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Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

  • American Express just opened a new Centurion Lounge at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Monday.
  • The 10,000 square foot space is open to American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders flying on any airline.
  • Complimentary hot meals and alcoholic beverages are on offer as flyers await their flights in LaGuardia's brand-new Terminal B.
  • See more stories on Insider's business page.
One of New York City’s most exclusive clubs just opened in an unlikely place: LaGuardia Airport.

The entrance to the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

American Express just opened the doors to its newest Centurion Lounge on Monday, the latest feather in LaGuardia Airport’s cap after seeing a new terminal building open its doors last year.

The entrance to the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Read More: I visited the newly opened LaGuardia terminal and saw how it has turned the infamous airport into one of the best in the US

Brand-new structures replaced the 1960s-era Central Terminal Building, giving New York’s third-largest airport the more modern facility that it deserves and passengers more room to breathe. LaGuardia and its Terminal B are now dining and retail destinations in a twist no traveler saw coming.

The entrance to the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Now, with American Express reopening its Centurion Lounge at the airport, flyers have another reason to get to the airport early. Take a look inside the new lounge.

The entrance to the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Terminal B currently serves four airlines including American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, and Southwest Airlines. Each airline except Southwest has its own lounge in the terminal but Centurion Lounges are regarded as a step above the traditional airline club.

LaGuardia Airport New Terminal

American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders both have access to the lounge, with the former commanding an annual fee of $550. Delta Air Lines flyers with the Reserve American Express card also have access to the lounge but would have to leave security to get to the Delta terminal.

The entrance to the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Immediately greeting all visitors is the iconic portrait of an American Express steamer and dog, accompanied by two armchairs. This setup can be found in every Centurion Lounge.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

The newly-opened lounge comes in at 10,000 square feet with a total of five open seating areas and scores of additional private rooms.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

It’s markedly larger than the former Centurion Lounge in the old Central Terminal Building.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

The lounge boasts a capacity of 262 guests but seating is somewhat limited due to the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

New York City-inspired photography lines the lounge in one of the many local touches that American Express aims to include in each lounge.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Private rooms are a key feature of the lounge, offering escapes from the hustle and bustle of the main seating areas.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

They typically offer plush seating arrangements and quieter places to dine, work, or relax.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Most also offer televisions that play the news.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Another private room is the meeting room, complete with colorful walls and couches.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

It’s a multi-use room that can also be a family room since this lounge doesn’t have a dedicated family space as others do.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Nintendo Switch video games including Mario Kart are also available on request.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Two enclosed phone rooms are also available, complete with a single chair and table.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

They are arguably the most private spaces in the lounge and ideal for solo travelers.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

When it’s time to eat, guests can head to the main dining area that houses the hot food buffet.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Both breakfast and then a combined lunch and dinner are served in the lounge.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Hot meals, savory snacks, and alcoholic beverages are on offer and guests don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy any of it. All of the lounge’s amenities are included in the annual fee for whichever card grants access to the club.

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

A selection of breakfast foods was on offer until 10:45 a.m. Options included breakfast breads…

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Fruit salad…

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Greek yogurt, detox shots…

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Ricotta toast with tomatoes…

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Acai bowls…

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

French toast, turkey sausage links…

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Martabak telur…

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Oatmeal…

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Eggs, and potatoes.

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

The menu was crafted by Cedric Vongerichten of Nolita’s Wayan restaurant. American Express frequently taps local chefs to create its Centurion Lounge menus and they don’t often disappoint.

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

The food in this lounge was incredibly fresh and tasty.

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Due to the pandemic, buffet attendants plate food items for guests and deliver them on a tray.

The hot food buffet at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Then, guests can choose to dine at one of the tables near the buffet or bring their plates back to their desired seating area.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

A selection of water, juices, and hot beverages are also available to top off the meal.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

But for something stronger, there’s also a full-service bar in the lounge. All alcoholic beverages are also complimentary in yet another perk of membership.

The bar at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Standard drinks and cocktails are available but American Express mixologist Jim Meehan created a special, local-inspired drink menu for the lounge. The famous “blue door” cocktail is also on offer.

The bar at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Bar seating is unavailable due to the pandemic. Plexiglass partitions are also installed for social distancing purposes and floor placards lead the way to the bar.

The bar at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia AirportThe bar at the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

But bar-adjacent seating is available with high-tops and cushioned benches.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Seating is mostly open in the lounge, with flyers having their pick instead of being escorted to a seat as is the case in some other American Express lounges.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Some seats are reserved for larger groups. This arrangement, for example, is reserved for groups of three or more.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

It remains to be seen how American Express will adjust as more travelers take to the skies and COVID-19 measures are lifted.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

But not all seats need to be blocked off as some lend themselves well to social distancing. Lounges thrive on exclusivity and privacy, and some of the seating reflects that with high walls to separate guests.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

This lounge also features the standard single-seat cubbies that are separated from each other by walls measuring around one foot in length.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Bar seating is also available along the edges of the lounge, offering a unique view of the terminal below.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Clear windows provide a direct line of sight to the check-in areas below, as well as the art installations on display in the terminal.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

The lounge also has some art of its own, including a massive mural of the Centurion logo.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Power outlets are ubiquitous in the lounge and guests don’t have to travel far to find one, whether it be a 110v AC power outlet or USB charging port.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Some couches even have power outlets built into the cushioning.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

A small business center complete with outlets and a printer is also available for business travelers passing through the lounge.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

A conference table is also available for business travelers or larger groups.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

An entire pre-trip meeting can be had around the table, complete with built-in power outlets.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Unique to the LaGuardia lounge is a library-like study space, which American Express designed in partnership with New York City independent bookstore McNally Jackson,.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

It’s another private nook for guests to enjoy but digital copies of books are also available.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Showers are also available in the lounge, although they’re not currently open due to pandemic restrictions. But once lifted, guests will be able to have a shower using L’Occitane products.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

The lounge is open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Sunday to Friday, but only until 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Guests departing from LaGuardia can spend a maximum of three hours here but the visit is worth every minute.

Inside the American Express Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport - Amex Centurion Lounge LaGuardia Airport
Touring American Express' new Centurion Lounge at LaGuardia Airport.

Read the original article on Business Insider