Inside the new Amex Centurion Lounge in DC's Reagan National Airport with a unique culinary experience
The credit card airport lounge war has a new battleground: the nation's capital.
On Tuesday, American Express took the wraps off of its hotly anticipated Centurion Lounge at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C.
The outpost, which was first announced in 2021 and opens Wednesday, becomes the first credit card-branded lounge at DCA, which will be welcome news for Amex's most premium cardmembers passing through the airport. (Until now, DCA has only been home to airline-branded lounges.)
Amex's move is a strong one. The DCA Centurion Lounge measures nearly 12,000 square feet and has a slew of amenities and relaxation spaces, along with a first-ever culinary concept for the Amex club network.
Of course, Amex has also long been the leader in the credit card-branded airport lounge war. It opened the first Centurion Lounge in 2013 and has since expanded the network across the country and to major cities worldwide.
That said, Capital One and Chase are very much playing fierce catch-up; the former is even planning to open a new dining-focused "Outpost" concept at DCA in the coming months.
So, what's it like inside Amex's new Centurion Lounge? Read on for all the details.
Amex Centurion Lounge DCA location
Amex's new Centurion Lounge at DCA is in a newly built extension of the airport's Terminal 2.
You'll find the lounge in the airside National Hall near the entrance to the pier for the B gates. The space is just past the south security checkpoint, so I'd recommend clearing security here if you're planning to use the lounge after completing check-in and security screening.
It's hard to miss the entrance once you're in National Hall. It's across from Lucky Buns, and the glass-lined entrance couldn't be more prominent.
Amex Centurion Lounge DCA access
The new lounge opens daily at 5 a.m. It closes every day at 9 p.m., except for Saturdays when it closes at 7 p.m.
American Express card members with a Centurion or Platinum-branded card such as The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express have access to Amex Centurion Lounges.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card members also get complimentary access to Centurion Lounges when flying on a same-day Delta Air Lines-marketed or -operated flight.
You can't purchase Centurion Lounge access even if you carry another American Express card.
Note that Centurion Lounge guest policies changed last year to clamp down on overcrowding.
Platinum Card members cannot bring complimentary guests into the lounge unless they meet a $75,000 annual spending requirement on their cards. Otherwise, you'll pay $50 per adult guest and $30 per child (ages 2-17). Children under 2 can enter for free. Centurion and Corporate Platinum card members can continue to bring up to two complimentary guests into the lounge.
The information for the Centurion and Corporate Platinum credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
For more about accessing the Centurion Lounge network, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide.
Amex Centurion Lounge DCA layout
The new Amex lounge is on a newly constructed upper level of the departures hall.
After entering the space, you'll need to either take an elevator or climb about 50 stairs to reach the reception desk.
From the moment you enter the space, it's unmistakably a Centurion Lounge. With the wood tones, the green living wall and the signature Amex scent, the issuer brought all of its flagship Centurion Lounge elements to the space.
After you're admitted to the lounge, you'll turn left and enter the various relaxation areas. The first, located just next to the welcome desk, is a pseudo art gallery featuring pieces crafted by local Washington, D.C.., artists. I particularly loved Maggie O'Neill's colorful canvas depicting the Capitol.
The gallery is bookended by a beautiful rendition of the Amex signature watchdog that's found in every Centurion Lounge. This piece, however, is an updated take on the historical Amex logo and beautifully blends in with the space.
Lining the halls of the gallery are some couches and individual chairs.
As you walk past the gallery, you can continue straight into more of the traditional lounge seating. Here, you'll find a mix of couches and reclining chairs — all in the same dark blue and deep gray tones that you'll find across Amex's newest Centurion Lounges.
There are also some chairs lining the perimeter of this rectangular relaxation area.
As you reach the end of the lounge, you'll find two open-style living rooms. The first is more of an entertainment area with a TV built into Amex's signature library wall.
Behind this library wall is the second living room area; this one likely will be popular with business travelers.
There's a long coworking table here, along with bar-style high-top seating lining the perimeter of the space, perfect for those looking to catch up on work. This is also where you'll find the lounge's shared printer.
One thing that I particularly appreciate throughout the lounge is all of the natural light — the lounge has windows on all sides, providing copious amounts of light throughout the day.
Finally, there's a small dedicated lounge area reserved for those with the Centurion Card, Amex's invitation-only charge card that's popular with the rich and famous. This area has no more than 15 seats, but it's cordoned off and looks like it'll be the most relaxing in the entire lounge.
All in all, this new Centurion Lounge looks just like most of Amex's other Centurion Lounges. This isn't a one-of-a-kind space like the newly opened outpost in Atlanta, but it covers all the basics (and more) in a relaxing and inviting environment.
Amex Centurion Lounge DCA dining
Though the lounge itself may resemble other Centurion Lounges, Amex is debuting a unique dining concept in this lounge.
The menu is designed in partnership with three award-winning chefs who have partnered with other Centurion Lounges nationwide. They are Michelle Bernstein, Ravi Kapur and Michael Solomonov, all of whom have incredibly successful restaurants in Miami, San Francisco and Philadelphia, respectively.
With this trio, travelers will be able to enjoy a wide range of cuisines on the lounge's all-day buffet. As with all Centurion Lounges (and unlike the Capital One Lounge and Chase Sapphire Lounge), there is no a la carte dining here.
That said, the dishes that I tried at the media preview were all delicious, especially the shabazi-spiced salmon.
I'm personally a big fan of Solomonov's Zahav restaurant in Philly, so getting to sample some of his creations in another Amex lounge is a big win in my book (especially given how hard it is to snag a reservation at his flagship restaurant).
At the bar, you can order from the cocktail menu curated by Centurion Lounge mixologist Jim Meehan or from the wine list designed by Anthony Giglio, the issuer's wine director. Amex always invests in offering a pretty extensive and elevated drink list, and this lounge is no exception.
In addition to the buffet and signature bar, there are two drink stations located throughout the lounge. Here, you'll find Eversys coffee machines, Vivreau water taps and even some delectable chocolate chip cookies.
While the culinary experience is highlighted by delicious food and drinks, you definitely don't want to miss taking a glance at the dining room, which has a beautiful light fixture hanging from the ceiling. This fixture is a collection of 260 lanterns that are designed to resemble the topography of the Potomac River.
There aren't many tables in the dining room, though, so during peak periods, I imagine guests will need to take their plates to other areas of the lounge.
Amex Centurion Lounge DCA amenities
Although this space doesn't offer a spa or an outdoor terrace, it does have all the basics covered (and then some).
There is one phone booth and one meeting room in the lounge. They are soundproof, and they feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows. I love the design of the walls in these rooms.
Instead of a family room, the lounge features a multipurpose room, which can be used by families and those traveling together as a group. This space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
There is one set of restrooms in the center of the lounge. The men's room features three stalls and a few urinals.
There's even a shower in the lounge, located just next to the reception desk. Be sure to reserve a time with the front desk when you enter.
The shower suite is beautiful and look like it might just be the single nicest shower in the airport. After all, it wins by default because it's the first shower available to travelers at DCA.
Most seats are within arm's reach of power outlets and USB-A ports. Unfortunately, I didn't see any USB-C charging ports here, despite this rapidly becoming the new charging standard.
Wi-Fi is available throughout the space, and download and upload speeds topped a whopping 300 Mbps.
Amex Centurion Lounge DCA bottom line
The long-awaited Centurion Lounge in Washington, D.C., is finally here.
This is DCA's first credit card-branded lounge, and it sets a very high bar. With plenty of space to relax, delicious food and drinks, and thoughtful amenities, expect the location to be a hit with travelers. (So much so that I'd imagine overcrowding will unfortunately be a reality during peak departure windows.)
While this space might not feature special amenities like a spa or outdoor terrace, it fits the bill for what Amex's top cardmembers passing through DCA likely need most.
As long as you can find a place to relax, this lounge is certainly worth a visit. I, for one, will certainly be back for chef Solomonov's salmon.
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TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.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.