Apr 7, 2021, 7:10 pm
Last edit by: mia
Centurion® Members, please refer to the Centurion website for specific terms & conditions.
From the Centurion website:
The annual fee for personal Platinum card is $695. The annual fee for additional Platinum card is $175 for up to 3 additional cards (from 1 to 3). The annual fee for the 4th or more additional Platinum card is $175 for each card.
The annual fee for business Platinum card is $595. The annual fee for each additional Platinum card is $300.
From the Centurion website:
Centurion Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Gold Card and Green Card Additional Cards on your Centurion account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members may bring immediate family (spouse or domestic partner and their children under 18) OR up to two (2) companions into The Centurion Lounge.
The annual fee for business Platinum card is $595. The annual fee for each additional Platinum card is $300.
Originally Posted by https://thecenturionlounge.com/info/terms/
The Centurion® Lounge
Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members
U.S. Basic Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the account and U.S. Basic Business Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the account may bring up to two (2) guests per visit into locations of The Centurion Lounge in the U.S., at Hong Kong International Airport and at London Heathrow Airport for no per-visit guest fee (“Complimentary Guest Access”) through January 31, 2023. Effective February 1, 2023, Platinum Card Members, Business Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the account will be charged a $50 fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17, with proof of age). To receive Complimentary Guest Access at these locations after January 31, 2023, the total eligible purchases on the Platinum Account must equal or exceed $75,000 between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and in each calendar year thereafter. Guest access policies may vary internationally by location and are subject to change.
Beginning February 1, 2023, eligibility for Complimentary Guest Access will be processed within a week of the Platinum Account’s meeting the purchase requirement in most cases, but may take up to 12 weeks to become effective. Complimentary Guest Access status will be reflected in the Benefits tab of your online account and in the American Express App. Once effective, Complimentary Guest Access will be available for the remainder of the calendar year in which it became effective, the following calendar year, and until January 31 of the next calendar year (for example, if Complimentary Guest Access becomes effective on May 1, 2023, it will remain effective through January 31, 2025). Eligible purchases made by any Additional Card Members on the Platinum Account will contribute to the purchase requirement. Eligible purchases to meet the purchase requirement are for goods and services minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases do NOT include fees or interest charges, cash advances, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, purchases of gift cards, person-to-person payments, or other cash equivalents. If a Basic Platinum Card Member upgrades or downgrades from a different American Express Card, eligible purchases made on that Card Account will count toward the new Platinum Account's Complimentary Guest Access purchase requirement.
Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Gold Card and Green Card Additional Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. All access to The Centurion Lounge is subject to space availability. To access The Centurion Lounge, the Card Member must present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for a departing flight on the same day on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Note that select lounges allow access to Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival). Refer to the specific location’s access policy for more information. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. A Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. For locations with a self-service bar, the Card Member must be of legal drinking age in the location’s jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from the Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our lounge is not permissible. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Services and amenities in the Lounge are complimentary, however you are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you authorize our Member Services Professionals to perform on your behalf. Some American Express Cards are not eligible for all services provided by Member Services Desk. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by the purchaser or visitor inside The Centurion Lounge. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with lounge access in any way or that you intend to do so, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from the Account. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice.
Corporate Platinum Card Members
Corporate Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Gold Card and Green Card Additional Cards on your Corporate Platinum Card account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members may bring up to two (2) complimentary companions into The Centurion® Lounge locations in the U.S., at Hong Kong International Airport and at London Heathrow Airport. Refer to the specific location’s access policy for more information. All access to The Centurion Lounge is subject to space availability. To access The Centurion Lounge, the Card Member must present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for a departing flight on the same day on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Note that select lounges allow access to Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival). Refer to the specific location’s access policy for more information. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. A Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. For locations with a self-service bar, the Card Member must be of legal drinking age in the location’s jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from the Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our lounge is not permissible. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Services and amenities in the Lounge are complimentary, however you are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you authorize our Member Services Professionals to perform on your behalf. Some American Express Cards are not eligible for all services provided by Member Services Desk. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by the purchaser or visitor inside The Centurion Lounge. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with lounge access in any way or that you intend to do so, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from the Account. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Basic and Additional Card Members receive complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. The eligible flight must be booked on a U.S. issued American Express charge or credit Card. A Card Member may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Guests must be traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Eligible lounges only include all Centurion Lounges located in the United States and Hong Kong. To access The Centurion Lounge, the Card Member must present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: his or her valid Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for eligible Delta Air Lines flight, and a government-issued I.D. Failure to present these items may result in access being denied. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. A Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. For locations with a self-service bar, the Card Member must be of legal drinking age in the location's jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from The Centurion Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Access is subject to space availability. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Services and amenities in The Centurion Lounge are complimentary, however, you are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you authorize our Member Services Professionals to perform on your behalf. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by the purchaser or visitor inside The Centurion Lounge. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice.
Delta SkyClub
The Platinum Card Member must present his or her valid American Express Card, government-issued I.D., and same-day corresponding airline ticket to club ambassador. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Access to Delta Sky Club partner lounges is not permitted. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to access Delta Sky Club, and 21 years of age to access locations with a self-service bar, unless accompanied by a responsible, supervising adult who has access to the lounge. Card Members must adhere to all House Rules of participating clubs. Participating airport clubs and locations subject to change without notice. Additional guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating airport clubs.
For the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policy, please visit Delta.com/skyclub. All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club membership and use. To review the rules, please visit Delta.com/skyclub.
Airspace
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, government-issued I.D. and confirmed boarding pass for same-day travel. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. The Card Member may bring up to two companions into the club as complimentary guests per visit. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and his or her guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Airspace Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Airspace Lounge locations are subject to change.
Priority Pass Select
These Terms and Conditions govern Platinum Card Members' participation in and use of the Priority Pass™ Select program. Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. At any visit to a Priority Pass Select lounge that admits guests, you may bring in two guests for no charge. After two guests, you will be automatically charged the guest visit fee equal to the guest visit fee of the Priority Pass Standard program for each additional guest. Some lounges do not admit guests. By enrolling in Priority Pass Select, you agree that you will be responsible for any additional accompanying guest visits and that your Card will be automatically charged after you have signed for the additional guest visit and it has been reported to Priority Pass by the participating lounge. Additionally, you acknowledge and agree that American Express will verify your Card account number and provide updated Card account information to Priority Pass. Priority Pass will use this information to fulfill on the Priority Pass Select program and may use this information for marketing related to the program. Once enrolled, Platinum Card Members whose Card account is not cancelled may access participating Priority Pass Select lounges by presenting your Priority Pass Select card and airline boarding pass. In some lounges, Priority Pass Select member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Priority Pass Select members must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Amenities may vary among airport lounge locations. Conference rooms, where available, may be reserved for a nominal fee. Priority Pass Select lounge partners and locations are subject to change. All Priority Pass Select members must adhere to the Priority Pass Conditions of Use, which will be sent to you with your membership package, and can be viewed at www.prioritypass.com. Upon receipt of your enrollment information, Priority Pass will send your Priority Pass Select card and membership package which you should receive within 10–14 business days. If you have not received the Priority Pass card after 14 days, please contact American Express using the number on the back of your American Express® Card. Please note, Additional Gold Card Members are not eligible for membership.
Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner
Platinum Card Members
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any US location of the Escape Lounges. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Card Members may bring either (i) up to two guests or (ii) immediate family members, which are spouse or domestic partner and all children under the age of 18, as complimentary guests. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Basic and Additional Card Members receive complimentary access to all Escape Lounge locations when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. The eligible flight must be booked on a U.S. issued American Express credit card and Card Members may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate equal to the guest fee of the respective Escape Lounge location. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and his or her guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Escape Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Escape Lounge locations are subject to change.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Basic and Additional Card Members receive complimentary access to all U.S. Escape Lounges - The Centurion® Studio Partner locations when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on Delta and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. The eligible flight must be booked on a U.S. issued American Express credit card and Card Members may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate equal to the guest fee of the respective Escape Lounge location. For more information on guest fee rates and lounge terms and conditions, see https://escapelounges.com/us/access/. Guests must be traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and his or her guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Escape Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Escape Lounge locations are subject to change.
Plaza Premium Lounges:
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any global location of Plaza Premium Lounges. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Card Members may bring up to two (2) companions into Plaza Premium Lounges as complimentary guests. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and his or her guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Plaza Premium Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Plaza Premium Lounge locations are subject to change.
Lufthansa:
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to select Lufthansa Business Lounges (regardless of ticket class) and Lufthansa Senator Lounges (when flying business class). To access the Lufthansa lounges, Platinum Card Member must present a government issued I.D., a same-day departure boarding pass showing confirmed reservation on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian airlines) and a valid Platinum Card. For the most current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit www.americanexpress.com/findalounge. Card Members must adhere to all rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges and locations subject to change without notice. Additional guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating lounges. In some Lounges the Platinum Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. For the most current Lufthansa rules and guest access and pricing policy, please visit https://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/lounges.
Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges:
American Express offers access to additional lounges in the Global Lounge Collection where Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to participating locations. Card Members must present their valid Platinum Card, a government-issued I.D., and a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier. Guest access and associated fees are subject to the terms and conditions of the participating lounge provider. Participation, locations, rates, and policies of lounges are subject to change without notice, and Card Members and their guests will not be compensated for such changes. Access is subject to space availability, including capacity restrictions and limited hours that may be placed on the participating lounge. Amenities, services, and hours may vary by participating lounge and are subject to change without notice. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen, or damages suffered by the Card Member or guests inside the participating lounge. For participating lounges with a self-service bar, the Card Member may be required to be of legal drinking age in the participating lounge jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Card Members and their guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. Each participating lounge may have their own policy allowing for children under a certain age to enter for free with the Card Member who is a parent or legal guardian. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges reserve the right to remove any person from the premises for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive, or violent. If American Express, in our sole discretion, determines that the Card Member or their guests have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with access to participating lounges in any way, or that the Card Member or their guests intend to do so, we may remove access to the Additional Lounges from the Account. American Express and the participating lounge reserve the right to revise the rules at any time without notice. For the most current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit www.americanexpress.com/findalounge.
Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members
U.S. Basic Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the account and U.S. Basic Business Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the account may bring up to two (2) guests per visit into locations of The Centurion Lounge in the U.S., at Hong Kong International Airport and at London Heathrow Airport for no per-visit guest fee (“Complimentary Guest Access”) through January 31, 2023. Effective February 1, 2023, Platinum Card Members, Business Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the account will be charged a $50 fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17, with proof of age). To receive Complimentary Guest Access at these locations after January 31, 2023, the total eligible purchases on the Platinum Account must equal or exceed $75,000 between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and in each calendar year thereafter. Guest access policies may vary internationally by location and are subject to change.
Beginning February 1, 2023, eligibility for Complimentary Guest Access will be processed within a week of the Platinum Account’s meeting the purchase requirement in most cases, but may take up to 12 weeks to become effective. Complimentary Guest Access status will be reflected in the Benefits tab of your online account and in the American Express App. Once effective, Complimentary Guest Access will be available for the remainder of the calendar year in which it became effective, the following calendar year, and until January 31 of the next calendar year (for example, if Complimentary Guest Access becomes effective on May 1, 2023, it will remain effective through January 31, 2025). Eligible purchases made by any Additional Card Members on the Platinum Account will contribute to the purchase requirement. Eligible purchases to meet the purchase requirement are for goods and services minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases do NOT include fees or interest charges, cash advances, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, purchases of gift cards, person-to-person payments, or other cash equivalents. If a Basic Platinum Card Member upgrades or downgrades from a different American Express Card, eligible purchases made on that Card Account will count toward the new Platinum Account's Complimentary Guest Access purchase requirement.
Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Gold Card and Green Card Additional Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. All access to The Centurion Lounge is subject to space availability. To access The Centurion Lounge, the Card Member must present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for a departing flight on the same day on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Note that select lounges allow access to Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival). Refer to the specific location’s access policy for more information. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. A Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. For locations with a self-service bar, the Card Member must be of legal drinking age in the location’s jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from the Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our lounge is not permissible. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Services and amenities in the Lounge are complimentary, however you are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you authorize our Member Services Professionals to perform on your behalf. Some American Express Cards are not eligible for all services provided by Member Services Desk. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by the purchaser or visitor inside The Centurion Lounge. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with lounge access in any way or that you intend to do so, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from the Account. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice.
Corporate Platinum Card Members
Corporate Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Gold Card and Green Card Additional Cards on your Corporate Platinum Card account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members may bring up to two (2) complimentary companions into The Centurion® Lounge locations in the U.S., at Hong Kong International Airport and at London Heathrow Airport. Refer to the specific location’s access policy for more information. All access to The Centurion Lounge is subject to space availability. To access The Centurion Lounge, the Card Member must present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for a departing flight on the same day on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Note that select lounges allow access to Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival). Refer to the specific location’s access policy for more information. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. A Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. For locations with a self-service bar, the Card Member must be of legal drinking age in the location’s jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from the Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our lounge is not permissible. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Services and amenities in the Lounge are complimentary, however you are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you authorize our Member Services Professionals to perform on your behalf. Some American Express Cards are not eligible for all services provided by Member Services Desk. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by the purchaser or visitor inside The Centurion Lounge. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with lounge access in any way or that you intend to do so, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from the Account. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Basic and Additional Card Members receive complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. The eligible flight must be booked on a U.S. issued American Express charge or credit Card. A Card Member may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Guests must be traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Eligible lounges only include all Centurion Lounges located in the United States and Hong Kong. To access The Centurion Lounge, the Card Member must present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: his or her valid Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for eligible Delta Air Lines flight, and a government-issued I.D. Failure to present these items may result in access being denied. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. A Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. For locations with a self-service bar, the Card Member must be of legal drinking age in the location's jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from The Centurion Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Access is subject to space availability. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Services and amenities in The Centurion Lounge are complimentary, however, you are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you authorize our Member Services Professionals to perform on your behalf. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by the purchaser or visitor inside The Centurion Lounge. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice.
Delta SkyClub
The Platinum Card Member must present his or her valid American Express Card, government-issued I.D., and same-day corresponding airline ticket to club ambassador. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Access to Delta Sky Club partner lounges is not permitted. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to access Delta Sky Club, and 21 years of age to access locations with a self-service bar, unless accompanied by a responsible, supervising adult who has access to the lounge. Card Members must adhere to all House Rules of participating clubs. Participating airport clubs and locations subject to change without notice. Additional guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating airport clubs.
For the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policy, please visit Delta.com/skyclub. All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club membership and use. To review the rules, please visit Delta.com/skyclub.
Airspace
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, government-issued I.D. and confirmed boarding pass for same-day travel. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. The Card Member may bring up to two companions into the club as complimentary guests per visit. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and his or her guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Airspace Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Airspace Lounge locations are subject to change.
Priority Pass Select
These Terms and Conditions govern Platinum Card Members' participation in and use of the Priority Pass™ Select program. Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. At any visit to a Priority Pass Select lounge that admits guests, you may bring in two guests for no charge. After two guests, you will be automatically charged the guest visit fee equal to the guest visit fee of the Priority Pass Standard program for each additional guest. Some lounges do not admit guests. By enrolling in Priority Pass Select, you agree that you will be responsible for any additional accompanying guest visits and that your Card will be automatically charged after you have signed for the additional guest visit and it has been reported to Priority Pass by the participating lounge. Additionally, you acknowledge and agree that American Express will verify your Card account number and provide updated Card account information to Priority Pass. Priority Pass will use this information to fulfill on the Priority Pass Select program and may use this information for marketing related to the program. Once enrolled, Platinum Card Members whose Card account is not cancelled may access participating Priority Pass Select lounges by presenting your Priority Pass Select card and airline boarding pass. In some lounges, Priority Pass Select member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Priority Pass Select members must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Amenities may vary among airport lounge locations. Conference rooms, where available, may be reserved for a nominal fee. Priority Pass Select lounge partners and locations are subject to change. All Priority Pass Select members must adhere to the Priority Pass Conditions of Use, which will be sent to you with your membership package, and can be viewed at www.prioritypass.com. Upon receipt of your enrollment information, Priority Pass will send your Priority Pass Select card and membership package which you should receive within 10–14 business days. If you have not received the Priority Pass card after 14 days, please contact American Express using the number on the back of your American Express® Card. Please note, Additional Gold Card Members are not eligible for membership.
Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner
Platinum Card Members
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any US location of the Escape Lounges. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Card Members may bring either (i) up to two guests or (ii) immediate family members, which are spouse or domestic partner and all children under the age of 18, as complimentary guests. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Basic and Additional Card Members receive complimentary access to all Escape Lounge locations when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. The eligible flight must be booked on a U.S. issued American Express credit card and Card Members may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate equal to the guest fee of the respective Escape Lounge location. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and his or her guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Escape Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Escape Lounge locations are subject to change.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Basic and Additional Card Members receive complimentary access to all U.S. Escape Lounges - The Centurion® Studio Partner locations when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on Delta and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. The eligible flight must be booked on a U.S. issued American Express credit card and Card Members may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate equal to the guest fee of the respective Escape Lounge location. For more information on guest fee rates and lounge terms and conditions, see https://escapelounges.com/us/access/. Guests must be traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and his or her guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Escape Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Escape Lounge locations are subject to change.
Plaza Premium Lounges:
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any global location of Plaza Premium Lounges. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Card Members may bring up to two (2) companions into Plaza Premium Lounges as complimentary guests. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and his or her guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Plaza Premium Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Plaza Premium Lounge locations are subject to change.
Lufthansa:
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to select Lufthansa Business Lounges (regardless of ticket class) and Lufthansa Senator Lounges (when flying business class). To access the Lufthansa lounges, Platinum Card Member must present a government issued I.D., a same-day departure boarding pass showing confirmed reservation on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian airlines) and a valid Platinum Card. For the most current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit www.americanexpress.com/findalounge. Card Members must adhere to all rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges and locations subject to change without notice. Additional guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating lounges. In some Lounges the Platinum Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. For the most current Lufthansa rules and guest access and pricing policy, please visit https://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/lounges.
Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges:
American Express offers access to additional lounges in the Global Lounge Collection where Platinum Card Members have unlimited complimentary access to participating locations. Card Members must present their valid Platinum Card, a government-issued I.D., and a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier. Guest access and associated fees are subject to the terms and conditions of the participating lounge provider. Participation, locations, rates, and policies of lounges are subject to change without notice, and Card Members and their guests will not be compensated for such changes. Access is subject to space availability, including capacity restrictions and limited hours that may be placed on the participating lounge. Amenities, services, and hours may vary by participating lounge and are subject to change without notice. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen, or damages suffered by the Card Member or guests inside the participating lounge. For participating lounges with a self-service bar, the Card Member may be required to be of legal drinking age in the participating lounge jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Card Members and their guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. Each participating lounge may have their own policy allowing for children under a certain age to enter for free with the Card Member who is a parent or legal guardian. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges reserve the right to remove any person from the premises for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive, or violent. If American Express, in our sole discretion, determines that the Card Member or their guests have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with access to participating lounges in any way, or that the Card Member or their guests intend to do so, we may remove access to the Additional Lounges from the Account. American Express and the participating lounge reserve the right to revise the rules at any time without notice. For the most current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit www.americanexpress.com/findalounge.
Centurion Lounge crowding: Platinum cardholders may pay $50/guest effective 2.1.2023
Feb 9, 2022, 8:24 am
#676
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,895
Actually, I believe that fee increases could absolutely "cut it" if they are actual, real increases, not "effective increases" masked with additional credits. No matter how much people endlessly debate the crowding issue in this thread (is it children? is it guests? is it business travelers? etc, etc.), it quite simply is a supply/demand problem, no more complicated than that. Part, though admittedly not all, of the reason that some of the majors (AA/UA/DL) clubs are now more relaxing/less crowded than Centurion Lounges is because it actually tends to cost more money to get in the door. Whether paying for a membership directly or getting a credit card, the cost is the cost; there are no offsetting credits. If you want into the AA clubs, the absolute cheapest route is via the Citi card with a straight up $450 annual fee. No credits, no coupons, no offsets. That gives people some pause and brings into very clear focus, exactly how much lounge access is worth to them.
In the case of say, a Schwab Platinum cardholder with significant assets at Schwab, the math looks more like:
- $200 statement credit (assuming +@1m in assets)
- $200 airline fee, straight to UA Travelbank (so effectively cash if one flies UA)
- $200 FHR/THC credit, again straight up cash back if you would stay at some of these properties (and many do)
So, right there you are already @ $600 vs. a $695 annual fee, so an "effective" annual fee of $95. Now throw in Uber credits, Clear credits, Saks credits, digital credits, etc, for those that use/find value in them, and then even the occasional Amex retention offer,and basically, Amex is paying you to carry the card.
Now, several FTers will want to jump in with but, but... "the airline credit is useless to me" and "the FHR credit is useless to me" and "I don't have a million dollars to put at Schwab" Save your breath, I already know. First, plenty of people do fit that model and they are waiting in line beside you trying to get into the same Cent Lounge you are. Second, nobody uses exactly all these Amex offers/credits in the same way, but the broader point is that, if one is sufficiently motivated, there are many ways to make the math work in your favor, or at least close enough to justify keeping the card and seeing lounge access as "gravy."
So, Adelphos, I respectfully disagree with you that increasing fees won't cut it; if Amex made the annual fee of this card a straight-up, $695 or say, $750 and dropped all the credits, coupons, etc. you can absolutely bet your bottom dollar those lounges would be quieter and less crowded. And believe it or not, some (though likely not enough!) would pay for that experience. It's the same reason many foreign carrier lounges (e.g. CX First class lounges) are not overflowing; because you can't "subsidize" your way in; you have to buy the ticket or have the status, there is no "coupon path to entry."
Now, in the very next breath, I also fully acknowledge that this will absolutely, positively, never happen. Amex would never do this. Amex has a self interest in "warping" the supply/demand curve because they don't solely care about the lounge experience. They care about the number, spend, and profitability of cardholders and creating as many more of them as possible.
There was a time when lounges had a somewhat high barrier to entry (i.e. cost) and now they have almost zero barrier to entry. There is no way the experience of the former can be equivalent to the latter when dealing with an actual, physically constrained space. Unfortunately, as the old saying goes, if everyone is special, then nobody is special. And that is pretty much where we are now...
Regards
In the case of say, a Schwab Platinum cardholder with significant assets at Schwab, the math looks more like:
- $200 statement credit (assuming +@1m in assets)
- $200 airline fee, straight to UA Travelbank (so effectively cash if one flies UA)
- $200 FHR/THC credit, again straight up cash back if you would stay at some of these properties (and many do)
So, right there you are already @ $600 vs. a $695 annual fee, so an "effective" annual fee of $95. Now throw in Uber credits, Clear credits, Saks credits, digital credits, etc, for those that use/find value in them, and then even the occasional Amex retention offer,and basically, Amex is paying you to carry the card.
Now, several FTers will want to jump in with but, but... "the airline credit is useless to me" and "the FHR credit is useless to me" and "I don't have a million dollars to put at Schwab" Save your breath, I already know. First, plenty of people do fit that model and they are waiting in line beside you trying to get into the same Cent Lounge you are. Second, nobody uses exactly all these Amex offers/credits in the same way, but the broader point is that, if one is sufficiently motivated, there are many ways to make the math work in your favor, or at least close enough to justify keeping the card and seeing lounge access as "gravy."
So, Adelphos, I respectfully disagree with you that increasing fees won't cut it; if Amex made the annual fee of this card a straight-up, $695 or say, $750 and dropped all the credits, coupons, etc. you can absolutely bet your bottom dollar those lounges would be quieter and less crowded. And believe it or not, some (though likely not enough!) would pay for that experience. It's the same reason many foreign carrier lounges (e.g. CX First class lounges) are not overflowing; because you can't "subsidize" your way in; you have to buy the ticket or have the status, there is no "coupon path to entry."
Now, in the very next breath, I also fully acknowledge that this will absolutely, positively, never happen. Amex would never do this. Amex has a self interest in "warping" the supply/demand curve because they don't solely care about the lounge experience. They care about the number, spend, and profitability of cardholders and creating as many more of them as possible.
There was a time when lounges had a somewhat high barrier to entry (i.e. cost) and now they have almost zero barrier to entry. There is no way the experience of the former can be equivalent to the latter when dealing with an actual, physically constrained space. Unfortunately, as the old saying goes, if everyone is special, then nobody is special. And that is pretty much where we are now...
Regards
1) Lounge access, at least in the US, is driven increasingly by customers willing or able to pay a relatively high fee for a credit card
2) Credit card related income is increasingly important to airlines, thus they have an incentive to increase the number cardholders
3) Given the high volume of domestic flying and the high average income/wealth of the US consumer, a lot of people are willing and able to pay for lounge access by holding a credit card
4) Slight increases in fees won't change this dynamic drastically - plenty of people find value in cards like Amex Platinum outside of the fee, banks like Chase, Amex, Citi want people to hold as many United Club, Amex Platinum / Delta Reserve, Citi Executive cards as possible (i.e. Amex is not going to try to intentionally reduce its Platinum cardholder numbers, as some have proposed)
5) There is no incentive for US airlines and banks to dramatically raise the price of their card fees, lounge memberships, etc given all of the dynamics described above
The best Amex can do is tinker around the edges, which is what the guest policy is. Amex has no real incentive to put into place policies to drastically limit access (such as by reducing access to Centurion cardholders only, doubling the effective fee of the Amex platinum by reducing credits, etc) because Amex is in the business of increasing Amex Platinum cardholder numbers and fees paid, not in the business of providing exclusive and quiet experience in a dozen or so airline lounges. So don't rely on Amex to provide you a quiet oasis in an airport, the economics here don't support it, especially for domestic flights. If you want really premium lounge experiences, you are going to have to buy it via booking international first or business class and using those lounges when available. Domestic lounges, at the end of the day, are a mass luxury product.
Last edited by Adelphos; Feb 9, 2022 at 8:30 am
Feb 9, 2022, 8:33 am
#677
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,041
Anyhow, it doesn't appear you are much open to a different perspective, so if you find the Centurion Lounge experience as it is, pleasant and enjoyable, then hey, knock yourself out. You'll rarely have me in your way.
Regards
Feb 9, 2022, 10:47 am
#678
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,955
Agreed, but the Adobe, Audible, Clear, Dell, Equinox, Indeed, NY Times, Peacock, Saks, Sirius, Uber, and Walmart credits are temporary. They will each end when the advertiser no longer sees value in the placement, and American Express will not reduce the cost of the card or race to sign up a replacement before a credit ends. There will be times when the effective cost is much nearer to the nominal annual fee.
Feb 9, 2022, 11:22 am
#680
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AS 75K (OW), SK Silver (*A), UR, MR
Posts: 3,346
And do what exactly? But for the record, I go by that people generally behave and don’t cross the line this blatantly, so it doesn’t come to this.
Feb 9, 2022, 11:47 am
#681
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: JFK/LGA/BDL
Posts: 419
I know they don't normally check guest credentials but I wouldn't be surprised if they included some sort of notes/description when checking you in to the effect of "Member entered with one guest. Male, white tshirt, brown hair"... that much is absolute speculation on my part but the written policy prohibits you from entering with two guests, leaving, and coming back in with two more guests. That would be a very obvious way to game the complimentary guest limit.
Feb 9, 2022, 11:53 am
#682
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,480
Presumably if you check in via the app the QR code that's generated will vanish upon being validated on entry? So perhaps its policed that way.
Feb 9, 2022, 1:10 pm
#683
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,895
Agreed, but the Adobe, Audible, Clear, Dell, Equinox, Indeed, NY Times, Peacock, Saks, Sirius, Uber, and Walmart credits are temporary. They will each end when the advertiser no longer sees value in the placement, and American Express will not reduce the cost of the card or race to sign up a replacement before a credit ends. There will be times when the effective cost is much nearer to the nominal annual fee.
Feb 9, 2022, 1:19 pm
#684
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: AS 75K (OW), SK Silver (*A), UR, MR
Posts: 3,346
Link to section in written policy?
I can imagine a situation where you have back-to-back business meetings during a layover. If you point this out upfront and on the way out have the checkin counter “check out” the two guests of the first meeting and likewise for the second meeting, does this violate even the spirit of the lounge policy?
And if you are alone, are you also restricted to one entry per lounge while inside security?
I can imagine a situation where you have back-to-back business meetings during a layover. If you point this out upfront and on the way out have the checkin counter “check out” the two guests of the first meeting and likewise for the second meeting, does this violate even the spirit of the lounge policy?
And if you are alone, are you also restricted to one entry per lounge while inside security?
Feb 9, 2022, 1:51 pm
#685
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: JFK/LGA/BDL
Posts: 419
vanillabean
The policy is published on the Centurion Lounge Access website. Quoted in relevant part below...
So, in any event, you may only have two complimentary guests at a CL per day. For your back to back business meeting hypothetical, even if guests 1 and 2 leave after the meeting, guests 3 and 4 must pay the $50 per day access fee.
The policy is published on the Centurion Lounge Access website. Quoted in relevant part below...
Soliciting other Card Members to bring your guests into our lounge is not permissible. Additional guests over the complimentary guest limit require the purchase of a day-pass as stated in our access policy.
Guest access is per Card Member, not per Card. Family or guests may not enter or remain in the lounge unless accompanied in the lounge by the Card Member. No more than two guests per day will receive admittance to the lounge at no additional charge.
Guest access is per Card Member, not per Card. Family or guests may not enter or remain in the lounge unless accompanied in the lounge by the Card Member. No more than two guests per day will receive admittance to the lounge at no additional charge.
Feb 9, 2022, 4:02 pm
#686
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,318
I usually prefer to be part of the solution (following the rules) instead of part of the problem (ignoring or imagining favorable interpretations of the rules).
Feb 9, 2022, 4:46 pm
#687
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,041
That is actually not what I'm saying.
I've actually taken some time to write out and attempt to articulate my thoughts. People are free to agree or disagree with them, I have no problem with that at all. Its a big, diverse world out there with plenty of perspectives.
So by all means, if you have an actual point of view to share that counters mine, please feel free to write it down and share it with the rest of us.
Here is a summary of what I've attempted to say:
Now, you've said you believe that Amex will eventually set some fixed number of visits. I'm not sure I agree, but I also acknowledge that you might very well be right, I don't actually know. But I do know Amex could have done this at any other point along the continuum to date and they have resisted doing so. Why do you believe that is the case? Have you considered there might be a reason for that?
Finally, I've stated that by raising pricing, substantially, that would very likely reduce demand for access to a physically fixed space (this is literally no different that raising pricing on first/business class seats on airplanes or on suites in hotels, when demand is exceeding supply, no idea why this would even be controversial, its economics 101). I also said, in the very next breath, that Amex will absolutely, positively NOT do that. But, again, do you actually disagree that substantially raising pricing would have an impact on reducing demand? Or do you just not like it?
Actually, you might be surprised to find we are in somewhat in agreement on this. But let me ask, are you happy with that? Is that what you desire? I mean do you desire some sort of shared, egalitarian, yet miserable experience?
Regards
I've actually taken some time to write out and attempt to articulate my thoughts. People are free to agree or disagree with them, I have no problem with that at all. Its a big, diverse world out there with plenty of perspectives.
So by all means, if you have an actual point of view to share that counters mine, please feel free to write it down and share it with the rest of us.
Here is a summary of what I've attempted to say:
- Each American Express Centurion Lounge has a fixed amount of square feet/meters, unless or until they expand the lounge.
- Within that fixed amount of square feet/meters, only so many human beings can fit, both safely and comfortably (and in fact legally). This is a truism no matter those human beings financial status (rich or poor)
- For many, many years now, the number of human beings attempting/ to access that fixed amount of square feet/meters has often been in conflict with the space available.
- Amex has made many attempts over the years to rectify this problem, to date all have failed.
Now, you've said you believe that Amex will eventually set some fixed number of visits. I'm not sure I agree, but I also acknowledge that you might very well be right, I don't actually know. But I do know Amex could have done this at any other point along the continuum to date and they have resisted doing so. Why do you believe that is the case? Have you considered there might be a reason for that?
Finally, I've stated that by raising pricing, substantially, that would very likely reduce demand for access to a physically fixed space (this is literally no different that raising pricing on first/business class seats on airplanes or on suites in hotels, when demand is exceeding supply, no idea why this would even be controversial, its economics 101). I also said, in the very next breath, that Amex will absolutely, positively NOT do that. But, again, do you actually disagree that substantially raising pricing would have an impact on reducing demand? Or do you just not like it?
Regards
Last edited by mia; Feb 9, 2022 at 6:08 pm Reason: Remove personal remarks.
Feb 9, 2022, 5:04 pm
#688
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,041
I think we are saying similar things in different ways...
1) Lounge access, at least in the US, is driven increasingly by customers willing or able to pay a relatively high fee for a credit card
2) Credit card related income is increasingly important to airlines, thus they have an incentive to increase the number cardholders
3) Given the high volume of domestic flying and the high average income/wealth of the US consumer, a lot of people are willing and able to pay for lounge access by holding a credit card
4) Slight increases in fees won't change this dynamic drastically - plenty of people find value in cards like Amex Platinum outside of the fee, banks like Chase, Amex, Citi want people to hold as many United Club, Amex Platinum / Delta Reserve, Citi Executive cards as possible (i.e. Amex is not going to try to intentionally reduce its Platinum cardholder numbers, as some have proposed)
5) There is no incentive for US airlines and banks to dramatically raise the price of their card fees, lounge memberships, etc given all of the dynamics described above
The best Amex can do is tinker around the edges, which is what the guest policy is. Amex has no real incentive to put into place policies to drastically limit access (such as by reducing access to Centurion cardholders only, doubling the effective fee of the Amex platinum by reducing credits, etc) because Amex is in the business of increasing Amex Platinum cardholder numbers and fees paid, not in the business of providing exclusive and quiet experience in a dozen or so airline lounges. So don't rely on Amex to provide you a quiet oasis in an airport, the economics here don't support it, especially for domestic flights. If you want really premium lounge experiences, you are going to have to buy it via booking international first or business class and using those lounges when available. Domestic lounges, at the end of the day, are a mass luxury product.
1) Lounge access, at least in the US, is driven increasingly by customers willing or able to pay a relatively high fee for a credit card
2) Credit card related income is increasingly important to airlines, thus they have an incentive to increase the number cardholders
3) Given the high volume of domestic flying and the high average income/wealth of the US consumer, a lot of people are willing and able to pay for lounge access by holding a credit card
4) Slight increases in fees won't change this dynamic drastically - plenty of people find value in cards like Amex Platinum outside of the fee, banks like Chase, Amex, Citi want people to hold as many United Club, Amex Platinum / Delta Reserve, Citi Executive cards as possible (i.e. Amex is not going to try to intentionally reduce its Platinum cardholder numbers, as some have proposed)
5) There is no incentive for US airlines and banks to dramatically raise the price of their card fees, lounge memberships, etc given all of the dynamics described above
The best Amex can do is tinker around the edges, which is what the guest policy is. Amex has no real incentive to put into place policies to drastically limit access (such as by reducing access to Centurion cardholders only, doubling the effective fee of the Amex platinum by reducing credits, etc) because Amex is in the business of increasing Amex Platinum cardholder numbers and fees paid, not in the business of providing exclusive and quiet experience in a dozen or so airline lounges. So don't rely on Amex to provide you a quiet oasis in an airport, the economics here don't support it, especially for domestic flights. If you want really premium lounge experiences, you are going to have to buy it via booking international first or business class and using those lounges when available. Domestic lounges, at the end of the day, are a mass luxury product.
I guess the only thing I might add though, is I sort of separate what UA/AA/DL are doing with their lounges and their credit credit cards which provide access. Again, they have cards with pretty high annual fees (and in fact, both UA and DL have raised their fees over time) that really don't have any type of credit offset to reduce the "effective annual fee" (other than perhaps DL offering a companion certificate). So people getting those cards are pretty much paying "full freight" for lounge access and they aren't offsetting that with a bunch of cashback type incentives. IMHO, that is actually turning the AA/UA/DL lounges back into the better experience. They seem to be less crowded now, etc. Not perfect by any means, but improved.
I mean, I can recall people in this forum saying they were going to ditch their AA/UA/DL memberships, once their were more Cent Lounges built out, but many have changed their tune on that front, because the UA/DL/AA lounges are less crowded now than Amex CL.
OTOH, with Amex (and over time Capital One and Chase), there is a very different model in place, which is growing the cardholder base at all costs and providing "subsidies" to make the high annual fee palatable for cardholders.
But I completely agree with you, 100%, that Amex isn't going to do what it would take reduce demand for the lounges. Just not going to happen.
Which pretty much brings me full circle to why I made the comment that I ascribe $0 value to the Cent Lounge when deciding to keep the card or not...
Regards
Feb 9, 2022, 5:07 pm
#689
Join Date: Dec 2018
Programs: $9 Fare Club
Posts: 1,480
So I don't need to write a mini novella to 'show my work'. I've already outlined my perspective.
But if you've forgotten, allow me to refresh you;
But if you've forgotten, allow me to refresh you;
- I don't see the same issue with crowding you do. Its a popular card, they're popular lounges, ergo I expect to have to sometimes wait to get in and/or have someone sitting at the table next to me. For the former, in my experience, Amex have been pretty good at managing that, I can't recall waiting more than 20 minutes to get in when its been full.
- Amex are trying to adjust the demand side via the new policy in 2023 and the supply side via the expansion in LGA (for example) and the addition of further lounges to the network. They also have the 3hr rule and no arrivals access. This is all fine by me and good measures. Perhaps they'll need to go further and, as I've mused, institute a set number of comp visits per Platinum card.
- The experience not being like that of years gone by is really a position that harks back to the 'good old days' of smoking on aircraft. The world has changed, travel is accessible, lounges are accessible. As has been mentioned to you, if its exclusivity and solitude you seek then first class tickets and lounges, or even PJs is probably what you need.
Last edited by ChurnieEls; Feb 9, 2022 at 5:15 pm
Feb 9, 2022, 8:22 pm
#690
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 think that implementing the new guest policy next year will have a substantial affect on the crowding issue. Some will have no changed attendance behavior because they'll get AU cards, but I think this will be in the low single digits percentagewise. I also think that few will buy guest passes when compared to the number of guests that will no longer be eligible for free admittance. Also, consider that it's not just the guests that will disappear - I suspect that in many cases, people that are traveling with 1 or 2 other people on the same trip and are now going to the CL as a group will have none of them go once the new rules are in place, as the Platinum cardholder is unlikely to go in by themselves and leave their travel companions in the terminal.