Originally Posted by
arshi007
I just don't understand why AmEx goes to these extreme solutions for addressing the crowding problem. First they have a "generous" guest policy (2 free guests) but then reduce benefit for usage on arrival (which is useful for road warriors) and now they completely remove guest access. Why can't they just give you X passes in a year for guests (and they can tie it with the primary member being there so there's no "selling" of passes). That seems like the most obvious way to avoid crowding.
you dont understand? well, below is one of my favorite comments from 6 years ago about the cent lounge. over the years, i have shared this as i waited for amex to turn their crap around. enjoy.
Originally Posted by
travelstar
The first Centurion lounge opened in Las Vegas in 2013 and was initially pay for entry for any but Centurion Cardmembers. Here's a quote when the Las Vegas lounge first opened:
"Any eligible American Express Cardmember may purchase a one-day Access Key at the Lounge for $50. If you hold a Centurion Card from American Express, or if you received a promotional mailing with an Access Key, access to The Centurion Lounge is complimentary. Purchase of one-day Access Keys is subject to Lounge capacity."
The Platinum Card annual fee was increased to $450 in 2007. Long before the Centurion Clubs were an idea much less a Platinum benefit.
The lounges were never built or intended to have the type of volume they're seeing. Most have reached capacity and are turning people away at peak times.