Charlotte Centurion Lounge — Local services in Charlotte

As someone who travels frequently and appreciates the comfort and amenities of the Amex Centurion Lounge, I want to be clear that the lounge itself is great with a great selection of food and a lot of space (although usually crowded and the outside view isn’t the best). However, I’ve now had two separate experiences that compel me to speak up—not about the facilities, but about the security and check-in process, which I’ve found to be troublingly inconsistent and, quite frankly, inequitable.

On both occasions, I was asked to provide my American Express card, a government-issued ID, and my boarding pass before being allowed entry. I understand and respect the need for secure and thorough verification. What I do not understand, nor accept, is the way that this policy appears to be applied selectively.

During my most recent visits on 6/28 and 6/29 both in the morning around 8:15am, after presenting my card, I was asked in a tone that implied suspicion, “Do you have ID?” The phrasing, the tone, and the body language made it clear that the desk agent was not just verifying identity, but doubting ownership. While I remained respectful and complied, I couldn’t help but notice the stark contrast in how the guest after me—a white woman—was treated. Not only was she not asked for an ID, but she was asked in a casual, friendly tone which of the two names on the profile she was, then quickly welcomed after providing her boarding pass.

This disparity is exactly the kind of subtle bias that, while easily dismissed by some, accumulates and communicates a painful message to those on the receiving end: that we are not presumed to belong, or to be trusted, in the same way.

Let me be clear—if the policy is to verify all guests with ID, then that’s fair and should be consistently enforced. But it is not acceptable to enforce that policy selectively, and certainly not based on assumptions tied to race or appearance. I am a platinum Amex cardholder, a professional, and yes—a Black man. I should not have to work harder to prove my right to be here.

Amex is a brand that stands for excellence, service, and inclusion. I hope that message is not lost at the security desk.

I share this feedback not to complain, but in the hope that it leads to better training, more consistency, and a more welcoming experience for all members—regardless of who they are or what...

I had a hard time finding the lounge, since the map and website say it is by Concourses D and E. It is actually around the corner to the right from the Charlotte Supply store if you are coming from Concourse D. Walk past the signs to Concourse E then go past Charlotte Supply, turn right at hallway. The Centurion elevator is on the right past the food court.

I have been 3x for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There always seems to be a 20 - 30 min wait.

The hot breakfast starts at 6:30 am with Continental earlier. There was scrambled eggs, mini quiches, sausage, potatoes, yogurt, fresh fruit such as melon, prosciutto, mini pancakes, S'more scones, donuts, muffins, and some whole fruit by the bar. I saw one cappuccino/fancy coffee machine, orange juice, unsweetened ice tea, hot tea, and a bar

Staff was nice and smiling as they promptly cleared away plates/cups. It was about 10 minutes to gate E40 from the lounge. For this visit, I gave the lounge, 4 stars for the food.

Second visit for lunch. Lunch and dinner are 11:30 am - 9:30 pm. I was there 2:00 pm on a Sunday Jan 5, 2025, and you needed to scan the barcode on the sign to get on a wait list. No indication of time, and it was about a 30 minute wait. Lunch time was much nicer with a made to order mimosa/sparking wine pop-up bar, a separate ice cream bar with toppings you can select plus the buffet had good chicken, salad, and some of the best desserts I have had in a lounge - the chocolate cake crumble with whipped cream on top was very good and not too sweet plus the red velvet cookie with white chocolate chunks was very nice. I made it to gate B15 (farthest gate) in 9 minutes. This visit, I would give the lounge a 5 stars.

Third dinner visit, there was good chicken, salad, cauliflower, sweet potatoes with spinach, and potato salad. Desserts were a bit disappointing, but I was able to eat enough for dinner to tide me over. No ice cream bar, but the champagne was available.

Photo is of the approximate times to the gates from the Centurion Lounge.

Overall, 4.5 stars but subtracting a half a star for the waits. You have to stand, no chairs nearby while you wait. Bathroom down the hall...

I had the unfortunate experience of being a passenger on DL1092 on June 28th when the flight experienced an emergency landing. Myself and another passenger who also have access to the MX Lounge under normal circumstances. As you can imagine we were very emotional knowing that if we could access the lounge would could at least eat and try and relax. When we arrived, we explained the situation regarding the flight. The Airport Lounge employees informed us that we needed a boarding pass for day of departure flight. Frustrated and baffled we walked back across the airport to obtain a boarding pass from Delta Airline employee. When we returned, and presented the boarding pass, the MX Lounge employee then informed us that we needed id to access the lounge. It was very difficult for us to explain to them that everything we had was on the airplane when we were told we had to evacuate the aircraft without our personal items to include id. Even after informing the manager, we were told, "I'm sorry, that's the RULE". Being an American Express cardholder of at least two cards for the sole purpose (including annual fees) to have access to the lounge when I travel both business and personal and to be denied entry was very disturbing. I thought I was a valued customer having experienced a near death experience only to have American Express tell me sorry. Seven hours after receiving my identification, I attempted to go back to only be told that there was a waiting list. I am glad that I am a Christian because it took everything for me to maintain my composure! I am employed with a Fortune 25 company and I understand Process and procedures but to not allow the employees the empowerment to make exceptions is very unfortunate. The other passenger decided she didn't want to attempt entry after the second denial. I have shared this experience with co-workers, friends and family to BEWARE of the Charlotte American Express Lounge.

Concerned...