Amex Upgrades Centurion Lounges With Chef-Curated Menus And New Sidecar Concept
American Express is giving its Centurion Lounges a premium refresh with two updates: a revamped dining program called The Culinary Collective and a new fast-track lounge concept, Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge, in Las Vegas
Starting July 29, Amex will roll out The Culinary Collective across all 15 U.S. Centurion Lounges. The program features seasonal, rotating menus curated by top-tier James Beard Award–winning chefs, including Kwame Onwuachi, Mashama Bailey, Mike Solomonov and Sarah Grueneberg, paired with cocktails crafted by Harrison Ginsberg, bar director at NYC's Overstory.
Going to the airport with lounge access already feels like a travel hack, but now imagine stepping into a space where renowned chefs and a speakeasy-inspired space is tucked away inside the terminal. It's not just a lounge anymore; it's an elevated, pre-flight experience that blurs the line between travel and luxury.
The Culinary Collective program features signature dishes from acclaimed chefs and aims to elevate the food experience far beyond typical lounge fare, including: Onwuachi's suya short ribs
Bailey's paprika chicken
Solomonov's pomegranate–glazed salmon
Grueneberg's lemony orzo with artichokes and dill
The offering aims to deliver both high-end flavor and consistent quality across lounges.
To address overcrowding and meet the needs of travelers with shorter layovers, Amex is launching Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge—a streamlined, speakeasy-style concept debuting at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in 2026. Designed for speed : Access is restricted to cardholders within 90 minutes of scheduled departure, optimizing quick pre-flight refreshments.
: Access is restricted to cardholders within 90 minutes of scheduled departure, optimizing quick pre-flight refreshments. Focus on quality over amenities: Sidecar offers table service with gourmet small plates and cocktails from The Culinary Collective. Unlike the full Centurion Lounges, amenities are limited, though restrooms and fast Wi‑Fi are included.
Hendley also says 'many of our visitors spend less than an hour in our lounges, and we've created Sidecar specifically for them.'
The Centurion lounges can be used by members who hold these cards:
For Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders, the Centurion Lounge is only accessible in the U.S., Hong Kong, and London, and access is also limited to those flying on same-day Delta flights.
American Express's two-pronged update thoughtfully balances luxury and efficiency. Frequent flyers, food lovers, and time-conscious travelers alike can look forward to a revitalized Centurion experience offering more variety and flexibility. While Sidecar's concept remains untested, its targeted and stylish approach may be a smart fix for long-standing lounge overcrowding.
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card please visit this page.
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Centurion® Card from American Express . The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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