The American Express Global Lounge Collection will grow by not one, but two, airport lounges come 2020. On June 11, 2019 American Express officially announced plans for its 15thCenturion Lounge, the Centurion Lounge at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. But, interestingly, this announcement also came with the news of a second lounge.
In association with airport developer MAG USA, Amex will open the Escape Lounge next to the Centurion Lounge. In total, the two lounges will span 9,500 square feet and give us more than one reason to arrive early for our flights in and out of PHX (or lengthen our layovers). This is great news, especially considering 44 million passengers pass through PHX annually. Here’s what we know so far.
Where will the lounges be located within PHX?
They will open in Terminal 4, home to Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Condor, Southwest, Volaris and WestJet. Those flying from other Terminals will have to pass through security twice if hoping to access the lounges.
I know about Centurion Lounges but what is an Escape Lounge?
Though most of us are familiar with The Centurion Lounge network, American Express’ signature, state-of-the-art lounge collection, many are not familiar with Escape Lounges. Escape lounges are a small collection of common-use airport lounges located through the US, UK, and Canada. There are currently fifteen in total, and any passenger can pay a daily fee, $40 in advance or $45 at the door, to enter Escape Lounges.
That said, Escape Lounges are part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection, meaning the daily fee is waived for those with: The Platinum Card®from American Express, the Centurion Card or The Business Platinum® Card from American Express.
Can I visit both lounges?
You sure can if you have the right credit card. Both are complimentary for Platinum Card, Centurion Card, and Business Platinum members as well as for two travel companions. Note neither lounge does not place restrictions on which airline—or class—you fly. So economy-class passengers are welcome!
What’s planned so far for the new Centurion Lounge at PHX and the new Escape Lounge at PHX?
According to details available at press time, the two lounges will span 9,500 square feet.
Like its Centurion peers, the Centurion Lounge at PHX will feature contemporary furnishings, locally-inspired cuisine, a beverage program by Centurion Lounge mixologist Jim Meehan, and wines handpicked by Centurion Lounge wine director Anthony Giglio, including seasonal wine flights. Plus, there will be shower suites, high-speed Wi-Fi, noise-buffering workspaces and on-site American Express Member Services Professionals to assist Card Members with Card account requests and travel-related inquiries.
The Escape Lounge is scheduled to feature the likes of Phoenix-inspired cocktails by noted mixologist Sarah McElroy, a local chef-curated menu and other amenities such as a silent digital library and children activity packs.
