I often go to Seattle to visit my son and remember past visits to the old American Express® Centurion® Lounge there. It was smaller then, and a bit darker, but I still enjoyed the visit. Today, I was visiting the Centurion Lounge for the first time since it’d been completely renovated and . . . wow! What an improvement. 

Spacious, light, and welcoming—I could see why there was a line. The food was great just like it was before the renovation, but there was even more to enjoy this time. There is a fabulous barista-run coffee counter called Blue Roast where you can get specialty coffees, teas, smoothies, and small bites like a berries and cream danish or a whipped mozzerella sandwich. 

 

 

The queen of all offerings for this sweet-toothed gal was the ice cream station where a cranberry-pear sorbet and a matcha ice cream were being made in-house, along with tons of offerings like oreo bits and flavored toppings.

 

Location and Amenities

You’ll find the Centurion® Lounge on the mezzanine level of the central terminal, above the main food court. Once airside, look up. It’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. It’s slightly hidden near the end of the food court, close to the large windows, and it has great views of the runway and (on clear days) the Olympic Mountains.

After its expansion, the lounge feels much more usable than the older location that used to be near Terminal B. There are distinct zones:

• Dining tables near the buffet

• Softer lounge chairs by the windows

• Work tables with outlets for those who can’t relax. 🙋🏻‍♀️ (I’m writing this after eating a great meal of fettucine alfredo, Brussels sprouts, salad, sorbet, and brownies.)

 

 

Natural light is a big plus here, especially on clear Seattle days.

 

 

Like most American Express® Centurion® Lounges, crowding is the main downside. Midday and early evening can mean a waitlist. If you’re tight on time, check capacity in the Amex app before heading up. I didn’t do that and had to wait about 20 minutes. [Editor’s note: Traci advises joining the waitlist on the app when you arrive at the curb before going through security, or right when you land if you’re connecting.]

I was surprised to see many families in there, since guests are not complimentary anymore. But because it’s one of the best lounge options at the Seattle airport, and you can use it no matter which airline you’re flying, it can definitely be worth it, even for families. [Another editor’s note: If you’re in the lounge with kids, the bartenders make a mean Shirley Temple.]

Showers are available in the lounge, which makes a big difference if you’re connecting off a long flight or getting ready for a redeye. They’re clean and well-maintained, but you may need to join a waitlist during busy hours.

 

Bottom Line

If you’re flying through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and hold the right card, the American Express® Centurion® Lounge is one of the better ways to spend your pre-flight time. Since the airport isn’t my favorite, this new lounge is going to redeem the time I spend there now. 

 

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