Since I’ve seen a couple of references this week to the opening of the Philadelphia American Express Centurion Lounge this week ‘in early August’ (at The Points Guy) and ‘Aug 2017’ (at The Derp Report) I thought I’d clarify that the new Philadelphia lounge does not open in August.
Philadelphia is in need of better lounge options, and it’s getting them.
A year ago I was in one of the American Airlines Admirals Clubs while the two people working the bar got into a fight and refused to serve me sitting at the bar, I had to get up from my stool to stand in line in order to be helped. This was the line.
American Airlines Admirals Club
However frequent flyers now have more options. The Minute Suites is now a Priority Pass lounge so you can have some solitude in a small private room.
Minute Suites Philadelphia, credit: Priority Pass
A new American Airlines Flagship Lounge is set to open next year for international business class passengers, AAdvantage Platinums and above flying economy, as well as ConciergeKey members and oneworld mid-tier elites flying domestically.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge New York JFK
And American Express is opening a Centurion Lounge in Terminal A West (international departures) above the current British Airways lounge.
Philadelphia will join Dallas Fort-Worth, Las Vegas, Miami, New York LaGuardia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Houston in the growing US airport lounge network.
It’s expected to offer only 5500 square feet (just over half the size of Dallas, and only two-thirds the size of Houston) and feature a shower room, bar, and buffet.
Back in January they were ‘targeting’ an early-August open. However I wrote at the time,
I wouldn’t be surprised to see the opening schedule push out farther, because airports are about the most difficult environment to do business in in the country. But ‘second half of 2016’ seems more than reasonable to expect at this point.
And that’s exactly where we’re at. American Express tells me that they’re on track for a Fall opening, but they don’t have a specific date yet. Specific dates are never firm until inspections are completed and permits issued.
Gary–can you access terminal A west from other terminals (i.e., domestic terminals) with moderate ease? I plan on taking a couple trips on AA at the end of this year and wouldn’t mind a layover in PHI if it works out.
@AL yes all of the various terminals are connected airside at PHL, you can walk A to C in about 15 minutes, A to F would take longer. However there’s also shuttles that run airside as well, IIRC connecting A1 and C16 with F10.
Has there been any mention of ORD getting a Centurion Lounge? Even a rumor?
@Gary- would you please see if your contacts have any more info on the rumored DEN centurion lounge. DEN is horrible lounge wise, not even a priority pass lounge 🙁
T.Norfleet chase freedom cc applied got 7 to 10 message on line is this codes for declined? .Was approved for Ihg cc chase about week ago how to handle this if it is declined. Reconsideration line? or just wait it out am aware of 5/24 rule need veteran advice whose out there. Thanks.
I’m wondering if you can access the Centurion Lounges after you land as well as before your departure. Anyone know?
@Sean yes, you can. Be aware that after you land, some airlines “grey out” your e-boarding pass, so consider “screenshotting” your pass, or using a paper boarding pass. Otherwise, not an issue accessing the lounge.