New Amex lounge could be coming to CLT after city council OKs lease terms
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Charlotte City Council approved terms for an American Express Sidecar Lounge lease at Charlotte Douglas International Airport Monday night.
Why it matters: The lounge is the latest offering from American Express, which opened its first Sidecar Lounge in Las Vegas last week.
State of play: The lounge would be in Concourse A in the Phase II expansion, which opened in September 2024, and would occupy roughly 4,641 square feet, according to council's agenda.
- This would be the second lounge in the Concourse A Phase II expansion. A Delta Sky Club opened in Concourse A Phase II expansion in December 2024.
What to expect: Eligible travelers would be able to visit the American Express Sidecar Lounge within 90 minutes of their flight. It's the latest lounge designed to get passengers in and out quickly, but with more of a restaurant vibe in both style and service.
- An Amex spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
The initial lease for the lounge space would be five years, per council documents. American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. would also have the option for a five-year renewal.
- American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. would be required to invest at least $7.15 million into the project.
- The airport would be paid the equivalent of 25% of the gross revenue generated by the lounge.
Flashback: Less than two weeks after Concourse A Phase II expansion opened in 2024, CLT put out a request for proposals for commercial lease.
- The proposal "best meets the city's needs in terms of qualifications, experience, cost, responsiveness to RFP requirements, and conceptual design," per council documents.
Zoom out: American Express also operates a Centurion lounge at CLT between Concourses D and E.
What we're watching: Capital One also plans to open a lounge at CLT in Concourse A near gates 21–29, and American Airlines intends to add a high-end Flagship lounge, where customers are greeted with Champagne.
- Another recently opened addition is American Airlines Provisions by Admirals Club in Concourse A, near gate A1.