Centurion members - do you cut to the front of the lounge line?
Oct 4, 2020, 4:13 am
#31
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: SXSW
Programs: DL Plat; HH Diamond; SPG & Hyatt Plat
Posts: 996
I’ve not seen any separate lines, so I’ve always just waited patiently. I am not above anyone else because I have this credit card that is becoming less valuable and useful and yet more expensive as time goes on.
That said, if there were a separate line, like most here have stated, it would be nice to use it and not offend anyone by doing so.
That said, if there were a separate line, like most here have stated, it would be nice to use it and not offend anyone by doing so.
Oct 7, 2020, 4:28 pm
#32
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AMEX Centurion.... ETC.
Posts: 16
I’ve been to multiple lounges where there was a centurion member sign at the front desk where the line was empty. On several occasions, when I’ve tried to go to the front of the line towards the centurion sign, I’ve been told not to be rude and wait in line. In one instance, when I told them that I had a black card, they said that doesn’t mean you’re any better than everyone else waiting patiently in line. I tried to explain that I was simply going to the centurion line, and she told me that it’s people like you that think you’re better just because of the color of your card. And then everyone in line started to agree with her and scolded me. I just left and went to another airport restaurant.
I’ve not seen any separate lines, so I’ve always just waited patiently. I am not above anyone else because I have this credit card that is becoming less valuable and useful and yet more expensive as time goes on.
That said, if there were a separate line, like most here have stated, it would be nice to use it and not offend anyone by doing so.
That said, if there were a separate line, like most here have stated, it would be nice to use it and not offend anyone by doing so.
Oct 7, 2020, 5:07 pm
#33
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,313
Oct 7, 2020, 6:25 pm
#34
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
Programs: UA 1KMM, Bonvoy LTE+A, HH D, Nat'l EE, Hertz Plat, Avis PC
Posts: 3,712
On several occasions, when I’ve tried to go to the front of the line towards the centurion sign, I’ve been told not to be rude and wait in line. In one instance, when I told them that I had a black card, they said that doesn’t mean you’re any better than everyone else waiting patiently in line. I tried to explain that I was simply going to the centurion line, and she told me that it’s people like you that think you’re better just because of the color of your card.
Oct 8, 2020, 10:16 am
#35
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AMEX Centurion.... ETC.
Posts: 16
Oct 8, 2020, 10:31 am
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
Oct 8, 2020, 10:57 am
#37
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,399
I hoe you reported this. Even if you should have stood in line, it's highly inappropriate for the receptionist to encourage other customers to cause an embarrassing scene. [IMO it's also very surprising that an AmEx Centurion lounge employee or contractor would behave this way.]
Oct 8, 2020, 5:08 pm
#39
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Palm Beach/ New England
Programs: AA EXP 3MM, DL GM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,382
Over the years I have been shoved out of the way by a large number of men who apparently think that "women don't fly first class". I always make a point of publicly embarrassing them if possible! One jerk who was literally knocking people out of his way while screaming I AM IN FIRST was my seat mate. I quizzed him to see if there was a "prize" for hitting me on his way on the plane. He had the grace to apologize. I didn't have the grace to accept it, I just stared at him, pulled on my headphones and ignored him. The FA thought this was so funny she gave me a bottle of wine to apologize for my "subpar gate experience"
Oct 10, 2020, 11:32 am
#40
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, AA Lifetime Platinum, DL Platinum, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 7,969
I wonder what an agent that said such a thing would say as to what they thought the purpose of the Centurion Member sign on the desk was? This may be a training issue. If an agent didn't know that Centurion members were supposed to be able to be served directly at that sign, then it might seem to them that such a member was being rude by trying to cut in line. But such an agent, or any cardmember in line that felt the same way, would have to have a theory as to what the purpose of that sign was other than to invite Centurion members to approach it for service.
Oct 10, 2020, 12:43 pm
#41
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Boston, MA
Programs: AMEX Centurion.... ETC.
Posts: 16
It could be training, but I just think the attendants want to feel good about themselves. The most problematic lounges were the old DFW and LAS. DFW now seems ok since there is not much room after you get off the elevator and you do have to wiggle your way through the line to get the centurion sign, so I just wait in line. At LAS they are definitely not helpful and you get judged for having the card. I also always get called out for sitting at the centurion reserved seats and most of the time I’m asked to move to another part of the lounge since this area is reserved for centurion card only. They don’t even ask to see the card. I usually don’t say anything back to them and I move to another area just so I can let them feel like they have some authority and power.
I wonder what an agent that said such a thing would say as to what they thought the purpose of the Centurion Member sign on the desk was? This may be a training issue. If an agent didn't know that Centurion members were supposed to be able to be served directly at that sign, then it might seem to them that such a member was being rude by trying to cut in line. But such an agent, or any cardmember in line that felt the same way, would have to have a theory as to what the purpose of that sign was other than to invite Centurion members to approach it for service.
Oct 10, 2020, 1:59 pm
#42
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: San Francisco, CA USA
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, UA Mileage Silver, Hilton Gold
Posts: 47
It could be training, but I just think the attendants want to feel good about themselves. The most problematic lounges were the old DFW and LAS. DFW now seems ok since there is not much room after you get off the elevator and you do have to wiggle your way through the line to get the centurion sign, so I just wait in line. At LAS they are definitely not helpful and you get judged for having the card. I also always get called out for sitting at the centurion reserved seats and most of the time I’m asked to move to another part of the lounge since this area is reserved for centurion card only. They don’t even ask to see the card. I usually don’t say anything back to them and I move to another area just so I can let them feel like they have some authority and power.
Oct 11, 2020, 1:25 am
#43
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Various
Posts: 2,155
I've never had a problem with this, maybe I'm lucky that there hasn't been much of a queue to check-in at the lounge - though a growing group of people stood outside or in the reception area waiting for their turn to enter per the waitlist which can cause some comedy scenes when I'm let straight in, especially if I have my infant son with me in his stroller. I will walk towards the Centurion check in section intentionally if there is a queue though and no one has ever said anything to me negatively. Definitely seen some tantrums from other customers though about the waitlist scenario though.
At my home airport of SEA, the staff do know me as they have a small set of regulars and always take care of me, my wife and infant son. A couple of times in non-SEA locations, I've had attendants come up to me and tell me the reserved tables are only for 'black card holders' I make light of it.with a 'I have multiple Centurion cards, do I get multiple tables?' response as I know they are doing their job and I probably didn't fit the normal demographic for a Centurion customer. I think the mini Centurion tag on my laptop bag helps avoid some situations too.
At my home airport of SEA, the staff do know me as they have a small set of regulars and always take care of me, my wife and infant son. A couple of times in non-SEA locations, I've had attendants come up to me and tell me the reserved tables are only for 'black card holders' I make light of it.with a 'I have multiple Centurion cards, do I get multiple tables?' response as I know they are doing their job and I probably didn't fit the normal demographic for a Centurion customer. I think the mini Centurion tag on my laptop bag helps avoid some situations too.
Oct 11, 2020, 3:00 pm
#44
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve
Posts: 619
I've never had a problem with this, maybe I'm lucky that there hasn't been much of a queue to check-in at the lounge - though a growing group of people stood outside or in the reception area waiting for their turn to enter per the waitlist which can cause some comedy scenes when I'm let straight in, especially if I have my infant son with me in his stroller. I will walk towards the Centurion check in section intentionally if there is a queue though and no one has ever said anything to me negatively. Definitely seen some tantrums from other customers though about the waitlist scenario though.
At my home airport of SEA, the staff do know me as they have a small set of regulars and always take care of me, my wife and infant son. A couple of times in non-SEA locations, I've had attendants come up to me and tell me the reserved tables are only for 'black card holders' I make light of it.with a 'I have multiple Centurion cards, do I get multiple tables?' response as I know they are doing their job and I probably didn't fit the normal demographic for a Centurion customer. I think the mini Centurion tag on my laptop bag helps avoid some situations too.
At my home airport of SEA, the staff do know me as they have a small set of regulars and always take care of me, my wife and infant son. A couple of times in non-SEA locations, I've had attendants come up to me and tell me the reserved tables are only for 'black card holders' I make light of it.with a 'I have multiple Centurion cards, do I get multiple tables?' response as I know they are doing their job and I probably didn't fit the normal demographic for a Centurion customer. I think the mini Centurion tag on my laptop bag helps avoid some situations too.