Centurion Lounge, Crowd Management

Hey there, fellow travelers and credit card aficionados! Remember when we gave you a heads up a couple of months back about changes on the horizon for the Centurion Lounge? Well, those changes have officially arrived, and there’s more on the horizon for Amex Platinum cardholders. So, let’s dive into what’s happening, shall we? 🛫💳

The Cons:

• Say Goodbye to Free Guest Passes: Effective February 2023, cardholders will no longer be able to breeze into Centurion Lounges with free guest passes in tow. Instead, there will be a $50 charge per adult guest and a $30 fee per child guest, with a limit of two guests per cardholder.
• Unlock Complimentary Guest Access with Spending: If you’re not keen on shelling out extra cash, you can unlock complimentary guest access by hitting an annual spend of $75,000 on your Amex Platinum card.
• Adding Authorized Users: To sidestep these fees, you can add your trusted travel companions as authorized users on your account. You can add up to three users for $175 a year, and they must be 14 years of age or older.

The Pros:

• Less Crowded Lounges: The main driver behind this change is to ease overcrowding in Centurion Lounges and make the experience more comfortable for cardholders. After all, a bit more elbow room and tranquility can enhance your lounge experience.
• Priority Pass Access: Don’t fret; you’re not completely locked out of airport lounges. You’ll still have access to Priority Pass lounges at various airports around the world.
• Airline Incidental Credit for Day Passes: Here’s a nifty workaround. You can use your $200 airline incidental credit for day passes at airport lounges that aren’t part of the Priority Pass network. For example, you can use it for access to the AA Admirals Club. Just remember to select the airline in the American Express Reward Portal, and you can change it once a year.

Now, we get it; change can be a bit inconvenient, especially if you’re used to bringing guests with you to the lounges during your travels. But for those of you seeking a peaceful oasis during your travel days, this change might be just what the doctor ordered, especially as travel picks up again after the pandemic. ✈️

So, how can you navigate these changes and still enjoy the lounges with your travel buddies? Well, you can add your spouse, partner, friends, family, or even kids as young as 13 (start their credit education early!) as authorized users. Adding them gives them access without the fee. You can add up to three additional users for $175 a year. For a family of three, just two visits would justify the $175 user fee. And don’t forget, you can unlock complimentary guest access with that $75,000 annual spend.

Change can be a bit of an adjustment, but with a little planning and creativity, you can continue to enjoy the perks of lounge access while making the most of your Amex Platinum card. Happy travels and lounge lounging, everyone! 🍹🌟