I have not been paid by any entity in any way (financially, benefits) to write this American Express Centurion Lounge DCA review. Take precautions when traveling; please stay safe and consult local, state, and national authorities for guidance on traveling.
The American Express Centurion Lounge at Washington National has been a long time in the making. The lounge opened on July 17, 2024, and it has been a welcome addition to DCA’s Terminal 2.
Quick Take: American Express Centurion Lounge DCA Review
| Category | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Atmosphere & Design | ✅ 9/10 |
| Food & Beverage | ✅ 8/10 |
| Seating & Layout | ✅ 8/10 |
| Wi-Fi & Connectivity | ✅ 10/10 |
| Cleanliness & Comfort | ✅ 9/10 |
The American Express Centurion Lounge at DCA is a welcome addition to the airport’s lounge network, providing Amex cardholders with the long-awaited oasis.
Lounge Info
- Lounge Name: American Express Centurion Lounge
- Location: Terminal 2, near the South Security Checkpoint (airside)
- Operating Hours: Sunday-Friday 5:00AM – 9:00PM; Saturday 5:00AM-7:00PM
Access Policy
- Entry process: You must present an eligible boarding pass and American Express card for entry.
- Who can enter: American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders.
- Guest policy: Guest access varies according to your credit card and annual spend (for Platinum cardholders).
- Credit cards or memberships accepted: American Express Platinum and Centurion.
Today, I entered the Centurion Lounge DCA thanks to my U.S.-issued American Express Platinum Card.
Atmosphere & Seating
The American Express Centurion Lounge DCA has an open and modern vibe, with plenty of light and seating that never makes it feel too crowded, even during peak hours.
The lounge spans nearly 12,000 square feet and has views of the airport and Potomac River. There are plenty of seating options throughout.
Since I was one of the very first to enter the lounge, it was empty, providing me a great vantage point for pictures. There are seating options for groups and individuals, as highlighted by these solo seats.
The lounge is built out long, so you’ll find more seating along the corridor leading from the dining area to the rear of the lounge.
There is a desk area for people to work and lounge.
And of course there was the Centurion area, which is on the right side corridor of the lounge.
Smack in the middle of the lounge, you’ll find the dining area, which offers plenty of bar seats and dining tables.
There is of course a full-service bar that wasn’t quite open yet at 5-something AM.
Food & Beverage
The Centurion Lounge DCA features a single main food buffet station. A continental breakfast is served from open to 6:00AM, and then hot food dishes are offered from 6 to lunch.
This included a selection of pastries.
Fruits, yogurts, jams, etc.
Additionally, throughout the lounge, you’ll find drink stations offering coffee, juice, and water.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Complimentary wifi was available, and you had to log in by using the password that they provided at the check-in desk or on signage throughout the lounge.
Cleanliness & Facilities
The lounge overall was kept tidy and clean.
Amenities
The American Express Centurion Lounge DCA has a few amenities on offer, including a conference room, some phone rooms or multipurpose rooms, and a shower suite.
American Express Centurion Lounge DCA Final Thoughts & Verdict
The American Express Centurion Lounge DCA is a welcome addition to Washington National, and of course, a fantastic sight for Amex cardholders. Although it will definitely be a bit of a walk for those flying out of the north end of Terminal 2 (looking at you American Airlines passengers). As a United Club member thanks to my United Club credit card, I can confidently say that I would easily choose the Centurion Lounge over the United Club DCA every time I fly out of Washington National. With that being said:
- Is it worth arriving early to visit this lounge? Sure. The dining experience isn’t bad (especially if you arrive at or after 6:00 a.m.), and there is good-quality coffee. Furthermore, the space to work and relax is nice, but I wouldn’t necessarily say you must go out of your way to swing by.
- What sets it apart? Not much. If I had to pick one, the food options are probably the best among all the lounges at DCA, but I have yet to visit the Delta Sky Club. Other than that, it is your standard run-of-the-mill Centurion Lounge.
Overall Rating: 8.8/10
What are your thoughts? Have you been to the American Express Centurion Lounge DCA? Let me know in the comments!
As always, Live Life One Trip at a Time!
