- lsktravelz@gmail.com
It is time for a status run hack. I need a few more flights to maintain my Southwest A-List Preferred status, and I wanted to visit the American Express Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). When I came across a Southwest promotion, I snagged a flight for $115. This is a travel hack I use a few times a year: taking inexpensive, same-day trips and using an airport lounge for free food and drinks instead of paying for hotel accommodations.
Southwest Airlines is great for a status run hack. I look for the Basic flights priced at $39, $49, or $59. While my return flight cost more this time, the total cost was still low. My flight departed at 9:10AM and returned at 6:10PM, leaving plenty of time for lounge hopping.
Tip: If you’re using this hack to maintain A-List or A-List Preferred, you can book a flight in the Basic category. However, the new Promotional Companion Pass may restrict this hack, so be sure to check the terms.
I arrived at Chicago Midway early Saturday morning to stop by Club MDW for breakfast. After a short wait, I received a text to enter. As I settled in, I spotted my crew entering the lounge. They were traveling to Vegas for the Bears game. After catching up, I headed to my gate and arrived safely in Atlanta before noon.
The Centurion Lounge is located in Concourse E. To enter, you must hold the American Express Platinum Card (or the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card). Lounge access is generally limited to three hours before departure unless you’re on a layover. My return flight was scheduled for 5:15PM, but I arrived at 1:55PM. The agent was very kind and allowed me to enter early. Since Southwest boards in Concourse C, allow extra time to take the Plane Train or walk to Concourse E. I chose to walk and ended up with 10,870 steps by the end of the trip.
I love the open-air design, which is a nice change from some of the tighter lounge spaces I’ve visited. I first stopped by The Reserve Whiskey Bar for an Old-Fashioned before finding a table near the entrance. For lunch, I tried the well-seasoned chicken thighs, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, and cornbread. The lounge has multiple culinary offerings to explore:
Finding an inexpensive same-day flight to a city with a great lounge is a fantastic hack to earn or maintain your A-List status and enjoy complimentary preflight meals and cocktails.
Here’s the cost breakdown for my trip:
The total cost to pick up two qualifying segments and enjoy a premium lunch was $138. Not a bad deal at all.