Amex confirms massive, brand-new Seattle Centurion Lounge coming soon
Despite the pandemic, American Express has been working to greatly improve its network of upscale Centurion Lounges.
In addition to new outposts cropping up all over the country, the issuer is expanding four of its existing locations, including one of its smallest, in the Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
What first opened as a "Centurion Studio" quickly outgrew its tiny space. Amex worked to add more space, but the issuer's Pacific Northwest flagship remained overcrowded, even during the pandemic with a capacity cap.
Fortunately, help is on the way. Amex confirms that it's building a brand-new outpost on the mezzanine level of the Central Terminal set to open late next year. The best part? At more than 13,800 square feet, this new space will triple in size.
Other amenities include improved airfield and Olympic Mountain views, added restrooms, phone booths, cozy nooks and more. While the current lounge lacks even the most basic amenities like plentiful and clean restrooms, the new space should bring the offerings up to par.
American Express intends to abandon the current location once the construction is complete. Based on the plans, Amex recently signed a 10-year lease for the new space, at $3 million per year for the first five years (with adjustments thereafter), and about $16.5 million for the build-out.
The new SEA location joins three other lounges currently under expansion, including in Las Vegas (LAS), New York/LaGuardia (LGA) and San Francisco (SFO).
Related: Amex reveals updated opening dates for new Centurion Lounges
Additionally, Amex is working towards opening two other brand-new locations. The London-Heathrow (LHR) lounge will open later this year in Terminal 3. Next year, the issuer will open its 16th outpost in Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport (DCA).
Featured rendering courtesy of American Express