The Amex Centurion Lounge ATL has the same problem of many other lounges accessible with credit cards: it’s too popular for its own good.

Location of the Centurion Lounge ATL

The American Express Centurion Lounge ATL is located in Concourse E near gate E11. If you’re taking the Plane Train (automated people mover connecting the terminals), just head up the escalator and hang a right. Pass by the rather large Delta help desk and it’ll be ahead of you on the left.

Depending on the time of day you arrive, you might see a rather large line of people waiting to get in. This line is slowly going away as American Express is starting to introduce virtual queues.

Access rules

Full disclosure: in this section are refer-a-friend links where I may earn some points for referring. There is no requirement to use the below referral links to apply but note your offer may differ when going directly to the card issuer.

The lounge is open from 6AM to 11PM daily, which covers many (but not all) flights.

Cardholders of the following American Express cards have access to this lounge:

• The Platinum Card® (personal, business, and corporate versions)
• The Centurion Card®
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card (personal and business versions)

Both primary cardholders and their authorized users paying an annual fee get access to Centurion Lounges. Furthermore, there is some discrepancy on how guests are handled, so let’s take this one-by-one.

The Platinum Card®

Cardmembers have access within three hours of departure, or at any time before a connecting flight.

The cost for guests is broken up as follows:

• Personal and business Platinum cardmembers get up to two guests at a rate of $50/guest (or $30/guest for children between 2 and 17). Alternatively, spending $75,000 in a calendar year provides up to two free guests.
• Corporate Platinum cardmembers get up to two guests for free.

The Centurion Card®

Documentation appears purposely vague on what counts, but my understanding is that there is no requirement to arrive only three hours prior to departure. On top of that, these members can use the lounges on arrival unlike other cardholders. Additionally, up to three guests are free.

If there is a wait to enter the lounge, cardholders are able to bypass the line and go straight to the front desk.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card

Cardmembers must be traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight within three hours of departure, or at any time before a connecting flight. Up to two guests may accompany a cardmember at a rate of $50/guest (or $30/guest for children between 2 and 17). The fine print in the terms states that the flight must be booked with an American Express card, but we haven’t seen the rule enforced.

If the lounge is full (as it was when we left the lounge), you’ll see a sign that allows you to join a virtual queue.

There are tons of kids here

A byproduct of how guest access works, we saw more children in the Centurion Lounge ATL than we’ve seen in an average lounge. We think it’s because if families have $75,000 to spend on their credit cards, they’d rather do it on The Platinum Card (unlocking unlimited access for two guests) instead of the Delta Reserve (only unlimited access for the primary cardholder).

Looking to escape the children? This isn’t the lounge to do it.

Seating at the Centurion Lounge ATL

This is a large lounge at almost 26,000 square feet, and it’s currently the largest lounge in the American Express portfolio. As you might expect, there are plenty of seating options and rooms throughout.

The buffet

If you come here first thing in the morning like we did, note that the hot food doesn’t start until 6:30AM, half an hour after lounge opens. This is probably only relevant if you’re here after a redeye flight and before a connecting one.

Still, there are juices and cold items available from the start. We were only present for breakfast service.

Once the hot food is available, there will be a bit of a rush. This has always been the interesting thing with American Express Centurion Lounges. They always have unique flavors at their buffets, such as curry-infused dishes. But there is no “standard” option. So if you prefer blander or more traditional flavors, these lounges might not be for you.

For breakfast service, there’s also a table with build-your-own avocado toast.

There are plenty of vegetables and dips in cabinets scattered about.

And some pudding and smoothies too. Overall, we liked the options at the lounge, but we wonder if the kids would have been as satisfied as we were.

Drinks

Across from the main buffet area is a large bar. Unfortunately, I didn’t seem to take a closer picture of it.

In the morning, there’s only a few options available if you’re looking for cocktails. It’s really just the standard culprits:

• Bloody Mary
• Mimosa
• Screwdriver

Also here is an area called The Reserve. While I’m tempted to make a joke about Chase in an Amex lounge, it’s actually a nice place to hang out and have drinks. It’s technically a whiskey bar but you can get other drinks here too.

The bar in here seemed lightly used compared to the main bar, so stop in here if lines elsewhere appear too long.

On top of alcoholic options, there is a coffee machine in the corner of the lounge in case you need a caffeine fix. And you’ll find plenty of juice and soda if you need it.

Showering at the Centurion Lounge ATL

Want a shower during your visit? Just at the end of the check-in desk is a tablet where you can add your name to the list.

You’ll get immediate confirmation of your place in line after signing up. During the process, you provide your cell phone number and get a text when it’s time. Just head back to the front desk area when you’re up. It took about 45 minutes to get through five places in line.

A shower lounge attendant brought me back to my shower. It’s fairly simple, so don’t expect any luxury features.

Personally, it seems a little strange that the luggage rack is so close to the toilet by default.

There’s a mirror, sink, hand soap, and lotion. Sadly, no other amenities.

The shower itself is… fine. It certainly doesn’t look all that impressive in photos but it’s not quite as bad when you’re there in person.

Toiletries are by l’Occitane. Awesome!

Recommendation: It’s OK but not worth the wait

So, here’s the thing with many of these lounges that give you access from holding the right credit cards. It’s never going to be as awesome as you want it to be because of crowding issues. That’s definitely the case at the Centurion Lounge ATL. It’s a nice lounge, but we wouldn’t bother if there’s a wait.

This is especially true if flying Delta, as all cards that would give access here would also give access to any of the many Delta Sky Clubs in Atlanta.

The food and drinks are good here, but not so much we would wait in any line to get in.

What do you think of the Centurion Lounge ATL?

Suggested reading:

• Exploring Atlanta with Kids
• Review: Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead
• The Best Options for Airport Lounges for Families