Philadelphia Amex Centurion Lounge [Location, Hours, Amenities]

All over the world, travelers are wowed by the offerings of the Amex Centurion Lounges. Why? They are comfortable, well thought out, and offer great amenities while you relax before your next flight.

In this article, here’s all the information you need to know when visiting the Centurion Lounge at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), including hours, amenities, restrictions, access, and most importantly, how to make the most of your visit.

Table of contents

Location of the Amex Centurion Lounge at PHL
- If You’re Coming From a Connecting Flight
- Hours of Operation
Guest and Check-in Requirements
- Lounge Guest Policy
Rules at PHL Centurion Lounge
- Rule #1 — 3-Hour Rule
- Rule #2 — Departure Flights Only
Food and Beverage
- Food
- Drinks
Amenities
Service Animals and Pets
- Service Animals
- Other Animals
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Location of the Amex Centurion Lounge at PHL
- If You’re Coming From a Connecting Flight
- Hours of Operation
Guest and Check-in Requirements
- Lounge Guest Policy
Rules at PHL Centurion Lounge
- Rule #1 — 3-Hour Rule
- Rule #2 — Departure Flights Only
Food and Beverage
- Food
- Drinks
Amenities
Service Animals and Pets
- Service Animals
- Other Animals
Final Thoughts

Location of the Amex Centurion Lounge at PHL

The Centurion Lounge at PHL is located on the second level of Terminal A-West, near gate A14. This is actually where the majority of international flights depart from, but the good news is that you can get to Terminal A from other terminals without leaving security. There’s nothing worse than having to go through security more than necessary. From one end of the airport to the other, allow 20 minutes or more if you’re departing from the regional gates.

If You’re Coming From a Connecting Flight

If you’re connecting in PHL, enter Terminal A-West, walk down a slight ramp into the massive terminal space. The Centurion Lounge at PHL will be your very first option on the right. It’s directly across from the Airport’s Exhibition Program. The lounge hallway entrance is adjacent to the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge.

For accessing the Centurion Lounge, walk past the bright blue artwork to the elevator and go up 1 floor. In the event that you’re on your way from the Terminal A-West security, take a left at security, and walk past the British Airways Galleries Club Lounge, and then you’ll be entering the Centurion Lounge on your left.

Hours of Operation

The Centurion Lounge at PHL opens at 5:30 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. every day. Most of the flights out of PHL leave before 9 p.m., with a few exceptions, so you shouldn’t really experience a time when the lounge would be closed but you still have a flight departing after.

Guest and Check-in Requirements

Like all Centurion Lounges, in order to access the Centurion Lounge at PHL, you’ll need to be a cardholder of one of the following American Express cards:

The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Centurion Card® from American Express
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (when you book your Delta flight with your Delta Reserve card)
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (when you book your Delta flight with your Delta Reserve Business card)

In addition to one of the cards above, you’ll also need to present the following to the agent upon entering the lounge:

A valid boarding pass showing confirmed same-day air travel reservations
A valid government-issued I.D.

Your boarding pass must include a confirmed seat assignment. Unfortunately, if you are flying non-rev or standby without a confirmed seat, you may be denied entrance. If you’re standing by for another flight, use the boarding pass from the confirmed flight that shows a specific seat assigned.

Philadelphia Centurion Lounge Entrance — The Centurion Lounge entrance. Image Credit: American Express

Lounge Guest Policy

Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum cardmembers may enter with up to 2 complimentary guests if they have spent $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year. Otherwise, a guest day pass can be purchased for $50 per adult or $30 per child between the ages of 2 and 17.
Centurion cardmembers may enter with up to 2 guests or immediate family (spouse or domestic partner, and children under 18) at no additional charge.
Delta Reserve cardholders may bring up to 2 guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, and Centurion cardmembers may purchase a day pass for any additional guests for $50.

Philadelphia Centurion Lounge Front Desk — The friendly representatives at the front desk would be glad to check you in when you enter the lounge, as well as let any guests that may be traveling with you in as well. Image Credit: American Express

Rules at PHL Centurion Lounge

There are 2 rules to accessing the Centurion Lounge and they pertain to every guest, no matter what card you have:

Rule #1 — 3-Hour Rule

American Express indicates that guests may be limited to entering the lounge, depending on capacity, to only 3 hours prior to their departure time. For example, when your flight departs at 8 p.m., you could be denied access if you try to enter the lounge prior to 5 p.m.

While the 3-hour rule seems to indicate that it’s based on capacity, it tends to be enforced frequently. For this reason, don’t plan on getting to the lounge more than 3 hours prior to your flight to be safe.

Rule #2 — Departure Flights Only

Cardholders and their guests will not be granted access if they do not have a departure flight out of PHL. The lounge is reserved for departures only or for use between connecting flights. So, if PHL is your final destination on a particular trip, unfortunately, the lounge is unavailable for you.

If you took a flight to PHL and have an onward connecting flight, you’ll have no problem entering the lounge, provided you have proof of your onward flight.

Bottom Line: You will only be able to enter the lounge within 3 hours of your flight, and you cannot use the lounge if PHL is your final destination.

Food and Beverage

Food

The Centurion Lounge at PHL has some amazingly flavorful dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The cuisine comes from the mind of Chef Michael Solomonov, who is not just a chef but an accomplished restaurateur as well.

For starters, he has won 4 James Beard awards — one in 2017 for Outstanding Chef. He brings to the table a very fresh and unique view of Israeli food. Back in 2008, Philadelphians started enjoying the amazing dining experience at Zahav restaurant, which is located in Philadelphia’s historic Old City.

With an intense focus on Israeli food, Chef Solomonov expanded to several other local restaurants, including the popular hummus bar called Dizengoff, which is located in Rittenhouse Square right next door to his other trendy restaurant, Able Fisher. Clearly, Chef Solomonov was the perfect choice for bringing unique flavor concepts to the Centurion Lounge’s menu.

Philadelphia Centurion Lounge Dining Area — There’s lots of seating available in the dining section of the Centurion Lounge, ensuring you’ve got a place to enjoy your meal. Image Credit: American Express

Even if you’re only catching a connecting flight through PHL, just one taste of Chef Solomonov’s food and you’ll be following your taste buds right back to PHL to stay awhile and eat more. Every day, breakfast is served from 5:30 a.m. and the menu includes such tasty fare as:

Bourekas
Challah French toast
Crispy potatoes
Fall fruit salad
Shakshuka

If you’re around for lunch or dinner, here’s what you can expect:

Bulgarian kababs
Harira, a Moroccan vegetable soup
Israeli salad
Kale tabouleh
Malabi
Rice pilaf
Stuffed peppers

Drinks

Drink preparation in the lounge is a very special thing where cocktails, beer, and wine are served daily beginning at 5:30 a.m. and offered as long as the lounge is open. It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right? With Philly’s own local spirit, Art in the Age, and the Pennsylvanian favorite beer, Yuengling, you’ll feel the nod to the City of Brotherly Love.

To further enhance that Philly theme, the lounge also serves 5 local specialty cocktails:

The Liberty Bell Ringer — Botanist Gin, lemon juice, Bitter Truth Apricot Brandy, simple syrup, and Peychaud’s Bitters
The Philadelphia Flyer Laird’s — Apple Brandy, lime juice, maple syrup, and Gruet Brut Sparkling Wine
The Gateway — Mt. Gay Black Barrel Rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum, simple syrup, and Angostura Bitters
The Red Eye — Yuengling Traditional Lager, Siete Leguas Reposado Tequila, Clamato juice, lemon juice, Campari, Worcestershire sauce, and Tapatio hot sauce
The Blue Door (named for the blue door at the Centurion Lounge at the PHL entrance) — Johnny Walker Black Scotch Whiskey, Myer’s Dark Rum, Benedictine, and lemon juice.

On the other hand, perhaps your drink preference is a glass or 2 of fine wine. Well, during your visit to the Centurion Lounge at PHL, you’ll find a complete wine selection menu posted right on the wall.

Amenities

What kind of amenities can you expect to discover at the Centurion Lounge at PHL? Great question and, there’s a lot to keep you happy during your time there starting with the interior decor. It’s exceptionally warm and welcoming, mixing modern comfort with more traditional wood touches, some warm colors sprinkled with pops of brighter colors, and lots of throw pillows.

Atmosphere and Decor

In the true spirit of honoring Philadelphia, the walls in the Centurion Lounge are covered with Philadelphia icons, including the 1980 World Series Phillies team, Jazzy Jeff, Will Smith, and Grace Kelly, who later became Princess Grace of Monaco.

The Centurion Lounge at PHL even has its own signature scent called Modern Prestige. All in all, the place has everything to engage all of your senses, from its comfortable design to the amazing drinks, food, and even smell.

Elevate your lounge experience from that very first step inside the blue door. This gorgeous and roomy 6,300 square foot lounge can give you the perfect escape from the loud and bustling terminal below.

Philadelphia Centurion Lounge Seating — There are plenty of seating options available, whether for work or relaxation. Image Credit: American Express

The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the terminal. Upon entering the lounge, you’ll see a lush greenery wall to your left and the member services desk to your right. The modern design of the lounge and its beautiful dark woods immediately let you know that this isn’t your typical airport lounge.

Walking down the hallway, you’ll catch a glimpse of countertop seating on your left, a welcoming bar straight ahead, and a mixture of comfortable booth seating and wood tables.

Here’s a list of the amenities you’ll find inside:

High-speed Wi-Fi
Locally-inspired cuisine in a buffet-style atmosphere
Member Services desk
Personal workspaces
Phone room
Premium bar
Printing, faxing, and copying services
Shower suite
Workspaces

Shower Suite

The Centurion Lounge at PHL also offers a refreshing shower suite for lounge guests. It’s the perfect spa-like place for freshening up while you wait for your connecting flight. That second leg of your flight can be a lot more enjoyable when you feeling refreshed.

The shower suite room includes a toilet, sink, and shower complete with soaps and towels, so there’s nothing additional you need to bring inside. You can also ask for other amenities like razors or shaving cream from the front desk, and they’d be happy to provide that.

To access the shower suite, you must reserve it at the front desk of the lounge where a Member Services representative will write your name down if there’s a wait. The suite is restricted to 30-minute showers, so keep in mind, it may only accommodate 2 people an hour, which could be quite a wait if folks are ahead of you.

Bottom Line: The shower is first come, first served so visit the front desk as soon as you arrive to set your shower time.

Business Amenities

The Centurion Lounge at PHL also offers everything you need to get some work done including semi-private workspaces and free high-speed Wi-Fi.

When you enter, you’ll receive a business card with all the Wi-Fi information so you can connect quickly. It’s complimentary, so you can use it for as long as you want to get your work done. Taking care of business in comfort is a way of life at all Centurion lounges.

There are also several tables available that are perfect for speaking with colleagues or holding a small conference. Keep in mind the lounge can get busy and these seats can fill up, but depending on the time that you visit, it could be a great way to still be able to conduct business on the go.

Service Animals and Pets

Service Animals

The lounge welcomes guests traveling with service animals for emotional support needs and/or disabilities. However, certain restrictions do apply. Most importantly, animals are not allowed in any food service areas. Additionally, all animals must be leashed at all times and never left unattended. For more specific rules and regulations, please check the Centurion Lounge FAQ website.

Other Animals

Pets are also allowed in the lounge and, as with service animals, they must be under proper supervision at all times and have the necessary documentation. Again, animals are not allowed in any food service areas. Further, pets are not permitted on the furniture and should remain in their carriers. American Express staff members reserve the right to ask owners to remove animals from the lounge at their discretion.

Hot Tip: Interested in bringing your pet along but nervous about the flight? Check out this study on the best and worst U.S. airlines to fly with your pet.

Final Thoughts

Frequent travelers know the importance of comfortable airport lounges, whether at the beginning of a long arduous trip or during seemingly never-ending layovers. The Centurion Lounge at PHL is a haven that offers some of the finest food, cocktails, local craft beers, and wine available.

The information regarding the Business Centurion® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Featured Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

Frequently asked questions

What credit card do you need to access the Centurion Lounge at PHL?

To access the Centurion Lounge at PHL, you'll need to be a cardholder of one of the following American Express cards:

Amex Platinum card
Amex Business Platinum card
Centurion card
Delta Reserve card (when flying Delta)
Delta Reserve Business card (when flying Delta)

What amenities are available at the Centurion Lounge at PHL?

The lounge includes a full buffet and open bar with top-shelf liquors, a shower room, plentiful seating, free Wi-Fi, and workspaces to allow business folks to check e-mails or meet with colleagues. It's a quiet getaway from the busy terminal below and is a great place to relax before a flight.

What terminal is the American Express lounge in Philadelphia airport?

The Centurion Lounge at PHL is located on the second level of Terminal A-West, near gate A14.

Is everything free at Centurion Lounge?

The Centurion Lounge at PHL has some amazingly flavorful dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Food and beverages are complimentary, including top-shelf liquors.

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About James Larounis

Jamie first got hooked on miles and points during a high school choir trip to Europe, where he flew in Lufthansa first class (thanks to his dad’s then US Airways miles) because economy was sold out. Years later, he started The Forward Cabin blog to teach friends and family about miles and points and delve deep into the inner workings of airline and hotel programs. He’s helped organize Frequent Traveler University, where he’s spoken in depth about the loyalty programs of American AAdvantage, Amtrak Guest Rewards, Kimpton Inner Circle, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt. In addition, he helps run the twice-a-year Loyalty Summit, a professional conference attended by heads of loyalty programs at major airlines, hotels, and credit card issuers.

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

13 comments

Scott Castle May 15, 2019

It’s amazing that you can link to the FAQs in the article and yet still get the 3 hour rule incorrect.

You say:
“If you took a flight to PHL and have an onward connecting flight, you’ll have no problem entering the lounge, provided your connecting flight isn’t more than 3 hours away. If your layover if more than 3 hours, just keep in mind that Rule #1 will come into play for lounge access as well.”

Amex says:
“We will not admit Platinum Card Members more than 3 hours before the departure time on the Platinum Card Member’s same-day, confirmed boarding pass. This does not apply to Platinum Card Members with a connecting flight.”

Reply
- James Larounis May 15, 2019
  
  Hi Scott. Thanks for letting us know. We originally reached out to Amex for comment and they’ve updated their website to reflect the clarification. The article has been corrected to let folks know that connections are permissible, however folks must have proof of connection and a confirmed seat assignment.
  
  Reply
Robert Howard January 18, 2020

I travel a lot. I’m in the lounge quite a few times a month. The food is terrible. It’s the same stuff over and over again. It has also appeared that the potatoes left over from breakfast found there way onto the lunch buffet, just sprinkled with cheese and parsley. If your chef won awards, he should give them back. Why don’t you change the menu on a consistent basis. And ditch the Israeli theme….I can only take so much….

Reply
- Jarrod West January 18, 2020
  
  Hi Robert,
  
  We are Upgraded Points, a website that provides educational travel information and reviews. We do not represent American Express or their Centurion Lounges.
  
  Reply
- Alainah January 29, 2020
  
  Are there complimentary manicures pedicures massages like at DFW in PHL?
  
  Reply
  - Jarrod West January 30, 2020
    
    Hi Alainah,
    
    Unfortunately, the Philadelphia Centurion lounge does not offer those services.
    
    Reply
Buck CRNA February 16, 2020

I was denied access to the lounge due to the 3 hour rule. They seem to abide by it on a very literal basis.
I went back 2 hours 59 minutes prior to my flight and got in.

Reply
- Katie Seemann February 16, 2020
  
  Hi Buck,
  Good data point – thanks for sharing!
  
  Reply
Anthony Ong August 20, 2021

Why does the lounge close at 5pm? Absolutely no value when needed. They need to fix this.

Reply
John January 19, 2022

Centurion lounge is a no-go: they’re dropping additional guests in Feb 2023 unless you spend $75k/year, their hours are always changing (closing at 5 PM, now 7:30 PM for example) and they don’t post it on the site so you get there and no lounge, I read more than one review about their staff being rude (in one case calling the police) with guests for eating with their mask down, and they have super strange simon-says rules at the bar, made up on a whim by whoever is there – sometimes I could order drinks for me and my spouse while they unpack, sometimes they had to be there with me, sometimes the bartender had to simply look at them, just an odd passive-aggressive power trip. There was no limit on drinks or anything like that, they just got off on making you jump through hoops for it. The very nice showers are closed now as well. 2-3 years ago it was a great experience, but with the AF going up, losing the guests and the odd hours/poor staff this is off the list. Last year they waived the AF for these rightful complaints, hoping for another waiver because the Dell and airline credits are worthwhile, but not with a degraded lounge and a $700 AF.

Reply
Norm May 10, 2022

Although I didn’t eat, there appeared to be a good selection and the staff were very nice. I found the entire lounge to be inadequate however. When I left at 5:30 on on a Monday, not only was every seat,filled but at least 15 people were waiting in the hallway to get in. Totally inadequate space and try and do any work there is impossible with the noise. I will be happy to pay for an Airline Lounge versus this site in Philly.

Reply
Caron February 14, 2023

If I were at one of your centurion lounges and my flight got delayed is this still a three hour limit?

Reply
- Jarrod West February 15, 2023
  
  Hi Caron,
  
  We are not American Express so we cannot speak for them, but you should be allowed to remain in the lounge if your flight is delayed.
  
  Reply

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The Philadelphia (PHL) American Express Centurion Lounge – Location, Hours, Amenities, and More

Location of the Amex Centurion Lounge at PHL