Both the Centurion Lounge and United Polaris Lounge offer premium lounge experiences, but cater to different travelers. The Centurion Lounge provides broader access through American Express cards and is known for its chef-designed menus and reliable Wi-Fi. The United Polaris Lounge, while more exclusive, offers a more comprehensive dining experience with both buffet and restaurant options and is tailored for international travelers. Overcrowding is a common issue for both.
| Attribute | The Centurion Lounge (American Express) | United Polaris Lounge |
|---|---|---|
| Access Eligibility | Complimentary access for Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, Corporate Platinum, and Centurion cardholders. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders with same-day Delta flight. Requires same-day boarding pass. | Available to United Polaris business class and Star Alliance first/business class customers on long-haul international flights. No access via credit cards, elite status, or memberships. |
| Guest Privileges and Fees | Fees for most Amex cardholders: $50 per adult, $30 per child (2-17). Free for children under two. U.S. Platinum and Business Platinum card members can get complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit to U.S. Centurion Lounges, Hong Kong, and London Heathrow, after spending $75,000 or more on eligible purchases on their card in a calendar year. Centurion card members: two guests or immediate family free. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders: up to two guests for $50 each on same-day Delta flights. | Eligible first-class travelers on Star Alliance can bring one guest free. Business class passengers cannot bring guests. Guests are not allowed for United Polaris ticket holders. |
| Lounge Locations | Located in major airports worldwide (e.g., LAS, DCA, DEN, SFO). Specific locations available via the Amex App. | ORD (Terminal 1, Concourse C), IAH (Terminal E), LAX (Terminal 7), EWR (Terminal C), SFO (International Terminal G), IAD (Concourse C). |
| Operating Hours | Vary by location (e.g., 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily). | ORD: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. IAH: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. LAX: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. EWR: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. SFO: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. IAD: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. |
| Seating | Communal tables, private nooks, lounge chairs, and bar seating. Can get crowded. | Variety of seating options, including private and non-private seats. Comfortable wide chairs, sofas, egg-style chairs, and single pods with desks. Can get crowded. |
| Food and Beverage | Hot and cold food options, menus by award-winning chefs using local ingredients. Signature cocktails, premium spirits, and curated wine lists. | Buffet and restaurant with table service. Hot and cold options, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Made-to-order meals with menus that vary by location. Wide selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits. |
| Alcoholic Beverages | Signature cocktails, premium spirits, and curated wine lists. Cocktail menus often designed by acclaimed mixologists. | Staffed bar with a wide selection of wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits. Bartenders can create custom cocktails. All alcohol is complimentary. |
| Shower Facilities | Some locations offer shower facilities with towels and L'Occitane products. | Shower suites are available, equipped with a toilet, sink, and rain shower. Amenities include towels, slippers, shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. |
| Wi-Fi | Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi. | Wi-Fi is available. Speeds can be fast, but some users have reported slow and unreliable connections during peak hours. |
| Power Outlets | Ample power outlets and USB ports. | Ample USB ports and power outlets are available. Some seats don't have power ports. |
| Noise Levels and Ambiance | Tasteful and contemporary, relaxing environment. Can be noisy due to overcrowding. | Well-designed and elegant. Some areas are quieter than others. Noise levels can be high when the lounge is crowded. |
| Spa Services | Some locations have offered spa services, but availability may vary. | Does not appear to have dedicated spa services, but some locations offer quiet rooms for napping. |