Most American Express lounges close on major U.S. holidays, but hours vary by location and lounge type

American Express lounges do close on holidays, though which holidays and when depends on the specific lounge you plan to visit. Major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Independence Day typically mean closures or reduced hours. Some lounges stay open on smaller holidays like Presidents' Day or Memorial Day. The safest approach is to check the lounge's individual hours before you travel, because a lounge in one airport may have different holiday schedules than another Amex lounge across the country.

Amex operates several lounge types — Centurion Lounges (for Platinum and higher cardholders), The Lounge (for Gold cardholders at select airports), and partnerships with other lounge networks. Each has its own holiday policy, and even within the same brand, airport locations set their own schedules. A Centurion Lounge in New York may close on different days than one in Los Angeles.

Key Takeaways

  • Major U.S. holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day typically result in lounge closures or shortened hours.
  • Holiday schedules vary by individual lounge location, so you cannot assume all Amex lounges follow the same calendar.
  • You can find a specific lounge's holiday hours on the Amex website by searching for that airport location or calling the lounge directly.
  • If a lounge is closed, your Amex card still grants you access to partner lounges or day passes at other facilities, depending on your card tier.

How to find holiday hours for your specific lounge

The Amex website has a lounge locator tool where you can search by airport code or city name. Once you find your lounge, the listing shows regular hours and often notes holiday closures. Not every lounge lists every holiday in advance, so if you do not see holiday information on the website, call the lounge directly — the phone number is on the same page.

When you call, have your travel dates ready and ask specifically about the days you plan to visit. Staff can tell you whether the lounge will be open, what time it opens and closes that day, and whether it is operating at full capacity or with reduced services. Some lounges stay technically open on holidays but with shorter hours or a smaller menu.

Which holidays typically close Amex lounges

Thanksgiving week is the most common closure period. Many lounges close on Thanksgiving Day itself and sometimes the day before or after. Christmas and New Year's Day almost always result in closures. Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, and Memorial Day vary by location — some lounges close, others stay open.

Smaller federal holidays like Presidents' Day, Veterans Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are less likely to trigger closures, though some lounges may have reduced hours. Easter and other religious holidays are not standard closure dates for Amex lounges, though individual locations may make exceptions.

What to do if your lounge is closed on your travel date

If the lounge you planned to use is closed, your Amex card still provides alternatives depending on your card type. Platinum cardholders can access other Centurion Lounges at different airports, or use the Amex partnership network, which includes Priority Pass lounges and other facilities. Gold cardholders have more limited options but may access certain partner lounges depending on the card version.

You can also purchase a day pass to another lounge at your airport if you prefer not to travel to a different terminal. Some airports have multiple lounge options beyond Amex facilities. Check the lounge locator or ask at your airline's ticket counter for alternatives near your gate.

Holiday travel planning tips

If you travel frequently during holiday periods, check lounge status when you book your flight, not the day before. Holiday schedules sometimes change, and knowing early gives you time to plan alternatives. Add the lounge's phone number to your phone so you can call from the airport if your plans shift.

Consider that even when a lounge is technically open on a holiday, it may be more crowded than usual, have limited food and beverage options, or operate with a smaller staff. Arriving early in the day often means better access to amenities. If you are traveling on a major holiday and lounge access is important to you, confirm the lounge's status at least a week in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Amex lounges open on Christmas Eve or the day after Christmas?

Christmas Eve hours vary by lounge — some close early, others stay open with regular hours. The day after Christmas (December 26th) is typically open at most locations, though some may have reduced hours. Check your specific lounge's calendar on the Amex website or call ahead to confirm.

What if I have a connecting flight through a closed lounge?

If your first lounge is closed but you have a connection at another airport with an open Amex lounge, you can use that lounge instead. Your Platinum card grants access to all Centurion Lounges. If both lounges are closed, you can purchase a day pass at your connecting airport or use a partner lounge if available.

Do Amex lounges close on New Year's Eve?

New Year's Eve (December 31st) is typically a regular operating day at most Amex lounges, though some may have reduced hours or close early in the evening. New Year's Day (January 1st) is almost always closed. Confirm with your lounge directly if you are traveling on December 31st.

Can I use my Amex card at a different lounge if mine is closed?

Yes. Platinum cardholders can visit any Centurion Lounge, and both Platinum and Gold cardholders have access to partner lounges through Priority Pass or other networks, depending on their card. The lounge locator shows which partner lounges are near you if your primary lounge is closed.