Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta: What to expect now that it’s open

I’ve visited some of the most spectacular lounges all over the world. Many of the best will only grant access to those with a premium first or business class boarding pass. But after visiting the new Amex Centurion Lounge in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), I can say that it’s unequivocally the best lounge I’ve ever entered that can be accessed solely from carrying a travel credit card. It’s not without its foibles, but it brings some unique and hyper-premium amenities that you won’t find at most other airport lounges, especially within the U.S.

I visited this lounge on opening day. I’ll take you on a quick tour to demonstrate how airport lounges can revolutionize your travel—and show you how you can easily access them yourself.

Amex Centurion Lounge Atlanta hours and location

Getting to the Centurion Lounge from any of Atlanta’s seven concourses is a cinch. All terminals are connected by a speedy Plane Train that operates below the walkway. In other words, you can visit the lounge even if your flight departs from a different concourse.

This lounge is located in Concourse E near gate 11. Several signs help to ensure you’re heading in the right direction. Of all the Centurion Lounges I’ve visited, this lounge exhibits perhaps the least thought-out access point. It’s positioned behind the gate’s waiting area.

Walk through the heavy glass doors, and you’re immediately on another planet. The enormous signature “living wall” found at all Centurion Lounges ambushes you from the right, with three check-in lanes shepherding folks toward the front desk. Let’s hope three lanes proves to be overkill.

First walking into the lounge, the size is immediately impressive. Its open-concept 26,000 square feet makes it a Manhattan three-bedroom apartment bigger than the previous king-of-Atlanta-lounges, the Delta Sky Club in Concourse F.

As you’d expect, there were a lot of seats. But a surprising…