Making the Most of the AMEX Centurion Lounge at LAX
My husband Scott has a platinum AMEX credit card which gives him complimentary Centurion lounge access, but he isn’t able to bring in a guest with complimentary admission. He is however able to pay a $50 (well I end up paying) to give admittance to a guest. So since I paid an entrance fee, I wanted to make sure to get the most out of my visit there.
Located in Los Angeles International Airport’s Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), we experienced the LAX Centurion Lounge before flying out to London. When checking in, it can only be 3 hours before your departure time (but different timing applies for the travelers that are connecting through LAX). We were about 30 minutes early to our qualifying check in time, so we went to go kill some time before coming back. Because our departure time was going to be after the lounge closes, we were able to technically get in a little earlier than our departure time (so we could et 3 hours in the lounge) since the lounge would have closed giving us an hour less before we needed to fly out.
I figured if the 3 drinks averaged $13 each and food was $10-12 then we good 👍🏼 The bar is fully stocked, so you can basically get any kind of adult beverage you’d like - but there’s also coffee and teas available. The last time we experienced this lounge, it was still a morning food service, and didn’t seem as busy so both bars were not open just the main bar by the food buffet and this time it was a evening/dinner service so I enjoyed the food selection much more. There were dishes like chicken al pastor, spanish rice, pinto beans and fixings for nachos (went back for 2 more servings). They also have dessert snacks around such as chocolate chip cookies or M&Ms.
When it is busy/at capacity then you could be turned away, sometimes it can be hard to find a spot so you may want to be open minded about sitting at communal tables, and then staking out a more private area if that’s what you’d like. There’s also kid-friendly rooms, and a place to get your nails done or massage (you can ask for available appointments when first checking in with the front desk - just be sure to tip!). I’ve gotten a 15-minute massage previously, and it’s really nice and relaxing even though it’s short, great way to start our holiday.
Overview
From the moment you walk in, you'll see that things are different here. Unexpected touches like a locally-inspired menu and soothing spa services meet productive workspaces with high-speed Wi-Fi. Guests will have the opportunity to travel through Sunrise and Moonrise rooms, which are designed to offer the perfect amount of light exposure to accelerate travelers' adaptation to new time zones and reduction in jetlag.
AMENITIES
Printers and Copiers
Beer and Wine
Spa
Children's Rooms
Over 18 only
Spirits and Liquor
TVs
Showers
Premium Food
Wi-Fi
Non-Smoking Lounge
Flight Monitors
ACCESS & GUESTS
Eligibility code or Platinum Card, the boarding pass for your departing flight and a physical government-issued I.D. (1) 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 (same day) who produce proof of confirmed connecting flight (connections pertain to same day airport). (2) 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 confirmed connecting flight.
Up to two companions can enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge. 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.
Getting there & Hours
Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT)
(After clearing TSA in TBIT, walk towards the bridge to the Great Hall and enter the elevator lobby on your left. Take the elevator from Level 4 to Level 2.)
Mon - Sun: 06:00-22:00
