Amex is closing the San Francisco Centurion Lounge to prep for a big expansion

Flyers passing through San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in the coming months will have one less lounge option.

That’s because American Express is shuttering its Centurion Lounge at SFO beginning on Tuesday, Sept. 6. The closure is necessary to complete the remaining construction work associated with the lounge’s big — and much-needed — expansion, Amex exclusively told TPG.

Beginning on Monday, Sept. 12, the issuer will offer takeaway food and beverage options for those who would otherwise have access to the Centurion Lounge. You'll find these pickup options available at the lounge's entrance.

"Barring any construction delays, we expect to welcome our Card Members back in the Centurion Lounge before the end of the year," said Amex.

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Back in 2020, Amex shared the exciting news that the SFO location would be expanded. (At the time, the issuer didn't mention that it would need a months-long closure to complete the work.) The space first opened in 2014 as the issuer's first West Coast location, and it’s since become one of the busiest Centurion Lounges across the country.

With so many eligible flyers passing through SFO, the lounge is often at capacity, with standby waits that can climb up to an hour. That said, Amex promises that it's currently seeing average wait times of around five to ten minutes.

As lounge overcrowding continues to plague many of Amex’s outposts, the issuer has been working hard at building larger spaces and expanding existing ones.

In San Francisco, Amex’s outpost will grow to nearly 16,000 square feet, nearly double the existing size. The issuer is taking over space on the mezzanine level near the lounge’s entrance.

The expansion will introduce a new, seasonal menu from chef Ravi Kapur, along with a second bar and cafe area, additional restrooms, phone rooms and private workspaces.

The expansion is on track to open in late 2022, as originally promised, according to Amex. There’s no telling whether that means October or December, but we’ll be sure to provide updates as we learn more details.

In addition to the SFO location, Amex is also working on an expanded outpost in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) that’s slated to open later this year.

This one, however, will occupy a brand-new space in the mezzanine level of the airport’s Central Terminal. At more than 13,800 square feet, the space will be nearly triple the size of its predecessor.

Amex is working to build new locations that are large enough to handle surging demand. The issuer’s upcoming outposts at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) are expected to be 26,000 and 18,000 square feet, respectively.

The issuer is also planning a new outpost in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Located airside, the 11,500-square-foot space will be on the larger side. Expect floor-to-ceiling windows, airfield views and unique, locally-inspired design touches.

For more details about the American Express Centurion Lounge network, including access policies, check out our complete guide.