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Centurion Lounge crowding: Platinum cardholders may pay $50/guest effective 2.1.2023

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Old Apr 7, 2021, 7:10 pm
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Last edit by: mia
Centurion® Members, please refer to the Centurion website for specific terms & conditions.
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 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.

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.






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Centurion Lounge crowding: Platinum cardholders may pay $50/guest effective 2.1.2023

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Old Mar 31, 2022, 8:28 pm
  #796  
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 2,506
Originally Posted by Adelphos
This, more than anything else, is why I am skeptical that crowding will be down at most of the busiest Centurion Lounges next year. We will likely be setting air traffic passenger records from mid 2022 through the next economic recession (whenever that occurs). 2023 in particular will see many more passengers than 2019. The Amex Platinum continues to be a very popular card.
Crowding will disperse IMO. In addition to the Cap 1 and Chase lounges opening, the number of people who have guests is really large. I doubt the majority of people are going to spend $75k on the card (or even know they need to do that for next year) in order to get free guests. Some will go to the Venture X / CSR (cancelling the Plat), some will use the PP lounge when they have guests (not worth dropping $100 for 2 guests, especially if it's coworkers or the like), and some will simply forgo the lounge if there is a cost (many people now get to the airport early to use the lounge and the competition for that is not the airport restaurant vs the lounge, it's eating at home vs at the lounge).

I saw a family of 6 last time I was at the PHL lounge; I'd assume the parents each have one but would be reluctant to drop $120 each visit for their kids to get access. That's a big group that is no longer taking up space.

My guess is attendance at the lounges will drop by 40-50% come February 1.

Originally Posted by Visconti
By the way, I've used skymiles for some drinks. Generally, is this a dumb thing to do? I've given very little effort in analyzing Skymiles but have a stash of them from...ah...years of rewards harvesting, and just thought, why not start buring them? Not that I'd ever transfer MRs to do something like this.
I did it once when celebrating an anniversary trip with my bf (now fiance) before COVID. 10k miles for a bottle of Dom Perignon (was 2cpp before COVID, now 1.5cpp) as a captive audience at an airport was an absolute steal. I can see why they cut the redemption rate, but 1.5 cpp isn't awful for Skypesos if it's a drink you'd really want.

Last edited by lowfareair; Mar 31, 2022 at 9:26 pm
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Old Mar 31, 2022, 10:37 pm
  #797  
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Originally Posted by ChurnieEls
Middle of the road restaurant in our nations Capital: https://www.flyreagan.com/store/american-tap-room

A standard Tap Room Burger plus 2 local 16oz IPAs will run you $41.40 after 10% tax and 20% tip. In the likes of LGA, it'll definitely be closer to $50 as you won't get an IPA for < $10 there.
But that's not my deal. Typical UA lounge visit = a few cookies and cheese cubes, maybe a bagel at breakfast, DIY salad at lunch, diet cokes from the dispenser. My guess is that in bulk this costs UA about $2 per person, so for a family of 4 that's $8. Not anywhere near $200.

If I go to an airport restaurant and order food to go for the plane (as noted above, that's my preference, as I don't budget 45 min to kill in airport restaurants) I'm looking at $15-20 per person for a burger, sushi, large yogurt with berries, etc. Sometimes less, sometimes more. Plus coffee or soft drinks to go at $5 per person.

So that's my index. I don't need the "gourmet" slop in the Amex lounge nor do my kids eat it. I will gladly enjoy a quick vodka in the lounge but I don't need that either.

So $50pp? No, not worth it. As I've noted above it is a great deal if you would order a sit down meal and a couple of expensive drinks at an airport bar or restaurant. But for my needs, something quick to feed my kids and me before the flight, nope.
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Old Apr 1, 2022, 9:39 am
  #798  
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 2,862
Originally Posted by Steve M
That's the thing, isn't it? The cardholder is always free in the CL. In the case of deciding whether $50 is worth it for one guest, the calculus is almost always a comparison between 1 guest at $50, vs 2 people at an alternative location, as it would be rare for the cardholder to still go into the lounge and have the guest go elsewhere. Two entrees, plus 4 drinks, plus tax and tip is almost always going to be more than $50 at any location in an airport. That's the decision at hand - not whether it's worth $50 for 1 person to go into the CL. I realize not everyone will make the connection. There will no doubt be some that go off in a huff at the notion of paying $50 for a guest, then end up spending quite a bit more than that for two people elsewhere and be very satisfied in doing so, knowing they didn't let Amex pull one over on them.
The other thing is this isn't the only decision at hand. The airport isn't the only place you can grab food and a drink, nor is it the best. Having a lounge membership that included these things made it convenient at a reasonable cost. If the choice is "which way do I want to spend $50, in a lounge, or restaurant?" some may rethink their options altogether, as the cost structure has certainly shifted. Money aside, even your best airport food is still airport food. I also know for me, when I end a trip, I usually don't want to slam as many drinks on the way back. I may have had a few in the days leading up.

I am really glad I have a (new) The Club and priority pass restaurant at my home airport. When I travel with my SO or friends, it is either a few bucks for a tip, or nothing at all. There is no way I'd want to spend $50 a pop.
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Old Apr 2, 2022, 8:02 am
  #799  
 
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: JFK/LGA/BDL
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On

On the subject of airport restaurant prices, I’m at JFK T4 today and an entree will set you back $20-25 at a pub. I really don’t think it’s possible for a couple to grab a meal at a sit-down restaurant unless they’re purposefully trying to minimize the bill
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Old Apr 2, 2022, 8:16 am
  #800  
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,752
Originally Posted by imnotalawyer
On the subject of airport restaurant prices, I’m at JFK T4 today and an entree will set you back $20-25 at a pub. I really don’t think it’s possible for a couple to grab a meal at a sit-down restaurant unless they’re purposefully trying to minimize the bill
Also, in the United States, you'd have to tack on the 20% tip (unless one's never returning to that particular restaurant again) on every bill, which alone represents significant savings having one's meals in the CL. Technically, since it's an "airport lounge" as part of a membership, there isn't a protocol to even tip the bartenders.
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Old Apr 2, 2022, 8:28 am
  #801  
mia
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Originally Posted by Visconti
.... there isn't a protocol to even tip the bartenders.
That's disputed. Do you tip Centurion Lounge bartenders?
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Old Apr 2, 2022, 9:09 am
  #802  
 
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Originally Posted by imnotalawyer
On

On the subject of airport restaurant prices, I’m at JFK T4 today and an entree will set you back $20-25 at a pub. I really don’t think it’s possible for a couple to grab a meal at a sit-down restaurant unless they’re purposefully trying to minimize the bill
So the comparison here is for menu items not even available in Centurion lounges, and at one of the most expensive cities in the country. There's also what, 50+ food options at JFK (not to mention PP lounges)?

I think most of us can say we've scarfed down whatever was included in a lounge for reasons, and never would have picked those items out on our own. If you are a couple, and have the following choices: $50 for whatever is on the Centurion menu or 50+ restaurant options. I'm genuinely curious what people would pick. Not even considering all of the other variables. Let's say even if it came down to $50 for food you could tolerate or $70 for exactly what you want. Is the $20 now the deal-breaker?
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Old Apr 2, 2022, 9:11 am
  #803  
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
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Originally Posted by mia
That was certainly one of the more interesting threads! I definitely enjoyed reading it again and was surprised at the frequency I had participated. Lots of interesting and fair points all around in there, and my position--as expressed in that thread--remains unchanged. Some of those comments in there were incredibly colorful! LOL

Regarding CLs, I sort of compare it to, say, AA's full service Flagship Dining experience. It's a full service dining room with a full bar offering complimentary champagne costing easily $100+, and, from the times I've visited, most don't tip. It's an airport dining experience associated with the price of a certain ticket class, not unlike the membership fee of an Amex Plat. However, having said that, some of us most certainly do tip in these scenarios but it isn't accepted etiquette, not to the extent as it would be, say, in a restaurant or outside bar.

That's sort of how I view the Amex CLs, that they're more or less in the same category as any other airport lounge.
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Old Apr 2, 2022, 9:45 am
  #804  
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Originally Posted by Super Mario
I think most of us can say we've scarfed down whatever was included in a lounge for reasons, and never would have picked those items out on our own. If you are a couple, and have the following choices: $50 for whatever is on the Centurion menu or 50+ restaurant options. I'm genuinely curious what people would pick. Not even considering all of the other variables. Let's say even if it came down to $50 for food you could tolerate or $70 for exactly what you want. Is the $20 now the deal-breaker?
As vegequarians the food choices for us at CLs are somewhat limited. And at the SEA CL (our most commonly visited CL) it’s pretty limited for everyone. I’d definitely spend $50-$70 at a restaurant before I would guest my wife in (pretty sure she’d agree with me) for that amount of money. We usually don’t have more than one alcoholic drink in the lounge.

Now, if the lounge was a quiet sanctuary and we wanted to get a hot shower upon arrival from overseas, things might shift towards CL.
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Old Apr 2, 2022, 10:09 am
  #805  
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Originally Posted by Visconti
That was certainly one of the more interesting threads! I definitely enjoyed reading it again and was surprised at the frequency I had participated. Lots of interesting and fair points all around in there, and my position--as expressed in that thread--remains unchanged. Some of those comments in there were incredibly colorful! LOL

Regarding CLs, I sort of compare it to, say, AA's full service Flagship Dining experience. It's a full service dining room with a full bar offering complimentary champagne costing easily $100+, and, from the times I've visited, most don't tip. It's an airport dining experience associated with the price of a certain ticket class, not unlike the membership fee of an Amex Plat. However, having said that, some of us most certainly do tip in these scenarios but it isn't accepted etiquette, not to the extent as it would be, say, in a restaurant or outside bar.

That's sort of how I view the Amex CLs, that they're more or less in the same category as any other airport lounge.
That was an interesting thread. There was one on the Delta forum a few years ago about tipping in the skyclub also that got very interesting (it ventured off into whether people should tip their hotel housekeepers and Uber drivers).

I normally do tip at the Am Ex lounge since it's expected at the Skyclub (there is a line to add the tips on drinks you pay for) and I figure I'd be tipping if I bought a drink at an airport bar on top of paying for the drink. Would love to know how the bartenders in the lounges are compensated salary wise compared to the concourse bars.
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Old Apr 2, 2022, 12:24 pm
  #806  
 
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I had a lot of meals at airport restaurants over the years, but have done less recently as I have used more lounges. In addition to food, lounges provide free drink, generally better seating, better restroom and other facilities, etc. $50 or $100 per person at each end of a trip, when combined with other costs of a vacation, can be well worth it.
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Old Apr 3, 2022, 9:31 am
  #807  
 
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Originally Posted by jamesteroh
I normally do tip at the Am Ex lounge since it's expected at the Skyclub (there is a line to add the tips on drinks you pay for) and I figure I'd be tipping if I bought a drink at an airport bar on top of paying for the drink. Would love to know how the bartenders in the lounges are compensated salary wise compared to the concourse bars.
I hadn't realized this. As long as they get to keep it, I'm fine with the etiquette.

By the way, a couple of weeks ago arriving on an early morning flight, I just decided to head to the JFK SkyClub rather than finding that elevator up to the Amex CL level. Anyway, this was very early in the morning--around 6'ish--if I recall, and the place was almost full? How are all these people getting in there? DL Reserves? Access with flying F? By around 7 am, there really wasn't a seat to be had. Though, admittedly, the breakfast spread was quite impressive, especially for a domestic airport lounge and everyone was there for breakfast.
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Old Apr 3, 2022, 9:44 am
  #808  
mia
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Originally Posted by Visconti
....How are all these people getting in there? DL Reserves? ...
Plus Skyclub memberships, American Express Centurion or Platinum.
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Old Apr 10, 2022, 7:44 pm
  #809  
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Once again a long line at SFO lounge - just to get on the waitlist!! About half a dozen people waiting for the attendant, and another 1-2 dozen milling about near the entrance. I guess you can cross this off the list if you want to enter at Friday noon.
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Old Apr 11, 2022, 6:40 am
  #810  
 
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Originally Posted by Boraxo
Once again a long line at SFO lounge - just to get on the waitlist!! About half a dozen people waiting for the attendant, and another 1-2 dozen milling about near the entrance. I guess you can cross this off the list if you want to enter at Friday noon.
How are the other airline clubs at SFO (Alaska, United, American, etc)? Seems better to rely on those.
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