The Centurion Lounge

At a glance

Opened in early 2024 on Concourse E, this is Amex's largest Centurion Lounge at about 26,000 sq ft. The entrance is easy to miss because it's tucked into the gate area beside E11. The design plays on Atlanta's 'city in a forest' nickname: the central room is built around a 50-year-old olive tree beneath a light sculpture shaped like a forest canopy. From there the lounge branches into a main dining room with two identical buffets and the bar, a quieter lounge area with views of the apron, a work room with mini-booths and three private phone rooms, a multipurpose family room, and The Reserve, a whiskey-focused cocktail bar. The best feature for most visitors is the outdoor space. There are three year-round terraces, and the main one looks out over neighbouring gates. Food is the usual Centurion self-serve buffet, with hot dishes at every meal service. Shower suites (L'Occitane products) are booked on a tablet at reception and have strict time limits, so book one as soon as you arrive. Because all ATL concourses are connected by the Plane Train, every departing passenger can use this lounge, and that's why it's so busy. Expect a queue or digital waitlist at peak times, and note that it doesn't open until 6 a.m., after Atlanta's first departure bank.