American Express is set to open a new “Sidecar” sit-down dining location at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), following the model of its first outpost in Las Vegas. The Charlotte location, slated for approval by the City Council on Monday, will occupy a 4,641-square-foot space in Concourse A, a result of the airport’s recent expansion.
Decline in Centurion Lounge Quality
The move comes as American Express’ Centurion Lounges have seen a noticeable decline in food quality compared to their initial standards over a decade ago. While once setting a high bar for airport amenities, these lounges now often struggle with overcrowding and stagnant design. Competition from airlines like Delta and Capital One, along with new entrants like Chase, has put pressure on American Express to improve its premium offerings. The Sidecar concept is a response, aiming to provide a more elevated dining experience than the standard lounge buffet.
Sidecar Details: Size, Lease, and Investment
The Charlotte Sidecar will operate under a five-year lease with an option for renewal. The lease terms include a rate of $200 per square foot with annual increases of 2.5%, resulting in a minimum capital investment of $7.15 million by American Express. This expansion follows a bidding process where American Express emerged as the preferred tenant.
Comparison to Competitors
The Sidecar model, exemplified by the 1,500-square-foot Las Vegas location (with only 33 seats), is significantly smaller in scale compared to Capital One’s “Landings” lounges in Washington D.C. and New York. Capital One’s lounges are currently considered by many to offer the best airport dining in the U.S. Despite this, the addition of Sidecar will bolster Charlotte’s already extensive lounge options, which include American Airlines Admirals Clubs, Delta Sky Clubs, and a Centurion Lounge.
Charlotte Airport’s Evolving Lounge Landscape
Charlotte Douglas has become a major hub for premium travel amenities. With multiple existing lounges and several expansions underway, including a new Admirals Club and Flagship lounge, the airport is rapidly becoming a destination for elevated travel experiences. The airport is shifting away from favoring disadvantaged business status in project selection, following Trump administration guidance. Despite ongoing infrastructure challenges (such as crowded piers and low ceilings), Charlotte’s lounge offerings will soon provide travelers with more options to avoid the airport’s inconveniences.
The approval of the Charlotte Sidecar on Monday signals American Express’ continued effort to compete in the evolving airport luxury market. The expansion, while not a full-scale overhaul, demonstrates a willingness to adapt and improve its premium travel offerings.
