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One of the higher-profile lounges at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) reportedly failed its recent health inspection.
The Atlanta American Express Centurion Lounge received an “Unsatisfactory” grade with an overall point score of 69 (out of 100).
According to a report, the inspection occurred on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
Most of the inspectors’ findings were repeat violations. Some dealt with food temperature issues, others addressed cleanliness problems (though some seem very nitpicky. Maybe the inspectors prefer Capital One or Chase Lounges?).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Most recent inspection report not posted. Advised to post Repeat Violation.
Observed several dished stacked wet. Advised PIC dishes shall air dry before stacking. Advised PIC to train staff on air drying. Repeat Violation.
Here’s a new violation:
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.
The report states that a “mandatory meeting will be scheduled with owner, executive chefs, & managaers @ a later date.”
My guess is that once news starts spreading, those problems will be addressed — if they haven’t yet already — and the Atlanta Centurion Lounge will be one of the cleanest and healthiest in the network.
An American Express representative told us:
Delivering a great experience in the Centurion Lounge is our top priority. We take these inspections seriously and have taken immediate steps to address the report.
Are you visiting the Atlanta Centurion Lounge anytime soon?
H/T Reddit via Charlie Mortling
Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc., is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Some of the links on this page are affiliate or referral links. We may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or successful applications made during shopping sessions or signups initiated from clicking those links.
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
I found numerous flies in the food a few months ago. Scooped a fly out of the condiment jar and handed it to an employee who looked totally disinterested. This place has been unacceptable. Delta lounge in Detroit was also flooded with small flies all over the desserts on a recent visit. Reported it on the way out and the rep told me they apologize. I hope additional inspections will curb this practice. Staff really seem like they don’t care at so many of these lounges.
So many of these lounges have gnats! It’s gross and annoying. I’m there to relax not be plagued by pestilence.
I’ll be there on Thursday. Hoping it is cleaned up by then.
Would you please drop another comment after your visit and let us know?
I was hugely disappointed by the Atlanta Centurion lounge. Unlike the Delta lounges, workers did not come by regularly to clear used food items and clean tables. Food was blah and with little variety. After a few similar experiences, I will stick with the Delta Sky Club. Cleaner, better service, great food, and friendlier atmosphere.
Totally agree. Bio many uncleared tables and subpar food. Service was also mediocre at best. Very messy place.
I’ve been many times this year. I find the place to be clean and the staff very nice. The food has always been very good!
We have been frustrated with several things in this lounge. I agree with Amy’s comment on the food. Some of it is good, but there isn’t much variety, and it is inconsistent. I’ve found other Centurion Lounges to be better in that regard. I don’t know if it’s a global policy, but this lounge won’t let you order a drink for another adult. If a party of two adults each wants a drink, then both of them have to actually stand at the bar until the drink is prepared. I’ve never experienced this at another lounge. It creates an unnecessary crowd. It’s definitely not an ATL policy, as none of the Sky Clubs do this, nor does the Priority Pass Lounge. My biggest gripe though has to do with their crowd management. We were there with our two daughters just before Thanksgiving. We got separated at security because of an overzealous TSA agent, so I sent my wife and one daughter on to the lounge (we were flying Southwest so Sky Club wasn’t an option). My wife and daughter got into the club without much difficulty. There was a little wait. By the time I got there with my other daughter a long line had formed, but my wife–already inside–said there were plenty of seats. At some point, the people in charge of processing entrants decided that there needed to be a waitlist. Instead of prioritizing the waitlist for people already waiting, they just announced everyone needed to scan the QR code on a sign that was behind where I was waiting. It was a free-for-all. I put my name on the list, but it wound up taking over an hour. We never got in. My wife said half the seats were empty when she left. I sure hope they improve management of this lounge. It has been a major disappointment.
And now they are instituting timed entries! How ludicrous, one more thing to add to the annoyance.
@Amy – The max 3 hour rule (unless connecting) has been in place for quite some time now.
I gave the Atlanta Centurion lounge 5* rating the first week it opened. I raved to my friends/coworkers that the exotic fruit selection and quality of the food was ‘amazing’ the first few visits that first month. Fast fwd 3 months => Quality and selection dropped dramatically! I would give it 2.5* based on the visits in Nov/Dec 2024. Was it bait & switch that first month of grand opening? Can’t you at least wait 1 year before dropping the food budget?
They probably need to hire more people. I have to clean my own table with their wet wipes if no one is around. But if I am lucky & there is a manager around, they are most helpful. I give the food & staffing managers high marks for their sense of customer service. However, most of the staff seem to be socializing more with each other than emulating their managers.
I tried to go to the ATL Centurion Lounge last week but there was a long line. (I really wish people had their CC, ID, and Boarding Pass ready when they get to the counter, but they always seem surprised…) Went over to the E SkyClub and got right in without a line. For breakfast I don’t see a major difference between the food and beverage offerings. No gnats in the E SkyClub!
“I really wish people had their CC, ID, and Boarding Pass ready when they get to the counter, but they always seem surprised…”
YES. THIS. WHY?
I was in the LAX Centurion Lounge last week when the health inspector came. She made them take several hot dishes away because they weren’t at safe temp. The subsequent dishes they brought out also were not at the appropriate temp. She let them try again. She perhaps has an Amex card?
I have been particularly disappointed with Amex Centurion Lounges (but have been pleased with Escape Lounges). Every Centurion Lounge that I have been in has had a crowded frat house vibe to it and unappealing food offerings. The segregated areas for Centurion Card holders are a joke. Overall, the lounges tarnish Amex’ image. I no longer use Centurion Lounges or even consider access to them as a card benefit. Personally, I always have access to airline-operated lounges and prefer them.
PS – The health inspection noted the violations were repeat violations. So, they were put on notice of a deficiency and did not correct it. What’s that say?