hgdf

It doesn't matter how the ticket is purchased.

The Amex Plat actually includes two separate lounge access programs. You flash the actual credit card to gain access to AA/DL/US lounges, including two free guests. For AA/DL you need a same day ticket on that carrier.

Additionally, each card holder is eligible for Priority Pass Select, which gives you access to a bunch of other lounges including the BR. All you have to do is call Amex and ask them to enroll you and your additional cardholders. Keep in mind that PP will charge you extra for bringing guests (which the lounge dragon will probably neglect to mention) so it's important to make sure you and your wife check in to the lounge separately with your own PP cards.

Travelincomfort

I took the plunge. They have enough other valuable perks and flexible membership rewards program to make it very worthwhile.

greybeardy

What's the annual fee for the Amex Platinum card?

14940674

$450.

JackySmith

Priority pass is my choice. Very convenient for my business travels.

Boraxo

My problem with PP is that it just isn't financially feasible for a family of 4. However I found that AS BR's don't provide sufficient coverage in the locations I require. And UA's RCC is too expensive also lacks coverage. Lounge access through elite status is a plus when flying on economy tix, but doesn't work in the USA.

I am still waiting for a better solution for family trips.

14940674

For $625 per year ($450 for Basic card, $175 for up to three additional ones), you could get an AMEX Platinum Card for all of your family members. Each of you would receive PP and Admirals Club, Sky Club, and US Airways Club access. Since each of you would have a PP card, there would be no need to pay PP guest fees. You all would also have access to a host of other Platinum Card benefits.

Boraxo

Good idea, except I think it unlikely that Amex will issue cards to a 6-year old and a 3-year old.

Really what PP needs is a family plan, like Clear or AS.

14940674

Since the basic account holder is fully responsible for the charges incurred on the additional cards, AMEX may be willing to issue the cards to your children. I have seen posts discussing cards being issued to minors, but not necessarily minors as young as your kids.

Boraxo

Yes I know some banks will permit you to designate teenagers as additional cardholders. I suppose I could always try it with my toddler, but unfortunately I don't do Amex.

hgdf

When I calling to sign up additional card members, the AMEX rep informed me that should I default on the account, they can and will pursue the additional card holders for charges made on their cards. For this reason, they might be reluctant to issue an AMEX Plat with a high limit to a minor.

der_saeufer

For my Plat account, the additional users page says "All Additional Cardmembers must be 15 years of age or older and must never have had a defaulted account with American Express." It does ask for a DOB now, which is relatively recent--I have additional users on my Blue and never gave DOBs. I'm pretty sure they still don't pull credit reports on AUs.

The days when you could add your newborn and have your Amex account reported to the credit bureaus under his name as well are over, sadly. It makes for some amusing credit reports, though--I know a couple people now in their late 20s whose Amex "member since" dates are 1985 thanks to their parents having gotten additional cards for little kids. Their credit reports do show all Amex accounts as dating back to 1985. Great for average age of accounts!