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Amex Centurion Lounge Washington DCA
Shortly after landing at Washington Dulles (IAD), I took an Uber to Washington National Airport (DCA) for my onward Air Canada connection to Ottawa (YOW). Since Air Canada operates out of Terminal 1, which has no lounges, I decided to spend my layover exploring the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal 2. Opened on July 17, 2024, this Centurion Lounge has quickly become one of the most talked-about additions to the DCA airport experience.
Lounge Entrance – Terminal level
Location/Access
Getting to the lounge from Terminal 1 required a bit of effort. After checking my bag and obtaining my updated boarding pass at the Air Canada desk, I walked the long hallway connecting the terminals (a shuttle service is also available) and then cleared security again at Terminal 2.
Lounge check-in
The Centurion Lounge is located on Level 2 of Terminal 2, just past the Security Checkpoint, directly opposite the information desk. Access rules follow the usual Centurion Lounge policy, where eligible American Express cardholders must present their card, ID, and a same-day boarding pass, and can only enter within three hours of departure (unless connecting). The lounge is open Sunday to Friday, 5 a.m.–9 p.m., and Saturday, 5 a.m.–7 p.m.
Seating, Layout and Ambiance
The entrance to the lounge immediately impressed with a green wall feature, setting an elegant tone. After a quick check-in at the desk, I entered the lounge’s main seating area.
Lounge Seating, with artwork displays
At nearly 12,000 square feet, the lounge felt spacious and thoughtfully designed, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provided natural light and offered views of the airfield and the Potomac River. The architecture and interiors celebrate the history and culture of Washington, D.C., with commissioned art from local artists adding character throughout.
The artwork and installations were particularly striking, especially the mixed-media collage featuring the Amex bulldog (when American Express was founded in 1850, the dog was their first logo—a symbol of trust and security) and the brass sculpture that anchored the seating space. The central feature, however, was the hanging sculpture of 260 custom lanterns in the bar area, inspired by the Potomac’s flowing topography.
“American Express Bulldog”
Art Installation – 260 custom lanterns
Seating options were diverse, ranging from family-friendly clusters to single traveller setups. The private booths and work desks toward the quiet back area were my personal highlight, offering a calm spot away from the F&B bustle.
Seating in front of the Lounge
Main hallway seating
Work desks against the windows
Individual booths and work desks – back of the lounge
More seating towards the back of the lounge
During the first part of my visit, the lounge was pleasantly quiet, but within an hour, it was packed, with every seat occupied and a line forming at the entrance.
Food & Drinks
The menu in the lounge is curated by three award-winning chefs, with a specialty cocktail list curated by Jim Meehan and a wine program overseen by Anthony Giglio, both reflective of the DC-metro vibe. During my visit, the lounge was transitioning from breakfast to lunch service. The buffet offered a solid selection of hot and cold dishes, a salad and fruit bar, and a variety of small bites. Staff worked hard to keep everything replenished despite the growing crowd.
Main Bar
Breakfast Buffet
Hot food options – breakfast buffet
Fresh fruit bar
The bar area was beautifully designed, reminiscent of upscale Washington cocktail lounges, offering handcrafted drinks and a respectable selection of wine and beer. Past the buffet, a coffee and tea station offered fresh brews and light accompaniments, perfect for those seeking lighter fare.
Coffee/Tea Station
Other Amenities
The lounge also featured amenities such as a phone room, a meeting room, a family room, and a designated area reserved for Centurion members. Notably, there is only one shower suite, so booking it at check-in is essential if you want to use it. Unfortunately, the shower suite was booked for the next hour, and I was unable to use the amenity. Similarly, the family room was packed with a couple of families throughout my stay.
Lounge Meeting Room
Phone Booth in the lounge
Reserved Seating for Centurion Members
Takeaway
My visit to the Amex Centurion Lounge at Washington DCA was thoroughly enjoyable, particularly due to the art installations and thoughtful design that made the lounge feel like a small museum as much as an airport space.
That said, I also saw firsthand how quickly the lounge can fill up. By the time I left, the crowding was significant, and I suspect my experience would have been very different had I arrived during peak hours. Lounge crowding has become a recurring theme with Amex Centurion Lounges, and DCA is no exception.
Still, if you have a couple of hours to spare—and don’t mind the extra walk and security clearance from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2—this lounge is absolutely worth a visit. For me, it lived up to its billing, blending elevated design, curated food and drinks, and a comfortable atmosphere into one of the better Centurion Lounge experiences I’ve had.
