Mar 9, 2017, 6:11 pm
Last edit by: mia
Beginning March 30, 2017, The Centurion® Lounge guest policy for Platinum Card® Members will change. All Platinum Card® Members will be limited to two total guests at no additional charge. One-day passes for any additional guests, including immediate family members, may be purchased.
Centurion Lounge new policy 2 guests ONLY (ends exception for immediate family).
Mar 9, 2017, 12:01 pm
#46
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Mar 9, 2017, 12:05 pm
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,846
One adult, two kids -> kid room still useful
And people can still pay for additional kids if they value the lounge enough.
Mar 9, 2017, 12:09 pm
#48
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: LIT
Programs: Blinged Out
Posts: 716
I like the idea of a yearly pass system. It's the same for GoGo usage. I know which flights to burn a pass on versus which ones I will eschew internet access.
Perhaps the number of CL passes could be granted by what AMEX cards are owned in conjunction with the Cent/Plat, spend levels, or some combination.
Once the yearly passes are consumed, then charge a small fee.
Lounge overcrowding is real, and anything done to alleviate is around the edges an enhancement in my book. Only AMEX knows what would best benefit them, though.
Perhaps the number of CL passes could be granted by what AMEX cards are owned in conjunction with the Cent/Plat, spend levels, or some combination.
Once the yearly passes are consumed, then charge a small fee.
Lounge overcrowding is real, and anything done to alleviate is around the edges an enhancement in my book. Only AMEX knows what would best benefit them, though.
Mar 9, 2017, 12:24 pm
#49
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 228
I'm for the change. If it's enough of a problem for some people, they'll presumably cancel their memberships and Amex will get the message. If the benefits of the card still outweigh the loss, they'll keep the card and Amex will still get their money. This might not be the best solution, but it may very well be worth a shot.
As for the notice issue, it would have been nice to receive more of a heads up. But other than leaving a comment with customer service, there really isn't much that can be done about that.
As for the notice issue, it would have been nice to receive more of a heads up. But other than leaving a comment with customer service, there really isn't much that can be done about that.
Mar 9, 2017, 12:33 pm
#50
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,752
I'm for the change. If it's enough of a problem for some people, they'll presumably cancel their memberships and Amex will get the message. If the benefits of the card still outweigh the loss, they'll keep the card and Amex will still get their money. This might not be the best solution, but it may very well be worth a shot..
It's a good start. The over-crowding has accelerated to a point (especially during peak times at SFO) where Amex should try tinkering with the admissions policy to see what changes may reduce congestion.
Mar 9, 2017, 12:40 pm
#51
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 19
I feel for the person (yes, maybe only one) who is making a decision today to get a Platinum card based on the marketing info still plastered all over the American Express websites. For sure this was poorly executed.
To me the issue is not pro or con on the benefit but rather American Express needs to be clear about its benefits and not change them without proper notice to their customers. This is something that should all get our attention because it could be your favorite benefit up for modification without proper notice next time.
I would encourage us all to drop a line to Platinum Customer Service 800-493-8468 to let them know you expect more notice in the future.
Mar 9, 2017, 1:05 pm
#52
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,578
I agree with the change 100% personally, but it's a moot point for me as I will be canning the card in a few months with the new increased fee, and idiotic "benefit enhancement" that makes an already fairly uncompetitive card even more so.
Mar 9, 2017, 1:56 pm
#56
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,026
I was just told by the checkin agent at DFW Centurion Lounge that as of Mar 30 only two guests (including immediate family), meaning only two of my three kids can enter with me. Please tell me agent was incorrect. Is this another benefits change? Terms say:
"What is the guest policy?
Centurion® Members and Platinum Card® Members who receive complimentary access may enter with either up to two guests or immediate family (spouse or domestic partner, and children under 18) at no additional charge. Guest or family access is per Card Member, not per Card. Family and guests may not enter or remain in the lounge unless accompanied in the lounge by the Card Member."
UPDATE: yes it is true. Just saw sign at checkin. Agent said announced today.
DFW Centurion has a sign posted at check in stating that as of March 30, each Plat member can guest 2 people. No more "immediate family" option. If you have a spouse and more than 1 child, you will have to pay for the other children.
Agent said AX Centurion announced it today and the policy will be across the network and "will match the 2-guest access for PP."
"What is the guest policy?
Centurion® Members and Platinum Card® Members who receive complimentary access may enter with either up to two guests or immediate family (spouse or domestic partner, and children under 18) at no additional charge. Guest or family access is per Card Member, not per Card. Family and guests may not enter or remain in the lounge unless accompanied in the lounge by the Card Member."
UPDATE: yes it is true. Just saw sign at checkin. Agent said announced today.
DFW Centurion has a sign posted at check in stating that as of March 30, each Plat member can guest 2 people. No more "immediate family" option. If you have a spouse and more than 1 child, you will have to pay for the other children.
Agent said AX Centurion announced it today and the policy will be across the network and "will match the 2-guest access for PP."
Mar 9, 2017, 1:59 pm
#57
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Miami
Programs: AA Gold; Hyatt Exp.; Hilton/Marriott Gold; CSR; Citi Prestige; Amex Plat, EDP, Gold, etc.
Posts: 58
I certainly respect that point of view. Indeed, if I am traveling alone I would value getting a seat and some peace over having an unused option to bring my wife and kids. For me, it means the annoyance of not being able to use the lounge when with my family and, worse, probably buying a meal in the terminal instead.
Mar 9, 2017, 2:02 pm
#58
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
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Mar 9, 2017, 2:35 pm
#59
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Programs: Piggly Wiggly "Shop the Pig!" Preferred Shopper
Posts: 57,075
The one in SFO is pretty small. I hope they keep it, for everyone's sake. That's exactly the sort of space that helps prevent a little kid from melting down, and if it still happens, they can close the door and not disturb others. Even with this restriction, there will be little kids in the lounges.
Mar 9, 2017, 2:43 pm
#60
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: North America
Posts: 2,265
I don't care for the change in terms as I mostly travel alone but yes there is an issue with overcrowded lounges, whatever the underlying reason may be.
Maybe AmEx should offer two options to the Cardmembers:
- 6x annually 'Family Pack' (Cardmember + all immediate family members)
OR
- Unlimited 'Cardmember only' Access (not even +1)
As with other benefits (Choice of Airline, GE/PreCheck, etc) ... let the Cardmember choose whatever suits their lifestyle.
Maybe AmEx should offer two options to the Cardmembers:
- 6x annually 'Family Pack' (Cardmember + all immediate family members)
OR
- Unlimited 'Cardmember only' Access (not even +1)
As with other benefits (Choice of Airline, GE/PreCheck, etc) ... let the Cardmember choose whatever suits their lifestyle.