New Amex lounge coming to Charlotte's airport in 2027

Catch up quick: Charlotte City Council approved terms for an American Express Sidecar Lounge lease at CLT in March.

• The initial lease terms council approved required American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. to invest at least $7.15 million into the project, as Axios previously reported.
• The lounge will be in CLT's Concourse A Phase II expansion, which opened in September 2024. The American Express lounge will join the Delta Sky Club, which opened in Concourse A Phase II expansion in December 2024.

What to expect: The new 4,600-square-foot lounge will be open to travelers within 90 minutes of departure, following a trend of lounges designed to get passengers in and out quickly.

• "It reflects strong demand for premium spaces and our commitment to an elevated passenger experience," CLT chief business and innovation officer Ted Kaplan said in a statement.
• See lounge access eligibility requirements here.

The vibe: The lounge will look and feel like a restaurant, and travelers can order small plates, cocktails and wine to their seats through a QR code.

• Expect nods to Charlotte's mill history throughout the lounge, mixed with a contemporary feel.

Zoom out: CLT has a Centurion lounge between Concourses D and E.

What we're watching: CLT has seen a significant uptick in its lounge offerings in recent years. Other lounges coming to CLT include:

• Capital One in Concourse A near gates 21–29.
• American Airlines intends to add a high-end Flagship lounge, where customers are greeted with Champagne.

Current CLT lounge guide