LaGuardia used to be the airport everyone loved to hate. It was cramped, dark, and honestly, a bit of a mess. But the massive multi-billion dollar renovation changed everything. Now, it’s a shining example of modern transit. Specifically, Terminal B is where the magic happens. If you’re hunting for the Centurion Lounge LGA location, you’re likely standing in that high-ceilinged Terminal B, or you're about to be.
Finding it isn't as intuitive as the signs might suggest.
You’ve probably been in this situation before. You’re lugging a carry-on, your phone is at 12%, and you just want a decent espresso and a seat that isn't a plastic bucket at a gate. Amex has a reputation for placing these lounges in "secret" corners. At LGA, it's not exactly hidden, but if you don't know where to look, you’ll end up walking toward the wrong gates entirely.
Where Exactly is the Centurion Lounge LGA Location?
Most people think you just "stumble" upon it. You don't.
The Centurion Lounge LGA location is situated in Terminal B, right after you clear security. Here is the part that trips people up: it is on the fourth floor. Most of the terminal’s hustle and bustle happens on the concourse level where the gates are. To get to the lounge, you need to head to the upper level of the Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall.
🔗 Read more: Why Every Picture of the Vatican You See Online Is Kinda Lying To You
Look for the elevators or the long escalator bank near the shops. It’s tucked away near the Eastern Concourse entrance. If you find yourself staring at the water feature—which is actually pretty cool, by the way—you’re in the right neighborhood. Just look up.
Why does the location matter so much? Because Terminal B is massive. If you are flying out of Terminal C (Delta’s home), you are basically in a different zip code. There is no airside connection between B and C. This means if you have a Delta flight and you want to visit the Centurion, you have to clear security at Terminal B, hang out, leave, take a shuttle, and clear security again at Terminal C. Is the fried chicken worth it? Maybe. But you better have a three-hour layover.
The Layout and What to Expect Inside
Once you actually step through those signature green-wall doors, the vibe shifts. It's about 15,000 square feet. That sounds big, but LaGuardia is a high-traffic hub for business travelers. It gets packed.
The design is very "New York." You’ll see floor-to-ceiling windows that give you a pretty stellar view of the Manhattan skyline if the weather isn't being typical NYC-gray. There’s a study area, a few phone booths—thankfully, because nobody wants to hear your Q3 earnings call—and a full bar.
The food isn't your standard airport buffet sad-sauce. Amex usually partners with high-end chefs. At this location, they’ve worked with Cédric Vongerichten. Think ginger-fried rice and incredible chicken. It’s a far cry from a $15 soggy wrap at a newsstand.
👉 See also: Garden City Kansas City: Why People Get These Two Places Confused
Why Access Rules are Changing (and Why You Should Care)
Amex recently tightened the screws. It used to be that you could bring a "plus one" for free just for having the Platinum Card. Not anymore. Unless you’re spending $75,000 a year on your card, you’re paying $50 per guest.
It's a bit of a bummer.
However, this has slightly—and I mean slightly—reduced the chaotic crowds. If you have the Centurion Card (the "Black Card"), you still get the royal treatment with a reserved seating area. For the rest of us with the vanilla Platinum or the Delta Reserve, it's first-come, first-served.
- Check the App: Seriously. The Amex app has a "lounge discovery" tool that shows you how busy the Centurion Lounge LGA location is in real-time. If it says "Almost Full," believe it.
- The Check-in Process: Have your physical card, your ID, and your boarding pass ready. They won't accept a "I forgot my card but here's a photo" excuse.
- Time Limits: You can only get in three hours before your flight. Don't try to show up six hours early thinking you’ll work a full day there. They’ll turn you away.
Comparing LGA to Other New York Lounges
New York is spoiled for choice now. You have the Chase Sapphire Lounge at LGA (also in Terminal B), which is giving Amex a serious run for its money. Some people actually prefer the Chase lounge now because it feels a bit fresher and the food is ordered via QR code to your table.
Then there’s the JFK Centurion. That one is a beast—two levels and a "speakeasy" bar. But if you’re stuck at LGA, the Terminal B Centurion is still the gold standard for most travelers. The staff here are seasoned. They handle the "I'm-going-to-miss-my-flight" panic of New Yorkers with a level of grace that’s honestly impressive.
Tactical Tips for a Better Visit
If you’re traveling with a family, the Centurion Lounge LGA location has a family room. Use it. It’s soundproofed-ish. It keeps the kids entertained and keeps the business travelers from glaring at you.
Also, the bathrooms. Airport bathrooms are generally a nightmare. The ones inside the lounge have L'Occitane products and are actually cleaned regularly. It’s the small wins.
- Morning visits: The breakfast spread is top-tier. The shakshuka is usually a hit.
- Alcohol service: In New York, they can't serve booze until 8:00 AM on certain days (or 10:00 AM on Sundays). Keep that in mind if you were planning a pre-flight mimosa for a 7:00 AM departure.
- Seating hack: Everyone crowds the dining tables. If you head to the very back, behind the bar area, there are usually some high-back chairs that are much quieter.
The move to the new terminal was the best thing that happened to this lounge. The old location was pre-security. It was tiny. It was stressful because you always had to keep one eye on the clock to ensure you had time for the TSA line. Now that it's post-security, you can breathe.
Is the Centurion Lounge Worth the Trek?
If you are already in Terminal B, yes. Absolutely. It's a no-brainer.
If you are in Terminal C, it’s a gamble. The shuttle bus between terminals can take 10 minutes or 30 minutes depending on airport traffic and construction. Plus, you have to deal with the Clear or PreCheck lines again. Only do it if you have a massive delay.
LaGuardia has become a world-class airport, and the Centurion Lounge is a big part of that identity. It’s no longer about surviving your layover; it’s about actually enjoying the start of your trip. Just remember: Fourth floor. Terminal B. Near the Eastern Concourse.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Flight
Before you head to the airport, open your Amex app and check the "Lounge" tab. Look for the LaGuardia Terminal B entry to see the current capacity. If it's "at capacity," you might want to pivot to a Priority Pass lounge if you have one, or just find a quiet gate. Pack your physical ID and Platinum card in an easy-to-reach pocket. If you're planning on bringing a guest, be ready to pay the fee via the card on file. Finally, make sure your flight is actually departing from Terminal B—if it's Delta, you're likely in Terminal C, and you should probably stick to the Sky Club there instead.