American Express operates their own lounges in the US for their Platinum and Centurion customers. The lounge in Philadelphia opened in October 2017. I had the chance to visit during my spring break.
Most tables in the dining room were occupied by people just needing a space to sit.
In the back room behind the bar, were more couches and cube seats. Again, they were all taken! I could not get pictures of the green couches but you can tell the back room is pretty small.
I ended up sitting at a bar which overlooks the terminal. The phone plugged into the outlet was not mines nor was it the person’s next to me. This indicates that the PHL lounge suffers from lack of power ports.
The brownies were the best item and everyone wanted one! Every ten minutes they were replaced.
The coffee machine is one of the best you can find in airport lounges, I always love to use them at an Admirals Club. When I went to use it there was an error message on the screen. Two minutes later a lounge attendant fixed the issue.
If interested, there is a bar and complimentary menu. If you ask the bartender to fix you a drink it is advised to tip in US lounges. This is the only time one would be expected to tip in the lounge, everything else is included.
Location
The lounge is located in PHL Terminal A near gate A14.
Access
To access any Centurion lounge in the network one must have either the American Express Platinum, Business Platinum or Centurion (Black Card). The cardholder is only allowed to bring 2 guests.Check-In & Seating
The lounge in PHL is only about 6,300 sq.ft which is small for Centurion standards. When I was at the lounge (March 2018) it was very crowded. I was not able to get many pictures because there were too many people inside. At check-in, the two ladies who helped my parents were lovely. One even saw me taking pictures and encouraged me to take more. Being encouraged to take quality photos in lounges doesn’t happen everyday in the US! Two of the only empty chairs in the entire lounge right in front the check in desk!
Most tables in the dining room were occupied by people just needing a space to sit.
In the back room behind the bar, were more couches and cube seats. Again, they were all taken! I could not get pictures of the green couches but you can tell the back room is pretty small.
I ended up sitting at a bar which overlooks the terminal. The phone plugged into the outlet was not mines nor was it the person’s next to me. This indicates that the PHL lounge suffers from lack of power ports.
Restrooms
I managed to snag a quick picture of the men’s restroom. The shower was closed during my visit. Surprisingly there were no hand towels, only paper cloths. Hand soap was L’Occitane branded. If you go to this lounge be sure to ask about being put on the list to take a shower because there is only 1 and it will be in high demand.
Hot Buffet
The best part was the food! The menu is created by local chief Michael Solomonov.
The brownies were the best item and everyone wanted one! Every ten minutes they were replaced.
The coffee machine is one of the best you can find in airport lounges, I always love to use them at an Admirals Club. When I went to use it there was an error message on the screen. Two minutes later a lounge attendant fixed the issue.
If interested, there is a bar and complimentary menu. If you ask the bartender to fix you a drink it is advised to tip in US lounges. This is the only time one would be expected to tip in the lounge, everything else is included.