Amex Opens New Centurion Lounge at Amsterdam Schiphol

Why Amsterdam Matters For Amex

American Express already gives eligible Platinum Card members access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries through its Global Lounge Collection, but most of those spaces are operated by partners such as Priority Pass and Plaza Premium. Centurion Lounges are different: They are the lounges where Amex controls the experience and, increasingly, uses food, design and hospitality to distinguish its premium cards from competitors.

Europe has remained relatively sparse territory for that proprietary network. Amex operates a Centurion Lounge at London Heathrow, while Amsterdam is the first location on the European mainland to officially carry the Centurion Lounge name.

Unlike adding a lounge at a destination airport used primarily by local travelers, Schiphol is one of Europe’s major connecting hubs. A traveler flying from the United States through Amsterdam to another international destination can now use the same Amex lounge benefit abroad that they may already use at airports including New York JFK, Los Angeles and Miami.

“Schiphol is a major travel hub for our Card Members in the Netherlands and around the world,” said Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, in announcing the lounge’s opening. “That made Schiphol a natural place to bring the Centurion Lounge experience.”

Inside The New Amsterdam Centurion Lounge

When I visited, the most notable thing about the lounge was not any one over-the-top amenity. There are no showers, spa rooms or dramatic runway views. Instead, Amex has concentrated on making a relatively compact footprint useful for several different kinds of travelers.

“Passengers increasingly value choice in how they spend their time at the airport, whether they want to relax, work or recharge before their flight,” Tim de Bie, Commercial Terminal Director at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, said in announcing the opening. He added that the lounge gives the airport “a distinctive premium hospitality concept.”

Immediately past reception are clusters of upholstered armchairs and low tables that feel better suited to reading or having a drink than opening a laptop. Farther inside are café tables, high-tops, booths, group seating and quieter workspaces. A separate phone alcove offers somewhere to take a call, and power outlets and USB ports have been incorporated liberally throughout the seating areas. Free high-speed Wi-Fi, flight monitors and private restrooms round out the more practical amenities.

The space otherwise makes a strong attempt to distinguish itself from the increasingly interchangeable world of premium airport lounges. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring plenty of daylight into the room, while black quartzite, brass details and warm wood give the space more of a trendy cocktail bar vibe. The palette leans heavily into deep blues, greens and earth tones, a reference to Amsterdam’s canals and the surrounding Dutch landscape. Amex says the lines, proportions and repetition within the interiors also borrow from the rhythm of the city’s narrow canal houses.

The Dutch references become more specific in the art. Works by Mieke Jonker, Reinder Schmidt, Geesien Postema and Thirza Schaap appear throughout the lounge. One of the most memorable is Jonker’s portrait of the American Express bulldog, which incorporates Delft Blue plates, flowers and silhouettes of former Dutch queens. QR codes beside some pieces let travelers learn more about the artists rather than treating the work purely as decoration.

Menus are seasonal and mix Dutch dishes with broader European comfort food. During the opening period, that meant bitterballen—crisp fried balls filled with beef ragout—alongside dishes including a slider with Dutch slaw and pickles, meatballs, salads and truffle macaroni and cheese. Bitterballen are expected to remain a fixture even as much of the menu changes.

The Amsterdam outpost also features Blue Roast, Amex’s dedicated barista-run coffee concept. Rather than relying solely on a push-button machine, the counter serves espresso, cappuccinos, flat whites, cortados, lattes and other drinks made with locally sourced coffee; orders are paired with a small stroopwafel. Amsterdam is only the fourth Centurion Lounge to get a dedicated Blue Roast bar.

There is also a separate full-service bar, where the menu makes a few less-obvious nods to the Netherlands. The Canal House cocktail combines genever—the juniper-flavored Dutch spirit that predates modern gin—with dry vermouth, olive brine and orange peel. Another, the Black Tulip G&T, pairs elderflower gin with grapefruit and tonic. Beer, wine, Champagne, spirits and nonalcoholic cocktails are also available.

How To Access The Amsterdam Centurion Lounge

Access is complimentary for eligible American Express Platinum, Business Platinum and Centurion cardmembers, though the precise rules depend on the card and country where it was issued. For U.S. Platinum and Business Platinum cardmembers, Centurion Lounge access is unlimited and does not require flying a particular airline.

To enter, travelers need to show an eligible Amex card and a same-day boarding pass; Amex may also ask for government-issued identification. For U.S. Platinum cardmembers, access begins up to three hours before a departing flight. Travelers connecting at Schiphol can enter up to five hours before their onward flight—a rule that took effect in July 2026.

Guests generally cost U.S. Platinum cardmembers $50 per adult and $30 for children ages 2 through 17. Cardmembers who spend at least $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year can unlock complimentary access for up to two guests at participating Centurion Lounges; international guest policies can vary by location.

The Amsterdam lounge is located in Schiphol’s Main Terminal between Piers E and F, an area used primarily for non-Schengen and international departures. Access is always subject to available space.