Redefining the Airport Lounge Experience

In a decisive move to cater to the evolving needs of business and leisure travelers, American Express will debut a first-of-its-kind airport lounge concept—Sidecar by the Centurion Lounge—at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas in 2026. This innovative new format complements its globally recognized Centurion Lounge network and directly addresses a growing trend: travelers seeking high-quality, efficient experiences at the airport, especially during short layovers and tight connections.

The Sidecar concept is a departure from the traditional, spacious lounges populating major airports. It is a curated, speakeasy-inspired space focused on comfort, expediency, and premium touchpoints—tailor-made for those on the move. Access will be allowed within 90 minutes of scheduled flight departures, giving cardmembers with Centurion Lounge privileges another option when every minute counts.

“Many of our visitors spend less than an hour in our lounges, and we’ve created Sidecar specifically for them,” explained Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, in a recent statement. The aim is clear: to deliver the signature Centurion luxury and service with an emphasis on speed, convenience, and the changing rhythm of travel.

Features Tailored for the Time-Conscious Traveler

• Speakeasy-Inspired Design: Sidecar lounges tap into the mystique and intimacy of hidden bars, a theme gaining popularity among modern hospitality venues.
• Small-Plate Menu: Focused, high-quality small bites cater to those seeking a quick yet gourmet snack before departure. This reflects a broader shift towards culinary innovation in the travel industry, as travelers expect not just convenience, but memorable flavors too.
• Streamlined Access: All American Express cardmembers eligible for Centurion Lounge access can use Sidecar, reflecting AMEX’s broader strategy to add value for premium customers and retain exclusivity amid increased membership numbers.

The launch comes at a competitive time, as major credit card issuers and travel brands race to differentiate their travel benefits. Over the last five years, premium cardholder expectations have soared—with amenities such as fine dining, high-speed Wi-Fi, spa services, and curated spaces becoming standard in flagship lounges worldwide. American Express’s move signals an understanding that customer satisfaction stems not just from luxury, but from personalization and timesaving convenience.

Elevating Airport Dining: The Culinary Collective

Alongside the Sidecar debut, American Express is redefining the culinary standards for its Centurion Lounge network through the rollout of the Culinary Collective by the Centurion Lounge. This team comprises top culinary talents including Mashama Bailey, Sarah Grueneberg, Kwame Onwuachi, Mike Solomonov, and renowned bar director Harrison Ginsberg. Starting July 29, 2025, cardmembers will enjoy new, chef-driven menus and cocktail selections—further blurring the line between airport food and world-class dining.

Some of the standout menu items—such as Chef Grueneberg’s watermelon salad—will also be featured at Sidecar, ensuring even travelers with brief stays enjoy creative, nourishing options. “You’d be lucky to make it to each of their celebrated restaurants across the country, but now visitors to our Centurion Lounges will be able to sample dishes created by these chefs,” said Hendley.

Industry research shows that over 70% of travelers consider food quality important when choosing lounge access, and American Express aims to capitalize on that. This focus on gastronomy also supports the broader trend of airlines and hospitality brands partnering with celebrity chefs—an arms race to win customer loyalty with authentic, memorable flavors and premium service, even in transit.

Industry Context and Competitive Landscape

American Express’s Centurion Lounge network is a market leader, with 28 lounges in major transport hubs globally as of mid-2025. The network is acclaimed for its design, amenities, and exclusivity, but it has not escaped industrywide challenges: crowding, rising competition from issuers like Chase and Capital One, and the shifting needs of post-pandemic travelers who now prioritize flexibility and efficiency.

According to internal American Express data, roughly 50% of all Centurion Lounge visits are under one hour. This data, amplified by the accelerating pace of travel and remote work, made the case for a new, quick-turn concept like Sidecar. The move comes as airports report record foot traffic—the TSA screened over 3 million passengers in a single day in July 2025, underscoring the need for speed and convenience at every touchpoint.

Analysts expect other travel and payment card brands to follow suit, widening the innovation race, especially in U.S. business travel: Statista estimates U.S. business travel spending will top $430 billion in 2025, with airport lounges remaining a key value add for frequent flyers. “The Sidecar concept is a brilliant way to boost throughput and delight those power travelers pressed for time,” notes travel industry consultant Linda Colley.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect at Sidecar and Beyond

As American Express prepares to open its inaugural Sidecar lounge in Las Vegas in 2026, customers and competitors alike are watching closely. The company has not yet announced locations beyond LAS, but industry watchers expect successful adoption could see Sidecar expand to additional high-volume U.S. and international airports by 2027.

For now, travelers at Harry Reid International can choose between the Sidecar’s rapid, curated experience or the full-service Centurion Lounge at LAS—providing flexibility to address a variety of travel styles and schedules. With this dual offering, American Express reinforces its position as the premium standard bearer for airport hospitality, while setting new expectations for efficiency-driven luxury in the skies.