It has been a hot minute since I last reviewed an airport lounge, and this one is long overdue. As one of the lounges I most frequent, the Amex Centurion Lounge Seattle is my favorite US lounge. It has excellent food, a great layout, and a fantastic coffee bar.
Disclosure: I am not affiliated with American Express. I did not receive any monetary or other incentives from them. I accessed this lounge with my Amex Platinum. My opinions are solely based on my personal experience.
Access and Entry
Access to the Centurion Lounge is restricted to Amex Platinum, Amex Platinum Business, and Centurion cardholders. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders can also enter, provided they are flying Delta that day and booked their ticket with the Reserve card.
When arrive at the lounge, you will need to present your eligible card, a same-day boarding pass, and a government-issued ID. You only can access the lounge up to three hours before departure and you cannot use it upon arrival. For layovers, as of July 8, 2026, you will only be able to access the lounge five hours before your connecting flight.
If you want to bring guests, you’ll need to pay $50 per adult or $30 for children aged 2 through 17. Complimentary guest access for up to two guests is available if you spend $75,000 or more in eligible purchases on your Platinum card within a calendar year.
Seating and Layout
The Seattle Amex Centurion Lounge is located on the mezzanine level of the Central Terminal, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. At 14,000 square feet, it’s a spacious and well-designed space. Seating options include high-top tables near the bar, booths, sofas, and individual cubicles. There is also a large conference table in the back of the lounge, available on a first-come, first-served basis, though there is no dedicated conference space.
Personally, I love the booths area right by the buffet. They provide easily access to the food and drinks with ample space. If you are looking for a quieter and less trafficked space, I would go to the back where you’ll find some lounge chairs designed for more privacy.
Food and Beverage
The food at the Amex Centurion Lounge SEA has been consistently good. Amex partnered with Chef Kristi Brown, the executive chef for the SEA lounge. Raised in Seattle, she opened the popular Communion Restaurant & Bar in 2020, and has been a finalist for the James Beard Awards.
Brown describes the food here as “Seattle Soul,” meaning you’ll often find dishes like fried catfish, cornbread, and shrimp and grits. Expect locally inspired meals that rotate throughout breakfast and dinner.
Amenities and Facilities
The Centurion Lounge offers shower suites where you’ll find shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a hair dryer. Showers can be reserved at the front desk. High-speed Wi-Fi is available; simply visit the member services desk to get the password.
The standout feature of this lounge, however, is its coffee and smoothie bar. Blue Roast by American Express features made-to-order drinks from Seattle-based Caffè Umbria, as well as a selection of healthy snacks.
During the summer months, there is a ice cream cart providing sundaes for guests. Toppings and flavors rotate, so it’s worth checking out even if you’ve visited before. The ice cream cart is usually right next to the coffee bar.
Cleanliness and Service
Cleanliness has always been excellent here. I have seen them cap the number of guests in the lounge to ensure the staff can maintain their high standards. Overall, service has always been great. Centurions lounges, like most US lounges, have suffered from overcrowding in the recent years. If you are traveling during a busy holiday, expect to wait a bit to get in.
The Amex app now allows you to put yourself on the waitlist before arriving at the lounge entrance. I usually put myself on the waitlist right as I enter the TSA lines. By the time I get through, I can usually get in without a problem.
Overall Impression
If you happen to pass through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the Centurion Lounge is absolutely worth a visit. Between the locally inspired cuisine, the lovely coffee bar, and a spacious and well-maintained layout, it stands out as one of the best lounges in the entire Centurion network.
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