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American Express was the first credit card issuer to open a US lounge back in 2013. The concept was novel at the time, but both Capital One (review here) and Chase (review here) have opened their own lounges since. While on business in Fort Worth last week, I had some time to check out the Centurion® Lounge at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Access
Access to the Centurion® Lounge is given to customers carrying The Platinum Card®, The Business Platinum Card®, The Centurion® Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card, or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card. Cardholders are entitled to bring two guests (or immediate family with a Centurion® Card) as long as they spend over $75,000 a year on their card. If that threshold is not hit then only the cardholder can enter for free with a fee of $50 per guest ($30 for children ages 2-17) per visit.
Anthony’s Take: The Centurion® Lounges have been some of my favorites since they opened. American Express continues to offer a great experience with restaurant-quality food and cocktails, comfortable spaces to work and relax, and other amenities that vary by location. The DFW location features a spa, kids room, shower suite, and the premium food and drinks that are standard in American Express operated lounges. This one is around 13,000 square feet (a smaller lounge was originally built, but the 9,000-square-foot space was quickly overwhelmed by demand).
Bar
When entering the main room, you’ll find the bar just past the buffet. Unlike most airline lounges, all alcohol here is complimentary. This includes premium spirits and wines. American Express even has cocktail menus that vary by location.
Coffee, tea, iced tea, and condiments.
A second, smaller bar serving wine and beer was closer to the entrance.
Another drink station was also nearby.
A coffee machine, some cookies, and condiments were just past the bar.
Food
The menus don’t change often, but the food is consistently satisfying. There are multiple hot dishes, salads, soup, and a few desserts.
Roasted Chicken with Jalapeño Peach BBQ Sauce
Jalapeño Gouda Polenta
Lemon Parmesan Broccoli & Cauliflower Medley (There was also Acorn Squash, but I forgot to take a picture.)
Corn Salad
Tomato & Bean Salad
Pozole
Caramelized Peach Cobbler with Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Topping
Double Chocolate Cookies
Seating & Decor
There are all sorts of seating configurations for working, socializing, and lounging. While I visited most seats were taken.
Tables were around the buffet and bar area.
Additional, quieter seating was tucked away near the front.
There are multiple phone booth rooms for taking calls on the far side of the lounge.
Amenities
The Centurion® Lounge at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport features an Exhale Spa, kid’s room, shower suite, free Wi-Fi, and all of the food and beverages listed above. The children’s room above was empty when I arrived, but was soon filled with kids playing and watching a video.
The Exhale Spa offers a host of complimentary services. Here is the menu:
Body
- Flow Chair Massage: The signature Exhale massage, using slow pressure throughout your body
- Deep Tissue Chair Massage: Great for relieving pain throughout the body
- Fusion Chair Massage: Relax in one of Exhale’s massage chairs
Face
- Get Glowing: Includes a deep cleanse and exfoliating mask
- Soothe + Treat: Includes a deep cleanse and acne treatment
- Red-Eye Ready: Includes a deep clean of the face, plus the application of creams (perfect for overnight travel)
Hands
- Perfectly Polished: For ladies who want a manicure
- Perfectly Groomed: For both ladies and gents to buff up cuticles and ensure a clean set of hands
The spa was fully booked during my short time there. If you want a service, I recommend heading there as soon as you arrive to get an appointment.
Overall Impression:
I spent only a short time at the Centurion® Lounge here, but enjoyed the food and found it achieved the high level of service and amenities that American Express has offered since it first introduced the Centurion® Lounge concept.
Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: I love the lounges where The Platinum Card® from American Express grants me access. It has had a prominent place in my wallet for many years now. While it does have an annual fee of $695, it provides many travel benefits and will always be my go-to for lounge access (both Delta Sky Clubs® and Centurion® Lounges) and booking airfare from the airlines to earn 5x points (up to $500,000 per calendar year). Learn more. Rates & Fees. Terms apply.
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