synzero

Couldn't you search for Air Canada SFO YYZ?

Anyway I get your point about the 10 minutes, but on the other hand she did give you an exception to the 3 hour rule -- I don't see anything in the terms that says "if your flight was delayed, you can stay longer" -- so she was at least willing to go that far.

I'm really not sure what would alleviate overcrowding at this point. Maybe a 1 guest rule would help, I have no idea. I don't think anyone really knows for sure. However, quite frankly for me, I have the Amex Plat largely because it gives me lounge access I can't get with my CSR, and even if the lounge access is overcrowded it's better than nothing. I love the Escape lounge in Oakland for instance. That plus purchase protection that even covers loss (not only theft), Global Assist including medevac service, and the concierge (which has worked for me to get sold out reservations)... seems to me to be well worth the $50 it costs me a year.

My main problem with the Amex Platinum is they don't give me many reasons to put any spend on the card. I have a CSR and 1x points per dollar just isn't good enough to justify putting most spend on the Amex. I end up putting everything on my Chase trifecta (CSR, FU, and F bonus categories). Like Ask Sebby, however, I DO put big ticket items on it for the purchase/loss protection and return protection. Right now I'm putting Amazon on it because they're doing a promotional offer. But otherwise, I just keep the thing for lounge access and Global Assist and the concierge.

canadiancow

I fly that route multiple times per month.

GUWonder

westlaker

If I have a connecting flight but my guest doesn't, will Amex allow my guest into the lounge?

canadiancow

Yes, because guests are not required to present anything when they enter.

westlaker

Thanks.

QtownDave

Correct. Usually travel with at least one guest and never been asked for their details.

Steve M

Here's a data point: I was at the SFO lounge mid-afternoon on Thursday. It was pretty much full but not overflowing. Both on entry and exit, I saw several people being turned away due to the 3-hour rule, many with guests. And I can't imagine that the folks I happened to overhear on the way in and out were the only ones during the hour I was there. I have to conclude that the rule is helping with the crowding situation. Had the rule not been in place, there would have been too many people in the lounge. Maybe the number of people that historically entered the lounge many hours before their flight was greater than many of us would have guessed.

Low Roller

In general, I think the 3 hour limit is reasonable, although they should be more flexible in the case of delayed flights (like they are with connections) since people are generally stuck at the airport at that point with nothing else to do. I'm sure there are some exceptions, but there generally aren't alot of good reasons to go to the airport more than 3 hours before your flight (3.5 really since you have to clear security, etc. before going to the lounge). I don't think that hanging out at the lounge and drinking for hours is a good enough reason. I understand that some people like to go to the airport early in case there are any problems, and some people like to unwind before their flight, but 3 hours is a long time to spend in a lounge.

safari ari

They are pretty flexible, from what I've experienced and seen, around flight delays. All they ask for is your original departure time ticket and go based off that. Issue is, and not just for Centurion lounges, when you have rolling delays your airport lounges are going to be packed to the gills.

cmd320

Currently sitting at the MIA lounge and have been here for 2 hours. Haven’t been here in almost two years and the experience is definitely better. The expansion has dramatically changed this lounge. My one major complaint is the zoo of children running around but this could be fixed by Amex charging for access beyond 1 companion.

Outside of that it is quite warm. I don’t think the HVAC can keep up with the sun pouring in through all the windows including the expansion area. Also, I distinctly remember the staff used to come around to people seated offering menus and drinks. That doesn’t seem to happen anymore.

QtownDave

I think parents would pay instead of letting the kids run free in the terminal.

cmd320

Fantastic. Amex can put that money towards a dedicated ‘child zoo’ section of the lounge.

bocastephen

The out of control children issue is what I remember from this lounge the last time I was there - really, is it so difficult to tell parents to either keep their children under control or they need to leave the lounge? The staff seem terrified to confront customers exhibiting bad behavior, let they allow everyone else to suffer.

Steve M

I think the issue is that if the parents thought it was not acceptable to have their kids run free-range in the lounge, they would have already put a stop to it. So, to approach a parent and ask that they put their children under control is to ask the parent to have their kids stop doing something that the parent thinks is entirely appropriate, if not entitled to do so as admitted guests in the lounge.