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Which Airport Lounges Can I Access With the Amex Platinum & Business Platinum?

- UPDATED: July 1, 2022 |

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The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, loaded with luxury travel benefits and generous statement credits, are revered by many as perfect premium credit cards for the frequent traveler.

And while there are plenty of reasons to be a cardholder, there’s 1 outstanding benefit that warrants carrying the card in your wallet: the complimentary lounge membership opens the gates of airport lounge access to an unprecedented span of over 1,400 different lounge locations worldwide.

If you travel frequently, you already know the benefits of airport lounge membership. These quasi-sanctuaries have become places to anticipate a journey with friends, hold a meeting with co-workers, grab needed refreshments between flights, or serve as a convenient retreat during trip disruptions.

However, the normal cost of all this comfort and convenience doesn’t come cheap. It’s not unusual to spend $600 annually for a stand-alone airport lounge membership. If you’re a frequent traveler and lounge access is important to you, you will find extreme economic value in a travel rewards credit card that comes with complimentary lounge access.

And while the overall benefits of the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card are many, the lounge benefits that come with the card are second to none. In this article, we’ll cover which lounges you can access with the card, the value of complimentary lounge access for every traveler, and an overview of network lounges and what to expect.

Table of contents

Card Snapshots
The American Express Global Lounge Collection
The Value of Complimentary Lounge Access
The Global Lounge Benefit Details
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Card Snapshots
The American Express Global Lounge Collection
The Value of Complimentary Lounge Access
The Global Lounge Benefit Details
Final Thoughts

Card Snapshots

If the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card is not already in your wallet, here’s a quick overview of the cards to see if they might be a good addition for you.

The American Express Global Lounge Collection

You don’t have to fly a specific airline or purchase a premium class of service to have worldwide lounge access. Your Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card come with complimentary lounge access to over 1,400 different lounge properties worldwide, including the vast network of Priority Pass lounges.

You’ll have access to any of the lounge networks within the American Express Global Lounge Collection:

Airspace Lounge
Centurion Lounges (both in the U.S. and abroad)
Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta same-day)
Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner
Select Lufthansa Lounges (when flying Lufthansa same-day)
Plaza Premium Lounges
Priority Pass lounges
Select Virgin Clubhouses

We’ll discuss the details of these lounge networks later in this article but first, let’s look at the potential value of the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card’s complimentary lounge access benefit.

Hot Tip: With over 1,400 lounges worldwide, the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card offer the most comprehensive lounge access benefit of any travel credit card.

The Value of Complimentary Lounge Access

Priority Pass membership plans — Purchasing individual lounge membership can be expensive. Image Credit: Priority Pass

The cost of purchasing an airport lounge membership is constantly increasing. It’s not unusual to see $600 annual membership fees for access to a single lounge network.

To understand the value of the complimentary lounge membership that comes with the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card, let’s look at what membership would cost for a typical airport lounge network.

Lounge Network	Single 1-Year Membership Cost	Cost To Add a Spouse, Partner, or Guest to Membership	Single-day Pass for 1 Person
Admirals Club	$500 to $650 depending on elite status	$600 additional for household membership, depending on elite status	$59 or 5,900 AAdvantage miles
Delta Sky Club	$545, 54,500 miles or $50 for 12 monthly installments	$300 additional for Executive Membership, which includes access for up to 2 additional guests	Not available
United Club	$550 or 75,000 miles for Premier 1K members,$600 or 80,000 miles for Premier Platinum members, $650 or 85,000 miles for Premier Silver, Gold, and General Members	$650 (or 85,000 United miles) additional for spouse or partner	$59
Priority Pass Select	$429	N/A – Annual membership covers cardholder only; additional guests pay $32 per visit	$32 per visit for cardholder with basic $99 annual standard membership
Centurion Lounge	N/A	N/A	$50 for third guest
Lufthansa Lounges	N/A	N/A	$25 to $50 per visit per person
Plaza Premium	$198 (6 visits)	N/A	Can bring 2 guests free, 30% discount on the fee for each additional guest
Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner	N/A	N/A	$30 to $45 per visit
Airspace Lounge	N/A	N/A	$35

Yes, annual lounge membership can be expensive. However, with a yearly fee, is the complimentary lounge access that comes with the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card worth it?

Let’s do the math.

Value for Family Lounge Access

Beginning February 1, 2023, complimentary guest access for Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum cardholders will be eliminated. The fee per guest will be $50 per adult or $30 per child between 2 to 17 years old. Complimentary guest access will be reinstated once you’ve spent $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year.

Until then, if you frequently travel with a large family, it can be frustrating when lounge access is denied to more than 2 guests. Sure, you and your partner could each be primary cardholders with your own individual cards, but fortunately, that’s not necessary.

For $175, you can add up to 3 authorized users to your Amex Platinum card. Each authorized user receives the same lounge benefits as the primary cardholder, which allows 2 additional guests into most American Express Global Lounge Network properties (see rates and fees). The math comes out to 4 unlimited annual airport lounge memberships for less than $182 per person (4 memberships/$725).

Remember that authorized users don’t have to be traveling with you to have lounge access. Plus, they can each bring 2 guests to most lounges.

You won’t find any premium annual lounge membership, especially one that allows guests, for $182.

Hot Tip: For $725 per year, you and 3 authorized users (each allowed to bring an additional 2 guests) can have unlimited lounge access worldwide with the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card.

Value for the Delta Air Lines Traveler

Without the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card, a frequent Delta traveler without high-level elite status would need to purchase a Sky Club membership to have lounge access.

A Delta Sky Club membership that allows 2 guests would cost $845 annually. A single membership is $545.

For $725 annually, the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card could secure access for an entire family to over 1,400 lounges worldwide, not just Delta-affiliated lounges.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card, with an annual fee near the same cost of a single Sky Club membership, deliver far more value for the Delta traveler. Plus, you’ll receive all the additional benefits of the card, including the initial sign-up bonus, statement credits, hotel/rental car elite status, and access to more than Delta-affiliated lounges.

Value for the Business Traveler

If you travel for business, chances are you greatly value lounge access. If you pay for an annual lounge membership or purchase day passes, the expense can add up quickly.

The Amex Business Platinum card can give you unlimited access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide for less than the cost of purchasing just 2 day passes per month or a single annual lounge membership.

The additional benefits of the Amex Business Platinum card can also serve the business traveler well. Airline fees, Global Entry, statement credits, elite status with car rental and hotel programs, and premium perks at Fine Hotels & Resorts all provide value for the business traveler.

Bottom Line: The business traveler who purchases just 2 lounge day passes per month would receive far greater economic value, more benefits, and spend less by having the Amex Business Platinum card.

Value for the Leisure Traveler

If you currently pay for lounge access, having the Amex Platinum card for complimentary lounge access as a leisure traveler makes sense. If you’d simply like to add the luxury of having airport lounge access to your travels, it also makes sense.

If you travel just once a quarter and pay for 2 travelers to access a lounge, you could be spending $400 a year on lounge access. Having the Amex Platinum card will add unlimited worldwide lounge access to your travels for yourself plus 2 guests. You can visit for 15 minutes or 3 hours without considering whether it’s worth the $50 day pass fee for each person.

And let’s not forget about all the other benefits of the Amex Platinum card!

The Global Lounge Benefit Details

Having complimentary access to a variety of airport lounges during your travels may sound very appealing. However, it’s always good to dig deeper and learn more about the actual benefits you’ll be receiving.

For a credit card benefit to have value for you, you’ll need to be able to utilize that benefit.

Let’s take a look at the impressive collection of lounges and lounge alternatives in the American Express Global Lounge Collection that you’ll have complimentary access to with your Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card.

The Centurion Lounge Network

MIA Centurion Lounge seating — Centurion Lounge Miami. Image Credit: American Express

Membership to this elite network of luxury airport lounges is not for sale. You’ll need to have either the Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, or the Centurion® Card by American Express to gain access.

Centurion Lounges, both in the U.S. and abroad, are the coolest places to hang out if you’re a frequent traveler. Order from the menu, take a nap in the zen room, or relax with a premium cocktail during your visit.

You may even choose to get a manicure or massage if your schedule allows. Services and amenities vary by location, but it’s always an elevated experience.

Cardholders can bring in 2 additional guests at no charge until February 1, 2023.

Centurion Lounge Benefits

Membership and itinerary assistance
Seasonally-inspired food
High-speed internet
Premium alcoholic beverages
Workspaces, computer charging stations, copiers, and fax machine
TV, magazines, newspapers

Additional Amenities Available at Some Centurion Lounges

Spa services
Wine tasting
Conference room
Shower suites
Family room
Luggage lockers

Priority Pass Select

Oman Air First and Business Class Lounge Bangkok. Image Credit: Priority Pass

Priority Pass lounges seem to be available everywhere, and there’s a reason. There are more than 1,300 locations worldwide, so you’re likely to find one available during your travels.

You may also use your Priority Pass Select membership to take a nap at Minute Suites. You’ll receive the first hour free.

You must sign up for Priority Pass once you receive your Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card welcome package in the mail. Log in to your online account and sign up under the benefits tab or call the number on the back of your card.

We’ve put together an extensive guide to Priority Pass with a list of benefits, plus lounge, restaurant, and Minute Suite locations in the U.S.

Delta Sky Club

Cardholders who are traveling the same day on Delta have unlimited access to over 50 Delta Sky Clubs.

Just show your boarding pass, ID, and your Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card for entry.

While guests are not included for complimentary access, the cardholder may purchase discounted access for up to 2 guests for $29 each.

Lufthansa Lounges

Lufthansa Senator Lounge B Frankfurt restaurant seating close up — Lufthansa Senator Lounge B Frankfurt. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Cardholders receive complimentary access to Lufthansa business class lounges when flying same-day on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines). If the cardholder is flying business class, they’ll also have access to the Lufthansa Senator Lounges.

Guests may be granted access for a fee.

Virgin Clubhouses

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK Pool Table — Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Cardholders are eligible to visit Virgin Clubhouses in Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), San Francisco (SFO), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and Johannesburg (JNB) in South Africa.

Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong - Primo Buffet — Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Primo Buffet. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Based in Hong Kong, Plaza Premium Lounges has a vast network of airport lounges available to the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum cardholder.

You’ll find 120+ lounges worldwide in the Plaza Premium Lounges network.

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner

Escape Lounge at Oakland International Airport — Escape Lounge Oakland. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

With 10+ locations throughout the U.S., Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner offers a place to enjoy a premium beverage, have a bite to eat, catch up on work, or relax between flights.

Cardholders may bring 2 additional guests at no charge.

Airspace Lounge

Airspace Lounge is located at San Diego (SAN) airport and offers complimentary access for cardholders. Enjoy a complimentary full bar and a $10 menu credit. A business area, Wi-Fi, conference room, and showers are on-site, and 2 guests are permitted at no additional charge.

Final Thoughts

If you currently pay for an annual airport lounge membership, you’ll be thrilled with the value you receive from the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card.

For less than the price of just a couple of day passes per month, you can enjoy unlimited worldwide lounge access with the card. You’ll also enjoy the long list of other premium travel benefits that come with the card.

If you’ve been without lounge membership and have considered adding lounge access to your travels, you won’t find a more cost-effective route to unlimited worldwide lounge access for you and your guests.

The information regarding the Centurion Card® by American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

Featured Image Credit: American Express

Frequently asked questions

Is the Amex Platinum card annual fee worth it?

If you’re paying for lounge access currently and you’re a frequent traveler, the value of complimentary lounge access alone more than offsets the annual fee.

If you can use the additional benefits of airline fee credits, Uber credits, Global Entry fee credits, hotel/car rental elite status, and other card benefits, you’ll receive value far beyond the cost of having the card.

If you’re not a frequent traveler or cannot fully utilize the benefits offered by the card, it would not be worth it.

Which airports have Centurion Lounges?

There are more than 40 Centurion Lounges worldwide. View our guides to the U.S. and international locations.

Can I access the lounge without my Amex card?

To access any lounge in the network, except a Priority Pass lounge, you’ll need to show your Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card, a same-day boarding pass on any airline, and a government-issued ID that matches the name on your card.

To access a Priority Pass lounge, you’ll need to present your Priority Pass Select membership card, a same-day boarding pass on any airline, and a government-issued ID.

Can I bring my pet into the Centurion Lounge?

Service animals are welcome in Centurion Lounges.

There are special terms and conditions that must be followed to ensure the safety and comfort of other guests, but service animals are allowed in the lounges.

Which airports have Priority Pass lounges?

Since Priority Pass has over 1,300 locations worldwide, it’s not possible to list them all here.

Our guide lists all the domestic Priority Pass locations and contains a link to a worldwide Priority Pass directory.

Do I have to pay for my guests at the Centurion Lounge?

You’re allowed to bring 2 guests with you into the Centurion Lounges at no charge until February 1, 2023.

If you have more than 2 guests, you can purchase guest passes for $50 per person.

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About Christine Krzyszton

Christine was born in Northern Michigan but spent most of her career operating her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services offices throughout the state. Her previous experience involved building and writing business plans in the mergers and acquisitions sector in New York, as well as staffing in the insurance and financial technology software field.

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30 comments

Lisa February 25, 2019

I don’t have this card but how can I get into BOS as I don’t really have any card to get in there. Will be flying AA. Can I just pay to get in there?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton February 25, 2019
  
  Hi Lisa. Yes, you could buy a day pass for the BOS American Airlines Admiral’s Club. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/airportAmenities/bos-club.jsp
  
  Reply
  - Lisa February 25, 2019
    
    BOS is excluded due to construction. 🙁
    
    Reply
    - Christine Krzyszton February 25, 2019
      
      Lisa, there are a few lounges at BOS where you can purchase a day pass. https://www.loungebuddy.com/BOS?source=wdgt-www-loungebuddy&filter_access=select
      
      Reply
      - Lisa February 26, 2019
        
        Sorry. Just looked at my bookings. And realize we will be coming BOS on a JetBlue flight. We will have a 6.5 hour layover at BOS.
      - Christine Krzyszton February 27, 2019
        
        No problem, Lisa. See my previous answer for lounge options. Safe travels.
David Belin June 28, 2019

This strategy is contrary to current Centurion Lounge policy: “Guest access is per Card Member, not per Card.” https://thecenturionlounge.com/info/access

Still interested to know if the strategy currently works, though I doubt it given updated TOS since this article was written.

Reply
- Erin Miller June 28, 2019
  
  Hi David, on March 27th & 28th of this year, UP had three separate staff members call into the Platinum Card’s customer service center and we all received the same confirmation:
  
  Guest access is, indeed, per cardholder NOT per card member. This means each authorized user or cardholder is allowed two guests.
  
  Again, this was confirmed multiple times by member services upon calling in to request the most up-to-date info but we haven’t called to confirm again since then…
  
  Reply
  - Christine Krzyszton June 28, 2019
    
    David, I can also confirm that authorized users do indeed have the same lounge privileges as the primary member. A group of 6 of us arrived at the Centurion lounge. The husband used his card to admit 2 guests and the wife, an authorized user, gained access for the other 2 guests. There was one primary card member and one authorized user (with her card) to admit 6 people.
    
    Reply
Mark June 29, 2019

I just spoke with the Delta AmEx folks and they told me that simply having a Delta Platinum AmEx doesn’t grant free access to the Sky Club, there is a $29 per visit fee involved.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton June 29, 2019
  
  Delta provided correct information, Mark. The Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express does not come with complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. The information provided in this article, however, relates to lounge access options for the Platinum Card from American Express which is an entirely different card.
  
  Reply
Katen August 13, 2019

We are traveling to Charlotte, have they opened the Centurion lounge there and are they open 24 hours? Our flight arrives at 12:05am. Would they allow us to rest there before hopping on a cruise?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton August 13, 2019
  
  Unfortunately, the anticipated Centurion lounge is not open yet. It is scheduled to be completed in 2020. There is a 24 hour Minute Suites location at CLT, however.
  
  Reply
Steven Kanchuga September 24, 2019

What is the best lounge I can get into with my AMEX Platinum card at the Changi Airport in Singapore? Thanks.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton September 24, 2019
  
  Hi Steven. There are more than a dozen lounges available at Changi Airport located throughout 4 terminals. Here is a list of available lounges you can access with your Platinum Card: https://global.americanexpress.com/lounge-access/the-platinum-card-idc-en/SIN
  
  Reply
Allison P October 23, 2019

I just asked Amex this question and they couldn’t answer with certainty. If I am an Amex Platinum member, and I bring my husband and child into a lounge (we are all of course flying Delta and they are NOT authorized users), do I have to PAY the $29 fee with the Amex Platinum card? Or could I use a card that I have unused credits on? (Like an Amex gold card, for instance, with its $100 credit with Delta as the selected airline). The Amex person on chat thought it should work, but didn’t know if anyone has tried that exact scenario.

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton October 23, 2019
  
  Hello Allison. First, I searched through the terms and conditions for Delta Sky Club lounge access using the Amex Platinum and it does not say whether the guest fees have to be paid for with that specific card, only that you must use your Amex Platinum to gain access. However, airline incidental credits on your Amex Gold card (that you mentioned) are specifically for airline incidentals so it is questionable whether the credit would be triggered by purchasing lounge access. You can read the access rules from Delta’s web site here: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
  
  Reply
  - Allison P October 23, 2019
    
    Thanks for the reply! I know others said the $29 lounge access works for the incidentals on the platinum card. And I can confirm American Airline lounge pass works for the credit. Guess I’m only out $29 if it doesn’t work!
    
    Reply
Seyed Nahid October 26, 2019

Does American Express have a lounge at the Istanbul international airport?

Reply
- Jarrod West October 27, 2019
  
  Hi Seyed,
  
  There is not an American Express branded lounge at the Istanbul airport. But if you have a Priority Pass membership then you can access the IGA lounge in the international terminal.
  
  Thanks for reading!
  
  Reply
Richard Brock February 28, 2021

If I have a Delta SkyMiles Reserve card and I am flying on an airline other than Delta can I access a Centurion club for a fee? And can I bring a guest for a fee?

Reply
- Jarrod West March 1, 2021
  
  Hi Richard,
  
  Unfortunately not. You can only access Centurion lounges with the Delta Reserve card when you’re flying Delta.
  
  Reply
Jeremiah March 26, 2021

And of course, it turns out I’m transiting in FRA on 4/1.

Reply
Mikkel August 7, 2021

Hello. Do I have to purchase my Delta flight with my Amex card to get Delta Sky Club lounge access? Or simply just having the Amex Plat card, boarding pass, and ID, grants me access?

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton August 9, 2021
  
  Hi Mikkel. There is no requirement that the Delta flight must be purchased with your American Express card to have access. You must have a same-day ticket, however.
  
  Reply
Max T. June 26, 2022

Hi. I have multiple Amex Platinum cards (vanilla, business, and Schwab) and am the only primary user for those 3 Platinum cards. Could I then bring (up to) 6 guests (2 guests per Platinum card) into the Centurion lounge? TIA

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton June 26, 2022
  
  Hi Max. Unfortunately, guest access is per cardmember, not per card. You are limited to 2 guests per cardmember, regardless how many cards you have. If a member of your party is an authorized user (Platinum) on your card, however, they could bring 2 additional guests using their card.
  
  Reply
  - Max T. June 26, 2022
    
    Got it – thx much Christine!
    
    Reply
Carol July 1, 2022

Thank you for putting all information into this one big article, super cool! The plaza premium lounge link is not working now?

Reply
- Jarrod West July 1, 2022
  
  Hi Carol,
  
  Thanks for pointing that out! I’ve just corrected the link.
  
  Reply

Card Snapshots

The American Express Global Lounge Collection

The Value of Complimentary Lounge Access

Value for Family Lounge Access

Value for the Delta Air Lines Traveler

Value for the Business Traveler

Value for the Leisure Traveler

The Global Lounge Benefit Details

The Centurion Lounge Network

Centurion Lounge Benefits

Additional Amenities Available at Some Centurion Lounges

Priority Pass Select

Delta Sky Club

Lufthansa Lounges

Virgin Clubhouses

Plaza Premium Lounges

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner

Airspace Lounge

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Is the Amex Platinum card annual fee worth it?

Which airports have Centurion Lounges?

Can I access the lounge without my Amex card?

Can I bring my pet into the Centurion Lounge?

Which airports have Priority Pass lounges?

Do I have to pay for my guests at the Centurion Lounge?

About Christine Krzyszton

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