Philadelphia's Centurion Lounge closes Oct. 16 until late 2027. Here's where Amex Platinum still gets you in

The Centurion Lounge at Philadelphia International Airport closes on Friday, Oct. 16. American Express says it will stay shut while the space is expanded, and that it should reopen by the end of 2027. That means more than a year without it.

This is a real loss at PHL. On Lounge Frog, The Centurion Lounge rates 4.8 out of 5. It is the top-rated of the four lounges in Terminal A-West. It sits near Gate A14 and is open from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Here is what is changing, and where you can still go.

What Amex announced

The closure notice is on the official lounge page. It says the lounge will be "temporarily closed while we expand the space" from Oct. 16, 2026. The new space will add a Blue Roast by American Express coffee and wellness bar, and "more room to recharge before your flight."

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Amex plans to double the lounge to more than 12,000 square feet over two stories. The lounge opened in 2017. Amex did not tell the paper what the work will cost.

For now, Amex says eligible card members "can explore other lounge options at PHL through the American Express Global Lounge Collection," with the usual access rules. We covered the wider plan, including Newark and Heathrow, in our story on the Centurion expansion.

Who loses the most

The Centurion Lounge is free for holders of the Amex Platinum, Business Platinum and Centurion cards. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders can get in too, the Inquirer said. Those travelers now need a plan B, and at PHL the choices depend on which airline you fly.

If you fly Delta: the Sky Club

The Delta Sky Club is the closest swap for many Amex fans. It is in the Terminal D/E connector, on level 2, after security.

US Platinum cardholders can use it when flying Delta the same day, but basic economy fares do not count. Platinum members get 10 visits a year. Delta Reserve holders get 15. Guests cost $50 each.

Set your hopes to match. The Sky Club rates 3.5 out of 5 on Lounge Frog, the lowest of the three lounges in Terminal D. It has a full bar and seats about 144. Hours run from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays, and to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays. So it will not help with a late evening flight.

For a short rest: Minute Suites

Minute Suites is in the A/B link, the walkway between Terminals A-East and B. It is open 24 hours. These are private rooms rented by the hour, not a classic lounge.

Amex Platinum comes with Priority Pass, and Priority Pass members get one hour included. Longer stays cost extra. Showers cost an added fee. There is no bar. It rates 3.8 out of 5 on Lounge Frog, with top marks for quiet and service.

The big lounge that won't take you

The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club in Terminal D rates 4.5 out of 5. It is the obvious place to look. But since Aug. 15, a plain Priority Pass membership no longer gets you in. Only eligible Chase cardholders can enter. So the Priority Pass card that comes with your Amex will not work there. Our earlier story explains the change.

If you fly American

American has three Admirals Clubs at PHL. They are in A-West, B/C and F. The Amex Platinum does not get you in. Entry comes through Admirals Club membership, oneworld status, a premium ticket or a card like the Citi AAdvantage Executive. The B/C club rates 4.8 on Lounge Frog, the same as the Centurion. The A-West club rates 4.6.

More may open soon

The Inquirer reported that Escape Lounges plans to open a pay-per-visit lounge in Terminal D by the end of this year. We will add it to our PHL lounge guide once it opens.

What to do now

• If your trip is on or after Oct. 16, do not plan on the Centurion Lounge at PHL.
• Flying Delta? Use the Sky Club, and count your 10 Platinum visits.
• Need quiet? Book your included hour at Minute Suites.
• Flying American? Check whether your status, ticket or card opens an Admirals Club.
• See every Centurion Lounge that is still open before your next trip.