American Express Centurion Lounge, LaGuardia Airport (LGA), New York

Last visit: January 2025

My rating: 7/10

For those unfamiliar with it, the American Express Centurion Card—also known as the "black Amex"—is the credit card of the ultra-wealthy. You don’t apply for it; it’s granted to you, if they so choose. Entry requirements are notoriously opaque and extremely selective. So are the admission rules for the Centurion Lounge network, which is reserved for Amex Centurion and Platinum cardholders, along with a very narrow circle of premium Amex cards (such as the Delta Amex Reserve).

It’s only natural, then, that Centurion Lounges carry a reputation for exclusivity, and that I, walking into one for the first time, had near-mystical expectations.

A polished space, but not quite worthy of the Centurion brand

The American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia’s Terminal B in New York is a modern, thoughtfully designed, and moderately luxurious environment. However, for a brand that prides itself on exclusivity and prestige, the overall experience is not particularly remarkable. The quality of furnishings, while solid, doesn’t outshine that of several competing lounges I’ve reviewed—such as the Turkish Airlines Lounge at JFK or even the La Valette Lounge in Malta. The overall space also feels relatively constrained when compared to other, more generously proportioned lounges.

Ambience: elegant design, but constant crowding

The lounge features tasteful, contemporary interiors with quality materials and a smart layout. Some decorative elements echo Amex’s branding, and the warm lighting creates a pleasant atmosphere. Unfortunately, one of the lounge’s main flaws is chronic overcrowding. Even during off-peak hours, finding a seat can be challenging. As a result, the environment loses that essential sense of calm and exclusivity that should define the Centurion experience.

If the lounge is at capacity, you can leave your phone number and join a virtual waitlist—Amex will text you when you’re cleared to enter. It’s an efficient workaround, but still a sign of demand far exceeding supply.

Food & Beverage: solid, but underwhelming

The culinary offering is decent, especially by U.S. airport lounge standards. The buffet includes both hot and cold dishes, with some attention to seasonal ingredients and aesthetic presentation. However, the variety is limited, and the selection tends to repeat throughout the day. The quality is overall good, but on par with lounges that don’t carry the Centurion name—a point that inevitably takes some shine off the experience.

Services: essential, but not always efficient

The lounge offers high-speed Wi-Fi, workstations, showers (though often unavailable due to maintenance), and a relaxation area with apron views. The staff is polite but visibly overworked, and entry wait times can be long, especially for Platinum cardholders without Centurion priority. While the Amex app allows you to check in remotely, this doesn’t fully resolve the bottleneck.

During my visit, many tables were cluttered with leftovers, and the floors were littered with crumbs and food debris—details that conveyed a sense of neglect inconsistent with the Centurion brand’s premium reputation.

LaGuardia Airport Centurion Lounge: solid, but far from unforgettable

The Amex Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia is a solid offering by general airport lounge standards, but it falls short of the elevated expectations the Centurion brand inspires. Chronic overcrowding, an uninspired food selection, and access limitations all diminish the overall experience. It remains a decent option for working or unwinding before a flight—but lacks the distinctive touch one would expect from a Centurion Lounge.