Amex has been on a roll lately with new Centurion Lounges opening in Atlanta (ATL), Washington, D.C.-Reagan (DCA), and most recently, Mexico City (MEX) – plus, the bank has already announced plans to open a new location in Tokyo (HND) next year.
But why stop there? On Wednesday, American Express announced plans to open a Centurion Lounge at Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) sometime in 2025. The newly constructed lounge will be in the new Concourse B as part of phase four of “The New SLC” airport redevelopment program.
It'll be a welcome sight for travelers, as the airport is currently home to just a single Delta Sky Club and USO Lounge, only accessible to U.S. military members and their families.
At nearly 16,000 square feet, the new space won't be the largest Centurion Lounge in Amex's portfolio, but it should be a decent-sized space and the planned year-round outdoor terrace, complete with picturesque views of the Wasatch Mountains, will no doubt help it feel bigger.
The new lounge in Salt Lake City is expected to have all the usual amenities that make Centurion Lounges stand out among the competition, including stellar food and drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi, quiet workspaces, a shower suite, as well as some local flair like a “Blue Roast by American Express” coffee bar, featuring specialty coffee drinks from a local roaster.
As for food, the SLC Centurion Lounge plans to partner with an award-winning chef to feature a menu full of fresh, local ingredients. Guests can expect a rotating selection of hot breakfast items, main courses, sides, salads, and soups throughout the day, as well as freshly made desserts.
If you're thirsty, you can choose from a wide selection of locally inspired cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages at not one, but two different bars.
Not to be a downer – this all great news – but it's worth noting that Amex Centurion Lounges have become the poster child of overcrowded lounges lately as travelers have added the top-tier *amex platinum* to their wallets in record numbers.
This issue of overcrowding and long lines to get in will likely be a problem here, too, as American Express has deep ties to the Salt Lake City area with its headquarters located mere miles away in Sandy, Utah.
“American Express has strong roots in the Salt Lake City community. It’s home to many of our colleagues and Card Members and a popular vacation destination for US and global Card Members,” Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, said in a statement. “The new Centurion Lounge will give eligible Card Members a taste of what this beautiful destination has to offer and feature premium amenities for all types of travelers.”
These local ties, coupled with Delta's dominance in Salt Lake City, is sure to be a recipe for disaster. With the bank and airline having reciprocal access agreements for its top cardholders there are likely going to be many travelers waiting outside on opening day … and beyond.
How to Get In
Getting into this new Centurion Lounge at SLC will likely look similar to other Amex lounges. Simply show your *amex platinum*, *biz platinum*, or American Express Centurion Card (invite-only), a boarding pass, and an ID.
Thrifty Tip: Don't have your Amex card on you? You can still get in with the Amex mobile app by scanning a QR code on your phone, bypassing the need to show your card at the check-in desk.
You can also get into Amex Centurion Lounges with the top-tier *delta reserve card*, but there's a hitch: You have to be flying Delta that day – and you must have paid for your ticket with your Reserve Card, too.
Guests typically cost $50 apiece (or $30 for minors) unless you charged a whopping $75,000 per year to your Amex Platinum Card.
Read our full guide to Amex Centurion Lounges!
Bottom Line
Amex just announced plans to open a new Centurion Lounge in Salt Lake City's new Concourse B in 2025.
While not the biggest lounge in Amex's portfolio, when open, guests can expect the usual amenities including excellent food and drinks, speedy Wi-Fi, showers, workstations, and comfy seating to relax before a flight. That is, if you can get in.
Lead image courtesy of American Express
