary. In that case, you can access the lounge earlier with proof of your connection.

American Express and Details

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American Express Centurion Lounges are exclusive spaces available to certain American Express cardholders.

To access the Centurion Lounge, you'll need to show the card you received during check-in at the Member Counter, which is located as you exit the elevator or stairs upstairs.

The Centurion Lounge Phoenix features a complimentary full bar with custom cocktails created by renowned mixologist Jim Meehan and wine selections handpicked by renowned wine authority Anthony Giglio.

You can enjoy a variety of menu items, including eggs and chorizo, tortilla soup, pollo asado with a tamarind glaze, roasted cauliflower with harissa and a masala galam yogurt sauce, and more, curated by Chef Doug Robson.

There are floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive internal and external views, perfect for taking in the sights of the airport.

The lounge also has dedicated workspaces, power outlets, private phone areas, comfortable seating, and access to high-speed Wi-Fi.

You'll find power outlets and USB ports in almost every seat, making it easy to stay charged and connected.

Credit: youtube.com, American Express Centurion Lounge Phoenix Tour | Great Platinum Credit Card Benefit

The lounge has two coffee machines, one in the relaxation area and another in the dining area, as well as a purified tap water dispenser next to the coffee machine in the dining area.

Here's a list of some of the amenities you can expect to find in the Centurion Lounge Phoenix:

  • Complimentary food and drinks
  • Full bar with custom cocktails and wine
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows with expansive views
  • Dedicated workspaces and power outlets
  • Private phone areas and comfortable seating
  • Access to high-speed Wi-Fi

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 with a valid Card, boarding pass, and government ID. This 3-hour window ensures a smooth lounge experience.

Is the Amex Centurion lounge free?

The Amex Centurion lounge is not entirely free, but cardholders who spend $75,000 or more annually on the card get complimentary access for two guests. Otherwise, guests are charged $50 each, with discounts for children.

Which Amex gets you into the Centurion lounge?

To access The Centurion Lounges, you'll need to be a Card Member of the American Express Centurion, Platinum, Business Platinum, or Corporate Platinum Card. These cards grant unlimited lounge access for each account, plus guest privileges.

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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