American Express’ newest Centurion Lounge is now open in Salt Lake City

American Express is taking its airport lounge empire to another airport.

On Tuesday, the publisher officially opened its long-awaited outpost at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC).

The good news is, this latest addition is sure to be a hit with travelers. It introduces two standout features—a year-round patio and an on-site barista—and marks SLC’s first credit card-branded lounge.

Travel bonus: 9 domestic lounges worth your time

The space spans nearly 18,000 square feet and can accommodate up to approximately 350 guests. Of course, given the sheer number of eligible cardmembers (especially in key Delta hubs like Salt Lake City), demand could exceed the supply of available seats.

Still, even if you’re on the waitlist, this new lounge may be worth the wait (or walk – just wait until you see where it’s located).

Here’s why.

Amex Centurion Lounge SLC Location

Salt Lake City’s new Amex Centurion Lounge is located near Gate B31.

The gate area, which opened on Tuesday at the same time as the lounge, is one of the key milestones in SLC’s redevelopment plan.

While overcrowding seems to be a common problem with most airport lounges, this outpost’s location can keep wait lists pretty short.

That’s because most Delta flights depart from Concourse A, and eligible Delta travelers may prefer to use one of SLC’s two premier Sky Clubs, which are closer to Delta gates.

Airlines that use SLC as a stop operate out of Concourse B, so if you’re flying American, Southwest or United, you can quickly access the new Centurion Lounge.

All of SLC’s gates are connected to the airside, so no matter which airline you fly with, you technically have access to the outpost. But considering how much locals love to complain about the 1,580-foot walk between the two piers, many may be discouraged from making the trek.

Use Amex Centurion Lounge SLC

The new lounge opens daily at 4:45am and closes at 11:15pm daily

American Express card members with Centurion or Platinum branded cards, e.g. American Express Platinum Card® or American Express Business Platinum Card®with access to the Amex Centurion Lounge.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Members can also use Centurion Lounge free of charge when taking same-day flights marketed or operated by Delta.

Even if you bring another American Express card, you cannot purchase access to the Centurion Lounge.

Please note that the Centurion Lounge guest policy has changed to prevent overcrowding.

Platinum members cannot bring free guests into the lounge unless their card reaches the $75,000 annual spending requirement. Otherwise, you will be charged $50 per adult guest and $30 per child (2 to 17 years old). Children under 2 years old are admitted free. Travelers with the American Express Centurion Card or the American Express Corporate Platinum Card can continue to bring up to two free guests into the lounge.

Centurion Card and Corporate Platinum Card information is collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

For more information on accessing the Centurion Lounge network, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide.

Amex Centurion Lounge SLC Layout

The outpost features one of American Express’s most impressive designs and layouts to date.

Rather than a large, boxy space, American Express opted for a small, intimate space of nearly 18,000 square feet.

You enter the lounge on the departures level and need to take the elevator or stairs to the upper level where you will find the lounge.

The entrance is marked by floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light, and a stunning fixture hangs from the ceiling that is supposed to resemble the salt flats surrounding the Salt Lake City area.

Upon entering the space, you’ll pass by the iconic Watchdog portrait—a staple in every Centurion Lounge—but this one is Salt Lake City-themed, with snow-capped mountains in the background.

The main lounge seating area is just off the entrance. You’ll find a fireplace in the center and a variety of seating around the room.

As you continue into the lounge, you’ll find a corridor connecting you to the rest of the space. Turn left and you’ll find the Blue Roast Barista and Restaurant.

Turn right and you’ll reach the main bar.

Whichever direction leads you to beautifully appointed spaces. The restaurant has a cozy feel, while the bar has an elegant and understated feel.

The space is a far cry from the cookie-cutter, copy-and-paste design that American Express adopted when it first opened the Centurion Lounge more than a decade ago.

The design features locally inspired artwork and murals and feels like it was built specifically for Salt Lake City.

I also love that there are so many private nooks throughout the lounge. It’s clear that American Express decided to add as many seats as possible.

We just hope this helps alleviate overcrowding.

Amex Centurion Lounge SLC Catering

The dining experience at the Centurion Lounge may not be as rich as the Capital One or Chase Lounges, but this location does try to up its game.

First, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive buffet in the restaurant. Expect a host of lounge staples like salad greens, soups and dips, as well as some signature dishes in partnership with the publisher’s new Culinary Collective, a collection of award-winning chefs from restaurants across the American Express Resy Dining Network.

The Salt Lake City outpost serves Italian dishes inspired by chef Sarah Grueneberg of Chicago’s Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio.

Meanwhile, bartenders are whipping up cocktails inspired by New York City’s famed Overstory Bar, and offering a selection of signature wines and tried-and-true favorites.

You’ll also find two non-alcoholic beverage stations in the lounge – one near the fireplace and another near the buffet.

I like the design of the fountain soda machine (it feels much more premium than the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine), and the Eversys coffee machine can make your favorite morning pick-me-up.

If you’re looking for a more professional coffee experience, be sure to head to American Express’ Blue Roast, where the card issuer’s on-site baristas can prepare specialty coffee drinks for you. American Express has partnered with Millcreek Coffee Roasters, a popular local coffee shop, to offer caffeinated beverages in the space.

Blue Roast also offers a range of healthy snacks, such as apple overnight oats and smoothies.

Finally, this lounge has another bar located on a year-round outdoor terrace. Let’s introduce it in detail below.

Amex Centurion Lounge SLC Facilities

When American Express began building out its Centurion lounge network, it focused on adding unique amenities, such as Equinox-branded stretching areas or massage rooms in partnership with Exhale Spa.

Now, however, the publisher seems to have realized that the most important thing it can do is add more seats — and that’s the strategy it’s taking in Salt Lake City.

The good news is, this doesn’t come at the expense of an undoubtedly popular amenity: the year-round outdoor patio.

In fact, this is the airport’s second outdoor terrace, joining the existing terrace at the Sky Club in Concourse A. Both offer stunning views of the aircraft and the Wasatch Mountains in the background.

The patio has plenty of seating, as well as a fireplace and powerful heat lamps mounted from the ceiling to keep you warm all winter long.

In addition to the terrace you will find a small function room currently equipped with three lounge chairs with massage boots. American Express thought this would be a popular amenity for those returning home from ski tours and hiking adventures, although with only three chairs I expected it would get quite crowded. (This room is designed so that it can be converted into additional seating if needed.)

There are two further hybrid phone rooms and function spaces within the lounge, both of which are sure to be popular with business travelers and families.

The lounge also has a dedicated space for those with the invitation-only Centurion Card, and there’s even a private restroom opposite the space for your convenience.

There is a shower room in the lounge, stocked with L’Occitane products, and a men’s and women’s toilet between the bar and restaurant.

As always, the basics are covered.

There are plenty of AC outlets and USB-A and USB-C ports throughout the space, and fast, free Wi-Fi coverage is available throughout.

bottom line

Salt Lake City’s new Amex Centurion Lounge is a welcome addition to an airport that does not yet have an issuer-branded lounge.

With spacious layouts, a lovely year-round terrace and facilities that blend comfort with local flair, there’s a lot to love.

Given Salt Lake City’s long history in the area, it’s no surprise that American Express would want to invest in Salt Lake City. (American Express National Bank is headquartered near Sandy, Utah.)

Whether you’re connecting through Delta’s SLC or flying with another airline, this outpost will become a must-visit for cardmembers looking to unwind and unwind before their flight.

Don’t worry if you have to wait in long queues: the new terminal itself is still a beautiful place to relax.

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