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Cardmembers with The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are no longer able to bring complimentary guests into the lounge with them.
This change is likely in response to chronic overcrowding of the popular lounges.
Let’s take a look at what’s changed, how much guests will now cost, and how to avoid paying for guests if you’re a big spender.
Amex announced in 2022 that changes were coming to the Centurion Lounge, particularly the complimentary guest access policy, and these changes are now here.
The new fee per guest for Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum cardholders is:
Children under 2 years old can enter for no cost if the accompanying parent/guardian can provide a “lap infant” boarding pass or proof of age.
These changes do not impact Centurion® Card from American Express cardholders.
There is the potential for complimentary Centurion Lounge guest access for some cardholders but it requires a hefty amount of spend.
Those who spend $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year will have the perk for complimentary access for 2 guests reinstated on their account.
Once the spending requirement has been met, the benefit will be unlocked and cardholders should receive an email confirming the guest access.
Hot Tip: Cardholders of the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card can access over 1,400 lounges in the Amex Global Lounge Collection, including Priority Pass lounges (upon enrollment), Plaza Premium Lounges, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), and more.
The bottom line, this is bad news for many Amex Platinum cardholders.
Despite paying a hefty annual fee, anyone traveling with friends or family will need to shell out an additional $30 to $50 per person to enjoy the lounge together. That cost can add up quickly for a family of 4.
Depending on the situation, spending $75,000 annually or adding an authorized card user to your Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card could make sense.
However, short of expanding all of the overcrowded lounges, this will likely be an effective way to address the long lines and busy buffets that have plagued many lounges around the world lately.
The information regarding the Centurion® Card from 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.
