Sidecar lounges and smaller spaces: Amex's new approach to short visits

A different kind of lounge visit#

Amex's Sidecar concept gives travelers another way to use a short airport break. At Las Vegas, the official description emphasizes an intimate setting and a brief stop before takeoff, with small plates delivered to the table.

That makes it interesting in a conversation dominated by crowded lounges. It does not establish that Sidecar has reduced queues at the main Centurion Lounge. We have not found comparable before-and-after occupancy data supporting that conclusion.

What is confirmed at Las Vegas#

Amex locates Sidecar in Concourse D, across from Gate D1 and a short walk from the main Centurion Lounge. Published hours are 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Its page describes access within 90 minutes of departure for eligible Platinum and Delta Reserve members, with the underlying card and flight conditions still applying. Food is ordered by QR code from a rotating small-plates menu. Official Sidecar page.

Do not copy the main lounge's admission window into a Sidecar plan. The shorter timing is central to the format. Our lounge entry-window guide explains why different products require separate checks.

Why a smaller room might help#

The operational idea is plausible: a traveler who wants one quick meal may not need the same type of space as someone working through a long connection. Offering another suitable venue could distribute demand.

But that is our interpretation of the format, not evidence of its actual effect. Fewer seats, a dining queue or unexpectedly long visits could still create a bottleneck. Square footage alone cannot tell you how easy entry will be.

Choose by the stop you need#

Consider Sidecar when its location and timing fit a brief dining stop. Compare it with the main Las Vegas Centurion Lounge if you need a different type of visit.

I'd ask what seating is available, how long food is taking and whether the full party qualifies. A small group still needs the correct guest allowance; a smaller venue does not erase guest fees or capacity limits.

Other airport dining formats, such as Capital One Landing at DCA, belong in the same planning conversation but operate under their own program. Do not assume an Amex credential works there.

More options are useful when they fit#

For travelers, the practical test is simple: does this particular space make the next hour easier? If the answer depends on arriving far earlier, walking away from the gate or waiting longer than the meal takes, use another option.

Sidecar adds a distinct choice. Whether it becomes a durable crowding solution will require evidence about entry waits, seat availability and how travelers actually use it.

Putting this into practice#

The names I'd check against the actual boarding pass include Sidecar, the main Las Vegas Centurion Lounge. I would start with the terminal and the time available after security. That turns a directory into a realistic shortlist. A lounge can be excellent and still be a poor choice for this departure if reaching it uses most of the waiting time. The location notes above should do as much work as the overall score.

Related reading#

• Amex Platinum vs Venture X: which lounge card fits?
• Amex Platinum vs Centurion Card: the lounge-access verdict
• Amex Platinum vs Bonvoy Brilliant: which lounge card fits?