American Express To Enforce Time Limit At Centurion Lounges
Jackie Reddy February 13, 2019
Offering a chic environment as well as food and bar menus to match, AmEx’s Centurion Lounges are proving to be so popular with eligible passengers that, come March 22nd, the company will be enforcing a three-hour time limit to these areas. Overcrowding has been problematic at some lounge locations.
American Express‘s Centurion Lounges have become a victim of their own popularity, Condé Nast Traveler reports. Offering a chic environment plus food and bar menus to match, these inviting spaces are open to AmEx Platinum and Centurion members as well as their guests.
Understandably popular, the outlet reports “…that overcrowding has plagued the whole network at peak times…”, something that in the past has led AmEx to try various solutions in an attempt to mitigate the problem.
In the addition to limiting access to various rungs of its membership, AmEx has also tried restricting its guest policy, thus allowing Platinum members two guests per entry. In some especially popular lounge locations such as Dallas and Miami, AmEx expanded its facilities in an attempt to meet the greater demand, but even this hasn’t quite been able to resolve the issue.
So, as of March 22nd 2019, AmEx has announced that it will be setting a three-hour time limit for those who wish to use these swanky spaces. A full explanation of these changes to its lounge access policy can be found here.
However, the outlet explains that, “If you happen to be one of those AmEx cardholders who’s made a habit of milking airport lounges for all the free food and drinks they have, and you’re reading this in panicked state, remain calm. The Platinum and Centurion cards also come with Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to more than 1,250 third-party lounges at airports worldwide.”
“This includes “lounge alternatives,” select airport restaurants and bars that vary by airport, where Priority Pass members (and a guest) each get $28 off the bill,” it adds.
[Image: Centurion Lounge]
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I gave up last year on Centurion lounge and cancelled membership. New Admirals Clubs are nicer and 1/4 the crowd.
Any word on when the JFK location will open?
Actually its a lot less than a 3 hour limit. They stated 3 hours before departure, which means the maximum realistic lounge use time is in the 2-2.5 hour range.
So, not a 3 hour limit, as they will not let you in more than 3 hours before flight time. For those who want to arrive at their flight just before boarding time, that is going to be less than a 2 1/2 hour stay
Good. There are times I walk in. Turn around and leave. There is just no room to sit. Also eliminating use on arrival will help too!