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Amex shutters yet another Centurion Lounge amenity, adds new coffee bar

Jan. 03, 2025
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3 min read
Amex Centurion Lounge JFK Zach Griff - 58
Amex shutters yet another Centurion Lounge amenity, adds new coffee bar
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Out with the old and in with the new at the American Express Centurion Lounge in New York.

Over the holidays, Amex officially shuttered the Equinox Body Lab in its lounge at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), TPG exclusively learned and later confirmed with a company spokesperson.

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Replacing the space that used to be dedicated to the Equinox Body Lab is an all-new full-service coffee bar, dubbed Blue Roast by American Express.

Amex didn't share why it's making the switch from this wellness-focused amenity, but it likely means that the issuer's partnership with Equinox has lapsed or wasn't as popular as the issuer had originally hoped when the lounge debuted in 2020.

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Meanwhile, a coffee bar is sure to be a hit with flyers, especially since all drinks will be available on a complimentary basis.

In fact, JFK is now the second Centurion Lounge outpost with a dedicated coffee bar. Blue Roast by American Express debuted in the recently renovated and relocated Centurion Lounge in Seattle.

At the bar, you can order a variety of espresso beverages, cold brew coffees and seasonal specialty coffee drinks. Furthermore, smoothies and other healthy picks, such as avocado toast and chia pudding, will be available.

No other Centurion Lounge amenities are being changed as part of this move, though the issuer did shutter all of its spas last year as a way to add more seating for travelers.

While fitness rooms and lounge spas are undoubtedly nice-to-have amenities, they do pose a friction point for flyers as they occupy space in otherwise busy lounges that frequently operate with waitlists.

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ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Instead of using precious lounge space for these amenities, Amex seems to think it'll be better off maximizing the space in each lounge with the most sought-after amenities, like a coffee bar and more seating.

Spas and fitness rooms aren't big enough to serve most guests, and they also require costly resources, such as specialized equipment and extra staff.

When it opened, Amex's JFK lounge became the issuer's flagship space. (The Atlanta outpost has since taken that title.) The Centurion Lounge at JFK spans two levels and even includes a hidden speakeasy-style bar and two buffets.

The floor-to-ceiling windows offer sweeping views, and the lounge provides a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of one of JFK's busiest terminals.

Related reading:

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.