SPECULATION: Plat USA $75k spend rule for unlimited Centurion Lounge visits?
Sep 16, 23, 11:13 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2023
Posts: 27
SPECULATION: Plat USA $75k spend rule for unlimited Centurion Lounge visits?
Wanted to get the group's thinking. Is Amex likely to follow Delta's demands and require significant spending on the platinum card in order to get unlimited access to its centurion lounges? I personally am worried all those Delta reserve card members - come 2025 who can't get into SkyClub - will just flood the centurion at ATL, JFK, even DCA (coming soon). Am I crazy or will this be the next step?
Sep 16, 23, 11:30 am
#3
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,357
Ah, in my view, it's a matter of perspective. From one who only visits, say, 10X per year would find it a great idea. Conversely, cardmembers who visit more frequently (10+) would find it terrible, assuming he/she isn't going to spend $75K on the card.
As to Amex, they'll do whatever is in the best interest of their shareholders.
As to Amex, they'll do whatever is in the best interest of their shareholders.
Sep 16, 23, 11:42 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: North Oregon Coast
Programs: AS, AA, BA, HH Gold, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 346
Sep 16, 23, 11:46 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,357
They say SFO's will be connected too. Well, if those in the DL forums make good on their threats of defection en masse, maybe it won't be too bad.
Sep 16, 23, 12:07 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CHS/LIN/IBZ
Programs: DL 2MM/DM, UA Gold, Hilton LT Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriot Titanium
Posts: 465
I highly doubt that AmEx would institute this for the primary account holder, as policy is currently > $75k spend for guest access. However, AmEx will analyze how often the AUC members are accessing the lounges with the recent increased $195 annual fee per AUC through the end of next summer. Then maybe Fall of 2024 it is announced that AUC unlimited access to CL will require a total account combined spend of > $75k. I’m quite certain that prior to August 2023 some AUC’s were sock drawer just for CL/SC access.
Last edited by DrMilano; Sep 17, 23 at 10:08 am
Sep 16, 23, 12:19 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NYC suburbs
Programs: UA LT Gold (BIS), AA LT Plat (CC SUBs & BD), Hilton Dia (CC), Hyatt Glob (BIB), et. al.
Posts: 3,027
Its all about the Benjamins. Unfortunately, many people believe whats good for corporate America is good for Americans whereas often the exact opposite is often true.
Sep 16, 23, 12:22 pm
#10
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,231
There are restrictions (Delta ticket purchased with American Express card) which effectively limit the number of visits. If Delta will no longer treat Reserve as a Skyclub membership the number of Reserve cardholders will likely shrink rapidly.
Sep 16, 23, 1:11 pm
#11
Join Date: Jun 2019
Programs: UA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 133
Seems legit
If crowding is an issue, the price of entry has to rise. Amexs profit, and your opportunity cost, on $75k spend is about 1.5%, or $1125, unless you spend that entirely on airline tickets 
.
I think this is likely if Amex introduces an Optio super-premium card between Plat and Black cards. The Optio gets unlimited access for $1500 AF, and Plat card holders can spend for unlimited access.
Personally, Ill never spend a dime at 1x. There are plenty like me who will nonetheless keep our Plats because we just dont visit often enough for a 10 visit cap to bite.
The recent Plat family SUB restrictions further support this. Yes you can stack Plats for more visits, but Amex wont give you a SUB to do so
.I think this is likely if Amex introduces an Optio super-premium card between Plat and Black cards. The Optio gets unlimited access for $1500 AF, and Plat card holders can spend for unlimited access.
Personally, Ill never spend a dime at 1x. There are plenty like me who will nonetheless keep our Plats because we just dont visit often enough for a 10 visit cap to bite.
The recent Plat family SUB restrictions further support this. Yes you can stack Plats for more visits, but Amex wont give you a SUB to do so
Sep 16, 23, 1:20 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2019
Programs: UA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 133
To be clear, I dont support the changes. Theyre a huge slap in the face to DLs captive Midwest base who cant outspend the New Yorkers who make up DLs big Amex revenue base
Sep 16, 23, 1:41 pm
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 18,538
I have read that all SFO terminals will be connected in the near future. It will be a done deal. Fortunately, SFO does have Priority Pass restaurants!
Sep 16, 23, 1:48 pm
#14
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,357
True! Even without PP, I've bought more than my fair share of Lark Creek burgers with my hard earned $$, while enjoying them in the AS lounge. Not sure if I were breaking any rules, but the lounge seemed to be ok with it.
Sep 16, 23, 1:55 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: DL, OZ, AC, AS, AA, BA, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, IHG
Posts: 18,538
I have snuck food into a UC from Yankee Pier when I had a long layover at SFO.
