American Express Unveils Exclusive 'Sidecar' Lounge for Price-Conscious Travelers

The new airport lounge concept aims to provide a high-end experience for those with limited time before boarding.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:41pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a sleek desk with a laptop, a glass of wine, and a small plate of gourmet appetizers, all arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the premium airport lounge experience offered by American Express' new Sidecar concept.A premium airport lounge experience designed for budget-conscious travelers who value efficiency and a quick respite before their flight.Las Vegas Today

American Express has launched a new airport lounge concept called Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Sidecar is designed for budget-conscious travelers who value efficiency and a quick lounge experience, but it is only accessible to American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders with a departure time within 90 minutes. The lounge features a speakeasy-inspired atmosphere, a menu curated by renowned chefs, and digital ordering, but it does not offer direct paid access, raising questions about its true accessibility.

Why it matters

This launch comes amid rising credit card fees and a growing skepticism towards credit card companies, with President Trump advocating for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates. The exclusivity of the Sidecar lounge highlights the ongoing debate around the accessibility of premium credit card perks, as many consumers struggle with increasing debt and the high costs of premium cards.

The details

Sidecar is located near gate D1 in Concourse D and is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. The ordering process is digital, with visitors scanning a QR code to order food and drinks, which are then served at the bar or table. The menu features small plates created by a collective of renowned chefs, including James Beard Award® winners Sarah Grueneberg, Kwame Onwuachi, Michael Solomonov, and Mashama Bailey. The wine list is curated by sommelier Helen Johannesen. The lounge's design blends desert oasis and Las Vegas glamour, offering private restrooms, power outlets, USB ports, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.

  • Sidecar was first teased by American Express in July 2025.
  • The new lounge concept was unveiled on Wednesday, April 11, 2026.

The players

Audrey Hendley

President of American Express Travel, who highlighted the need for a quick, efficient lounge experience for many Centurion Lounge visitors.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who has advocated for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates.

Sarah Grueneberg

A James Beard Award® winning chef who contributed to the Sidecar lounge menu.

Kwame Onwuachi

A James Beard Award® winning chef who contributed to the Sidecar lounge menu.

Michael Solomonov

A James Beard Award® winning chef who contributed to the Sidecar lounge menu.

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What they’re saying

“Many Centurion Lounge visitors stay for an hour or less, so we saw an opportunity to create a unique space that caters to that need.”

— Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel

What’s next

American Express plans to expand the Sidecar concept to other major airports in the coming years, providing more budget-conscious travelers with a premium lounge experience.

The takeaway

The launch of the Sidecar lounge by American Express highlights the ongoing tension between providing exclusive credit card perks and making premium experiences accessible to a wider range of travelers. As credit card fees and interest rates continue to rise, the accessibility and value of these types of offerings will likely remain a topic of debate.