Review of American Express Centurion Lounge at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport
As of March 1, 2025, the Centurion Lounge at São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) has permanently closed15. This closure leaves American Express cardholders without a Centurion Lounge at the airport.
However, eligible cardholders now have a replacement benefit. American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders can now access the W Premium Lounges in all three terminals at GRU5. These lounges accept entry through cards with Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass memberships, including many premium credit cards such as American Express Platinum, Centurion, Diners Club, Capital One Venture X, and Mastercard World Elite5.
Walk-up access is also possible at the W Lounges via purchasing passes at the reception, typically costing $40-$60 USD, depending on the lounge and duration5.
The Centurion Lounge at GRU: A Retrospective
Prior to its closure, the Centurion Lounge at GRU offered a range of amenities. Located in Terminal 3, the lounge was accessible after clearing security and passport control, up the escalators on the left side5.
The lounge boasted a large buffet with numerous finger sandwiches, fruits and salad ingredients, 2 hot soups, a selection of breads, miniature cakes, yogurt cups for desserts5. A sit-down dining room reserved for Centurion cardmembers was also available, accessible through a sliding door next to the bar5.
The lounge featured several shower stalls, although waiting times could be longer during busy periods5. It also had a beach area in the far right corner with a cabana vibe5.
Service at the lounge was friendly and efficient, with employees checking boarding passes for updates and ensuring cleanliness5. The lounge's cleanliness, including the bathrooms, was consistently maintained by the staff5.
The lounge was not accessible by those departing Terminals 1 or 2 due to no airside connection between terminals5. The lounge was before duty-free and well before the departure gates, making it far from several departure gates5.
The bar in the lounge was fully stocked, offering beer, wine, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic beverages like iced tea, Coke and Fanta products, and bottled water5. The lounge also had 3 booths offering private working spaces with a desk, chair, lamp, and universal outlet5.
The lounge was open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day5. It was a favourite among many due to its staff, food and drink options, and ample space for relaxation, play, or work5. Children under 12 could get in free with an adult at this lounge, a departure from the age rules at most U.S. lounges5.
Accessing the W Premium Lounges
With the Centurion Lounge now closed, eligible American Express cardholders should make use of the W Premium Lounges for lounge access at São Paulo-Guarulhos Airport15. Those with The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, or the Centurion Card from American Express can access this lounge5.
To find the W Lounges, look for the sign saying "Salas VIP" or use the nearby elevators to access the upper level5. The lounges offer reliable Wi-Fi with average download speeds of 30 Mbps and upload speeds of 44 Mbps5. They have ample seating with options like benches, armchairs, high-top tables, booth-style seating, sofas, and wicker seating in the beach area5.
Flight departure boards are located in multiple parts of the lounge for easy access to departure information5. There is also a small children's playroom near the buffet and restroom, equipped with games, books, a small table, bean bag chairs, and a TV5.
Remember, access to the W Lounges is possible through cards with Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass memberships, including many premium credit cards5. Walk-up access is also available via purchasing passes at the reception, typically costing $40-$60 USD, depending on the lounge and duration5.
- American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders, following the permanent closure of the Centurion Lounge at GRU, now have access to the W Premium Lounges in all three terminals, which provide equivalent benefits.
- The new W Lounges at GRU accept entry through cards with Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or DragonPass memberships, opening up access for cardholders of American Express Platinum, Centurion, Diners Club, Capital One Venture X, and Mastercard World Elite, among others.
- While the Centurion Lounge formerly offered a wide selection of food items like finger sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, the W Premium Lounges cater to diverse tastes with their buffet-style offerings.
