In recent months, there has been one element of the airport experience prone to overcrowding –and no, it’s not the security line. Airport lounges have become more popular than ever (but thankfully, they’re also getting more luxurious, too).
Whether it’s lining up to get in the door, or staking out a spot at the bar, lounge operators are aware that these pre-departure spaces are not exactly the quiet respites they once were. To alleviate some of those concerns, AmEx is expanding its most popular Centurion Lounge locations–including at San Francisco International Airport.
The location in United’s Terminal 3, across from Gate F1 and F2, originally opened in 2014 as one of the first AmEx lounge outposts. In early January 2023, AmEx reopened the Centurion Lounge after a multi-month closure, doubling the lounge’s footprint to 16,000 square feet. In addition to more space, there’s a revamped menu from Chef Ravi Kapur alongside a second bar and buffet area.
We traveled through San Francisco to check out the refurbished AmEx Centurion Lounge–here’s what it’s like inside.
The San Francisco Centurion Lounge experience: Wine flights and more seating options
From the outside, the lounge will look familiar to those that have been here prior to the renovation. In the entry atrium, a verdant living wall and an array of local Napa and Sonoma, California wines are on display. Cardholders and their guests take the escalator (or stairs) to the second floor, past a set of iconic AmEx-blue double doors.
The main expansion isn’t immediately visible; instead, it lies down a long corridor overlooking the check-in counters of Terminal 3. “There’s even more space to relax and recharge, while getting a taste of the local Bay Area dining scene,” said Pablo Rivero, vice president & general manager, AmEx Global Lounge Experiences.
Once past this curved corridor, travelers will find an expansive second dining area and bar. It’s a stylishly designed and functional space, with a wave-like ceiling treatment, sleek black subway tiles, and a mix of two- and four-top dining tables along with padded bar seats.
Farther afield, there’s a new relaxation area that includes plush sofas, semi-private work cubbies with noise insulation, two phone rooms (available on a first-come first-served basis), and outlets with USB-A and USB-C charging at almost every seat. Expect lots of gray upholstery with splashes of deep blue and maroon. For better or worse, those who have seen AmEx’s other lounge locations will immediately recognize the design aesthetic.
On the food and beverage front, a new menu is curated by Chef Ravi Kapur, perhaps best known for heading up San Francisco’s Liholiho Yacht Club. Dishes are inspired by Kapur’s lineage and family memories, which include Gochujang-marinated chicken thighs, wild rice and coconut soup, and black vinegar and honey-glazed baby carrots.
A refreshed wine list is available courtesy of Centurion Lounge wine director, Anthony Giglio. “Given the close proximity to Napa Valley and its premium wine culture, the lounge also features a new wine bar where guests can sample specialty wine flights,” added Rivero in a statement. These wine flights include four pours from bottles that are local to the region, a “Sonoma Chardonnay Flight” and a “Napa Cabernet Sauvignon Flight.” The selection will rotate seasonally.
AmEx also worked with abstract artist Tracie Cheng for new floor-to-ceiling wallpaper designs, taking inspiration from the vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, rugged Northern Californian landscapes, and San Francisco's famous fog. Along with the expanded lounge area, AmEx refreshed the existing space with new chairs, reupholstered sofas, updated art, and plush throw pillows.
Finally, restroom facilities are larger and include two private shower suites.
Who can access the AmEx Centurion Lounge?
American Express cardmembers with a Centurion or Platinum-branded card such as The Platinum Card from American Express or The Business Platinum Card from American Express have access to AmEx Centurion Lounges within three hours of flight departure.
In addition, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card members can access the lounge when flying on a Delta flight.
As of February 1, 2023, only the primary cardholder (and authorized users) have complimentary access to the lounge. Cardholder guests are charged a fee of $50.
The overall verdict
This is a much-needed update to one of AmEx’s original airport lounges, and doubling capacity will surely help alleviate congestion. The wine flights are a unique local touch, but having no new amenities—such as a spa or wellness room, two elements available at other AmEx lounges—feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.
However, perhaps it’s all moot: This SFO AmEx lounge was a crowd-pleaser prior to the renovation and will certainly be even more so now.
