American Express is known its network of Centurion Lounges, which are open to those with select premium credit cards. Well, the card issuer has just eliminated a popular amenity from some of these lounges, as reported by Zach Griff.
In this post:
Amex Centurion Lounge spas close due to crowding
Historically, Amex has partnered with with Exhale to offer express spa treatments to guests at select Centurion Lounges. However, these were only available at three lounges, in Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX), and Miami (MIA). Guests could generally choose from back massages or nail treatments, with services lasting around 15 minutes.
Well, unfortunately these spas have all been shuttered as of Thursday, October 3, 2024. Amex explains that this is being done in order to add more seating areas to these lounges, and in turn, to accommodate more eligible card members.
These spas weren’t exactly huge — maybe a few hundred square feet — though I guess some additional seating is better than nothing. Only time will tell how exactly Amex furnishes the former spa rooms. Will they just have some chairs thrown in them, will they be quiet rooms, or something else?
My take on Amex closing Centurion Lounge spas
Of course Amex is eliminating an amenity that has a bit of a halo effect, and I imagine people won’t be happy about that. At the same time, I’m also not sure I can really blame the card issuer.
Lounge crowding has become such a major issue in recent years. When Centurion Lounges were launched over a decade ago, it was inconceivable to think that the day would come where lounges would have waitlists to get in. Fast forward to today, when it’s not even unusual to see that, at least at lounges in the United States.
I also imagine these spas weren’t great in terms of managing expectations. Actually getting a treatment was almost like winning the lottery, given how many guests these lounges get, and how few treatments are available in a day.
Most cardmembers can only access three lounges in advance, and typically these treatments were booked up that far out. If anything, the best way to snag a spa treatment was to have a longer layover between flights, where the three hour access rule doesn’t apply.
Amex now sort of lags the competition when it comes to cool lounge gimmicks and amenities. Some Capital One Lounges and Chase Sapphire Lounges have some special amenities. For example, the Capital One Lounge Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) has Peloton bikes and relaxation pods, while the Chase Sapphire Lounge New York LaGuardia (LGA) has complimentary facials.
Bottom line
Amex Centurion Lounge spas have just closed, due to lounge overcrowding, and to make space for more seating. These spas were only found in three of the locations, and those rooms will now instead have seating added, to accommodate more eligible guests.
While it’s of course sad to see this amenity cut, I don’t remember the last time I was actually able to get an appointment, so it’s not much of a loss for me…
What do you make of Amex closing Centurion Lounge spas? Is it a sensible move, or just cost cutting?
"Most cardmembers can only access three lounges in advance..."
You mean "access lounges three hours in advance" I presume, based on the rest of the paragraph, LOL.
I had a facial at the LGA Chase lounge last week and it was very pleasant. I was there in the morning; the lounge was crowded but not full and I was able to make an appointment within 45 minutes.
Seating > Manicures
I'm pretty much over centurion lounges and Amex Platinum in general, overcrowded, the food is mediocre and you have to wait in line for a drink.
But don't they charge $50 for guests or do they let kids in for free?
Not surprised and honestly these lounges leave a bad customer experience since no one ever gets in... Wondering what will happen with the one in JFK.
One thing I noticed at the SEA Centurion lounge is that nowadays it always says “Full” if you check the app. Maybe that is a way of reducing overcrowding (people see that, think its not worth it and go to the Sky Club). Even last Saturday evening (generally not a busy travel time), it said “Full.” I went in, and maybe 50% of the tables were occupied.
While they're at it, why not eliminate the kitchen, bar, and buffet for more seating.
Heck why not even replace the whole lounge with slimline seats, splash your pants 737MAX restroom, and remove the Centurion area to 4 seats separated by a 6 inch curtain.
Gosh, so many improvements that Amex could have done but didn't yet. Why stop at just the spa.
Is the Equinox Body Lab at the JFK Centurion Lounge also closed? Over the years its availability was always spotty.
What about international Centurions like MEX?
The one at Mex was pretty nice when I went there a could years ago but more like a restaurant than a lounge. Much better than the Aeromexico lounges for sure.
I just wanted tuna tartare and ended up with a three course meal. Service was good and a left a nice tip. But not great if you are in a hurry.
While I'm sure the utilization rate of the spa was super high, the percentage of visitors that are actually able to use the spa is probably under 1%.
Value of marketing halo vs. cost of service vs. rate of cardholders that can benefit.
Centurion lounges are the Costco of lounges.
I would actually go as far as calling them Walmart lounges.
Costco is still somewhat respectful!
Yes, and some people would probably never use the spa even if they had several hours in the lounge (I don't really have a desire for a massage or a facial in a crowded airport lounge?). Seems like a positive step for the median lounge user.
Many places the seating is not very space efficient. AmEx could have added more capacity but adjusting the seating. I suspect this has to do to the cost of the SPA as well.
AmEx should really start charging for children and babies at double the normal rate or simply not allow anyone in under the age of 6. It's so disgusting and trashy to see a bunch of screaming kids running around like its a Chuck-E-Cheese, and there's nowhere a toddler needs to be.
Lucky and Ford and their bundle of joy don’t agree with you!
You should fly private
I agree wholeheartedly. Also, so tired on entitled parents acting like the people having to deal with their misbehaving "angels" need to "stay at home" or "fly private". Their has to be a happy medium between a Centurion lounge becoming a diaper laden chuck e. cheese playground OR a hipster library where no one can make noise, unless it's clinking your "copper" Moscow mule cups. I'm not anti-children or anti-family. But I am anti-non parenting....
I agree wholeheartedly. Also, so tired on entitled parents acting like the people having to deal with their misbehaving "angels" need to "stay at home" or "fly private". Their has to be a happy medium between a Centurion lounge becoming a diaper laden chuck e. cheese playground OR a hipster library where no one can make noise, unless it's clinking your "copper" Moscow mule cups. I'm not anti-children or anti-family. But I am anti-non parenting. Control your spawn and we'll all be better for it.
Amen
You seem pleasant ….