Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

The 23 Best Lounges You Can Access with Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum in 2024

Stephen Au's image
Stephen Au
Stephen Au's image

Stephen Au

Former Senior Content Contributor

483 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 24U.S. States Visited: 22

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
Keri Stooksbury's image

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

52 Published Articles 3489 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
& Kellie Jez
Kellie Jez's image

Kellie Jez

Director of Operations & Compliance

6 Published Articles 1243 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10U.S. States Visited: 20

Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...
Jump to Section

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When flying in business or first class, lounge access is often a given. But what if you’re flying in economy? While some airlines do extend lounge access to economy passengers, these instances are more of an exception than the norm.

American Express has 2 versions of its Platinum card: The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. Although the names are similar, the perks can differ significantly depending on whether you’re a business owner or a leisure traveler seeking luxury. However, there’s a benefit that remains consistent across both cards: complimentary access to hundreds of airport lounges worldwide.

With either card, your lounge access isn’t tied to your ticket class. In this article, we’ll highlight some of our favorite lounges around the world that you can access just by having either of these cards in your wallet.

Why Amex Platinum Cards Have the Best Lounge Access

The Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card have the deepest network of airport lounges of any card, consisting of over 1,400 lounges in 130 countries. Specifically, you’ll have access to:

With a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you’ll only have access to Priority Pass Select lounges and the Chase Sapphire Lounges. The latter are still a relatively small number. When you compare to the list above, you’ll see why the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards blow the competition out of the water for lounge access.

Card Snapshots

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
80,000 points
$1,760
$695
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
  • Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in 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 up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
  • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
  • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
  • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
  • $695 annual fee.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

ELEVATED OFFER
The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points
$3,300
$695
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
  • Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Cons
  • High annual fee of $695 (rates & fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Card Highlights
  • Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
  • Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
  • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • $695 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

23 Best Lounges You Can Access With the Amex Platinum Cards

We’ve analyzed tons of lounges that fall under the Global Lounge Collection umbrella, and we’ve put together the top lounges you can access with either the Amex Platinum card or the Amex Business Platinum card.

Generally speaking, the criteria we used to assess the quality of a lounge were:

  • Capacity of lounge/tendency for overcrowding
  • Cleanliness
  • Décor/ambiance
  • Food and beverage offerings
  • Interconnectedness to terminal gates
  • Nap areas
  • Opening hours
  • Shower suites
  • Spa treatments
  • Wi-Fi speed

1. American Express Centurion Lounge at ATL (Atlanta)

Amex Centurion ATL Dining Space
A gorgeous lounge awaits. Image Credit: Chris Dong

One of the newest lounges is the Amex Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The lounge spans a whopping 26,000 square feet, making it one of the larger Centurion Lounges in the U.S.

Floor-to-ceiling windows provide impressive views of the runways, and there’s an outside deck, too. Visitors can enjoy a variety of seating options, from quiet areas for relaxation to communal spaces for socializing or working. One of the highlights of this Centurion Lounge is its dining experience with comfort food and Southern classics. In addition, the bar serves premium cocktails, wines, and craft beers.

The lounge offers wellness amenities such as shower suites and a tranquility area where guests can relax.

It’s located in the E concourse, next to gate E11, and it’s easy to reach thanks to the intuitive layout of the Atlanta airport and the AirTrain connecting the concourses.

2. American Express Centurion Lounge at DCA (Washington – National)

Centurion Lounge DCA Buffet Overview Tour
Fresh food buffet at Centurion Lounge. Image Credit: James Larounis

The American Express Centurion Lounge at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) opened in 2024 and is conveniently located in Terminal B. Though not as large as some of its counterparts, the Centurion Lounge at DCA still offers a wide array of amenities in its approximately 11,500 square feet of space.

The lounge features comfortable seating areas, shower suites, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a variety of workspaces. The large windows offer panoramic views of the Potomac River and landmarks like the Washington Monument.

One of the standout features of this lounge is its locally-inspired dining program. The lounge also features a well-stocked bar serving premium cocktails, fine wines, and locally crafted beverages.

3. American Express Centurion Lounge at DFW (Dallas Fort Worth)

DFWCenturionLoungeSeating2
A great lounge for American Airlines flyers. Image Credit: Jarrod West

The Centurion Lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport offers conference rooms and various amenities for business travelers. There are also a number of daybeds/chaise longues on which to relax. And speaking of relaxing, not all lounges have a spa, but this one does, and the basic treatments are included with admission.

The food and beverage choices are plentiful, and there are many premium cocktails to choose from. The bar area is open and conducive to conversation if you feel like it.

On the downside, there aren’t any views of the airplanes, and the lounge can get crowded, putting a strain on bathroom capacity.

4. American Express Centurion Lounge at MIA (Miami)

The Centurion Lounge Miami Airport.
The Centurion Lounge Miami Airport. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

The Amex Centurion Lounge at Miami International Airport recently got a makeover, so there are now 2 bars and 2 buffet sections available. One bar is for beer/wine only, and the other is dedicated to other alcohol choices. Try the espresso cocktail! The buffet offers salads and cold items as well as hot options.

Phone rooms are available, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the tarmac. AvGeeks will enjoy the wide variety of traffic at MIA.

The lounge gets crowded frequently, so keep that in mind.

5. SkyTeam Lounge at YVR (Vancouver)

SkyTeam Lounge at YVR
SkyTeam Lounge at YVR. Image Credit: SkyTeam

The SkyTeam Lounge at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) makes you feel like you’re in a high-end hotel lobby restaurant.

It’s relatively small at 5,600 square feet and 126 seats, but the open design means the lounge never feels crowded. The Asian influence in Vancouver can be felt at the made-to-order food station, with dim sum and wonton noodle soup. You can try any of the 13 wines in the self-serve wine bar, along with a great alcohol selection (available during limited hours).

The Wi-Fi is blazingly fast, and you can use one of the lounge chairs to catch a quick nap before your flight. You can also book one of the 2 available shower suites.

This excellent lounge is kept very clean, and it’s open 24/7. The catch? You can’t access it on U.S.-bound or Canadian domestic flights.

6. Oman Air First and Business Class Lounge at BKK (Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi)

Oman Air First and Business Class Lounge at BKK
Oman Air First and Business Class Lounge at BKK. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

The Oman Air First and Business Class Lounge at Concourse E in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is perhaps one of the more surprising picks for a top lounge. It’s a Priority Pass lounge (one of the best in the world, in fact), which means you can access it with the Amex Platinum card.

This lounge demonstrates that good things can come in small packages. Its comfy seating includes daybeds. If you’re freshening up before your flight, be sure to check out the large shower suites.

The food and beverage selection is awesome, with a delicious hot food selection. The Arabic coffee/tea makes for a uniquely Arabian experience while still in Bangkok. Oman Air does serve alcohol on board its international flights, and the liquor selection here is pretty good, too.

That being said, this lounge is perfect for leisure travelers but not perfect for business travelers since there aren’t many workspaces available with any privacy.

The lounge is open 24/7, though, which is part of why it’s the best choice for Priority Pass cardholders at the BKK airport.

7. American Express Centurion Lounge at HKG (Hong Kong)

American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong - Fans
American Express Centurion Lounge Hong Kong. Image Credit: Greg Stone

The Amex Centurion Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport boasts a central location in the middle of the airport, meeting rooms, and open-air space. The Centurion Lounge at HKG has better and more varied hot food options than the sister lounges in the U.S.

Additionally, all the cocktails are delicious and hand-crafted. If cocktails aren’t your thing, you can pick from Champagne, Prosecco, rosé, and more.

If you need a pick-me-up, the Lavazza espresso machine is staffed, so be sure to ask for a fresh cappuccino! Lastly, there are 2 shower suites available.

Hot Tip:

Interested in exploring lounge options in Hong Kong? Read all about UP Content Contributor Greg Stone’s 9 hours in Hong Kong lounges (including the Centurion Lounge Hong Kong).

8. Remaining American Express Centurion Lounges (Nationwide)

Centurion Lounge JFK Speakeasy
Tucked away on the bottom level of the JFK Centurion Lounge is a bar within a bar. Image Credit: James Larounis

We’ve discussed the Centurion Lounges at ATL, DCA, DFW, MIA, and HKG. However, the full list of locations is longer:

The other lounges still offer hot food, with the exception of Seattle (SEA), which doesn’t have a kitchen. The seating options are generally the same, but the main differentiation is the fact that some lounges may not have daybeds, for example, or may have slow Wi-Fi, or shortened business hours.

Nonetheless, if you want to get some food, enjoy some alcohol, and take a shower, you’ll do well to make your way to a Centurion Lounge. Just remember that some locations, such as the San Francisco Centurion Lounge, aren’t connected to other terminals, so you’ll need to reclear security to access them.

9. Plaza Premium Lounge at LHR (London Heathrow)

Plaza Premium Lounge at LHR
Plaza Premium Lounge at LHR. Image Credit: Plaza Premium Lounges

The Plaza Premium Lounge at London Heathrow is arguably Plaza Premium’s flagship lounge for Priority Pass holders.

It’s in Terminal 5, used by British Airways and Iberia. Simply, this lounge is impressive. With tons of seating areas, cubicles available for peaceful productivity, fast Wi-Fi, and good service, there’s lots to like about this place.

There’s outstanding hot food that primarily includes Asian fare, like curry, fried rice, noodles, and more. The alcohol selection is stellar, and the fresh, barista-crafted espresso drinks are an ace.

Charging stations are everywhere, and all outlets are international, so you won’t have a problem staying charged. Showers are available, and spa treatments and sleeping rooms are available for a surcharge.

10. Vienna Lounge at VIE (Vienna)

Priority Pass Vienna Lounge
A view of the buffet at the Vienna Lounge. Image Credit: Priority Pass

This is no run-of-the-mill lounge: the Vienna Lounge at Vienna’s Schwechat airport is the winner of the 2024 Priority Pass Lounge of the Year Award, chosen on the basis of Priority Pass member ratings and reviews.

It promises a very Austrian experience, from local wines and coffee shop treats to local and world-famous artists. There aren’t many airport lounges where you can find original paintings by major artists; this one showcases works by no less than Klimt and Schiele, on loan from a Viennese museum.

If you prefer looking at airplanes, the Vienna Lounge has a great view of the runways. Showers and a prayer room are available. And because you are in Europe, there is a smoking area (outside, on the terrace).

The lounge covers a vast 27,000 square feet and has 450 seats, which is a lot, but keep in mind that it also welcomes business class passengers from no fewer than 28 airlines and Priority Pass members.

The Vienna Lounge is located at Terminal 1 after security.

11. Delta Sky Club at ATL Concourse F (Atlanta)

Delta Sky Club ATL Concourse F
Delta Sky Club at ATL Concourse F. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

Delta Air Lines is headquartered in Atlanta’s Hartfield International Airport (ATL). The airport is the busiest in the world, and it has a whopping 9 Delta Sky Club locations. The best, however, is located in Concourse F, which is also known as the international terminal.

Spread out across 2 floors, this huge space offers several comfortable seating options. Depending on what time you go, the lounge can either be crowded or completely empty.

Nonetheless, you’ll have a chance to try a number of food choices. Additionally, espresso machines and a full bar are available.

Remember to freshen up with a shower before your flight, too! If you need some fresh air, this Sky Club offers a deck with great views of the airplane traffic.

12. Air France Lounge at JFK (New York – John F. Kennedy International)

Desserts at Air France lounge JFK
Pastries galore. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

The Air France Lounge at New York’s JFK Airport in Terminal 1 is spread out across 2 floors. Air France has many flights at JFK on airplanes with large business class cabins, so the lounge tends to be crowded in the afternoons and evenings when most Europe departures are scheduled.

Expect an awesome self-serve buffet and à la carte dining service. Other food choices include finger sandwiches and sushi.

Additionally, you can savor premium alcohol choices such as beer, wine, Champagne, and hard liquor. If you’re not feeling like drinking alcohol, check out the Nespresso machine or even the wide selection of soft drinks.

The coolest thing is that visitors can enjoy treatments at the Clarins spa, which includes a complimentary 15-minute treatment for jet lag relief, detox time, and eye treatments.

Hot Tip:

Looking for more information about JFK? Explore our in-depth terminal guide to John F. Kennedy International (JFK) so you know where to go when you arrive.

13. SATS Premier Lounge at SIN (Singapore)

SATS Premier Lounge
Plenty of seating in this lounge. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

The SATS Premier Lounge in Terminal 3 of Singapore Changi Airport is arguably the best Priority Pass lounge in SIN. It has won the Priority Pass Lounge of the Year award for Asia Pacific in the past. That is not easy, since some of the best PP lounges in the world are in this region.

The lounge, which is open 24/7, offers numerous comfortable seating options, spacious cubicles, and tablets for use. You can also check out the OSIM massage chairs to relax and enjoy.

The SATS Premier Lounge stands out for its do-it-yourself laksa station. The bar is self-serve, too, but the alcohol selection isn’t as good as the food.

To stay connected, you’ll want to take advantage of the great connectivity and power capabilities, along with the fast Wi-Fi. Lastly, if you need a shower, you can take advantage of the shower stalls.

14. Mingalar Sky Business Class Lounge at RGN (Yangon)

Mingalar Sky CIP Lounge at RGN
Mingalar Sky Lounge at RGN. Image Credit: mingalarsky.com

The Mingalar Sky Business Class Lounge at Yangon International Airport may be the most surprising lounge in this entire ranking. In fact, we can say from personal experience that this is one of the top lounges in the world.

Myanmar isn’t a tourist or business destination like Thailand or Vietnam, which means that travelers will be relatively sparse. For the few who do go, this lounge is open 24/7.

The lounge is huge. There are rows and rows of self-serve Burmese and Asian food offerings and not many people lining up to fill their plates. And you won’t have to wait to order cocktails or espresso drinks from the barista/bartender.

The service is phenomenal here, with up to 10 to 15 staff members tending to your every need. The lounge has plenty to explore, including a paid spa area and lots of showers.

Ultimately, this lounge’s great food and beverages, ultra-personalized service, and absence of occupants make it one of the top choices.

15. Ahlan Lounge at Terminal 3 at DXB (Dubai International)

Ahlan Lounge at B at DXB
Ahlan Lounge at Terminal 3 at DXB. Image Credit: Dubai International Hotel

The Ahlan Lounge at Terminal 3 Concourse B at Dubai International Airport is connected to the Dubai International Hotel and is open 24/7.

The standout here is a great, varied à la carte menu with halal choices, American favorites, Indian curries, Asian selections, and much more. After all, you are in the middle of the airport serving the most international passengers in the world.

To find the lounge entrance, head to gate B26 and go through the Cadiz Tapas Bar. Note that because Terminal 3 (serving Emirates, flydubai, United, and Air Canada) is enormous, passengers departing from Concourse A or C should factor in a lengthy time (up to 20 minutes) to get to their gate.

Please note that alcohol is served during limited hours in the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

16. Marco Polo Club at VCE (Venice)

A view of the Marco Polo lounge at Venice (VCE) airport
A view of the Marco Polo lounge at Venice (VCE). Image Credit: American Express

The Marco Polo Club at the Marco Polo airport? Yes, but after all, this is Venice, where the 13th-century merchant and explorer is revered.

The lounge named after him does Polo justice, so much so that it was “highly commended” at the 2024 Priority Pass Excellence Awards. And U.S.-based passengers now have more chances to enjoy it, after Delta restarted its nonstop JFK-Venice route in 2024.

You won’t have much choice when it comes to lounges at the relatively small VCE airport; the Marco Polo is the only one. As such, it is open to all premium passengers departing Venice and can get busy. If it’s crowded, you can escape to the outdoor terrace, with views stretching to the city of Venice itself, across the lagoon. Even from the inside, the lounge is an airy, luminous space, with floor-to-ceiling windows.

While the food and beverage are good, if not exceptional, the Marco Polo stands out also for smart touches like the headphones available to watch TVs.

17. Grand Lounge Elite at MEX (Mexico City – International)

Grand Elite Lounge at MEX
Grand Elite Lounge at MEX. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

The main draw of the Grand Lounge Elite at MEX is that it provides a 24/7 peaceful retreat from the chaos that is Mexico City International Airport — with showers. There are a number of armchair seating options available, along with semi-private recliners.

Besides the comfy seating, the brew bar offers made-to-order espresso drinks, a buffet, and an à la carte menu featuring tacos, pasta, sandwiches, and burritos.

But maybe the coolest perk is that you can ride to your gate in a golf cart!

18. Plaza Premium Lounge Terminal 2 Zone A at TPE (Taipei – Taoyuan)

TPE Priority Pass Lounge
Welcome to the Plaza Premium Lounge. Image Credit: Priority Pass

There are a total of 4 Plaza Premium lounges at Taipei’s Taoyuan International Airport. While all of them are good, the best experience may be at the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2 at Zone A. If you call in advance, you can even book a sleeping room.

In addition, there are many dining options available, the most impressive of which are made-to-order set menus where you can choose between American, Chinese, Japanese, vegetarian, or other Asian meals. You’ll also want to take advantage of the beautiful shower suites.

19. Plaza Premium Lounge at HKG (Hong Kong)

Plaza Premium Lounge at HKG
Plaza Premium Lounge at HKG. Image Credit: Plaza Premium Lounges

The Plaza Premium Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport‘s Terminal 1 is a great choice, but be careful to avoid the added surcharges. Specifically, alcohol, spa treatments, massages, and showers are extra.

There are numerous seat options and lots of snacks to munch on. You can get your caffeine fix at one of the many espresso machines, and your food cravings will be satisfied at the noodle bar and buffet, which includes pasta and Cantonese classics such as dim sum.

This 24/7 lounge is consistently very busy, so be aware of that, too.

20. Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at NAN (Nadi)

Fiji Airways Premier Lounge Seating
Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at NAN. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Amex Platinum cardholders can access the Fiji Airways Premier Lounge at the Nadi (NAN) airport, serving the capital of the Fiji Islands.

In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Nadi is the hub for Fiji Airways, which serves the U.S. with modern Airbus A350s — making this lounge interesting for passengers headed to or connecting to Fiji.

There’s a dedicated family area, a quiet zone, and a media room/private meeting area. Expect a clean, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing lounge with a full-service kitchen serving an à la carte menu.

Cocktails are served at night in the bar, while barista-made espresso drinks are served in the morning. If you’d like to sample some alcohol outside of these hours, you can check out the self-serve section, which includes wines, beers, and soft drinks.

There are 2 shower suites available, and spa treatments for a surcharge.

21. Aspire Lounge at ZRH (Zurich)

Aspire Lounge ZRH
Light snacks are available. Image Credit: Aspire Lounge

The Aspire Lounge at Zurich International Airport provides great views of the tarmac and even an outdoor terrace.

There are light snacks and breakfast for food, and plenty of beverage choices, including alcoholic drinks. Seating is plentiful. The free Wi-Fi is fast but limited to 60 minutes, after which you’ll have to pay.

The lounge is open daily to passengers headed outside of Europe’s Schengen area.

22. Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at HKG (Hong Kong)

Chase Sapphire Lounge Hong Kong HKG enclosed booths
The famous booths in all the ads. Image Credit: Ryan Smith

The Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at Hong Kong’s Chek Lap Kok International Airport is a fantastic addition to one of the busiest airports in the world.

The first in the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club network, it opened in 2022 and is located in Terminal 1’s West Hall, on level 7 near gate 40.

Its most notable feature for Amex Platinum cardholders is that Priority Pass members get unlimited visits to this location each year. These are the same access privileges that passengers with Chase’s premium credit cards enjoy.

Once in, you will find that the lounge is divided into sections, which keeps down the noise at busier times. It also makes this a fun lounge to explore: you can find separate dining areas, bar and café spaces, several sections of seating, workstations, and the curved booths that have become a signature of this lounge. Food options are plentiful, served buffet-style or brought to you via QR menu by efficient, if a little cold, staff.

Access to the Sapphire Lounge in Hong Kong is only permitted up to 3 hours before your flight’s departure.

23. Minute Suites (Nationwide)

Minute Suites
Minute Suites. Image Credit: LoungeBuddy

Minute Suites is perhaps the most well-known napping room in the U.S., with 15 locations at 10 airports, from New York (JFK) to Charlotte (CLT) and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW).

Priority Pass holders get 1 hour of free access. After that, visitors are charged a discounted hourly rate.

Minute Suites is essentially a mini-hotel room with daybeds, a television, a work desk, and Wi-Fi. Pillows and blankets are provided, but everything else is extra. This includes water, snacks, and drinks.

Final Thoughts

With a growing network of over 1,400 lounges, the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card cards are undoubtedly the best cards for lounge access.

Far from being just in the U.S., those lounges are scattered all over the world. From sitting down to dinner in Fiji to looking at the Venice lagoon from a sunny terrace, you can have a vast range of experiences in a Priority Pass lounge accessible with your Amex Platinum card.

We hope this list will inspire you regarding the best airport lounges and experiences you can unlock with your card.

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.

Stephen Au's image

About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status