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THE ALVIATOR'S VERDICT
This is an upgrade over Priority Pass lounges (which AmEx Platinum cardholders otherwise have access to), though it is a crowded space with zero natural light. The food and beverage options are substantially better than at other non-airline lounges |
4.0
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In June 2024, I visited the AmEx Centurion Lounge at Heathrow Airport. Heathrow’s Terminal 3 gained an AmEx Centurion lounge in 2021, and it’s one of 25 worldwide Centurion Lounge locations. While Platinum cardholders have access to a large variety of Priority Pass lounges, Centurion lounges are usually considered a cut above most contract lounges (I’ve visited the Centurion Lounge at Hong Kong Airport).
While the Centurion lounge is physically a nice space, I found it to be small, crowded, and devoid of natural light. It’s a more pleasant place to hang out compared to the terminal, given that Terminal 3 is otherwise quite drab, stuffy, and lacks a variety of seating options. However, the only reason to come early to this lounge is if you want to sample one of the great signature cocktails available at the bar.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Access and Opening Hours
AmEx Centurion lounges are generally available to AmEx Platinum, Business Platinum and Centurion cardholders. You’re able to enter the lounge on a supplementary card, and guesting policies differ depending on which country you hold a Platinum card for. In this case my Hong Kong-issued Platinum card comes with a free guest, though I know that guests cost US$50 for U.S.-issued cards. You also need to have a departing boarding pass out of Heathrow’s Terminal 3 (for those unfamiliar with Heathrow, you can’t easily get between terminals airside).
The other way to enter the lounge is if you’ve got a Delta SkyMiles Reserve card. However, not only do you need to be flying Delta on the day, but the flight needs to be booked using that card.
The lounge is open 5:30 AM to 9 PM.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Location
The AmEx Centurion lounge is located at Heathrow’s Terminal 3. It’s the only lounge not located by the terminal’s general lounge area, where the British Airways, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, and No1 lounges are all housed. Instead, follow the airport’s (poorly laid out) signage to Lounge A, which is closer to gates 23-42.
Signage to Lounges at Heathrow Airport
The Centurion Lounge is located by Accessorize, and there’s also a Mr. Men and Little Miss play area next to the Centurion Lounge, which makes for quite an amusing juxtaposition. You’ll be able to spot some lit-up blue signage heading towards the lounge.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Entrance
Head up the stairs or take the lift, and you’ll see the lounge’s entrance, including the access policies. I handed my card over to the lounge agent, and was swiftly let in.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Entrance
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Seating and Atmosphere
The AmEx Centurion Lounge features a series of small rooms connected by a hallway. Apart from the lounge’s signature blue and faux wood finishes, the lounge features framed aviation-themed artwork, which is quite fun.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Hallway
Nearest the entrance is a working area, with a few different configurations of chairs set up for working. There’s a large table in the middle, some booths by the side, and some armchairs facing each other with small round tables.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Working Area
You’ll also be able to find some Dutch-inspired working/call booths, as pictured below:
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Working/Call Booth
Further in from the entrance was the main dining area. Apologies for the below photos – this area was very busy during my stay at the lounge, which was at around 4 PM. This area featured both the food spread and the bar, both of which I’ll get into later in the post.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Dining Area
Then at the far end of the lounge was a multi-purpose area of sorts, with a large Y-shaped couch, armchairs in the periphery, and some relax booths with tables and cushions. There was a TV with audio on (quietly) in this area as well.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Multi-Purpose Area
Overall, the facility is nice, though I found it to be on the small side, with a total lack of natural light. I suppose it’s good that even during a busier period there’s some seating available throughout the lounge, though I did think that the lounge was on the crowded side when I was there, despite it not being peak travel season.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Food Options
The AmEx Centurion Lounge features a small food spread. Cold options feature salads, dips and sandwiches, and hot options featured a malabar curry with coconut rice and various forms of roast vegetables, braised beef, Thai-style grilled chicken thigh, and truffle mushroom ravioli. There was also a baklava cake of sorts. I’d call the food spread limited, but not disappointing, as everything was fairly high quality.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Food Spread
There was also a separate dessert stand with teas available.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Dessert Stand
While there are coffee machines at the lounge, unfortunately there isn’t any barista coffee.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Bar
As aforementioned, the lounge’s bar is located in the dining area, and is designed with gold finishes, giving a slightly West-End/Broadway style effect.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Bar
The extensive cocktail menu read as follows:
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Cocktail Menu
This is an awesome cocktail menu, and the drinks available at Centurion Lounges are always a highlight. It was nice to see a couple of non-alcoholic options on the menu, and I also really appreciated that drinks were available round the clock, even though I personally wouldn’t indulge at 5:30 AM (in this country, a lot of people would!).
I asked for a recommendation, and was asked about my preferred flavour profile. After describing, he recommended a white negroni (“Wayne’s Collins), which I agreed to. I really liked the drink and wouldn’t hesitate to order it again.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Cocktail
I generally appreciate from this cocktail list that the spirits used aren’t run-of-the-mill – they’re intentionally sourced by their partnership with Jim Meehan, and wouldn’t be the easiest to find at other lounges.
I won’t dedicate a separate section to service at this lounge as my interactions were limited, though everyone I interacted with was friendly, and the bartender was particularly helpful in helping me choose a drink.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Centurion Seating Area
The AmEx Centurion Lounge features a separate seating area for Centurion members. I’m sure that there are separate services and amenities available beyond this small seating area, though the area itself didn’t look all that comfortable, exciting, or private.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Centurion Seating Area
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Showers
While I didn’t get to check this out during my stay, the lounge features two shower suites, which look well-appointed.
AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow Shower Suites
Conclusion: AmEx Centurion Lounge Heathrow
The AmEx Centurion Lounge at Heathrow is a good option if you’re flying economy, don’t have frequent flyer status, but have an AmEx Platinum card (or are flying with a friend who does). I think the drinks here are awesome, and there’s seating here that is more pleasant than in the terminal, even during busy times. However, otherwise the lounge is devoid of natural light and on the small and crowded side, and I wouldn’t come early just to visit this lounge.
I wondered about this lounge when I flew from terminal 3 last year but lacked reliable information so went with Cathay. Thanks for the detailed review.