American Express Opens Upgraded Centurion Lounge at San Francisco
Expansion and renovation includes two wine bars, cafe areas, and private workspaces
Photo: Courtesy of American Express
American Express is welcoming eligible cardholders traveling through San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to its renovated Centurion Lounge, which has been expanded, redecorated, and given a new menu.
At 16,000 square feet, the revamped lounge is nearly double its previous size and features more seating options, two wine bars, cafe areas, private workspaces, phone rooms, and additional restrooms.
Its interior design pays homage to local landscapes, vineyards, and the San Francisco fog, creating a calming oasis for guests amid the bustle of the airport. The lounge’s centerpiece is two ethereal floor-to-ceiling wall coverings by abstract artist Tracie Cheng.
Photo: Courtesy of American Express
A recent survey commissioned by American Express found that a majority (64%) of respondents named premium food and beverage their favorite parts of airport lounges. The SFO Centurion Lounge will certainly please foodies and amateur sommeliers.
At the lounge’s new bar, guests can sample grapes from regional vineyards with rotating, seasonal wine flights. The wine menu, curated by sommelier Anthony Giglio, will start with a selection of four Sonoma Chardonnays or four Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa Valley.
“As San Francisco is globally known for its world-class wine, the wine menu in the Centurion Lounge at San Francisco International Airport is fully dedicated to highlighting local California grapes,” Giglio said.
Photo: Courtesy of American Express
Liholiho Yacht Club executive chef Ravi Kapur has designed the lounge’s seasonal food menu. It features Kochujang marinated chicken thighs, wild rice and coconut soup, black vinegar and honey-glazed baby carrots.
“With exceptional food, wine, and art inspired by Northern California, this well-appointed lounge is designed to leave Card Members feeling refreshed and ready for their travels,” said Pablo Rivero, vice president and general manager of global lounge experiences at American Express.
The lounge is open to customers with American Express Platinum credit cards, including Platinum Business cards. From February 1, cardholders will be allowed to bring two guests into Centurion lounges per visit if they spend a total of $75,000 or more in a calendar year on their cards.
The lounge is located on the mezzanine area in terminal 3 at SFO and is open daily between 5 am and 9 pm. It’s the only lounge operated exclusively by a credit card provider at SFO.
Meanwhile, American Express continues to upgrade its network of 40 Centurion lounges with new locations and renovations. It also recently rebranded its lounges at Sydney (SYD) and Melbourne (MEL) airports, part of its plan to bring all of its lounges globally under the Centurion brand.
In 2023, American Express will open a new Centurion lounge at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington D.C. and, in 2024, will cut the ribbons on a lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport (ATL).
