The Centurion Lounge ATL – Overcrowded, Uninspiring Food

The Centurion Lounge ATL – Overcrowded, Uninspiring Food

The Centurion Lounge in Atlanta, situated in Concourse E next to gate E11, undoubtedly makes a striking first impression. Its centerpiece tree is a design marvel, and the outdoor space offers a welcome breath of fresh air.

a group of people sitting in a room with a tree and people sitting in chairs

The reserve bar, unique to this location, adds a touch of exclusivity with its peach-themed cocktails. If you’re obsessed with free unlimited drinks, this lounge might have some appeal.

a restaurant with people sitting at tables

However, be prepared for a less-than-ideal experience if you’re accustomed to the usual Centurion Lounge standards. The food offerings are surprisingly underwhelming, especially when compared to outstations like DFW or LGA. Worse, the lounge can get unbearably crowded. And expect to wait at the bar even to get a Diet Pepsi

a group of people sitting at a bar

 

I honestly don’t know how I slipped in on a Friday afternoon because, as I was leaving, the line into the lounge was absolutely insane. At this point, they really need to automate it with e-gates or something because this has become inefficient.

a group of people standing in front of a glass door

 

One positive note: unlike many other Centurion Lounges that feel closed off, this location offers some views of the bustling operations at ATL.

a room with chairs and tables and a tree

However, this doesn’t outweigh the noise and lack of tranquility, making it difficult for those seeking a relaxing or productive airport experience. Don’t be decieved by the looks of the image here, every seat was taken and everyone was either in line at the bar or trying get food from the buffet before it ran out.

a room with tables and chairs and a couple of people sitting at tables

I honestly don’t know how I slipped in on a Friday afternoon because, as I was leaving, the line into the lounge was absolutely insane. At this point, they really need to automate it with e-gates or something because this has become inefficient. And then there are a lot of families hoping they can wiggle their way in despite the fees for guests now. This just wastes time for those that know they can get in and don’t have guests.

a group of people standing in a waiting room

While premium credit card lounges were once a perk, overcrowding is diminishing the experience. AMEX, in particular, needs to consider stricter entry policies during rush hour. I’m leaning closer and closer to canceling my AMEX Platinum card by the day.

 

6 Comments

  1. I literally just used the lounge yesterday, 4/27/24 for almost 5 hours. I had the absolute opposite experience. I found this to be one of the best, if not the top, Centurion lounge in their portfolio. The food selection was wonderful, the atmosphere was very welcoming, staff were extremely helpful and the outdoor terrace facing the aircraft was #1.

    As a fact, we know Centurion Lounges are being overcrowded, as are all lounges. Have you been to a Delta Skyclub of late? No thank you. In fact, we started at the Delta lounge yesterday before making the very wise choice to head over to AMEX.

    1. Good to know Gabriel. That’s why I make a note saying, AMEX needs crowd control even more during the peak hours of the travel week so that their most important customers (whoever they are tbh) don’t leave.

  2. Anthony

    I was there last month, I went to the bar and got a beer, found a table and put in down and left my luggage next to the seat. I went to get a plate of food, I was gone for less than 3 minutes and they threw away my beer. They should have known that if there is luggage there then they should wait a little bit longer. I had to tell one of the attendants not to throw away my food while I went to get a new beer. Now the line at the bar was longer, I was able to goto the side of the bar and tell one of the bartenders what had happened and they took care of it. I also would have liked to see a Coke free style machine or some kind of drinks you can just grab without waiting on line at the bar,

  3. Steven

    Used the lounge on 4/15 and also had the complete opposite experience. While it was busy for 830AM it was manageable and since I was traveling with coworkers we had no problem finding a group of 5 seats together which I think is the ultimate test of crowdedness or not for a lounge. I have mixed feelings on the food buffet I loved that they had bread pudding but it was super dry so idk if it had just been out too long or was made that way but im not expecting 5 star dinning in a US based lounge. The staff is top notch from the folks at the check in desk to the folks coming around to clear dishes that’s one thing Amex has done really well is folks are super friendly.

    Lounges are crowded just the way of life

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