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With many US airlines limiting or eliminating domestic lounge access, American Express has been busy creating a solution. That’s the American Express Centurion Lounge – and there’s one in Phoenix. Open to passengers bound for any destination, with any airline, in any seat, it’s a godsend for travellers who’d otherwise be lounge-less.
But the appeal of the Centurion Lounge isn’t limited to US-based travellers. A handful of Amex Cards issued in Australia can also get you through the door. As I find, it’s much better than the lounge you can visit using Qantas status in the same terminal. And of course, with the flexibility of flying with any airline – not just the Roo’s oneworld Alliance partners.
As it happens, Phoenix Sky Harbour ranks among the busiest airports in the United States. It also sits among some of the world’s busiest airports, handling more passengers every year than Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Toronto Person, London Gatwick or Kuala Lumpur International Airport. With so many travellers zipping through Phoenix, you’ll be glad to have access to the Centurion Lounge.
Location, layout and seating
In Phoenix, American Express’ Centurion Lounge lives in Terminal 4. After security, head to gate B22 and you’ll find the entrance nearby. Be mindful that it’s quite a hike from the A and D gates in T4. Allow even more time – 20 minutes or so – if you’re flying from A18-A30 or D11-D18, specifically. These piers are right at the other end of the building, and boarding calls (or reminders to leave) aren’t given in the Centurion Lounge.
If you’re flying with Air Canada, Delta or United, you’ll be over in T3, so you won’t have access here. Instead, T4 is home to American Airlines, Southwest, and most overseas-based international carriers. There’s no airside link between Terminal 3 and Terminal 4… and Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 no longer exist, but that’s a story for another day.
As for the Centurion Lounge, the look and feel here in Phoenix largely resembles what you’d expect of any other American Express lounge. There’s an array of seating, a signature living wall, pops of blue and different zones for dining, working and relaxing.
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Welcome to paradise, tucked away inside one of the USA’s busiest airports.
Not every Centurion Lounge has a view, but this one sits in an enviable position. One side offers corner vistas, with the other also featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. No doubt, this is a solid step above the Centurion Lounge in Los Angeles.
Phoenix’s Centurion Lounge opens between 6 am and 9 pm daily. But keep in mind that the same cards that can get you into the Centurion Lounge can also unlock the adjacent Escape Lounge. That lounge opens earlier (5 am) and closes later (10 pm). So keep that option up your sleeve if you’re travelling first thing or late in the evening. You just can’t visit both on the same day – there are signs to that effect.
Food and beverage at the Amex Centurion Lounge, Phoenix
This visit to the Phoenix Centurion Lounge comes bright and early. I’ve arrived at midnight on a connection from Australia, shuttled to and from a nearby airport hotel and have an 8:30 am flight to New York. What I really need at this point is coffee, so I’m pleased to fetch a machine-made latte. It’s not a barista brew, but for a caffeine kick, it hits the spot.
As it happens, I’ll be in the US for barely 24 hours this time – so I go looking for an old favourite. That’s a bagel with cream cheese, which is never far away when travelling Stateside. I find a variety of bagels along with other breads and pastries. Cereal, fruit and yoghurt are also close by.
On the hot food front, today’s selections include hash browns, sausages, scrambled eggs and roast potatoes. All in all, there’s plenty to go around. I happen to visit the American Airlines Admirals Club on the same morning, and can confirm that the food options in the Centurion Lounge are leaps and bounds ahead. With access to both lounges, I’m glad to have spent most of my time in the Centurion.
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The bar isn’t of interest today, but I make a mental note to sample the signature cocktails next time.
The timing of today’s visit makes the staffed bar of little importance, as I’m still in ‘breakfast mode’. I look forward to returning another time to explore the lounge’s selection of custom cocktails.
Amenities in the Amex Centurion Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport
Phoenix’s Centurion Lounge has a few final tricks up its sleeve. Swing by reception if you’d like to use the shower – they’ll offer a key or put you on the wait list. Printing and copying facilities are available too.
One feature I particularly appreciate is the speedy Wi-Fi. Today’s tests reveal average download speeds of 196Mbps and average uploads of 260Mbps. With a phone full of photos from yesterday’s journey from Sydney to Honolulu and then onwards to Phoenix, running a full cloud backup is quick and easy.
Access
To access the American Express Centurion Lounge in Phoenix, you’ll need an eligible Amex Card. Or to be a guest of somebody who has one. For Australian travellers, here’s who makes the cut.
- The American Express Platinum Card (+2 guests).
- The American Express Platinum Business Card (+2 guests).
- The American Express Corporate Platinum Card (+2 guests).
- The American Express Centurion Card (+2 guests or immediate family – issued by invitation only).
American Express Platinum Card
- Sign-up Bonus: 225,000 bonus Membership Rewards points
- Rewards Earn Rate: Earn 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all eligible purchases, except for spend with government bodies, for which you will earn 1 point per $1 spent.
- Annual Fee: $1,450 p.a.
- Offer expires: 8 April 2025
The American Express Platinum Card is offering 225,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points¹ for new American Express Card Members who apply by 8 April 2025 and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months of approval. It also comes with up to $400 in Global Dining Credit¹¹ per calendar year and a $450 annual Travel Credit⁵. A great card for those who want to earn Membership Rewards Points on everyday spend and transferable to over 10 major Airline Rewards Partner Programs⁸. T&Cs apply.
Once your entry has been processed at the main reception, you’ll receive an invitation card. That’s because the Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounge share the same reception area and elevator. Keep the invitation handy as you head upstairs – you’ll soon pass it over.
As we always remind, other Australian Amex Cards with ‘Platinum’ (or similar) in the name don’t qualify for entry here. For instance, Amex Platinum Edge and Amex Velocity Platinum are not eligible. The same can be said of Amex Explorer and Qantas Amex Ultimate. While some of these products permit Centurion Lounge access in Sydney and Melbourne, only the metal Amex Cards (at the bullet points above) provide this perk when travelling in the US.
The verdict
As an Aussie traveller, you’re most likely to be flying through Phoenix Terminal 4 with American Airlines. Given AA has its own lounge here – which can be accessed through Qantas status (Gold or above) or Qantas Club membership – why wouldn’t you just head there instead? I’m glad you asked.
To be frank, the Admirals Club in Phoenix is tiny and squeezy, with limited catering. When I visited the Admirals Club on the same morning, I struggled to find a seat, before finally settling on an undesirable chair over in the corner. The most exciting thing I could find to eat was a little pot of yoghurt, which is all that really differentiated being in the lounge to sitting in the (much more sizeable) concourse.
But then, there’s the Centurion Lounge. With the right American Express Card, access is available when flying from T4 on any airline – not just AA. The food is better, with multiple hot options. The coffee is nicer. The Wi-Fi is faster, and the views are terrific. If you have the option, pretend the Admirals Club doesn’t exist and head straight for the Centurion Lounge. While Centurion can still have its own busy times, one visit here and you’ll be glad you paid your Amex annual fee.
Don’t forget too, Australian Amex Cards generally allow up to four additional cardholders at no extra cost. Each Card also then permits two additional guests per entry. With that in mind, from one eligible Amex Card account, you could technically be accompanied by up to 14 other people on every Centurion Lounge visit. That’s the primary cardholder with two guests (three people), plus four additional cardholders – each with another two guests per card (12 people).
When you’re lucky to get just one complimentary guest from an airline membership or status, having a sneaky ‘+14’ is a nice trick to keep in your back pocket. All from just one American Express Platinum or Centurion annual fee.
Also reviewed: American Express Centurion Lounge, Denver
All photography by Chris Chamberlin, who accessed the lounge as a regular guest while travelling at Point Hacks’ expense.
American Express® Platinum Business Card
- Sign-up Bonus: 250,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points*
- Rewards Earn Rate: Earn 2.25 Membership Rewards points per $1 on all eligible business purchases, except for spend with government bodies, for which you will earn 1 point per $1 spent.
- Annual Fee: $875 in the first year (normally $1,750 p.a)*
- Offer expires: 27 May 2025
New American Express Card Members can earn 250,000 Membership Rewards Bonus Points in the first year* when you apply, are approved and spend $12,000 on eligible purchases on your American Express Platinum Business Card in the first 3 months of your approval date. Plus, enjoy a half annual Card fee of $875 (normally $1,750) in the first year. The Card is aimed at small and medium-size businesses who want to maximise their points earned, as well as business and travel benefits. Offer ends 27 May 2025. T&Cs apply.
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American Express Centurion Lounge, Phoenix was last modified: February 26th, 2025 by
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