GROSS: American Express Centurion Lounge at the Atlanta Airport Fails Health Inspection

The American Express Centurion Lounge at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has recently made headlines on reddit for all the wrong reasons. In a shocking turn of events, the lounge failed a routine health inspection, earning an unsatisfactory score of 69—well below the acceptable threshold set by the health department.

Multiple & Repeated Infractions

Health department records reveal that the lounge’s poor performance was not an isolated incident. During the latest inspection, several critical violations were cited, ranging from improper food storage temperatures to unsanitary food preparation areas. Such infractions are not only unacceptable, but also pose a direct risk to the health and safety of patrons who trust the lounge for a safe and premium dining experience.

Their infractions included:

1. Violation of Code: [511-6-1.03(4)(a)(b)(c)(e)(f)] PIC unsure of conditional employee agreement. Advised PIC staff shall be made aware of reporting illnesses. Advised PIC of a verifiable manner shall be in place.  New Violation.
2. Violation of Code: [511-6-1.03(5)(j)1&2] Observed open beverages (orange juice & water) on the countertop in the main kitchen. Advised PIC employees shall have a designated area to consume personal items. Items shall be consumed in a disposable cup with lid and straw.  Repeat Violation.
3. Violation of Code: [511-6-1.04(4)(c)1(iv)] Observed foods uncovered (ice at the bar & container of fruit in the kitchen). Advised PIC all foods shall be covered to prevent contamination.  Repeat Violation.
4. Violation of Code: [511-6-1.05(7)(b)] Observed build up on interior surfaces of the ice machine in storage area. Advised to thoroughly clean and sanitize interior surfaces and increase cleaning frequency.  New Violation.
5. Violation of Code: [511-6-1.04(6)(f)] Observed foods/TCS items sitting on counter at 71F and 68F. Employee placed milk and yogurt in RIC to cool within cooling timeframe.  Repeat Violation.
6. Violation of Code: [511-6-1.04(6)(i)] Observed several TCS foods @ buffet & cold station not time stamped. Also, observed employee placing time stamp on TCS items that are above 41F. Also, observed whole mile labeled TPHC dated 12/2 used by 12:58 PM. Advised when using TPHC cold times shall be placed out @ 41F & hot items shall be placed out at 135F. Advised PIC to cool. PIC was not able to provide TPHC procedures. Advised PIC procedures shall be provided @ time of inspection.  Repeat Violation.
7. Violation of Code: [511-6-1.02(1)(d)] Most recent inspection report not posted. Advised to post  Repeat Violation.
8. Violation of Code: [511-6-1.05(10)(a)] Observed several dished stacked wet. Advised PIC dishes shall air dry before stacking. Advised PIC to train staff on air drying.  Repeat Violation.
9. Violation of Code: [511-6-1.07(5)(k)] Observed flies at the main bar area. Will need to have pest control treatment; will need to provide copy of most recent pest control treatment.  Repeat Violation.

The Importance of Health Safety in Hospitality

Maintaining health and safety standards is a fundamental responsibility for any establishment serving food and beverages. It is especially critical in airport lounges, where travelers from all walks of life rely on these spaces for reprieve and sustenance during their journeys. A failure to adhere to these standards not only jeopardizes public health but also undermines the trust that customers place in the brand.

For a company like American Express, which prides itself on delivering exceptional experiences, this lapse is deeply disappointing. The Centurion Lounge network is marketed as a premium offering, a haven for travelers seeking comfort and luxury amid the hustle and bustle of airports. Such an egregious failure in Atlanta tarnishes this image and raises questions about the consistency of standards across the network.

As a loyal traveler and a cardholder, I am profoundly disheartened by this news. American Express must take action to address the issues at the Atlanta lounge.

Final Thoughts

The American Express Centurion Lounge’s failure to meet basic health standards tells you all you need to know about what American Express thinks about the quality of their lounges. For the sake of its reputation and, more importantly, the well-being of its customers, American Express must treat this incident as a turning point to do better.