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Introduction and Location
Located in Terminal A at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), near Gate A14, the American Express Centurion Lounge is an exclusive space for travellers with an American Express Platinum or Centurion card. I was flying out of Terminal D on an Air Canada flight during my recent visit. While the nearest lounge to that gate is the United Club Lounge (just a 1-2 minute walk away), I decided to make the 15-20 minute trek to Terminal A for the Centurion experience. This lounge is worth the walk if you have the time and an eligible card.
To access the lounge, take an elevator near Gate A14. At the entrance, a receptionist will request your boarding pass, passport, and American Express Platinum card before allowing entry.
Seating and Layout
Upon entering, a small seating area to the left offers a few chairs, but the primary lounge space is further ahead, with the buffet area positioned to the right. During my visit, the lounge was at full capacity, and guests were being placed on a waiting list. Thankfully, the wait was only about 5-10 minutes. The lounge has plenty of windows, allowing ample natural light, although the views are mainly of the street and airport, not the runways.
Hallway leading to the main area
The main seating area features hard white chairs and tables, and a beautiful solid wood communal table reserved exclusively for Centurion Card members. Further in, the well-stocked bar is a highlight, offering a range of drinks, including locally sourced draft beer. To the bar’s right is a larger seating area with views of the terminal bridge and road.
At Capacity Lounge
Seating Options
Meeting room
For those seeking a quieter spot, there is a smaller seating area past the bar with grey chairs and comfortable black leather lounge chairs. A phone room is available exclusively for Centurion members. Further down the corridor are the restrooms and a shower room for freshening up before your flight.
Additional seating towards the back
Lounge Window Views
Despite its inviting design, the lounge can feel crowded and loud when at capacity. Finding a seat, especially at the bar, can be challenging. Though aesthetically pleasant, the atmosphere may not provide the quiet escape some travellers expect from an airport lounge.
Food & Drinks
The lounge offers a decent selection of food and drinks. During my visit, the food spread included a salad bar, cookies, fruit, custard, hot dishes like rice, rhubarb stew (delicious), roasted broccoli, roasted chicken, and vegetable soup. There was also supposed to be a seasonal homemade ice cream station, but it was unfortunately out of order.
Salad Bar – Amex Centurion Lounge
Hot Food Options
Fresh Fruits and Yogurt
Coffee Station
One of the highlights is the cocktail list, which is unique to this Centurion Lounge. I tried the Liberty Bell Ringer and the Philadelphia Flyer, which were crafted with local ingredients. The Kinsey Whiskey and 100-proof Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, sourced from Philadelphia, were also excellent. As expected from a Centurion Lounge, the bar experience was a notch above most airport lounges.
Bar Selection – Amex Centurion Lounge PHL
Takeaway
Overall, my visit to the Amex Centurion Lounge in Philadelphia was pleasant but not without its drawbacks. The lounge is beautifully designed and offers a variety of food and drinks. However, the space can feel tight during peak times, and some amenities, like the ice cream station, were unavailable. I would rate the lounge a 7.5 out of 10, mainly due to the seating limitations and the partial exclusivity of certain areas for Centurion members.
Despite these minor issues, I would still recommend the lounge, especially if you have extra time before your flight and prefer a more diverse food and drink selection than the nearby United Club Lounge. The additional walk is worth it for the enhanced culinary experience and the unique cocktails.
Bon voyage! ✈️
Related Reading
Amex Centurion Lounge London Heathrow (T3)
Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta (ATL)
Amex Centurion Lounge Melbourne (MEL)
