American Express Just Opened a Brand-New Airport Lounge Built for Travelers in a Rush

Anyone who’s tried ducking into an airport lounge recently knows the familiar dance. You walk in hoping for a calm, comfortable retreat before your flight, only to be greeted by a winding velvet rope at the entrance, a desperate hunt for an open seat, and a chaotic line circling the lukewarm buffet. If you only have 45 minutes before boarding begins, braving the crowd rarely feels worth the trouble.

American Express is officially introducing a clever solution to that exact travel headache. The financial brand has opened Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas—an entirely new, intimate lounge concept designed specifically for travelers with limited time to spare.

Unlike sprawling flagship lounges meant for lingering through a three-hour layover, Sidecar is built for speed, intimacy, and high-touch service. The concept was born out of internal travel data showing that a significant portion of Centurion Lounge guests stay for an hour or less. Located near gate D1 in Concourse D—just a short stroll from the airport’s primary Centurion Lounge—the 33-seat, speakeasy-inspired space features warm desert tones, brass accents, lush greenery, and antique mirrors that feel far more like an upscale boutique cocktail den than an airport gate hold.

Related: American Express Just Announced Its Biggest Airport Lounge Expansion Yet

“Since opening the first Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas in 2013, we have gained invaluable insights around how Card Members use our lounge spaces, which has informed how we innovate,” said Audrey Hendley, President, American Express Travel. “Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge was born out of the fact that a significant portion of Centurion Lounge visitors stay for an hour or less. This is not only an exciting return to LAS, but a new approach we created for those travelers looking for an upscale and efficient respite—even when they have a short window before boarding their flight.”

The biggest upgrade for travelers, however, is the dining format. Sidecar completely ditches the self-serve buffet. Instead, eligible Card Members are escorted to a table or bar stool and order elevated small plates and craft drinks directly via QR code technology powered by Toast. Within minutes, a server brings your meal straight to your seat.

The rotating menu is curated by award-winning Resy chefs from The Culinary Collective, bringing destination-worthy dining to a quick airport stopover. Guests can snack on crushed cucumber salad with crispy rice pearls by Chef Kwame Onwuachi, avocado toast with schug labneh by Chef Michael Solomonov, or mushroom and mustard greens egg bites with black garlic aioli by Chef Mashama Bailey. Each month also highlights a featured sandwich, launching with “Chicky Chicky Parm Parm” sliders by Chef Sarah Grueneberg, alongside classic cocktails and a wine list curated by sommelier Helen Johannesen.

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To keep the space moving and prevent the camping-out culture that plagues traditional clubs, access comes with a smart rule: travelers can only enter within 90 minutes of their flight’s scheduled departure. Access is complimentary for travelers who already have Centurion Lounge privileges, including Platinum Card members.

By pairing rapid, restaurant-style hospitality with a tight time cap, Sidecar proves that you don’t need hours to kill to enjoy a truly civilized pre-flight ritual. If you find yourself hurrying through Terminal 3, sneaking in a world-class cocktail and a chef-crafted slider before the boarding call might just be the best way to fly.

Related: Amex Travel Just Upgraded Its Cruise Program—Here’s How to Earn Double Points on Your Next Vacation

This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.