Jan 24, 2019, 7:51 am
Last edit by: mia
Policy Changes effective March 22, 2019
Source: https://thecenturionlounge.com/info/access/
NOTE: FOR PLATINUM CARD MEMBERS ONLY
The Centurion Lounge is a day of departure lounge. We will not admit arriving Platinum Card Members with boarding passes for flights that have just landed. We will admit Platinum Card Members with layovers or connecting flights who produce proof of connecting flight.
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.
We will admit children under 2 years of age free of charge, provided an accompanying parent or guardian is able to produce a “lap infant” boarding pass or proof of age
The Centurion Lounge is a day of departure lounge. We will not admit arriving Platinum Card Members with boarding passes for flights that have just landed. We will admit Platinum Card Members with layovers or connecting flights who produce proof of connecting flight.
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.
We will admit children under 2 years of age free of charge, provided an accompanying parent or guardian is able to produce a “lap infant” boarding pass or proof of age
Centurion Lounge crowding (2015-2019)
Apr 28, 2019, 10:33 am
#1831
Join Date: Apr 2014
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat
Posts: 182
I started going to business class lounges (mostly lounges operated by non-US airlines like Japan Airlines' Sakura lounge at SFO and Tokyo) in the late 2000s and what made them so great then (besides the good liquor and snacks) was that you could hear a pin drop. Going into a lounge was like a sonic vacation in the midst of the airport/travel. In the early 2010s I got domestic Delta Sky Club access through Amex Plat and those were noisier but still not that bad. When the Centurion Lounge opened in Las Vegas in 2013 it was as quiet as the old business class lounges, with people sitting quietly at the tables and sofas, mostly single and paired travelers. The furniture was brand new and clean, buffet was delicious, bar was hospitable.
Then quickly everything changed. I guess more people heard about the Centurion lounge benefit and signed up for Amex Plat and by 2015 the LAS lounge and others were a totally different experience, with loud groups of adults and lots and lots of families. I'll never forget being in the IAH Centurion lounge at 5 AM after a red-eye and listening to a child screech every two minutes for an hour, with a Centurion staff member walking over to pointedly stare at the parents hoping they would do something, but they didn't. After that I got a United Club card because even though the Centurion lounges have better snacks and drinks, the madhouse atmosphere that they often have is no longer preferable to a boring domestic airline lounge.
Then quickly everything changed. I guess more people heard about the Centurion lounge benefit and signed up for Amex Plat and by 2015 the LAS lounge and others were a totally different experience, with loud groups of adults and lots and lots of families. I'll never forget being in the IAH Centurion lounge at 5 AM after a red-eye and listening to a child screech every two minutes for an hour, with a Centurion staff member walking over to pointedly stare at the parents hoping they would do something, but they didn't. After that I got a United Club card because even though the Centurion lounges have better snacks and drinks, the madhouse atmosphere that they often have is no longer preferable to a boring domestic airline lounge.
Apr 28, 2019, 10:46 am
#1832
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,752
I started going to business class lounges (mostly lounges operated by non-US airlines like Japan Airlines' Sakura lounge at SFO and Tokyo) in the late 2000s and what made them so great then (besides the good liquor and snacks) was that you could hear a pin drop. Going into a lounge was like a sonic vacation in the midst of the airport/travel.
May 5, 2019, 6:25 am
#1833
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ORD
Programs: United Plat 2MM, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,727
I went through SFO last week. Midweek afternoon, no space. Two of the staff were doing "orbits" trying to help other folks find space. The bar line was the longest I had seen it - it took a right angle and was all the way into the lobby area.
I have now resigned myself to never getting to use this lounge. I travel at peak times, like lots of people. (Maybe that's why they are "peak times"). But one thing I wish they would do is tell me they are full at the front desk, or even post a sign at ground level saying they are full. Then I wouldn't waste any time.
I have now resigned myself to never getting to use this lounge. I travel at peak times, like lots of people. (Maybe that's why they are "peak times"). But one thing I wish they would do is tell me they are full at the front desk, or even post a sign at ground level saying they are full. Then I wouldn't waste any time.
May 5, 2019, 6:52 am
#1834
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 644
Was in DFW "new" Centurion on Thursday late afternoon. PACKED with line at buffet and only two chairs open (we found in back). Wife is not happy, nor relaxed, and asks me in anger and frustration "why don't they control people entering?". While the food was good (line 8-10 deep to get to it), the overall experience was bad. Better off paying to go to a restaurant elsewhere in the terminal and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
A perk of the card that has been absolutely ruined.
A perk of the card that has been absolutely ruined.
May 5, 2019, 8:18 am
#1835
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Texas
Posts: 256
Was in DFW "new" Centurion on Thursday late afternoon. PACKED with line at buffet and only two chairs open (we found in back). Wife is not happy, nor relaxed, and asks me in anger and frustration "why don't they control people entering?". While the food was good (line 8-10 deep to get to it), the overall experience was bad. Better off paying to go to a restaurant elsewhere in the terminal and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.
A perk of the card that has been absolutely ruined.
A perk of the card that has been absolutely ruined.
You mean like turning you and your wife away, because its crowded.
May 5, 2019, 3:54 pm
#1837
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,318
One hopes the DFW Lounge will be a bit less crowded when AA opens the Flagship options.
May 5, 2019, 6:15 pm
#1838
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,455
At SFO, I don't really even view Centurion as a "lounge" anymore, but rather a cafeteria where you load a plate, eat, and leave for the United Club (grabbing a cookie on the way out the door) as quickly as possible.
May 5, 2019, 6:45 pm
#1839
Join Date: Feb 2018
Programs: Hyatt Lifetime Globalist
Posts: 644
Thankfully I am on a transpacific UA Polaris flight next week departing SFO. I can happily bypass the CL (across from my positioning connection arrival gate) to enjoy the Polaris lounge. Built-in an additional 1.5 hours to soak in the experience. Some day, sooner than later, bubble 2.0 will shatter and then the CL's will be habitable again.
May 5, 2019, 8:56 pm
#1840
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,193
The fact that anyone - particularly someone who travels often - would prefer the spartan offerings of a United Club to the CL is unfortunate.
May 5, 2019, 9:40 pm
#1841
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,075
It’s not a matter of preferring the UC over the CL. I think nearly everyone would prefer the CL if it were not crowded. But it usually is. So it makes sense to enjoy the superior food options at the CL, and then go over to the UC if you have that option.
May 6, 2019, 6:13 am
#1842
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 226
I was in the Miami club yesterday. I arrived just as rolling thunderstorms started. We were very fortunate to find seating. The rain starting leaking into the club forcing them to close portions off. The club quickly became a zoo. Staffers were trying to move chairs away from the leaking sessions. Groups of people were just standing. We left at 7:45 PM and people were scrambling to grab out seats.
May 6, 2019, 7:42 am
#1843
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,955
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May 6, 2019, 11:02 am
#1844
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Miami, Florida
Programs: AA ExPlat, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Spire, Hilton Gold
Posts: 4,009
Over $3,000,000,000 has been spent on MIA construction and renovations in the past decade and there are countless roof leaks throughout the airport. Incredible. People should be in prison.
May 6, 2019, 1:48 pm
#1845
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, AA Lifetime Platinum, DL Platinum, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 7,970