In this video:
- Travelers, particularly those of younger generations, increasingly expect premium, personalized travel perks. American Express Centurion Lounges are adapting by offering high-quality premium dining, unique design elements, and multifunctional spaces that enhance the airport experience.
- Innovations such as expanded lounge spaces, partnerships with renowned chefs, and new features like coffee bars and speakeasies reflect the evolution of lounge design to balance exclusivity with increased capacity.
- Sustainability is increasingly central to lounge operations, and efforts are underway to reduce waste, repurpose material, and eliminate single-use plastic to align with broader trends in environmentally conscious travel.
In this video from Skift Aviation Forum, Amy Bernard, vice president and GM of global lounge experiences at American Express Travel, joined Skift President Carolyn Kremins to discuss how Centurion Lounges are evolving to meet changing traveler expectations. Lounges have become a key differentiator in the premium travel space, particularly for younger card members who value unique experiences and high-quality amenities. To address this demand, American Express has expanded lounge footprints in high-traffic locations like Atlanta and Seattle while introducing new features such as coffee bars and speakeasy-style spaces.
Partnerships are integral to the Centurion Lounge strategy, enhancing the exclusivity and appeal of these spaces. Collaborations with renowned chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists elevate food and beverage offerings, while broader partnerships, like a recent activation with Disney, integrate unique, value-added services. These initiatives reflect American Express’s focus on personalization and dining as cornerstones of its travel strategy.
These innovations align with broader travel trends, including the growing demand for premium culinary experiences and personalized touches. By blending global expertise with local flavors, such as working with regional restaurant icons, American Express caters to diverse tastes. Sustainability is also a priority. Efforts to reduce food waste, eliminate single-use plastics, and refurbish materials, ensure that lounges meet evolving traveler values and industry-wide commitments to sustainability.
This content was created collaboratively by American Express Travel and SkiftX.
