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Introduction: Unlock a World of Airport Luxury
As a seasoned travel credit card enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for the best perks that elevate my travel experience. In my opinion, one of the most valuable benefits a premium travel credit card can offer is access to airport lounges. And when it comes to lounge access, the Platinum Card from American Express and the Business Platinum Card from American Express are, without a doubt, industry leaders. What I’ve found is that many cardholders don’t fully realize the extent of lounge access these cards provide. It’s not just about the famed Centurion Lounges; it’s about a whole world of comfort and convenience waiting for you at airports worldwide. Let’s dive into the specifics of the American Express Global Lounge Collection and uncover the incredible lounge benefits you can unlock with these cards.
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Decoding Your Lounge Access: A Comprehensive Overview
So, which lounges can you access with the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards? The answer is: quite a few. Both cards grant access to an extensive network of lounges, far beyond just the Centurion Lounges. In addition to those, you get access to Delta Sky Club lounges (with a limit of 10 visits per year, although you can unlock unlimited access with a high spend) and Priority Pass Select lounges (enrollment required). But the lounge access doesn’t stop there. You also gain entry to Aspire Lounges, Escape Lounges (The Centurion Studio Partner), Plaza Premium lounges, select Lufthansa lounges, and other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges. With over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries, the American Express Global Lounge Collection truly provides unmatched lounge access for frequent travelers. I personally use the Global Lounge Collection website before every trip to check which lounges are available along my route. Also, don’t forget that authorized users with additional Platinum cards are eligible for lounge access too, which is a great perk for families or business partners.
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The Crown Jewel: American Express Centurion Lounges
Centurion Lounges are the pinnacle of the American Express lounge network. In my experience, these lounges consistently offer a premium experience with high-quality food, drinks, and amenities. You can usually find a staffed bar, delicious meals, ample non-alcoholic beverages, high-speed Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Some Centurion Lounges even provide complimentary amenities like family rooms. Here’s a quick look at where you can find Centurion Lounges around the world:
Centurion Lounge Locations in the US: * Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) * Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) * Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) * Denver International Airport (DEN) * George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston * Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas * Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) * Miami International Airport (MIA) * John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City * LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in New York City * Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) * Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) * Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) near Washington, D.C. * San Francisco International Airport (SFO) * Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) * Soon to come: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Centurion Lounge Locations Abroad:
* Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi * Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina * Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) * Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London * Melbourne Airport (MEL) in Australia * Mexico City International Airport (MEX) (four locations!) * Monterrey International Airport (MTY) in Mexico (two locations!) * Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, India * São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) * Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) * Sydney Airport (SYD) * Soon to come: Tokyo Haneda Airport
Remember, access to Centurion Lounges is typically limited to three hours before your flight’s scheduled departure (unless you have a connecting flight, in which case the three-hour rule doesn’t apply). I always make sure to have my Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card, a same-day confirmed boarding pass, and a government-issued ID ready when I check in.
For U.S. Centurion Lounges, I recommend using the Amex App to check in when you’re close to the lounge. If there’s no wait, you’ll get a QR code for expedited entry; if there’s a queue, you’ll be added to a waitlist.
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Exploring Other Lounge Networks
Beyond Centurion Lounges, the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards unlock access to many other lounge networks. These are extremely helpful when you’re traveling through airports that don’t have a Centurion Lounge.
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Delta Sky Club Lounges
With my Amex Platinum, I can access Delta Sky Club lounges when flying on a Delta-operated flight or a Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet (basic economy tickets are excluded). To access Delta Sky Clubs, make sure to have your Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card, your government-issued ID, and your same-day boarding pass. Keep in mind that access is limited to three hours before your flight’s scheduled departure or during a connection.
You only get 10 Sky Club visits per program year (February 1 through January 31), although you can unlock unlimited access by spending $75,000 or more on your card during a calendar year. Unfortunately, complimentary guests are not included, although you can purchase access for up to two guests (or your spouse/domestic partner and children under 21) for $50 per guest.
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Priority Pass Select Lounges
The Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards also offer complimentary membership in Priority Pass Select, which provides access to over 1,700 lounges worldwide. To take advantage of this perk, you’ll need to enroll in Priority Pass Select through the Amex website or by calling Platinum Travel Services. Once you receive your Priority Pass card, simply present it, your government-issued ID, and your same-day boarding pass at participating lounges.
One of my favorite lounges in the Priority Pass network is The Club. There are several locations across the U.S. with comfortable seating, great food, and a wide selection of beverages.
Access policies can vary, but usually, you can bring up to two guests per visit.
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Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner
In 2021, Escape Lounges in the U.S. rebranded as “Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner.” This means you can access these lounges by showing your Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card, your government-issued ID, and a confirmed same-day boarding pass. What I like is that you may bring two guests with you at no additional cost.
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Plaza Premium Lounges
With your Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card, you can access a selection of Plaza Premium lounge locations worldwide. Again, just present your Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card, your government-issued ID, and a confirmed same-day boarding pass to enter. You can typically enter with up to two guests for free.
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Lufthansa Lounges
If you’re flying with Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian Airlines), your Amex Platinum or Business Platinum card can grant you access to select Lufthansa lounges. You can visit participating Lufthansa Business Lounges regardless of your ticket class, and if you’re flying business class, you can even access select Lufthansa Senator Lounges.
Be sure to check Amex’s lounge finder page to see which Lufthansa lounges participate. At participating locations, you’ll need to show your Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card, a government-issued ID, and a boarding pass for a same-day Lufthansa Group flight.
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Other Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges
The Global Lounge Collection includes even more partner lounges beyond those I’ve already mentioned. To find these lounges, use the lounge search function on the Amex website. Access requirements, guest policies, and guest fees can vary, so be sure to check the specific details for each lounge before you visit.
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Mastering Guest Access Policies
One of the key things to understand when using your Amex Platinum or Business Platinum for lounge access is the guest policy. Policies can vary from lounge network to lounge network. For example, U.S. Centurion Lounges now charge $50 per guest age 18 or older and $30 per guest age 2 through 17. However, there is a way to avoid these fees: Spend $75,000 on eligible purchases within a calendar year and get complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit. Delta Sky Clubs, on the other hand, don’t offer any complimentary guests, but you can purchase access for $50 per guest. Escape Lounges typically allow two complimentary guests, while Plaza Premium lounges also usually allow two free guests. Always check the specific guest policy for the lounge you plan to visit to avoid any surprises.
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Is It Worth It? Weighing the Value of Lounge Access
Ultimately, you might ask yourself whether it is worth it to get an Amex Platinum or Amex Business Platinum card. Considering the wealth of lounge access offered, it’s an important consideration in determining if the card is worth its annual fee. Access to lounges can save you money on food and drinks at the airport. Most importantly, you can begin your vacation in a more relaxed state of mind.
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Final Thoughts: Travel Smarter, Travel in Style
The Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards offer the most comprehensive lounge access of any credit cards on the market. From the luxurious Centurion Lounges to the extensive Priority Pass Select network, you’ll find comfortable and convenient places to relax and recharge no matter where your travels take you. So, whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, these cards can significantly enhance your airport experience.
