Amex is known for its popular Centurion Lounges, which feature nice decor, and a solid selection of food and drinks. The smallest lounge in the network will shortly be expanding, which is something that I’m sure many in the Pacific Northwest will appreciate.
In this post:
Basics of the Amex Centurion Lounge Seattle expansion
The Centurion Lounge Seattle is the smallest lounge in Amex’s network of US airport lounges. When the lounge first opened it was actually branded as the “Centurion Studio,” as it was only 3,100 square feet. Since then the lounge has been expanded to 4,500 square feet, but that’s still quite small, with some of Amex’s other Centurion Lounges now being 15,000+ square feet.
In early 2021, Amex formally announced it would be expanding its Centurion Lounge in Seattle, as the lounge will grow to 13,700 square feet. Amex is leasing the space on the mezzanine level of the Central Terminal, above the central food court area. This is a new space that has been created during the Central Terminal’s renovation.
Per the airport authority meeting at the time (I’m not sure if conditions have changed since then), Amex will lease the space for 10 years, and will pay $220 per square feet per year for the first five years, which comes out to about $3 million in annual rent. On top of that, Amex is investing $16.5 million to build the lounge.
There haven’t been too many updates on the timeline of this lounge actually opening, until now…
Amex Centurion Lounge Seattle changeover
The new Amex Centurion Lounge Seattle is almost ready, and Amex has provided an update about the transition between the two lounges:
- The old Amex Centurion Lounge Seattle Concourse B will close permanently at 7PM on January 29, 2023
- The new Amex Centurion Lounge Seattle Central Terminal will open “in the coming weeks,” though we don’t yet have a more exact date beyond that
It sounds to me like the new lounge is more or less ready to go, with the exception of some furniture and decorations that will likely be moved between lounges. Here’s to hoping that the new lounge opens in February 2023.
Bottom line
The Amex Centurion Lounge Seattle is getting a much needed upgrade, as it will roughly triple in size, from 4,500 square feet to 13,7000 square feet. The new lounge is weeks away from opening, and we can expect that on January 29 the old lounge will be closing, in anticipation of the move.
Are you looking forward to the new Amex Centurion Lounge Seattle?
This is a much needed improvement for the lounge experience in Seattle. When I fly Delta, I'll use the Sky Club lounge, but most of the time, I can find cheaper flights with other airlines. The Centurion lounge in Seattle would often get crowded and leave a long wait line in the front. Hoping this expansion fixes that issue.
I was in the small lounge in Seattle near gates B recently and it was very small and crowded. People had to wait on line untl others exited. Not a comfortable or luxury experience.
It’ll open after the new guest policy kicks in. Think of the space!
Unfortunately, I have many flights through SEA between now and February 15 and most of them will be after January 29. I have a flight on February 15, but it is at 7:00 a.m. so I doubt the lounge will be open then. If it opens at 6:00 a.m., I could be the first customer.
I work for the Port of Seattle (we run the airport). The Centurion Lounge has invited all Port employees to a private event on February 14, “a day before we officially open to our card members”.
Multiple reports from staff in the existing lounge have reported that they've been told a Feb 15th opening by their management.
I spoke with a staff member last week and he told me the delay between closing one and opening.the other was for them to train up new staff.
Good to hear, the SEA Centurion is pretty pathetic. Luckily the Sky Club next door is great, so we usually don't bother.
A bigger lounge and no more guests! Amex lounges are back!!
Unfamiliar with layout of sea. Flying SEA_Dub mid march. Not sure which terminal aer lingus operate from
Does terminal set up allow me access to centurion. Plat card holder
It's one open terminal. For Dub you'll probably have to take a train to your gate, but you won't have to pass security again.
All gates at SEA are connected airside. Aer Lingus will likely depart from the S gates, which is at a satellite location, requiring the train. Train doesn't take long at all, so you'll be able to access the lounge easily.
Thank you both for response
The Ba lounge which aer lingus will direct me to looks pretty drab
BA lounge at SEA is dreadful.
Disappointing - was hoping to check out beginning of Feb. Hopefully the Alaska lounge is accessible, although I hear it’s tough to get in if your flight is credited to Alaska/AA but you have Oneworld status with a different airline.
And with food from one of the hottest chefs in town!