Earlier in the year, Miami International Airport became the fifth airport to receive the popular Centurion Lounge by American Express. Located on the 4th level by Gate D12, in the former British Airways lounge, the Centurion Lounge is open daily from 5am to 11pm and provides a wealth of amenities over a standard airline lounge.
Upon exiting the elevator into the lobby of the Centurion Lounge, I was immediately greeted with the familiar signature scent that is used across the Centurion Lounge network.
At front desk, the friendly lounge staffed welcomed me in and provided a quick run-down of the amenities that the lounge has to offer. A card with the internet access code was provided and the agent offered to check on the status of my next flight.
Just past the front desk, the Exhale Spa is available for a variety of complimentary services. This is the second Exhale location, with the other located at the lounge in Dallas/Fort Worth.
To the left, a bank of seats along the floor to ceiling windows allow for excellent views of the airfield, as well as a lot of natural light to brighten up the lounge. A small work center is also available with complimentary printing and internet access on two PCs.
Perhaps the biggest benefit is the number of power outlets available in the lounge. Whether you are looking for AC or USB, they have plenty of outlets on hand to charge the numerous devices you no doubt have in your carry-on. The lounge also features the community table, a staple of many Centurion Lounges. It, too, offers plenty of power for your devices.
The other side of the lounge offers a small living room, complete with two flight information monitors, multiple printed publications and a TV to keep track of the latest in news or the sports world.
On the other side of the living room, two of the most popular features of the Centurion Lounge are available for all to use. The hot buffet features a wide selection of foods and desserts, a nice departure from the snack towers and vegetable trays in an airline lounge. The menu was created by local Chef Michelle Bernstein.
As one would expect from the Centurion Lounge, all drinks from the bar are free of charge. Unlike the typical airline lounge that only offers free Bud Light or Coors, AmEx stocks some high-end alcohol, so you are sure to get something to your liking. They even have a list of cocktails, all designed by Jim Meehan, an acclaimed Mixologist. The wines on hand were handpicked by Anthony Giglio, Wine Director for the Centurion Lounge network.
For those who wish to do some work or those just wanting a bit of privacy, a small area to the right of the front desk is the optimal place to get away from the hub-bub of the main lounge. The area often goes unused by most visitors, allowing for that quiet time that many of us seek when visiting an airport lounge.
The Centurion Lounge is open 5am-11pm, seven days a week. Customers eligible for complimentary access with two guests (or immediate family) include those with the following cards.
- AmEx Centurion
- AmEx Platinum (personal, business & corporate)
If you have another American Express card, such as the Premier Rewards Gold, Green, etc, you may still gain access to the lounge, although it will cost you $50 per visit. Children under 18 may enter for free on a day pass, while those over 18 will each be required to purchase a day pass.
American Express operates Centurion Lounges in Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami, New York/LaGuardia & San Francisco. In Seattle, Platinum & Centurion members receive complimentary access to the Centurion Studio, a smaller version of the Centurion Lounge.
