6 ways to make the most of your airport lounge experience

At the Centurion^® Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, you can find all sorts of ways to unwind before your next flight.

Travelling is one of life's great pleasures – but sometimes dealing with all the hustle and bustle at the airport itself can make you feel worn out before the journey's even begun!

So it's always nice to have somewhere to retreat and enjoy some peace and quiet while you're waiting for your flight. That's where airport lounges come in.

With this in mind, we're taking a closer look at some of the best ways to enjoy your next visit to the airport lounge.

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1. Grab a refreshing bevvy

Any experienced flyer will tell you that staying hydrated is essential for flying.

So your first step upon arrival to the airport lounge should be securing a drink.

For example, the Amex's Centurion^® Lounge features barista-made coffee and a self-serve bar for non-alcoholic drinks.

Conveniences like these can make all the difference between a relaxing trip and a parched arrival.

2. Fuel for the flight with delicious eats

Even with food available on long-haul flights, it always pays to grab something delicious before you head overseas.

Many airport lounges will provide food ranging from snacks to buffet to an a la carte affair.

There are a range of complimentary food options for visiting Card Members – so make sure you eat up before you fly!

3. Get your viewing options sorted

In-flight entertainment is amazing these days. But sometimes, you just want to bring your own.

Having Wi-Fi access can allow you to download your favourite shows, movies, music, podcasts and eBooks before you start the next leg of your journey.

The Centurion^® Lounge features Wi-Fi connectivity for a range of devices, allowing you to prepare all of the entertainment you'll need before you hop on board.

4. Get your work sorted before you go

Now, ideally you'll be travelling for a holiday. But sometimes work is part and parcel of hitting the airways, so it's essential to have somewhere to get some work done while you wait for your flight.

In addition to the Wi-Fi, the Centurion^® Lounge has functional seating zones. Nearly every seat has a laptop stand or side table available for working. So you can put in your headphones, set up your device and take care of your emails and Slack messages before you take off.

5. Charge your devices

There's nothing worse than watching your favourite show on a flight and suddenly having the battery go dead on you.

So while you're having some time out in the airport lounge, make sure you charge your devices.

The Centurion^® Lounge is designed so that power points and USB chargers are always within easy reach from your seat.

6. Freshen up before you fly

Last – but certainly not least – long-haul travel can make it trickier to take care of some of those everyday essentials.

So if you're able to grab a shower in between flights, it can make flying significantly more comfortable.

With this in mind, the Sydney Centurion^® Lounge also features shower suites, stocked with toiletries.

To access them, simply let the concierge know. They'll be able to let you know when they're ready for you to use.

Learn more about the perks you can score as an Amex Card Member

• Terms and conditions

  1. Access to The Centurion Lounge

  (a) American Express Centurion, American Express Platinum, American Express Platinum Business and American Express Corporate Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to The Centurion Lounges for each American Express Card Account and are entitled to bring their children 17 years of age or younger. Platinum Personal and Platinum Business Card Members may bring one (1) complimentary guest into The Centurion Lounge. Centurion and Corporate Platinum Card Members may bring up to two (2) complimentary guests into The Centurion Lounge. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Centurion or Platinum Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members wishing to bring additional guests will be subject to a charge that is to be processed on the Card Member's American Express Card. Please refer to the reception desk at The Centurion Lounge for the applicable charges. If you have paid for additional guests and choose to visit multiple locations of The Centurion Lounge on the same day, guest fees will apply at each location.

  (b) All other eligible cards are entitled to a total of two entries into The Centurion Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne per calendar year (1st January to 31st December). The entries may be used by the Primary Card Member, Additional Card Member or a guest travelling with a Card Member. Complimentary access is available for the Card Member's children 17 years of age or younger. Card Members wishing to bring additional guests will be subject to a charge that is to be processed on the Card Member's American Express Card. Please refer to the reception desk at The Centurion Lounge for the applicable charges.

  2. General Conditions of Entry

  (a) The Centurion Lounge at Sydney International Airport and Melbourne International Airport are operated by Plaza Premium Lounge Management ("Lounge Operator"). To access The Centurion Lounge, eligible Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. During a layover, all eligible Card Members (excluding Centurion) must arrive within 5 hours of their connecting flight. Same day round-trip itineraries are not considered connecting flights. Card Members will not be granted access to the lounge with a boarding pass for a flight that has landed at the final destination. All guests must be travelling on the same flight as the eligible Card Member (excluding Centurion). Upon arrival at The Centurion Lounge, eligible Card Members must present the following upon each visit: their valid American Express Credit or Charge Card and upon request, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for a departing flight on the same day on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Name on boarding pass must match name on the Card. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied.

  (b) Card Members must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Centurion Lounge visitors must be of legal drinking age in the jurisdiction where the Lounge is located to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.

  (c) The Lounge Operator reserves the right to remove any person from the lounge for inappropriate behaviour or failure to adhere to lounge rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our lounge is not permissible.

  (d) Access to The Centurion Lounges is subject to space availability. The Centurion Lounge hours may vary and are subject to change without prior notice. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. In addition to the complimentary services and amenities in the Lounge, certain services, products or amenities may be offered for sale.

  (e) American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by the Card Member or visitor inside the The Centurion Lounge.

  (f) If American Express^®, in its sole discretion, determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with lounge access in any way, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from your Account. Use of The Centurion Lounges is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express and the Lounge Operator. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time and may do so without prior notice but will provide advance notice of material changes where reasonably practical.