Last week I attended a pre-opening dinner at American Express’ new Centurion lounge at New York LaGuardia.
It’s a fantastic space, smaller than the other Centurion lounges, which makes sense given its purpose — LaGuardia isn’t a ‘long layover’ airport.
At the time of the dinner American Express didn’t have a firm opening date. Construction was done, permits were in hand, but they were still working out final service details.
A little birdie tells me that the lounge is now open, as of 6am this morning.
Access rules: The lounge can be accessed by:
- Centurion and Platinum cardholders: Cardmember may bring in their spouse and children or two guests
- Other American Express cardholders: $50 per adult (children complimentary when accompanied by paying adult)
Hours: The lounge is open from 6am to 8pm daily.
Location: The lounge is landside (before security) in the Central Terminal – Terminal B – at New York LaGuardia. That makes it accessible if you’re flying American, United, JetBlue, Air Canada, Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit.
From outside the airport, enter via the food court entrance on the upper (departures) level. Turn to your left and you’ll see elevators which you’ll take up to the third floor.
There’s no spa like they have in Dallas, and no kids room. The highlight is the buffet and the bar. Here’s the food and beverage menu for the lounge.
American Express Platinum cardholder flying out of LaGuardia? There’s finally a really nice lounge for your predeparture time. I highly recommend the fried chicken.
It’s before security, but lines at LaGuardia are short generally. And they’re planning to ad a screen in the entryway to the lounge showing current security wait times to put you at greater ease.
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When you say Platinum cardholder, do you mean any plat card from any country (eg, Canada, UK)or is it only the American version?
@jim, here’s a Q&A from the Centurion Lounge website:
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My American Express Card is issued outside of the US. Am I eligible to enter The Centurion Lounge?
Yes, all American Express Card Members who hold a valid American Express Credit or Charge Card are eligible to enter The Centurion Lounge.
***
Looks like any country’s platinum card should work.
US cards work in lounges outside the US also — although the lounges outside the US are not at all to the same standard
I kind of want to go check it out and I live 10 mins from LGA. Think you need a boarding pass to get in?
@myb821 – yes, boarding pass required
If I have a Delta American Express Platinum credit card… Can I gain free entry or is that not a qualifying card?
Can I access the lounge upon arrival at LGA or is it only for departing passengers?
@peter should work on arrival
Was there yesterday from 3 to 4 pm. Almost empty when I arrived but started to fill up later – families & business travelers (since it was a Friday). Food was EXCELLENT – especially the Crostini & the chicken was moist – and the Prosecco was great. Everyone there was pleasant and friendly.
Was flying on US Airways so had to take Bus B to their Terminal. Bus runs every 10-15 mins. and took about 10 mins. Still had time (thanks Pre-Check) to pop into the US Airways Club and see exactly why the Centurion Lounge is better (certainly for food/drink). Although the team at the US Airways Club is always helpful & the views from both Clubs are good.
What if you have the American Express Delta Platinum card, does that grant you access?
@Bill no it does not
According to the lounge rules and several employees I have spoken with over the phone, you do not need a boarding pass to enter. Many people, including myself, work for the airlines and do not always have boarding passes, even though we are traveling. According to what one employee asked me to reference regarding this, their own rules state that you may visit as long as you have a valid American Express Credit or Charge Card.