Amex's newest Centurion Studio lounge opens in Columbus, Ohio

Travelers flying out of Ohio’s capital city will have a new place to refuel and relax in the airport. Today American Express and its Centurion Studio partner Escape Lounges is opening the doors on a new lounge inside Columbus John Glenn International Airport (CMH), providing an airport respite for select cardmembers.

Located at Columbus’ B concourse near Gate 32, this lounge is just the latest expansion of Amex’s partnership with Escape Lounges, as part of its growing list of Centurion Studio locations that have sprung up in recent years at mostly mid-sized airports. Just a few weeks ago, TPG got a first look at another recently-opened Escape Lounges Centurion Studio location at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).

As Amex continues to scale up its Centurion Studio portfolio, this addition to its network in Columbus figures to be good news for Ohio travelers waiting to catch a flight.

Inside Escape Lounges' Columbus location

At 2,800 square feet, this lounge is certainly smaller than what travelers will find when visiting some full-scale Centurion Lounges; the future largest-in-the-world location at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) will be a whopping 26,000 square feet upon its expected opening in 2023.

Still, this Escape Lounge location in Columbus is a great place for guests to escape the chaos of the concourse and enjoy some great amenities anchored in Ohio’s food and beverage scene.

“From a curated menu to excellent customer service, this lounge will help travelers unwind and recharge as they await their flight,” Escape Lounges U.S. president Kevin Shier said.

Lounge amenities

Inside the lounge, there are plenty of tables for members to sit and have a meal, along with high-top bar seating that’s a prime spot for some planespotting.

You can also relax in one of the club’s dark leather chairs with an easy view out the window.

On top of plenty of power outlets, high-speed Wi-Fi and a digital library for guests, the Escape Lounge in Columbus will have activity packs for children available.

However, there's a good chance that what you'll come away from this lounge remembering most is the food and beverage, as is often the case with Centurion Studio locations. On top of premium wine, beer and spirits, this Escape Lounge will feature coffee from Columbus area coffee shop and retailer One Line Coffee.

Meanwhile, visitors will get to enjoy some dishes the lounge is featuring in collaboration with well-known Columbus area chef and restaurant owner Avishar Barua — recognized by many from past appearances on the television series Top Chef. Barua owns local restaurants Joya’s and Agni.

Accessing this lounge

Columbus serves nearly 50 destinations with nonstop service. While mostly serving domestic destinations including key airline hubs, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines fly nonstop from Columbus to Cancun and Air Canada has flights to Toronto.

The B concourse where this Escape Lounge is situated is served by Air Canada, American, Spirit and United.

Certain cardmembers have complimentary access to this lounge, including those with The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card members also receive complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge when flying with Delta.

Amex Platinum card members can currently bring in two free guests, though the guest policy is changing in 2023.

On top of complimentary access for Centurion members, one thing that makes the Escape Lounges different from Centurion Lounges is that even non-member travelers can purchase a day pass, which goes for $40 if booked in advance or $45 at the door.

This Escape Lounge in Columbus will be open each day from 5:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.