Credit Card News: Travel&Rewards

The newest American Express Centurion Lounge has opened in San Francisco, giving travelers there the opportunity to relax in style before or between flights.

This is the first Centurion Lounge on the west coast, and the fourth to open overall. Other Centurion Lounges are located in Las Vegas (McCarran International Airport), Dallas/Forth Worth (DFW), and New York City (La Guardia Airport). A fifth location is coming to Miami, Florida (Miami International Airport) in 2015.

To gain access to the lounge, all you need is a consumer, business, or corporate American Express Platinum card or Centurion Card. Cardmembers and their immediate families or a maximum of two travel companions can visit the lounge for free at any time. Other American Express cardholders (not including prepaid cardholders) can buy a one-day pass for $50.

Features of the San Francisco Centurion Lounge Include:

• Food and drink by chef Christopher Kostow and bartender Jim Meehan. The cuisine is Napa Valley inspired and seasonal. A wine tasting area lets guests try different wines from the celebrated Napa Valley region, curated by wine director Anthony Giglio.

• Work areas with high speed Wi-Fi and outlets let guests get some work done while they wait for their flights. A soundproofed play area for families lets the kids run wild and get some energy out without disturbing other lounge visitors.

• Relaxation opportunities abound, even offering a place to shower in peace and privacy. For travelers taking red-eye flights or long flights with many connections, the shower suite will be a welcome respite.

• Member servicespersonnel are available to assist cardmembers with questions and provide travel services such as help making reservations, securing transportation, and more.

The Centurion Lounge San Francisco is located in Terminal 3 of the airport and is 8,200 square feet. Day passes for American Express members eligible to buy themmay be bought at the lounge. Centurion and Platinum cardmembers do not need a reservation to utilize the lounge.

To celebrate the opening of the lounge, Uber and American Express partnered to offer cardmembers a free lift to the airport. For one day, they gave members rides to the San Francisco airport via Uber. While that promotion is over, American Express members can still earn Membership Rewards points through Uber rides, thanks to Amex’s ongoing partnership with the popular startup car service.

Lisa Durocher, a senior vice president at American Express, said of the new lounge, “San Francisco is a gateway to the Pacific and one of the busiest airports in the country. We’re proud to enhance the airport experience for our Card Members who travel through every year.”