American Express is expanding one of its most sought-after perks, suggesting luxury's travel craze lives on.
Opened today, the company is debuting its largest Centurion Lounge yet at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Granting eligible cardholders access to exclusive amenities — namely The Reserve, American Express network's first whiskey bar — the space is now available to those passing through the world's busiest transit hub for flights.
“The new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport will serve travelers in one of the airports our Card Members visit most,” said Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, in a statement.
“It features amenities we know travelers enjoy, like outdoor terraces, and plenty of space to relax, along with local touches infused throughout the menus and design, that guests will remember long after their trip.”
Relaxation destination
Some know Atlanta as “the city in the forest.” The newly launched airport lounge's axial feature honors this aspect of its history.
A 50-year-old olive tree and the custom light sculpture representative of a leafy canopy hanging above it center the nearly 26,000 square-foot base. Its wellness-centric design scheme, complete with natural foliage and multiple outdoor terraces, the latter marking another “first” for Centurion Lounges, intends to invoke a relaxed vibe.
The loyalty program's inaugural whiskey bar offers a menu curated by award-winning American mixologist Jim Meehan and a fully stocked counter, including 20 classic and new American whiskeys, 10 hand-selected wines and nonalcoholic options.
The outdoor terraces are equipped to remain open year-round. Image credit: American Express
Chef Deborah VanTrece, a former flight attendant and the owner of multiple renowned Atlanta eateries, is bringing contemporary soul food plates such as “Black Eyed Pea Biryani,” “Za'atar Grilled Chicken Thighs with Green Tomato Chimichurri” and “Twisted Soul Salad with Strawberry Peppercorn Vinaigrette,” to clients of American Express. Gluten-free and vegan meal options are also available.
“Atlanta has become such an interesting melting pot of cultures and cuisines,” said Ms. VanTrece, in a statement.
“I’m thrilled to partner with American Express to bring food that celebrates these traditions, along with the best southern ingredients, to the Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” she said. “Travel has inspired my approach as a chef and I feel blessed that, through this collaboration, I’ll be able to share my creative vision for food and hospitality with travelers from around the world.”
The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Centurion Lounge's dedicated workstations and phone booths, high-end restrooms and shower suites, multiple seating areas and complimentary high-speed internet access are among a list of cardholder benefits reaching ultra-luxe preflight areas nationwide (see story).
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