Amex Centurion Lounge Spas Closed

In what I think is a smart and calculated decision, Amex has closed their Centurion lounge spas. While this may feel like a devaluation, it is in order to add more usable space. The spas may have been a welcomed bougie addition to a select few Centurion lounges, but they take up some valuable real estate. As we all know, the American Express Centurion lounges have had a crowding issue for years now. They have tried to curb it by making access more difficult and eliminating free guests for most etc. It appears that is still not enough, so they decided to drop the hammer on the Exhale spas within a few of their lounge locations.

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Which Lounges Are Affected

There were only three Centurion lounge locations that offered spa services:

• Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
• Miami (MIA)
• Los Angeles (LAX)

It seemed like the services were always backed up at these lounges. Many that requested services never received them before needing to depart the lounge. I am sure even more decided to never even try because of the backlog of requests.

American Express Comment On The Subject

Here is what American Express had to say about the change according to TPG

As of this past Thursday, October 3rd, in order to add more seating areas and accommodate more eligible Card Members, American Express is closing the Exhale spas in the Centurion Lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Miami International Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport.

Why I Like This Change

I think this is a prudent move by American Express because it should add back some much needed space. More cardholders will get better use out of the space as general lounge seating versus the few that enjoyed the spa services. I am sure it will be more cost effective overall too. Hopefully they put some of that savings into providing a better array of food options. The selection has really gone downhill since they opened these lounges years ago to much fanfare.

Amex Centurion Lounge Spas Closed: ToP Thoughts

Let me know what you think about Amex closing the Centurion lounge spas over in the ToP Facebook Group. Does this take away from your overall lounge experience with Amex? Or, do you think it is a better use of the space like I do? Hopefully they are able to retrofit the space quickly!