With four hours to till between my flight from SJU to CLT (see) and CLT-MAD, I found a spot at the bar at the Amex Centurion. If you did not know, TPOL besides being a travel blogger, is also a social anthropologist. But, before I get into my observations of humanity, let me give you the details that points sycophants are here to read.
Waiting List?
America must be richer than ever. How else can I explain that there are enough ‘suckers and losers’ paying $895 for an Amex Platinum card, to the point that getting into the lounge required being put on a waiting list.
Seating
As you can infer, it was crowded.
Lunch
I’ll give Amex credit. It does an exponentially better job of presenting local food than the average club lounge. Nothing says Charlotte like dry hummus and carrots, or so AA contends (see).
I was satisfied with the southern chicken and avocado salad.
Drinks
PSA: Why are you getting smashed at an airport lounge? Yes, I know the days I used to do it in Vegas (see). But it’s 11:30AM in Charlotte. What is the purpose of your public alcoholism? I was sitting next to the queue to get drinks and, one after another, I heard ‘get me an old fashioned’, get me a double [INSERT I HATE MY LIFE CONCOCTION]. What is going on in the world? At any moment, I felt that the southern hospitality would break way to a brawl. Meanwhile, TPOL was sipping on sophisticated Sauvignon Blanc.
Tips
A good thing about early AM drunks is that they recognize the error of their ways. Gluttonous sinners, they replace saying 10 Hail Mary’s with tipping the bartender. Being a degenerate in the airport is acceptable, so long as father bartender absolves you with the blood of agave. TPOL, on the other hand, stood firm, and gave nothing. He without sin can cast the first stone.
Overall
I rather enjoyed my time at the Amex Centurion, especially in my judgmental role as St. Alexander de Peter.
