American Express Centurion Lounges: What to know and expect when visiting

American Express has 25 Centurion lounges worldwide, 15 of which are in the United States (soon to be 17). Today, we will explore the Centurion lounges in the U.S., what to know, what to expect when visiting, and how to get access. I have been to several of the locations in the U.S., and each has its unique ambiance. From the food offering to the design and amenities, each location aims to give its guests a local feel.

Where are the Centurion lounges in the U.S.?

Atlanta (ATL)
Charlotte (CLT)
Dallas (DFW)
Denver (DEN)
Houston (IAH)
Las Vegas (LAS)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Miami (MIA)
New York (JFK)
New York (LGA)
Philadelphia (PHL)
Phoenix (PHX)
San Francisco (SFO)
Seattle (SEA)
Washington D.C. (DCA)
Newark (EWR) – opening in 2026
Salt Lake City (SLC) – opening in 2025

What to know and expect when visiting?

American Express lounges are an excellent place to relax during a layover or if you get to the airport early. Depending on the location they offer a variety of amenities such as:

Spa
Shower suites
Conference spaces
Semiprivate workspaces
Personal workspaces
Game rooms
Large flat screen TVs
Outdoor terraces
Spirits and wine bar
Coffee bar
Tranquility areas
Piano lounge

American Express partners with James Beard Award-winning chefs to help curate locally inspired menus. They also offer a wide range of craft brews and spirits. Food options at these lounges are certainly steps above most airport lounges. Come hungry; you won’t be disappointed. The workspaces are a very nice amenity as well. If you have a long layover and need to get some work done, they come in handy. Lastly, one other amenity I’m a massive fan of is the shower suites. It was convenient when I took a red-eye for a meeting in New Orleans (MSY). I had a layover in IAH I took a shower and had breakfast before heading to MSY.

Given the popularity of these lounges, expect a wait. Many long-time Centurion guests have shared their complaints about the excessive wait times. During peak hours, lounges are usually very full. When accessing a lounge, you must get an eligibility code before you go. This gets you on the waitlist (if there is one) when you are going.

How to get lounge access?

To access Centurion lounges, you will need an eligible American Express card. Not all American Express cards are eligible to get access. The following cards are lounge eligible:

Platinum Card
Business Platinum Card
Centurion Card

If you have one of these cards, you have access. Guests’ access, however, is no longer complimentary. This policy changed on February 1, 2023. Previously, eligible cards could bring two complimentary guests. AMEX changed this policy to prevent overcapacity. There is now a fee of $50 per adult and $30 per child (ages 2-17). If cardholders want to keep the complimentary guest access, they will need to spend $75,000 or more on their card in a calendar year.

Leave a comment and let us know your Centurion lounge experience.

Happy Travelz!

Are you Real ID ready? Everything you need to know ahead of the May 7 deadline

What is Real ID?

It has actually been around for the last twenty years. However, it was not enforced until May 7th. For some history, in 2004, Congress passed a law requiring a national digital identification system to improve driver’s licenses and personal identification security. This came from the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Beginning May 7, 2025, a Real ID will be required to board domestic flights and to enter federal facilities.

How to obtain a Real ID?

Each state has its own process for issuing Real IDs; the specific documents required will vary. In California, for example, you must provide one Proof of Identity and two Proof of Residence.

Below is a list of those documents:

Proof of Identity

Valid U.S. passport or passport card (Preferred)
Original or Certified copy of U.S birth certificate (issued by a city, county, or state vital statistics office). “Abbreviated” or “Abstract” certificates are NOT accepted.
Valid Permanent Resident Card
Foreign passport with valid U.S. Visa and approved I-94 form
Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
Certified copy of birth certificate from a U.S. Territory
Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card (I-766) or valid/expired EAD Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C)
Valid Permanent Resident Card with Notice of Action (I-797 C) or Approval Notice (I-797)
U.S. Certificate of Birth Abroad or Consular Report of Birth Abroad of U.S. Citizen
Valid foreign passport stamped “Processed for I-551”
Documents reflecting TPS benefit eligibility

Proof of Residence

Home utility bill or cellular phone bill (Preferred)
Records from any state or national bank, state or federal savings association, trust company, industrial loan company, state or federal credit union, or any institution or entity that has issued a credit card
Insurance documents, including medical, dental, vision, life, home, rental or vehicle
Medical documents
A document issued by a U.S. government agency, meaning the entity, office, or authority governing over a country, state, county, city, municipality, district, agency, department, or any other political subdivision of a country or state
Mortgage bill
Employment documents
Tax return (either Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) Faith-based document that includes the name and address of organization)
Rental or lease agreement with the signature of the owner/landlord and the tenant/resident
School documents issued by a public or private primary, secondary, or post-secondary institution, college, or university that includes the applicant’s date of birth. If using a foreign school document, it must be sealed by the school and include a photograph of the applicant at the age the record was issued.
Change of Address Confirmation by the U.S. Postal Service
Property tax bill or statement
Letter attesting that the applicant resides in California from a homeless shelter, shelter for abused women, non-profit entity, faith-based organization, employer or government agency within the United States
Deed or title to residential real property
Voter registration confirmation letter or postcard issued by the California Secretary of State or a local California county elections officer
Proof of payment of resident tuition at a public institution of higher education in California
An original copy of an approved Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption (BOE-266) form filed with a local California County Assessor
Court documents that list the applicant as a resident of California
California Certificate of Vehicle or Vessel Titles or registration
A DMV No Fee Identification Card Eligibility Verification (DL 933) form, completed and signed

Can you still fly without a Real ID?

Yes, you can, but you will need to provide additional identification. Below is a list of accepted identification that you will need to present at TSA checkpoints:

State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents
Permanent resident card
Border crossing card
An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs).
HSPD-12 PIV card
Foreign government-issued passport
Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
Transportation worker identification credential
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)
U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

How do you know if you have a Real ID?

Look for the star on your driver’s license or ID. For example, in California it will have grizzly bear with a star. Here are some examples:

Do minors need a Real ID?

A minor (under 18) can obtain a Real ID in California. However, it is not required when traveling domestically in the United States.

Do I still need a Real ID, if I have CLEAR?

Yes, you do. While CLEAR Plus members can upload their passports in the CLEAR app. A Real ID is still required to present to TSA at the checkpoint. Here is their FAQ regarding their policy with Real ID.

Conclusion

As the deadline looms, DMVs across California and other states have seen an increase in booking appointments. If you cannot obtain one ahead of the deadline, just be prepared to show additional documentation.

Happy Travelz!

Window, Middle, or Aisle, what does your seat say about you?

Seats matter when we travel, don’t they? For me, it’s always the window seat! I just love the semi-privacy and the chance to rest my head against the window for a nap. And no, I won’t swap seats with you, haha! But today, I’m curious about something. What does your seat choice say about you? Let’s explore seat personalities.

You have the window, middle, or aisle seat. We have our preferences. The middle seat is sort of a toss-up. Unless you are traveling with someone else, I don’t think many voluntarily select the middle seat. But I could be wrong. Some may prefer to be sandwiched between two complete strangers. I am not judging; if you love it like I love my window seat, more power to you. Let’s dig in:

Window Seat

The window seat provides a semi-private feel, making you feel like you’re in your own bubble. You get great views and a place to lean against to get some sleep. Because of the semi-private feel, you can get work done on your laptop, journal, read a book, or simply look out the window and space out without interruptions. However, the only caveat is that you do not have the freedom to freely get up to use the bathroom or to stretch your legs. You become the nuisance of the row by asking the middle and aisle passengers to get up every time you want to get up from your seat.

Dr Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at Harley Street’s Private Therapy Clinic, told The Telegraph that those who prefer the window tend to be more in control. She said, “Passengers who favour the window seat like to be in control, tend to take an ‘every man for themselves’ attitude towards life, and are often more easily irritable. They also like to ‘nest’ and prefer to exist in their own bubble.”

Middle Seat

The middle seat is a toss-up. I don’t think many will voluntarily pick it unless they are traveling with someone else. The middle seat doesn’t offer much, except that you get both armrests (more on this in a later article). This person is likely very easygoing, talkative, and an extrovert, making them a great companion for a flight. Unlike the window seat, they don’t care too much about control. They possess humility and modesty.

Aisle Seat

And lastly, the aisle seat. This seat allows you to move around the cabin, access the overhead bin, and use the restroom whenever you wish. However, it does come with some inconveniences. Your seat is the only pathway for the window and middle seats, meaning you’ll need to stand up each time they need to use the bathroom or stretch their legs. When too many people walk the aisle, your seat is the only place they can step into to make way for others. You’ll also experience the occasional bump from passersby and service carts. And, of course, there’s the less-than-ideal view of people rummaging through the overhead bin at eye level.

But even with all those inconveniences, aisle seat passengers are said to be more amenable and don’t mind being inconvenienced. They are likely introverts, restless flyers, and less adept at sleeping on planes.

Which is your preferred seat, and do you agree with the traits above? Let us know in the comment section.

Happy Travelz!

What it’s like to be an Airline Gate Agent

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an airline gate agent? This customer service role is not just about calling out boarding groups, scanning boarding passes, and closing flights. It’s a crucial job involving various tasks and challenges, making it both demanding and rewarding.

Let’s step into their world:

As your Gate Agent, I strive to provide you with the best customer service possible.
As your Gate Agent, I strive to ensure you have a safe and on-time departure.
As your Gate Agent, I will keep you informed about your flight.
As your Gate Agent, I need to ensure your flight has a complete flight crew.
As your Gate Agent, I will call out several times for volunteers to gate check bags to ensure boarding isn’t held up due to lack of overhead bin space.
As your Gate Agent, I need to ensure the boarding process is as smooth as possible.
As your Gate Agent, I can ask you to step aside for being a gate lice (someone who attempts to board with the boarding group they are not assigned too).
As your Gate Agent, I can deny you from boarding the aircraft.
As your Gate Agent, I can have you escorted off the airplane.
As your Gate Agent, I can have you escorted off the airport.
As your Gate Agent, I can upgrade your seat.
As your Gate Agent, I can change your seat.
As your Gate Agent, I can help rebook you if your flight plans change due to delays or cancellations.
As your Gate Agent, I will ensure any unaccompanied minors traveling are safely on board and transferred to the flight crew.
As your Gate Agent, I must ensure you adhere to our carry-on luggage policy.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control the weather.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot fix the airplane, that is the job of the maintenance crew.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control runway congestion.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot push out the aircraft from the gate so your aircraft can park.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control lost baggage, that is the job of the ramp crew to ensure your bag is loaded on the aircraft.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot pack your bag for you.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot call the pilot and ask them to return to the gate because you missed your flight.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control the congestion at the checkpoint.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot control traffic on the way to the airport.
As your Gate Agent, I cannot give you a courtesy wake up call to ensure you arrive to the airport on time.
As your Gate Agent, regardless of how unreasonable or entitled you come at me. My goal is still to provide you with the best service possible.

We all aspire for a seamless and stress-free travel experience. However, there are times when our journey doesn’t go as planned. A cancelled or delayed flight, long checkpoint lines, lost baggage, or unfavorable seating assignments. In these moments, it’s the gate agent who bears the brunt of our travel woes. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge their efforts. They, like us, are not perfect, but they are doing their best to ensure our safe and timely arrival at our destination.

If you’re a gate agent or ever worked it. Share your thoughts.

Happy Travelz!

If Your Airline Was A Politician, What Party Would They Be (Part 1) …

We have our preferred airline(s). We fly them for their prices, services, and conveniences. Those are the obvious reasons. But I also think we choose an airline because they match our personalities and beliefs.

We don’t always agree with what they do but for the most part we will keep supporting them. Just like the political party we support. We like don’t like all polices but most we like. If your airline were a politician what party would they be?

Here are the parties I think these airlines would be if they were to be on the ballot box:

United Airlines – Democrat

American Airlines – Republican

Delta Air Lines – Republican

Alaska Airlines – Democrat

JetBlue – Independent

Spirit – Republican

Frontier – Democrat

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Gate Check Hack … or is it?

Announcement: We are looking for volunteers to gate check their bags! If you gate check your carry on, you can board with Group 3. Please come to the podium for those who are interested.

You’re boarding Group 7. You made the conscious cost saving decision of booking the lowest fare possible. But this comes with restrictions. You don’t get to pick your seat(s) and you board last. And I mean last.

Back to the announcement. You have a decision to make. Risk running out of overhead bin space. Or if you’re lucky you may find space towards the back of the aircraft. But you’ll have to swim up stream to retrieve your bag after you land. Then you’ll be that person getting death stares for being an inconvenience while deplaning.

Or you can gate check it and board earlier but you will be retrieving your luggage carry on at baggage claim. Decisions, decisions, decisions …

For those that aren’t familiar with how gate checks works. It works like this:

Your carry on will be tagged.
You’ll then leave your carry on at the jet bridge.
Board earlier (if the airline is offering this)

So … now comes the “Hack”. Proceed with gate checking your luggage. They will tag it and when you board with the earlier group (probably 3 or 4) remove the gate tag and then take your luggage inside the plane instead of leaving at the jet bridge door.

Proceed with caution. Cheers! 🥃

JSX vs Everybody

What’s all the fuss about?

If you have not flown yet on a public charter, it is truly an experience like no other. Unlike your traditional travel booking through the major airlines. You can avoid the long checkpoints, over crowded boarding gates, and terminal traffic by flying with a public charter.

That is where JSX comes in. Since 2016, JSX has built a reputation of providing a frictionless and crowd-free air travel experience. During my visit to one of the JSX locations. I noticed that the mood is joyful and less tense. Guests arrive, checkin, drop off their bags then hang out in the lounge until it’s time to board the aircraft.

Occasionally there are celebrities and athletes who fly JSX too. Now one would wonder why not just take a fully private plane. But perhaps some would rather forgo the expensive option and go semi-private. I could see why celebrities would take this option. It’s less of a crowd and they can avoid the hassle and attention they would get if it was at the terminal gates.

Why us versus Everybody?

While JSX has enjoyed success and continued growth. That success has come with challenges as well. Major airlines such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines is lobby for the federal government to impose stricter regulations on JSX. Since JSX is not considered a commercial airline it operates under a different set of regulations. Which the major airlines are alleging JSX is taking advantage of regulatory loopholes.

What’s next from here?

The FAA and TSA has begun reviewing whether public charters should operate under the same regulations as commercial airlines. A ruling on the matter has not yet been determined and is ongoing.

In the meantime, JSX has its sight set on a new destination. This winter they return to Taos, New Mexico.