American Express will reopen the new Centurion Lounge at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The space will double in size and offer locally inspired amenities that bring New York City’s rich culture to life. With 10,000 square feet in the airport’s brand-new Terminal B, the relocated Lounge is more spacious and more convenient, located after travelers pass through security screening.
Top features include a study space designed in partnership with New York City independent bookstore McNally Jackson, custom design elements from New York-based designers, a menu curated by Wayan’s Cédric Vongerichten, locally inspired beverages, and more.
“We’ve collaborated closely with local partners and small businesses to create a space that embodies some of New York City’s most unique experiences,” said Pablo Rivero, Vice President, Loyalty Travel Experiences & Benefits. “With the reopening and expansion of our Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport, we are looking forward to having this lounge join the rest of our Centurion Network and provide eligible Card Members even more places to relax and unwind during their travels.”
This location is the brand’s second outpost in New York City, joining the Centurion Lounge at John F. Kennedy Airport which opened last Fall.
“We’re thrilled to welcome The Centurion® Lounge by American Express to LaGuardia Terminal B as another example of the truly exceptional experience travelers can expect at the new terminal. We’re so pleased that Terminal B travelers will have access to this new state-of-the-art lounge where they can rest before their flights and refuel with thoughtfully-sourced cuisine and locally inspired refreshments,” said Stewart Steeves, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, manager and developer of Terminal B.
Inspired by New York City, The Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport will spotlight unique amenities including:
International Cuisine and Locally Sourced Beverages
New York City chef Cédric Vongerichten will continue as the Executive Chef of the Lounge. Chef Vongerichten’s dishes are influenced by his celebrated modern Indonesian restaurant, Wayan, in New York City’s Nolita neighborhood and the vibrant culture of New York City. The menu will include signature Centurion Lounge favorites, such as Crispy French Toast with market strawberry jam and Fried Chicken with honey lemongrass glaze, and new dishes, including a refreshing Heirloom Tomato Salad with cilantro pesto and chili-lime vinaigrette, and Soup Jamur, an aromatic mushroom soup, with shiitake and oyster mushrooms, makrut lime and Thai basil. Additionally, Chef Vongerichten will introduce several vegetarian and vegan options for the summer, such as Roasted Cauliflower served with red curry sauce, coconut and sunflower seeds and Eggplant Balado with chili tomato sauce, to provide a healthier variety for travelers.
Eligible Card Members will be able to enjoy a wide variety of locally sourced beverages, such as coffee from Brooklyn Roasting. Mixologist Jim Meehan developed the main bar menu, which will include alcohol-free mixed drinks and original cocktails such as the Lower East Cider and Grand Central Express. Centurion Lounge wine director Anthony Giglio selected wines from around the world, including two New York state wines, Wolffer Estate Cabernet Franc from Long Island and Silver Thread Riesling from The Finger Lakes. Locally sourced beer from breweries such as Coney Island Brewery and Captain Lawrence Brewing Co will also be available to enjoy in the Lounge.
Study Space in Partnership with McNally Jackson and Design Reminiscent of “The Big Apple”
To continue its longstanding support for small businesses, American Express has partnered with a New York City independent bookstore, McNally Jackson, to design a unique study space. The Lounge’s collection of New York City inspired books was carefully curated by McNally Jackson Books to deliver a library-esque ambiance so that eligible Card Members can relax before their flight. The books are also available for purchase at McNally Jackson Books in Terminal B.
The new Lounge will feature custom design elements from New York City-based designers such as bespoke lighting by Brooklyn-based Roll & Hill. The design elements will also be reflective of the city’s playful culture, such as arched shapes in the dining area referencing downtown architecture and local bridges, phone rooms with vibrant artistic murals and floor to ceiling windows.
“The American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia’s Terminal B opening represents another addition to the world-class experience that will characterize the new LaGuardia Airport,” said Rick Cotton, Executive Director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. “We are now in the final stages of the airport’s top-to-bottom rebuild, and we are pleased to welcome the newly rebuilt Centurion Lounge to the new 21st century LaGuardia.”
American Express is working towards opening locations in London’s Heathrow Airport and Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport and expanding its Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and San Francisco International Airport locations.
Lounge access is just one of the many ways American Express supports Card Members’ journeys as they return to travel, with additional offerings available for Platinum Card and Centurion Members through American Express Travel, including access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program, The Hotel Collection, International Airline Program, The Global Dining Collection, and more.
