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

BY 

Christine Krzyszton

- UPDATED: August 27, 2021   |    25

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

And while there are plenty of reasons to be a cardholder, there’s one outstanding benefit that alone warrants carrying the card in your wallet.

The complimentary lounge membership that comes with the Amex Platinum card (and the business version of the card) opens the gates of airport lounge access to an unprecedented span of over 1,300 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 refreshment between flights, or serve as a convenient retreat during trip disruptions.

The normal cost of all this comfort and convenience doesn’t come cheap, however. 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’re going to 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 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
• An overview of network lounges and what to expect

Snapshot: The Amex Platinum Card

If the Amex Platinum isn’t already in your wallet, here’s a quick overview of the card to see if this card might be a good addition for you.

Credit Card

Benefits & Info

New 100k Welcome Offer The Platinum Card® from American Express Learn More (at Amex's secure site)

Earn 60,000 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 10x points on eligible purchases on the Card at restaurants worldwide and when you Shop Small in the U.S., on up to $25,000 in combined purchases, during your first 6 months of Card Membership. Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. $200 Hotel Credit: Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 in statement credits each month when you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at your choice of one or more of the following providers: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required. $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline. $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status available to Basic Card Member only. $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $25 back each month on select Equinox memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. $179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership. Good to Excellent Credit Recommended (670-850) Annual Fee: $695 Terms Apply. For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here. UP’s Bonus Valuation*: $2,200 Must Reads: For more info on the Amex Platinum, see our thoughts on the cards incredible benefits and perks, which includes travel insurance coverage, car rental insurance and so much more. Check out our full review to see why it’s one of the best travel credit cards.

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 comes with complimentary lounge access to over 1,300 different lounge properties worldwide.

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

• Airspace Lounges
• The U.S. Centurion Lounge Network
• Delta Sky Club Lounges
• Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
• All international American Express Centurion Lounges
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Priority Pass Select Lounges

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

Hot Tip: With over 1,300 lounges worldwide, the Amex Platinum card offers the most comprehensive lounge access benefit of any travel credit card. 

The Value of Complimentary Lounge Access

The cost of purchasing 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, let’s take a look at what membership would cost for a typical airport lounge network.

Yes, annual lounge membership can be expensive. However, with an annual fee, is the complimentary lounge access that comes with the Amex 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 card holders will be eliminated. The fee per guest will be $50 per adult or $30 per child between 2-17. 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 Amex Platinum card 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 & fees.)

Doing the math, that 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. 

Value for the Delta Air Lines Traveler

Without the Amex 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 could secure access for an entire family to over 1,300 lounges worldwide, not just Delta-affiliated lounges.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card with an annual fee near the same cost of a single Sky Club membership, delivers 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 Platinum card can give you unlimited access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide for less than the cost of purchasing just 2 day-passes per month or a single annual lounge membership.

The additional benefits that come with the Amex Platinum card can also serve the business traveler well.

Airline fees, Global Entry, and Uber 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 Platinum card. 

Value for the Leisure Traveler

If you currently pay for lounge access, it makes sense to have the Amex Platinum card for complimentary lounge access as a leisure traveler. 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 with no need to think about whether it’s worth the $50 day pass fee for each person.

And let’s not forget about all the other benefits that come with 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 for which you’ll have complimentary access with your Amex Platinum card.

The Centurion Lounge Network

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

Centurion Lounges 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 are allowed to 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
• Work spaces, computer charging stations, copier, 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

International American Express Centurion Lounges

Amex Platinum cardholders receive complimentary access to American Express Lounges worldwide. Services, guest policies, and amenities differ by property.

Priority Pass Select

Priority Pass lounges seem to be available everywhere, and there’s a reason. There are over 1,000 locations worldwide, so you’re very 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 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 30 Delta Sky Clubs.

Just show your boarding pass, ID, and your Amex 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

Amex Platinum cardholders receive complimentary access to Lufthansa business class lounges in terminal 2 at Munich airport (MUC) and terminal 1 in Frankfurt (FRA).

If the Amex Platinum cardholder is flying business class, they’ll have access to the Lufthansa Senator Lounges in Munich and Frankfurt.

Guests may be granted access for a fee.

The Lufthansa lounge access is through April 30, 2021 so be sure to check the current status of accessibility before you use either lounge.

Plaza Premium Lounges

Based in Hong Kong, Plaza Premium has a wide network of airport lounges available to the Amex Platinum cardholder.

You’ll find 70 lounges worldwide in the Plaza Premium network.

Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner.

With1 locations throughout the U.S., Escape airport lounges offer a place to enjoy a premium beverage, have a bite to eat, catch up on work, or relax between flights.

You’ll find Escape lounges at Bradley International Airport (Hartford), Reno/Tahoe, Oakland, Minneapolis, Greenville/Spartanburg, and 2 locations in the Ontario airport.

Amex Platinum cardholders may bring 2 additional guests at no charge.

Airspace Lounges

Airspace Lounges have a location at Dan Diego International Airport (SAN), which offer complimentary access for Amex Platinum cardholders.

• SAN – San Diego – Complimentary full bar and $10 menu credit. Business area, Wi-Fi, conference room, and showers. 2 guests 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.

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.