American Express Membership Rewards - AMEX Plat lounge access

Hello

On another thread a while back someone posted that, "There are also ways around the "you must be ticketed on that airline to go into their lounge" policy." I did a search and am not coming up with anything. Can anyone elaborate or help point me to an appropriate thread. I am still new to using the forum. Thanks!

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http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/american-express-membership-rewards/916728-airport-lounge-access-amex-plat.html

I think you will find mention of the strategy of buying a full refundable ticket to make yourself eligible for lounge access.

The other exception is on AA access. For them you need to be ticketed on an AA code but the underlying metal is not significant.

The other exception is on AA access. For them you need to be ticketed on an AA code but the underlying metal is not significant.I imagine that's useful in only a very limited set of circumstances. If you're on an AA-marketed flight operated by another airline, you likely won't have physical access to an Admiral's Club.

For the OP, being EWR-based, I guess s/he could take an Alaska codeshare to Seattle, but I'm not sure if security at concourse A-3 would let you through to the AC if you're on an AS flight out of concourse A-1. AFAIK, that's the only codeshare out of EWR. None from LGA at all. And I guess just the Jet Airways flights to BRU/India and Finnair to HEL from JFK would allow you access to the AC in T8.

It is definitely a limited feature but it is still the way the rule is written and it is different than the DL/CO rule so worth pointing out.

It is definitely a limited feature but it is still the way the rule is written and it is different than the DL/CO rule so worth pointing out.

That AA pointer is useful to know. Not sure if it is still true as NW/DL merge more closely, but my brother with his additional Plat on my account used to commonly be turned away from the MSP World Club as recently as last year because he was flying DL on an NW-coded flight number. They'd say-- we're sorry, yes we know both NW and DL are partners with AMEX but the rules still say if you're flying on our partner carrier, we can't admit you to the lounge. You have to be on our flight metal. Following the demise of NW Worldperks and the merger into DL Skymiles, I hope people aren't still having that problem with DL and NW coded flights that the other half of the same company is operating.

...my brother with his additional Plat on my account

Is this an IDC account? I'm curious if AA or DL/NW will accept an IDC Platinum card for lounge access even if it isn't a listed benefit of that card.

In his case, he was using an additional card off my U.S. AMEX account, but it is definitely no problem for ICC Plats to gain access to the lounges. AMEX ICC does not advertise that benefit on the public website but on the members-only ICC website it is a published benefit. For this reason, my guess is that a Plat/Cent from any international market gains access to the same lounges as U.S. cardholders. Otherwise, I think the lounge dragons would have to keep a phone book list of valid account prefixes that are granted access. I think that would be too complicated and an unrealistic feet in an environment where someone must make a quick decision regarding access and where international card holders will make up a minor percentage of admissions. At least if it's not a published benefit in every market, I would assume this is the reality. I'd be curious to hear a story if someone has had a problem, because I've never known anyone with an international Plat/Cent to be turned away from the airline lounges that are currently part of the Platinum Card's program.

I think I have read reports of USA issued Platinum cardholders being turned away at (for example) the Eurostar lounge. This is easier to enforce because the UK cards have the visible chip, while the USA and IDC cards do not, but if the cards are swiped even a complex rule could be enforced.

I think I have read reports of USA issued Platinum cardholders being turned away at (for example) the Eurostar lounge. This is easier to enforce because the UK cards have the visible chip, while the USA and IDC cards do not, but if the cards are swiped even a complex rule could be enforced.

Good point, you make me realize it would be possible to easily entry rules for different card markets. At least some ICC card products list the U.S. lounges as a benefit to their cardholders over and above Priority Pass, even if ICC doesn't publish it as a benefit for potential applicants.

Now that Delta and Northwest have merged, and Continental has moved to join United in the Star Alliance, is there any chance (or rumors) of adding United RCC lounge access to the Amex Plat benefits?

I highly doubt it. I'm not sure what the merger or the CO move to *A have to do with the lounge benefit, really. The number of locations covered is still pretty much the same as it was a year ago, even with the changes. If anything it is better in that there is now (well, in 2 days) a *A member that is covered.

I hope people aren't still having that problem with DL and NW coded flights that the other half of the same company is operating.Nope. For at least several months now DL or NW operated has permitted access to DL or NW lounges and now to the SkyClubs.

I think I have read reports of USA issued Platinum cardholders being turned away at (for example) the Eurostar lounge. This is easier to enforce because the UK cards have the visible chip, while the USA and IDC cards do not, but if the cards are swiped even a complex rule could be enforced.
I was denied in IST (no big deal as I had ST E} access in a different lounge, but I wanted to check the place out) with my US-issued card. Their rules are TK-issued only. She flipped the card over, saw the US info and politely explained that she'd be happy to run the CC charge of EUR 40 to permit me access. I equally politely declined the offer. ;)

Nope. For at least several months now DL or NW operated has permitted access to DL or NW lounges and now to the SkyClubs.


I was denied in IST (no big deal as I had ST E} access in a different lounge, but I wanted to check the place out) with my US-issued card. Their rules are TK-issued only. She flipped the card over, saw the US info and politely explained that she'd be happy to run the CC charge of EUR 40 to permit me access. I equally politely declined the offer. ;)

Are you talking about a DL Skyclub or other American carrier lounge in Istanbul? I didn't realize there was one. I know in various countries they have third-party lounge agreements to offer Plat cardholders airport lounge access in their home market. When I used to fly out of KWI airport, the Steigenberger Hotel-catered lounge that KLM used for biz class and Elite Plus passengers was open to Kuwait-issued Plat cards but not Plat cards from other countries. I suppose that may be the same type of arrangement in IST.

I'll be transiting IST in a couple days and have already been wondering even if I get a boarding pass and check luggage at my airport of origin whether I'll still have to wait in line at the IST DL counter to get a lounge-invite for IST's international terminal as Elite Plus on a biz ticket.

I think I have read reports of USA issued Platinum cardholders being turned away at (for example) the Eurostar lounge. This is easier to enforce because the UK cards have the visible chip, while the USA and IDC cards do not, but if the cards are swiped even a complex rule could be enforced.

This Summer my wife and I got into the Eurostar lounge in Paris with my US Plat card. Has this changed recently?

Are you talking about a DL Skyclub or other American carrier lounge in Istanbul? The AmEx lounge, which is 3rd party access in one of the various other lounges there. I forget which one but I know I posted about it in here about a year ago when I was there.


I'll be transiting IST in a couple days and have already been wondering even if I get a boarding pass and check luggage at my airport of origin whether I'll still have to wait in line at the IST DL counter to get a lounge-invite for IST's international terminal as Elite Plus on a biz ticket.
What is your origin/routing? I know that I needed an invite as a ST E+ and I got it at the check-in counter but there might be service at a transit desk or something depending on where you're coming from.