American Express Opens World’s Largest Centurion Lounge in Atlanta

American Express is opening a new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), featuring the network’s first-ever whiskey bar, a locally-inspired menu, and outdoor terraces with airfield views.

“The new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will serve travelers in one of the airports our Card Members visit most,” said Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel. “It features amenities we know travelers enjoy, like outdoor terraces and plenty of space to relax, along with local touches infused throughout the menus and design, that guests will remember long after their trip.”

With nearly 26,000 square feet of space, the lounge will be the largest in the Centurion lounge network. It will be located in Concourse E and open to guests daily in the busiest airport in the world.

Photo: Courtesy of Centurion Lounge

The design of the lounge is inspired by Atlanta’s reputation as ‘the city in the forest.’ It takes inspiration from the abundance of trees and is meant to be rooted in wellness.

At the center of the lounge is a main seating area with a 50-year-old olive tree and a custom light sculpture representing a forest canopy. The outdoor area continues the verdant theme with carefully landscaped seating areas with heaters and fans to be used year-round.

Throughout the lounge is artwork from local artists, including a large-scale multimedia piece that draws inspiration from Georgia’s landscape. The lounge will also have ample seating space to accommodate the demand.

Photo: Courtesy of Centurion Lounge

American Express tapped Atlanta-based chef Deborah VanTerce, a James Beard Award semifinalist and local restaurant owner, for the dining options. She uses flavors and techniques she discovered while traveling as a former flight attendant to create her dishes.

Options like Black Eyed Pea Biryani, Za’atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri, and Twisted Soul Salad with Strawberry Peppercorn Vinaigrette will be available. There will also be dedicated vegan and gluten-free options.

Before you head to your flight, you should make a necessary stop at The Reserve by American Express, the first-ever dedicated whiskey bar in a Centurion Lounge. It has a cocktail menu curated by Jim Meehan, an award-winning mixologist, and features five specialty whiskey cocktails, such as Drink A Peach, a peach-flavored whiskey with bitters and Mayme.

In addition, guests can choose from over 20 classic and new American whiskeys.

Photo: Courtesy of Centurion Lounge

If whiskey isn’t your thing, the lounge has a fully-stocked main bar with ten wines, a local cocktail menu, and Centurion Lounge signature cocktails.

Other amenities include dedicated workstations, phone booths, shower suites, and complimentary high-speed WiFi.

With this new lounge opening, American Express is now the only credit card issuer with a proprietary lounge in ATL. The card company plans to expand its lounge network and open new lounges at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey.

Currently, American Express members have access to 28 Centurion Lounges and over 1,400 lounges worldwide.