American Express announced four Centurion Lounge projects across the US and UK, including a 30K-square-foot space at Newark Liberty International Airport that will become its largest yet.
Amex is calling it the biggest expansion of the premium lounge brand to date, with larger spaces, upgraded dining, and more room for travelers.
Four airports, bigger lounges
Newark's Terminal A lounge was originally planned at 18K square feet.
Amex has since increased that to 30K square feet across two floors, complete with three distinct bars and dining from James Beard Award-winning chefs.
There's a longer wait, though. The Newark lounge won't open in 2026 as originally planned, with its debut pushed to 2027.
London Heathrow is getting a second Centurion Lounge in Terminal 5, and the 9K-square-foot space is scheduled to open in 2028, joining the existing Terminal 3 location.
Philadelphia International Airport's lounge will more than double in size, growing from 6K to over 12K square feet.
The renovation is part of Amex's broader expansion plans spanning 2027 and 2028, although a specific completion year hasn't been confirmed.
Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport is getting an even bigger upgrade.
Its Terminal D lounge will grow from roughly 8K square feet to more than 23K by 2028, with a redesign inspired by Gulf Coast cuisine and the city's connection to space exploration.
Newark and Houston will also feature Blue Roast by American Express Coffee and Wellness Bars, with seasonal specialty drinks, smoothies, and avocado toast.
Amex has a crowding problem
The announcement follows the recent opening of a Centurion Lounge in Amsterdam.
American Express Travel president Audrey Hendley said the company continues to look for ways to meet growing demand.
The Platinum card's popularity has helped make Centurion Lounges a valuable perk, but it has also left too many cardholders competing for limited seating.
Meanwhile, competitors haven't been standing still. Chase and Capital One have continued improving their own lounges, putting pressure on Amex to deliver more than the access that once set it apart.
Centurion Lounges raised expectations for airport dining and amenities, giving both airlines and rival card issuers a reason to improve their offerings.
More space should help with crowding, but the upgraded food, bars, and amenities matter too.
Airport lounge access remains a major selling point for premium credit cards, particularly those charging substantial annual fees.
For Amex, these four projects are an investment in keeping that benefit attractive as competition from other card issuers grows.
For travelers, the improvements won't arrive overnight.
Newark is expected to open in 2027, while the Heathrow and Houston projects are scheduled for 2028.
Anyone dealing with crowded Centurion Lounges today will have to wait for the extra space.
