Does Centurion Lounge allow military?

Annual Fee Waivers For Active Duty Military In the past, AmEx has been quite generous from all accounts in honoring this no-fee-for-active-duty-military policy, so applying for a Platinum Card in order to claim Centurion Lounge privileges is not as far-fetched as it might sound at first. (See Rates and Fees.)



The American Express Centurion Lounge allows active-duty military personnel to enter only if they are eligible Card Members (holding a personal Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, or Centurion Card). While Amex famously waives the annual fee for active-duty U.S. military members under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), the military ID itself does not grant access; you must present your physical Amex card, a government-issued ID, and a same-day boarding pass. In 2026, a specific military-related policy allows active-duty military dogs that are listed on official travel orders to accompany their handlers into the lounge, a rare exception to the general "no pets" rule. Military members should also note the "3-hour rule" introduced in recent years: you can only enter the lounge within three hours of your flight's departure unless you are on a layover.

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The American Airlines official site says military members and family traveling same-day on United are eligible to use these airport lounges with a boarding pass and a military ID. Military members must be in uniform to travel.

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If your same-day outbound flight departs after the lounge closes for the day, we will admit you as early as 3 hours prior to the lounge closing, subject to available capacity. Select lounges may allow access to eligible Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival).

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Some Centurion Lounges even offer spa services, wine tasting and family rooms. This is significantly better than you will find in your average Priority Pass lounge. Best of all, these services are complimentary to eligible cardmembers.

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Global Entry for military members isn't an automatic benefit; your Known Traveler Number doesn't help here. However, it is still possible to apply for and receive Global Entry benefits if you're a member of the military. To do so, you'll need to complete an application for Global Entry online.

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Military Airport Lounges: The USO These lounges are open to currently serving military members and their families with unexpired ID cards and feature internet access, sleeping areas, small libraries, mini-theaters, snacks, and other services that vary depending on location.

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With airline cancellations and delays at a post-pandemic high, the lounge has been a welcome refuge from the crowded, maddening airline waiting room. But those 'exclusive' lounges are now packed with crowds of the mass affluent, people with enough points, miles or “elite status” to get past the sliding doors.

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American Express Centurion Lounges are for the day of departure only. This means you can enter the lounge up to three hours before you depart on your flight or during a layover between flights within the same airport.

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These locations offer custom drinks created by a nationally renowned mixologist, a member services desk that can help with travel plans and semi-private workspaces — some locations even have shower suites, a spa and a wine-tasting area.

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