Amex Centurion Lounge Touches Down at Amsterdam Schiphol

Amsterdam Schiphol—Europe’s fourth busiest hub—will get a long-awaited addition: a Centurion Lounge by American Express.

The announcement marks a milestone for both the financial giant and the Dutch airport, which, despite hosting over 66 million passengers last year, has lacked a proprietary lounge by any global credit card issuer until now.

The First of Its Kind at Schiphol

While Schiphol already boasts ten lounges—ranging from the expansive KLM Crown Lounges to Priority Pass-accessible Aspire Lounges—none are operated by a global card issuer. American Express becomes the first to stake a proprietary claim in one of Europe’s most strategic aviation hubs.

Photo: Centurion Lounge AMS. Courtesy of American Express

“We are proud to welcome American Express as the first global credit card company that will open a proprietary lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with an iconic Centurion Lounge,” said Dave Stroop, Manager of Terminal Development at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. “With its focus on comfort, premium amenities, and exceptional service, we’re confident the Centurion Lounge will elevate the travel experience for eligible Card Members.”

A Dutch Experience—with a Platinum Finish

Spanning nearly 6,000 square feet, the lounge will be located between Concourses E and F, convenient for both Schengen and non-Schengen travelers. It aims to deliver the elevated service Centurion Lounges are known for, but with a distinctly Dutch twist.

The lounge’s interior will draw inspiration from Amsterdam’s historic canal houses, using a color palette of blues, greens, and earth tones to reflect the city’s waterways. Floor-to-ceiling windows will flood the space with natural light, and locally inspired design elements will provide a sense of place rather than just privilege.

Photo: Courtesy of Rosewood Amsterdam

Perhaps the most unique element is the coffee bar, which pays homage to the Netherlands’ coffee culture—a ritual centered on connection and calm, encapsulated in the Dutch word “gezellig.” It’s a reminder that luxury isn’t just about exclusivity, but about atmosphere.

“We know travelers are looking for authentic, local experiences when they travel,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “The new Centurion Lounge will deliver a premium experience and amenities with a taste of Dutch history and culture.”

Amenities

As expected, the lounge will feature the full suite of Centurion Lounge benefits: premium food and drink menus, a bar, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, various seating zones, dedicated workstations, and abundant outlets and USB ports. It’s designed with both relaxation and productivity in mind—an oasis for the international traveler looking to recharge or reconnect before a long-haul flight.

Photo: Centurion Lounge LAX. Courtesy of American Express

While Schiphol already offers high-end lounges like the sprawling 1,500-seat KLM Crown Lounge 52 and the stylish oneworld Lounge, the addition of a Centurion Lounge is significant. It places American Express directly in competition with airline-affiliated lounges at a major SkyTeam hub—something Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Platinum Card Members are sure to note.

Global Network Continues to Expand

The Amsterdam lounge joins a growing list of Centurion Lounge openings. American Express now operates 29 Centurion Lounges globally, with more on the way.

Upcoming locations include Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Salt Lake City (SLC) in 2025, and Newark Liberty (EWR) in 2026. Boston Logan (BOS) is expected to debut in 2027.

Compared to other card issuers, Amex continues to dominate lounge access with its Global Lounge Collection, which includes more than 1,550 lounges across 140 countries.

This includes partnerships with Escape Lounges—like the one located at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport—Priority Pass (upon enrollment), Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), select Lufthansa lounges, and others.

A Timely Move for Schiphol

The timing of this investment is strategic. In 2024, Schiphol handled 66.8 million passengers and served more than 301 direct destinations—making it one of the best-connected airports in Europe. It’s a core hub for both KLM and the broader SkyTeam alliance, but one that has lagged in independent premium lounge offerings.

Photo: Courtesy of Amsterdam Schiphol

Schiphol’s lounge ecosystem is largely dominated by airline and membership clubs, including Privium, which offers several landside and airside lounges priced at €40–60 per visit. For frequent international travelers, the presence of a premium lounge from a U.S. financial institution could shift preferences—particularly for those connecting between the U.S. and Europe.

With this expansion, American Express not only strengthens its value proposition for Platinum and Centurion Card Members, but also positions itself as a global player in a lounge landscape traditionally controlled by airlines and alliances.

The Centurion Lounge at AMS is expected to open in 2026.