When Shai hears someone raving about a product, more than likely he will buy it or try it. So when we were at a Halloween party 2 years ago and heard 2 couples talking about the American Express Platinum card and all the awesome perks it has, the most important being that they waive the $450 annual fee for military – we were sold.
There are tons of perks to the card but that’s not the point of this post. You can read about those here. I am just going to talk about the one I get the most questions about – The Centurion Lounges at the airport.
 |
| Dining in Las Vegas |
When you travel as much as we do (three round trip flights this month alone), you really start to appreciate customer service – pretty much because it is so rare at airports these days. American Express is all about the customer service. There are 6 Centurion Lounges in the country right now – Dallas, Las Vegas, LaGuardia, Miami, Seattle and San Francisco. We are lucky to live in Las Vegas so we really get maximum use from the lounge.
The Centurion is not just a place where you can sit and charge your phone – we will literally plan to arrive at the airport an hour earlier than we need to just so we can relax, eat a meal, and enjoy a couple cocktails before passing out on our flight — all for free. When was the last time you wanted to spend MORE time than you have to at an airport??
The meals are catered by some serious Chef’s – Vegas is currently showcasing Scarpetta’s owner and chef, Scott Conant. Breakfasts have included Ricotta Pancakes with chamomile scented whipped cream and fresh berries and dinner may include Lamb and Beef Börek or Quinoa Salad with chickpeas with feta and lemon. The menu changes monthly so we are always trying new things. My favorite breakfast is the baked polenta with mushroom, egg, and parmesan cheese. *swoon*
 |
| Salad, grilled zucchini, sweet potato soup, and Airmail and melon-infused water |
Our favorite drink to order at the bar is the Airmail – 10 Cane Rum, Domaine Chandon Brut, Lime Juice, & Honey Syrup, but Vegas does have a complete bar to cater to every taste!
 |
| Airmail |
In honor of national tequila day, we ordered a Paloma on our last flight (Don Julio Reposado Tequila, Grapefruit Soda, Lime Juice).
 |
| Paloma |
If you aren’t in the mood for a cocktail, they have an espresso/cappuccino machine and artisan teas as well.
The décor is fresh, modern, and relaxing and the staff is always friendly. One of the little things I love are the baskets of fresh fruit all throughout our Vegas lounge – I have had fresh blood oranges, pomegranates, gooseberries (yes!), kumquats, Asian pears, nectarines, apricots, and lychees! Sometime I feel like I am grocery shopping for free when I leave with 4 or 5 pieces of produce in my bag for the trip!
 |
| Raspberries with lemon curd |
Each lounge is a little bit different. The Seattle Centurion is actually a “Studio” so they have smaller dishes and snacks as opposed to heftier entrees and stick to the wine and beer list as opposed to cocktails. We actually checked out the Studio the week it opened! Just happened to have a layover in Seattle and our gate was right across from it! Happy coincidence !
Some of the Lounges, like Miami and Dallas, have spas and private shower areas while San Francisco has a Napa wine-tasting area!
Even if you aren’t flying first class, for the time you are sitting in a Centurion, I have to say, you kind of feel like you are. While traveling can be insanely stressful at times, it is really nice being able to start, end, and sometimes break-up flights with some time in the Centurion.
 |
| I even love their soap and lotion! |
PS I found another article on why you should get it, even if you have to pay the fee, here – ” The $450 annual fee is an investment that’ll pay for itself and then some if you use the benefits.”