To be on the safe side we left plenty of time to get to the airport, given that our ride from the airport to the Grand Hyatt took 2.5 hours. We were lucky that our drive from the Grand Hyatt to the airport only took 40 minutes, so we arrived with plenty of time to spare. We first checked out the American Express Centurion Lounge, which is located landside. While most lounges are located past security, the Centurion Lounge is in terminal one on the upper level, just above the check-in desks.
Sao Paulo Airport departures hall
We received complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge on account of the American Express Platinum Card, one of my favorite credit cards with airport lounge benefits. The associate at the front desk was friendly and after entering my card number into the system promptly admitted us.
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport entrance
So the lounge was really nice… for a DMV waiting room. In all honesty, the lounge was extremely underwhelming. It was tiny and overcrowded, with seating for maybe a bit over a dozen people.
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport seating
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport seating
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport seating
There was a tiny business center with a few PCs.
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport business center
And there was also a children’s play area which was completely empty. It sure seems like that space could be better utilized, given how overcrowded the lounge is otherwise.
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport children’s area
The food spread was pretty pathetic as well, and just consisted of some finger sandwiches, tarts, and one dessert option.
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport food spread
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport food spread
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport food spread
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport food spread
There was a coffee machine and a cooler with soft drinks, though the lounge didn’t have any alcohol.
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport coffee machine
American Express Centurion Lounge Sao Paulo Airport drinks
Look, ultimately any lounge is better than no lounge, but of the lounges I visited at Sao Paulo Airport this was the worst (and there’s a lot of competition for that title, trust me!). While I realize all lounges operated by American Express are called “Centurion Lounges,” I feel like they’re not doing themselves any favors with this one. The new Centurion Lounge in Dallas/Ft. Worth is spectacular, for example, but do you really want a lounge like this named after your most prestigious card?
Anyway, after snapping a few pictures of the lounge we headed for security to check out the airside lounges.
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