Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner at Oakland International Airport [Review]

My family and I flew to San Francisco for a long weekend to visit my brother recently. Since I have a Southwest Companion Pass, that’s our go-to airline for most domestic trips and this was no exception.

We flew into Oakland International Airport (OAK) instead of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) because the flight times from Columbus were better.

We had some time to kill in the airport before our flight so I was excited to find out that the Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner had reopened.

In this post, I’ll share what I liked and didn’t like about this lounge so you know what to expect if you fly through Oakland.

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner is a small but growing brand of lounges. At the time of my visit, there were only 12 locations open in the U.S., with 2 more currently in the works.

I was excited to see this lounge in Oakland International Airport (OAK) because I’d never been to an Escape Lounge before and because my home airport, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), is getting an Escape Lounge (the first lounge in the airport).

After my experience in this lounge, I can only hope that the other locations are better than this one.

Location

The Escape Lounge at Oakland is located at the far end of Terminal 1 between gates 8 and 8A.

Hours of Operation

The Escape Lounge at Oakland 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 Oakland.

You’ll get free access if you have any of the following cards, including up to 2 guests:

• 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 ins and outs 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

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Offer 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

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• 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.
• With American Express Global Lounge Collection^® eligible Card Members can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion^® Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club^® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express^® App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder.
• A Walmart+ membership can get you free shipping with no order minimum on eligible items shipped by Walmart. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) and receive one statement credit for up to $12.95 (plus applicable taxes. Plus Ups not eligible) each month. Free Shipping excludes most Marketplace items, freight & certain location surcharges. Paramount+ Essential plan only, separate registration required.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. Use the dedicated CLEAR Lane to confirm your identity without taking out your passport or ID – this can mean shorter lines, less waiting. Receive up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for your CLEAR Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with the Platinum Card^®.
• 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.
• Use Global Dining Access by Resy to access premium dining experiences. Receive Priority Notify and unlock insider access to some of the world's most sought-after restaurants with Global Dining Access by Resy. Download the Resy iOS app or log into Resy.com and add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile to take advantage of your special benefits and discover restaurants near you.
• $695 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: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

You’ll get free access when you’re flying on a Delta-marketed ticket if you have either of the following cards (guests cost $30 each):

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

LIMITED TIME OFFER

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 ins and outs 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 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

100,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,200

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% 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

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 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion^® Year to the Delta Sky Club^® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion^® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion^® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a First Class, Delta Comfort+^®, or Main Cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.
• $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 Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion tier and fare class grouping when you fly with Delta.
• 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: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

If you don’t have any of the credit cards listed above, you can get access to Escape Lounges in the following ways:

• 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 get complimentary access
• Children under 24 months old get free access
• AAA members can get a $10 discount when paying for lounge access at the door with a valid membership card

Hot Tip: Access to select Escape Lounges in the U.S., including this one in Oakland, is now included in a Priority Pass membership. Escape Lounges in the U.K. are also accessible with a Priority Pass.

A Helpful Tip if Your Credit Card Is in Your Spouse’s Name

I visited this lounge with my daughter and left my husband back at the gate because he wasn’t interested in seeing the lounge. That was all fine and good until I realized that our Amex Platinum card is in his name.

The lounge wouldn’t let me in with his card. However, the woman working at the desk gave me a helpful tip for this situation.

She told me to have my husband make a reservation for the lounge on the app and then she could let me in. Since I can access all of my husband’s accounts, I pulled the American Express app up on my phone and made a reservation while I was standing at the front desk. I got a QR code and was able to get in with that.

Bottom Line: The easiest way to gain access to an Escape Lounge is to hold one of the following cards: Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, or Centurion card. If you have a Delta Reserve card or a Delta Reserve Business card, you can get access when you are flying on a Delta-marketed ticket.

Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner at Oakland Amenities

Seating

The lounge itself is rather small but it was modern and had lots of different seating options.

There were a few upholstered chairs at the front of the lounge but most of the seating consisted of tables and chairs.

There were even a few seats with runway views.

Food and Beverage

Unfortunately, this lounge fell very short when it came to food and drink offerings.

There was a full bar at the back of the lounge, but there was no bartender. If you wanted a drink, you had to hope that the woman working at the front desk would see you and come back to make a drink.

Complimentary drinks included select wine, beer, and spirits.

Specialty cocktails and top-shelf liquor were available for an additional charge.

There was a self-serve beverage station with coffee, tea, and a minifridge with some sodas.

The food was almost non-existent.

As you can see, the buffet was a decent size and could hold a respectable amount of items, but it didn’t.

I don’t know if this was a fluke or typical of this lounge, but there was literally almost nothing available with the exception of a plate of rice and a few potatoes.

There is a sample menu online showing what you can expect at the Escape Lounge at Oakland and it’s downright laughable when you compare it to what was actually available on the day of my visit.

Bottom Line: The food selection at the Oakland Escape Lounge was minimal. There was a buffet area set up for hot and cold items, but it was almost empty during the hour I spent there. My visit was around 3 p.m. on the Sunday before Memorial Day, so hopefully, it was a fluke that the food was so empty and there was only 1 person working.

Restrooms

There were no restrooms inside the lounge.

Newspapers and Magazines

Guests of the Escape Lounge can download unlimited newspapers and magazines via the Pressreader app.

In addition, there was a magazine and newspaper rack. Unfortunately, it was almost empty.

Final Thoughts

While it’s always nice to get out of the hustle and bustle of an airport terminal, this lounge was a big disappointment when it came to food and beverage.

Simply put, the food was almost non-existent and there was only 1 employee, so you had to wait a long time if you wanted anything from the bar.

But, on the flip side, the lounge was modern and uncrowded, so it was a nice, quiet space if you needed to get some work done.