Originally Posted by
1k-all-the-way
To the OP, I use Centurion too, so you know that it's far superior. Then I have a club card, so get two passes to the UC, then as a *Gold, when I travel international I (and you as Plat) get the UC anyway. Other than that, the phone agents or agent at airport are about the same as club agents.....
Just a quick correction: I think you mean the Explorer card, not the club card.
Yours is the same strategy I follow as a 1k. Explorer card for the 2 passes. As a 1k, I get $60 credit, so makes it effectively $17.50 per pass. I hold onto them for long irrops or other similar needs. When they get close to expiration, I use them more liberally.
Note that I really don't use them for re-booking assistance. The phone call works just as well for that. I use them more for a better place to hang out when irrops causes long delays.
As someone that connects through hubs on most itineraries, I have paid for club membership in the past. If they are truly upping their game to a worthwhile product, I would be interested in purchasing again. They have come a long way on the food options. At least a minor step up in alcohol and I would be tempted.