AmEx Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Faces Health Code Setback

As holiday travel picks up, the American Express Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which opened in February, has hit a health code setback just shy of its one-year anniversary. The lounge, the largest of its kind in the world at 26,000 square feet, recently failed a county health inspection, according to Channel 2 Action News.

The inspection uncovered several violations, including flies in the bar area, a dirty ice machine, and food stored at incorrect temperatures. Despite these issues, the lounge passed a follow-up inspection with a “satisfactory” B grade on Wednesday, showing some improvement. Still, the incident is an embarrassment for American Express and a blow to the lounge’s reputation.

The Centurion Lounge, located in Concourse E, is a key part of the airport’s efforts to attract high-end travelers. It features a whiskey bar, outdoor terraces, shower suites, and private phone booths. Since its opening, the lounge has received mixed reviews online, with its TripAdvisor rating averaging 2.5 stars. Some customers called it “the worst lounge I have ever been to” and “downright disgusting,” while others praised its potential.

The lounge’s menu is curated by Atlanta-based chef Deborah VanTrece. It is operated by SodexoMagic, a partnership between food services giant Sodexo and former NBA star Magic Johnson, which also runs most of the airport’s Delta SkyClubs and the American Airlines Admirals Club. According to county records, these other lounges have passed recent health inspections.

A spokesperson for American Express responded to the inspection results, stating, “Delivering a great experience in the Centurion Lounge is our top priority. We take these inspections seriously and have taken immediate steps to address the report.” Clayton County Health District spokesperson Vincent Parris added that the follow-up inspection indicates the lounge is “showing improvement,” and further inspections will take place over the next six months. The county has also scheduled a meeting with management to review food safety processes.