Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner at John Glenn Columbus International Airport [Review]

On a recent trip to New York City, I was excited to check out the new Escape Lounge – A Centurion Studio Partner from my home airport of John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) just 2 weeks after its opening. While I love the ease of flying out of this airport, the one thing it lacked was a lounge — until now.

This Escape Lounge location is the only lounge at the Columbus airport, so it’s going to be a welcome addition to my travel days.

In this review, I’ll show you what you can expect when you visit the Escape Lounge in Columbus. Let’s get to it!

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner is a network of lounges found mostly in small to mid-sized airports. There are currently 14 locations in the U.S. as well as 5 in the U.K.

You can think of Escape Lounges as the little brother of the grand Centurion Lounges. They are smaller than Centurion Lounges but have almost identical entry requirements and offer similar, yet pared-down menus. However, don’t expect any of the premium perks like shower rooms, children’s play areas, or spa services that you would typically find at Centurion Lounges at an Escape Lounge location.

The Escape Lounge at John Glenn Columbus International Airport

Since John Glenn Columbus International is my home airport, I was overjoyed to visit the new Escape Lounge location just weeks after its opening. It’s especially exciting because this location is the airport’s only widely accessible lounge (there is a small UFO lounge for military members as well).

Location

The Escape Lounge at Columbus Airport is located after security in Concourse B near gate 32.

If you’re flying out of either Concourse A or C, you can access the Escape Lounge but you will have to go through security again.

Hot Tip: John Glenn Columbus International Airport has both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes at security, so it won’t take much extra time to visit the lounge if your flight is leaving from a different concourse.

Hours of Operation

The Escape Lounge in Columbus is open daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Entry Requirements

There are a few ways you can gain entry into the Escape Lounge at John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

You’ll get complimentary access with any of the following cards:

• The Platinum Card^® from American Express
• The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
• Centurion^® Card from American Express

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Apply With Confidence and, if approved, find out your welcome offer before deciding to accept the Card. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount.

As High As 175,000 Points (Find out your offer)

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

Up to $1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months. Apply With Confidence and, if approved, find out your welcome offer before deciding to accept the Card. You may not be eligible for the maximum welcome offer amount.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

You’ll get complimentary access when flying on a Delta-marketed ticket with either of the following cards (guests cost $30 each):

• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve Business American Express Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

70,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$840

Annual Fee

$650

APR

19.99%-28.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases.
• 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
• Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.

Cons

• $650 annual fee (rates & fees)
• No bonus categories other than Delta purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club^® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club^® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Earn $1 Medallion^® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99%-28.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

There are also ways to access the Escape Lounge in Columbus, Ohio without having a specific credit card.

• Pay $45 per person at the door
• Pay $40 per person when a reservation is booked online at least 24 hours prior to entry
• TAV Passport Card members get free entry along with 1 guest
• Select Dreamfolks cardholders can get complimentary access
• Children under 24 months old get free access
• AAA members and members of the military may be eligible for discounts

Hot Tip: Select Escape Lounges in the U.S., including this location at the Columbus airport, are now part of the Priority Pass network. Escape Lounges in the U.K. are also accessible with a Priority Pass.

Escape Lounge Columbus Amenities

Seating

The lounge wasn’t crowded at all during my visit, so there was plenty of comfortable seating available.

There were tables next to the buffet as well as bar seating against the back window.

At the far end of the lounge was a bar with a few stools for guests.

There were some unique chairs in the middle of the lounge that offered a bit of privacy as well as a place to put food and drinks.

Along the front window was a long work desk with plugs and lamps at every seat so you could easily crack open your laptop and get some work done if needed.

Food Options

The food options at John Glenn Columbus International Airport’s Escape Lounge reminded me (on a smaller scale) of what you may find at a Centurion Lounge — a curated menu featuring a small selection of chef-prepared items. There aren’t any grab-and-go items or a huge selection like you’ll find at a Capital One Lounge. However, much like Centurion Lounges, the food quality was excellent.

The menus were designed by 2 chefs, Colin Smith and Avishar Barua. Barua is a Columbus resident and owner of Joya in Worthington, Ohio, and will soon be opening his second restaurant called Agni in the Brewery District in Columbus.

I was hoping to try the breakfast menu but I arrived just as the staff was putting out the lunch items (which happens around 10:30 a.m.).

All of the food items (except for the soup) were portioned out in individual servings so you could easily grab what you wanted. The choices during my visit included the following:

Everything I tasted was delicious. My favorites were the beef barbacoa cornbread and creamy brie turkey baguette.

The entire backside of the lounge is made up of windows looking out onto the tarmac so you can watch the planes while you eat.

My only complaint was that there weren’t many kid-friendly food items for my very picky 9-year-old to eat (we have the same problem at Centurion Lounges). However, since it was her birthday trip, I just let her enjoy the kid trifecta — Coke, a cookie, and her iPad. I may not be getting a mom-of-the-year award based on these dietary choices, but she was happy and that was all that mattered.

Beverage Options

There was a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available at the Escape Lounge in Columbus. The small bar served up both complimentary and premium alcoholic beverages. Complimentary options included wine, beer, and spirits. Premium liquors and specialty cocktails are available for an additional charge.

Soda and coffee were complimentary and there was a coffee machine for self-served specialty coffees, including lattes and cappuccinos.

Restrooms

Unfortunately, there aren’t any restrooms within the Escape Lounge Columbus, however, there are restrooms located close by in the terminal.

Staff

The staff at the Escape Lounge in Columbus was wonderful. They all seemed like they were trying to make our experience great. They were quick to clean up our used dishes and paid close attention to how the buffet was set up.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I am thrilled to see an Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner location at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. It’s a great little spot to grab a drink or a bite to eat before your flight, and it fulfills the need for an airport lounge in Columbus. In the not-too-distant future, I hope to witness the expansion of additional Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner locations at airports serving smaller markets.