Centurion Lounge Guest Charge Starting February 1 (And How To Avoid It!)

Updated: February 1, 2023, 6:33am CST

Centurion Lounge Guest Charge Starting February 1 (And How To Avoid It!)

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.

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.

Centurion Lounge Guest Fees

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:

$50 per adult
$30 per child between 2 to 17 years old

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.

Complimentary Guest Access

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.

Centurion Lounge guest access unlocked — Image Credit: American Express

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

Featured Image Credit: James Larounis

Was this page helpful?

About Chris Hassan

Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE^™