Centurion Lounge, JFK (American Express)
A Major Shift for Kosher Travelers in Airport Lounges
American Express has officially begun piloting fresh kosher meals inside its Centurion Lounge network, starting with two major New York-area locations. This marks a significant upgrade from the limited pre-packaged options that kosher travelers have typically encountered in airport lounges.
The rollout addresses a long-standing gap in premium travel, where lounge dining has improved dramatically for general audiences, but has not kept pace for kosher consumers.
DansDeals Credited With Driving the Change
This initiative did not happen by accident. The move comes directly following advocacy from DansDeals, which engaged American Express leadership to highlight the lack of fresh kosher food options in Centurion Lounges.
Beyond raising the issue, DansDeals also helped facilitate the solution by connecting Amex with Fresko, a provider of fresh kosher meals already used in airline catering. That introduction played a key role in moving the concept into a live pilot program.
This is not the first time DansDeals has influenced improvements in kosher travel. Similar efforts have previously resulted in expanded kosher offerings in other premium lounge networks and airline programs.
Watch here as Dan & JJ of DansDeals discuss the possibility of this happening a few months ago:
Where the Pilot Program Is Available
The kosher meal pilot is currently active in two high-traffic Centurion Lounge locations:
LaGuardia Airport, Terminal B
JFK Airport, Terminal 4
These lounges serve a large volume of both domestic and international travelers, making them a strategic starting point for testing demand and operational logistics.
What’s Being Served
The program focuses on fresh, plated meals rather than shelf-stable items. Current offerings include a mix of breakfast, lunch, and dessert options.
Breakfast options include egg-based dishes and French toast.
Lunch and dinner options include items such as chicken shawarma, grilled salmon, and baked pasta dishes.
Desserts include items like apple tart, lemon meringue, and chocolate-based cakes.
Menus may rotate, but the core upgrade is clear, these are prepared kosher meals intended to match the broader lounge dining experience.
No Additional Cost for Eligible Guests
Kosher meals are included as part of the standard Centurion Lounge experience for eligible cardholders. There is no additional fee required to access these meals once inside the lounge.
Entry rules remain the same, typically requiring access through premium American Express cards, with guest policies varying depending on the card and travel conditions.
Who Can Access AMEX Centurion Lounges
Access is tied to holding specific premium American Express cards and meeting entry requirements.
Primary Cards That Get You In
These cards provide direct Centurion Lounge access:
American Express Platinum Card (personal)
American Express Business Platinum Card
American Express Corporate Platinum Card
American Express Centurion Card (Black Card)
These are the main cards most travelers use, with Platinum cards being the most common.
Additional Eligible Cards (With Restrictions)
These cards also provide access, but only under specific conditions:
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card
Restriction: You must be flying Delta on a same-day Delta-operated or marketed flight to use lounge access with these cards.
What You Need at Entry
Even with an eligible card, you must present:
Your eligible American Express card
A same-day boarding pass
A valid government-issued ID
You can typically enter within 3 hours of your departing flight, unless you are connecting.
Guest Access Rules
Centurion Card (Black Card):
Complimentary access for up to 2 guests or immediate family
Platinum and Business Platinum:
Guests typically cost $50 per adult and $30 per child
Complimentary guests are only included if you spend $75,000 or more annually on the card
Why This Matters
For kosher travelers, this is a meaningful improvement in the airport experience. Many travelers have historically needed to bring their own food or rely on inconsistent lounge accommodations.
Introducing fresh kosher meals into a premium lounge environment reduces that friction and aligns kosher offerings with the overall quality expectations of these spaces.
It also signals that large travel providers are increasingly responsive to specific dietary needs when there is clear demand and organized advocacy behind it.
What Comes Next
This is currently a pilot program, and its expansion will likely depend on usage and feedback from travelers.
Increased demand and continued engagement from the kosher travel community could lead to broader rollout across additional Centurion Lounge locations nationwide.
Bottom Line
American Express is now testing fresh kosher meals in two of its busiest lounges, marking a notable step forward for kosher travel.
The rollout is directly tied to advocacy efforts from DansDeals, which helped bring attention to the issue and connect the right partners to execute a solution.
If the pilot performs well, this could lead to a wider expansion and set a new baseline for kosher food availability in airport lounges.