First Look: The New American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK

American Express opened what it calls its “flagship” Centurion Lounge on Friday in Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport, and my initial impressions confirm that flagship is indeed the correct term.

At 15,000-square-foot (1,394-square-meter), the lounge is the largest operated by the company and it is spread over two levels.

After clearing security, instead of going down the escalator to the lower level, where most of the terminal’s airline lounges are, I turned left and headed towards a very white wall, eventually reaching the familiar looking entrance and its living wall (a wall covered largely in vegetation).

The 1850 Speakeasy

Access to the Centurion Lounge is limited to American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders as well as to Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardmembers.  The team at the reception desk welcomed me and I set off to explore.

The reception desk is on the upper level and a variety of seating areas – all with some seats blocked for social distancing – is available on both levels.  The décor is a combination of New York and travel themes, with wonderful black-and-white framed photographs throughout. 

Dining is also available on both levels and, unlike Centurion Lounges before the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there is no self service; instead, a staff member is stationed at each buffet area and will take your plated selection and bring it to you.

Click here to continue to Page 2 – Dining and the Secret Speakeasy

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