While the origins of the airport lounge date back to individual carriers like American Airlines (AAL) , credit card issuers eventually caught on to the fact that they, too, could offer high-spending customers perks in the form of a space to enjoy unlimited drinks away from busy crowds.
The first American Express (AXP) Centurion Lounge opened its doors in 2013 at the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.
In the 12 years that followed, AmEx expanded this network to 16 locations in the U.S. and an additional 11 internationally. The latter are spread out across countries like Australia, Mexico, Japan, India, and the United Kingdom.
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‘We know travelers are looking for authentic, local experiences’
The Centurion Lounge Network continues to grow, and on July 8, American Express announced that its latest location will come to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in 2026.
It will be located between Concourse E and F and open for access on the same conditions as any other Centurion lounge: those with the top level of American Express or Delta Air Lines (DAL) SkyMiles credit cards.
When it opens, the new space will be the first credit card lounge in Europe’s fourth-busiest airport and will feature design elements reflecting the Netherlands and local Dutch artists.
The space will span 6,000 square feet and feature a color palette of blues, greens, and earth tones to reflect Dutch Delft art and local wooden architecture, as well as floor-to-ceiling windows, through which travelers can watch planes taking off.
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“With a large number of American Express Card Members traveling through Schiphol each year, the new Centurion Lounge will be an important addition to our growing global Centurion Lounge Network,” American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley said in a statement.
“We know travelers are looking for authentic, local experiences when they travel, and the new Centurion Lounge will deliver a premium experience and amenities with a taste of Dutch history and culture.”
In a nod to Amsterdam’s coffee culture, the centerpiece of the lounge will be a large coffee bar. The yet-to-be-revealed buffet menu will also have a selection of unique Dutch dishes and treats.
The design concept, according to local AmEx and Schiphol representatives, is to tap into the Dutch concept of “gezellig” — similar to the viral Danish “hygge,” it reflects a feeling of comfort and togetherness that one experiences at home and around friends and family.
Early renderings show the planned design for the new Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Lounge.
Image source: American Express
‘First global credit card company that will open a proprietary lounge’
“We are proud to welcome American Express as the first global credit card company that will open a proprietary lounge at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with an iconic Centurion Lounge,” said Terminal Development Manager Dave Stroop in a statement.
“We’ve worked hard with the team at American Express to reach this milestone and are thrilled to bring to life what promises to be a valuable addition to our airport offerings.”
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By the time it opens, the new lounge will bring AmEx’s global Centurion Lounge network to a total of 29 locations — future openings before the end of the year include lounges in Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), while Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is slated to open in 2026.
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