mia

I found a separate thread discussing the GRU lounge which I have merged into this one. Scroll back to post #4 to see a mention of the location (outside security, one floor up). I have not been to that airport, and cannot say if that is sufficiently specific.

mrkymark

Thanks MIA.

So just an update, got back from GRU.

The American Express Centurion Lounge at GRU located outside security on the second floor (above check in counters) near the post office between the two terminals for anyone who is wondering where it is.

Perhaps times were different in 2007 but I did not find it particularly pleasant, grossly overcrowded, and a smelly bathroom.

Business Gold/Plat, Personal Gold, and Plat from US member was welcome without issue. I know there was discussion about that. But not a problem with the agent.

kevinflyaway

I'm just in the Centurion Lounge in T1 @ MEX and it's amazing I have to say!

Got in with my Flying Blue Platinum Card and are relaxing in my own private booth. All sodas, coffee's and snacks are free. For dinner or alcohol I have to pay, but sure beats the $ 35,- entrance fee for the AF/KL lounge, behind security.

Didn't know they exist and I could get in. Why not in Europe?

redrock

Last week I stopped by the GDL Lounge.. It's located close to the middle of the departure gates across Henry J. Beans Restaurant. Its a bit small and they are repairing a section of the roof. Service was excellent (free shoeshine, free drinks, both free and $ options for food). One tip (no pun intended) is to tip the waiter in advanced (give them $2-5 USD) and they will give you extra service during your stay.

Entrance



Interior 1


Also visited the T1 @ MEX. Its also excellent as the other posts have mentioned.

Time traveller

IIRC, the lounge attendant ask for your AMEX card, but not necessarily for your boarding pass. So can you use the lounge as an arrival lounge (at the lounges that are landside) to get a quick snack, a drink and check e-mail on the computer terminals?

Time traveller

Anyone know if the GIG longe closure is temporary or permanent?

There was a note posted on the door in Portugese, but couldn't decipher what it meant.

JohnRain

I'd be interested in finding out why there are a couple of Centurion Lounges in Central & South America but none (other than at LAS) in North America, Europe or Asia.

I know that this question has been asked before in this thread, but I wanted to ask again since it hasn't really been answered (plus it was asked some years back).

Vasco

I believe there are some lounges in Asia as well.

My own opinion, after having lived in SE Asia and in South America for the last 15 or so years is that there are very, very few tangible benefits that American Express can offer its card members in those regions compared to what Amex USA offers.

When I lived in SE Asia the primary benefit of an Amex card was the discounts and access at top end restaurants and other "hot spots". The focus was on exclusivity of access, and not on rewards or even on travel. But that was many years ago, and I imagine it might be different now.

Recently, in South America, my experience has been one where there are very, very limited benefits or perks to card membership, particularly in order to justify the cost of Platinum or Centurion. I believe the Centurion Lounges are one of the few ways for the local Amex subsidiaries or partners to offer something tangible to entice people to their high end cards.

TropicalTripper

Wow. I didn't even know about the LAS lounge. The concept seems different than the Latin American lounges where I believe anyone with a Gold card or higher is admitted for free. I've used the EZE lounge several times, but not recently. I see that only Centurions are admitted for free to the LAS lounge. It would be nice if they'd give a break to Platinums and give them a discount on the normal $50 charge for an "Access Key".

C010T3

It's permanent! Everything at airports managed by Infraero is run by time limited concessions that go to the highest bidder. Since no bidding process was opened for the Centurion club's location, the contract came to an end and AMEX had to vacate the premises.
GIG will itself become a concession freeing the airport from having to run a public bidding process for every inch of its space. The new operator will be known in October, but what's already knows is the fact that T1-C will have to be renovated by the new operator, not by Infraero. Do expect T1-C to be completely closed at some point before the World Cup, so no bidding process will be started for the lounge any time soon.

Acornragazzo

I was at GRU this morning and tried to into the Centurion Club for a bit since I had some time to kill. I had just arrived from IGU and it was 800 I figured I could go kill that time in the Centurion Club but was told I couldn't go in without a boarding pass for a departing flight. Is this normal? If yes, do they ever make exceptions, say if I get to GRU tomorrow before UA counter opens and I'm not able to check-in tonight will I be out of luck?

I almost forgot the most important piece of information. I have an AmEx Plat from the US.

Flying Machine

Acornragazzo, Hmm interesting question. I have only been to the EZE club inside the secure area. They never asked for a BP (assume since your in the sterile area all is well).. Its an AMEX Lounge with both Platinium and Centurion sub lounges. I have not been to others so thus my interest. Hope all works out for you. If I ever had an issue with access, I would ask the host for use of a phone tocall the International Collect Number on the back of your card to get further clarification. They may just defer and let you in (just a thought).. Safe Travels

Acornragazzo

I think it depends on which lounge you are using and where it's located. In the MEX pre-security lounge as well as GRU they asked for my BP. In GRU I was not allowed to enter to use it as an arrivals lounge, but I think it's because it is a really small lounge and could get crowded. However in CGH lounge which is located post security they didn't ask for my BP.

Flying Machine, thanks for the advice. I didn't care enough to do this when I was there. And after having been to th GRU lounge yesterday I can say I wasn't impressed. I think the one at SDU was bigger. Maybe I got spoiled by the one in MEX that has separate areas for Plats and a sub-lounge for Centurions.

grazing

The Mex club has three areas, general, Plat and Cent. The Cent area is upstairs behind a sliding door. It is quite fantastic... super premium liquors, two inch thick menu, shoes taken away to be shined. Love.

Acornragazzo

Which one are you talking about? I don't recall seeing stairs at the one pre-security. I believe the Centurion area in that one was in the back near the toilets. There are only 2 right?