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Back in July, I wrote about American Express planning a new airport lounge concept. Today, the first Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) opened. The intimate, speakeasy-inspired space marks the first time the Centurion® Lounge brand has expanded into a smaller, quick-stop format designed for solo travelers and small groups.
Located near Gate D1 in Concourse D, the new lounge operates daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM and sits just a short distance from the primary Centurion® Lounge at the airport. The debut also brings the Centurion® Lounge Network to 32 locations worldwide and makes American Express the only credit card issuer operating two lounges at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS).
Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge was created for travelers who want a high-quality lounge experience but may not have time for a longer stay. The concept emphasizes speed and convenience while maintaining the elevated food, beverage, and design standards associated with the brand. Eligible cardmembers are seated at a bar or table and place orders through QR code technology powered by Toast (similar to what is found in Chase Sapphire Lounges). Food and drinks are delivered directly by servers, creating a restaurant-style experience rather than a traditional self-serve lounge format. The lounge also offers complimentary Wi-Fi, private restrooms, power outlets, and USB charging ports.
The rotating menu features small plates created by chefs from The Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge (a group of James Beard Award-winning Resy chefs that includes Sarah Grueneberg, Kwame Onwuachi, Michael Solomonov, and Mashama Bailey).
Menu items reflect a variety of culinary influences, ranging from Afro-Caribbean to Italian flavors. Featured dishes include:
- Crushed Cucumber Salad with Crispy Rice Pearls by Chef Kwame Onwuachi
- Avocado Toast with Schug Labneh and Black Sesame Seeds by Chef Michael Solomonov
- Mushroom and Mustard Greens Egg Bites with Black Garlic Aioli by Chef Mashama Bailey
Each month the lounge will also feature a rotating Chef Signature Sandwich. This will start with the Chicky Chicky Parm Parm Sliders by Chef Sarah Grueneberg.
The beverage program includes craft cocktails developed by Bar Director Harrison Ginsberg. One of the signature drinks is the Sidecar Cocktail (made with cognac, Cointreau, and lemon). Sommelier Helen Johannesen has joined The Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge to curate the wine program for Sidecar. Johannesen is the founder of Helen’s Wines and a partner in Jon & Vinny’s (a well-known restaurant group with locations in Los Angeles and Miami). Her wine selections will debut at Sidecar and expand to Centurion® Lounges across the United States beginning in spring 2026.
Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, said:
Since opening the first Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas in 2013, we have gained invaluable insights around how Card Members use our lounge spaces, which has informed how we innovate. Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge was born out of the fact that a significant portion of Centurion Lounge visitors stay for an hour or less. This is not only an exciting return to LAS, but a new approach we created for those travelers looking for an upscale and efficient respite — even when they have a short window before boarding their flight.”
The lounge’s design reflects an oasis-in-the-desert concept inspired by the culture and atmosphere of Las Vegas. The speakeasy-style space features desert tones, natural stone textures, lush greenery, and accents of American Express blue. Elements of classic Las Vegas glamour are incorporated through brass finishes, antique mirrors, and warm lighting, creating an intimate yet premium environment that mirrors the sophistication of larger Centurion® Lounges.
Access to Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge is complimentary for eligible cardmembers who already receive entry to the Centurion® Lounge Network. Guests can enter the lounge within 90 minutes of their departing flight and still retain access to the main Centurion® Lounge at the airport.
Anthony’s Take: With Sidecar, American Express is introducing a new type of airport lounge experience designed for travelers who want a fast but refined stop before boarding. I can’t wait to check it out and hope this is expanded to other airports as the lines at many lounges operated by American Express are long.
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
