Las Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a major hub and international gateway. With so many airlines and airline lounges to choose from, how does the American Express Centurion Lounge differentiate itself for better or for worse? The American Express Centurion Lounge LAX will be reviewed to find out.
Who Can Access The Lounge
The lounge is located post security departures level in the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). If clearing security in TBIT, hang an immediate left after exiting the checkpoint just prior to the bridge to the Great Hall. An AMEX branded elevator will go a level down to the lounge entrance. If in terminals 2,3,4-8 TBIT can be accessed by connector walkway or airside bus. If flying out of terminal 1 (Southwest Airlines) the lounge cannot be accessed post security.
According to American Express, the following credit card holders may access the lounge:
- Platinum Card® Members
- Business Platinum Card® Members
- Corporate Platinum Card® Members
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card Members
- Centurion® Members
More information can be found by visiting American Express.
First Impressions
Being turned away from a lounge doesn’t leave the best of first impressions. Upon reaching the lounge, staff notified guests that the lounge was at capacity and should return in half an hour. A text was sent when it was time to enter the lounge. Still, there was a large line of other guests waiting to get into the lounge. After taking the elevators down to the check in area the lounge splits in to directions. Going left takes you to restrooms and the first seating area with a bar, business center, seating and a relaxation area. Walls are decked out in a retro wood scheme giving a 70s retro vibe.
Turn right, and the bar, buffet and seating areas are split up across this half of the lounge. Towards the rear of the space is a small area with seating and special reserved seats for select credit card holders. As with other AMEX and airline lounges lately, seating availability was limited.
Buffet Options
During this visit is was around lunch time. Buffet options were polenta, chicken, veggies and salads. Dessert options include brownies and cake. While the lunch options were well stocked, desserts ran out quick. A soda machine is located near the buffet as well as some natural infused water. Alcoholic beverages are located at the two bar areas in either side of the lounge.
Final Boarding Call
Despite being one of the largest American Express lounges in the network, this lounge felt extremally crowded. Being told to come back due to the high demand was disappointing to say the least. Luckily, there was enough time before departure to head back into the lounge. Those with less time to spare may not be as lucky. A silver lining to this is that the split layout helps to make the lounge feel less crowded in some areas. Compared to smaller lounges such like Philadelphia, the separate rooms have a unique design offering different experiences in each room. The biggest drawback of the lounge though has to be the staff. Staff took a while to clear tables and were not friendly during the check in process. They seemed to be overwhelmed with the large amount of passengers entering.
Despite these shortcomings, the American Express Centurion Lounge LAX TBIT provides a strong product rivaling many airline lounges. The overall lounge atmosphere sets this lounge apart from the rest and makes for a nice escape from the crowded gate areas.