uksushi

Costs are higher and benefits have been diluted, the concierge is about the same level of service since 2007. If you want a real concierge you probably need to look in to a specialist service like Quintessentially.

stimpy

People keep saying the benefits are always being diluted, but Amex added a very significant new benefits in 2014 in Hertz Platinum. It's been worth the world to me. I have BA Gold so the US/AA loss is no big deal for me. I've started flying DL recently and got a 1st class upgrade thanks to Centurion, plus a lot of extra miles.

And as I always say, the number one benefit is great customer service from Amex themselves.

wcheung

First off, I don't work for AMEX but I am a US Centurion member. AMEX Centurion is an excellent product, with many services available and for those who travel extensively, it's definitely worth the membership fees. If you take advantage of their companion ticket once a year, it's already more than $2,500 in savings. In more than a few airports, the Centurion folks will greet you when the plane door opens (e.g. Heathrow), and take you through customs directly on fast trak lanes in a golf cart, free of charge. Exclusive events to Wimbledon and Monaco Grand Prix with private social cocktails, which we enjoy tremendously. Some years Centurion organize events with Porsche so we can drive the wonderful cars in Finland in the snow, all part of the exclusive membership benefits. Centurion is a different lifestyle and Platinum does not come close.

IMHO, Centurion wants customers who can showcase their cards, and be proud of an elite group. I saw many comments on this site that some strategy would be complaining or threatening to cancel membership. If you were the person reviewing the profiles, would you grant them membership? Do you want these members to showcase your Centurion card? Many Centurion members are business people trying to close their next $10 or $50 million deals. If you are "concerned" about the $7,500 initiation fee and the $2,500 annual fee, why should AMEX even look at your profile?

My two cents!

billycwhatup

What a silly post. The previous post says that if one is "concerned" about the outrageous fees, why should they look at my profile? I'm one of those business guys trying to "close my next multi-million dollar deal" as wcheung wrote. That doesn't mean I throw around $7500 for things without remotely corresponding value.

I've had a business Centurion card for 10 years and have watched the benefits get diluted like everyone else. Bye bye to Continental/United. Bye bye to USAirways/AA. Bye bye to airline lounges. The Centurion Lounges were briefly a nice benefit as I feel like I spend half my life at DFW, but now they're so crowded and menus so stagnant, the luster has warn off.

I was in LV a few weeks ago for work and asked the concierge to make reservations at two hot restaurants. He went 0 for 2. I asked them same thing of the concierge at the hotel. 2 for 2.

Let's be honest...there are probably many people who get an ego rush busting out with the Centurion card. I imagine there is a market there - particularly outside the US. I'm actually looking for travel and other benefits to at least try to defend the fees. It's getting harder and harder.

I'm not sure why the apologists don't at least acknowledge that they have a diminishing product on their hands. People who don't see that lose credibility in my opinion.

scubadu

And you will be cancelling the card when?

Regards

entropy

I'd be quite weary of doing business with someone who throws around money like that with reckless abandon.

If I could get the same benefits at a 90% discount (Platinum), it would be silly to do otherwise. Sure, expensive wallet candy? I suppose Hz Platinum is valuable, but DL Platinum is only worthwhile if you're flying DL a lot, and getting status anyways.

stimpy

That works both ways ya know.

stimpy

I've flown 4 DL legs this year and been upgraded for free twice. Is that not valuable? And it's only February.

jsk1973

I don't have a horse in this race, but you spent $7,500 the first year and $5,000 per year thereafter just to have a specific credit card, but you book coach flights?

stimpy

Actually as a charter member I spent nothing to join and $1000 per year. And yes for short domestic US or intra-EU flights I usually buy coach. For transcon or intercontinental flights I usually buy premium class.

jsk1973

There are people paying $1,000/year for U.S. Centurion, or is this a foreign version?

stimpy

It was $1000 per year for US charter members only, up until the financial crisis hit, then Amex reneged on their promise and bumped us up to $2500. But it was never $5000 per month. There are about 20 threads here on Flyertalk discussing this over the years if you care to search.

jsk1973

I never said anything about it being $1,000 or $5,000 per month.

tangfish

I feel quite like a boss, 'showcasing' my card, right up until the person taking it says aloud "oh, sorry sir, we don't take AMEX. Do you have a Visa or Mastercard?"

*sheepishly hand over my visa and take the centurion card back*

scubadu

Indeed, and that likely "clouds" your perspective on the relative value offered by this card...

Regards