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American Express Travel Airport Lounges offer a range of benefits to members, including access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
To access these lounges, you'll need to be a Platinum or Centurion cardholder, or have a qualifying airline status.
You can also purchase a lounge membership or day pass through the American Express website.
These passes can be booked online or through the American Express app, and can be used for up to two guests.
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Access Requirements & Guest Policies
To access American Express travel airport lounges, you'll need to present your Platinum Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier, and a government-issued I.D.
You can access The Centurion Lounge with your Platinum Card, but be aware that it's a day of departure lounge, so arriving Cardmembers won't be admitted unless they have a layover or connecting flight.
Arriving Cardmembers with flights that have just landed won't be admitted, but Cardmembers with layovers or connecting flights can produce proof of connecting flight to gain access.
The Centurion Lounge has a three-hour rule, so Cardmembers can only access the lounge within three hours of their flight's scheduled departure, unless they have a connecting flight.
You can bring up to two guests with you into some of the lounges, but check your Card's Terms and Conditions to find out more about complimentary and discounted guest access.
For U.S. Centurion Lounges, it's a good idea to check in to a lounge when you're 10 minutes or less away from the entrance to expedite your entry.
Guests under 2 years of age are free to enter the lounge with their accompanying parent or guardian, provided they can produce a "lap infant" boarding pass or proof of age.
If you spend at least $75,000 in eligible purchases on your Platinum card within a calendar year, you'll qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit for the remainder of the calendar year, the following calendar year, and until Jan. 31 of the next calendar year.
U.S. Platinum cardmembers must pay $50 per guest aged 18 or older and $30 per guest aged 2 through 17, unless they qualify for complimentary guest access.
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American Express Cards
The American Express Cards offer a range of travel benefits, including access to airport lounges.
The American Express Platinum Card provides complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries.
You can enjoy a complimentary pre-flight meal or snack and drink, including alcohol in most places, at over 1,300 lounges in more than 600 cities.
With the Amex Platinum Card, you'll get access to most eligible lounge networks by showing your Platinum card, government-issued identification, and a valid boarding pass.
The Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card offers four complimentary lounge passes a year, alongside other valuable travel benefits.
Some of the lounge networks you can access with the Amex Platinum Card include:
- Centurion Lounges
- Delta Sky Club lounges (limited to 10 annual visits from Feb. 1, 2025)
- Priority Pass Select lounges
- Aspire Lounges
- Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner
- Plaza Premium lounges
- Select Lufthansa lounges
- Other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges
Each lounge network has different access requirements and guest policies, so be sure to check the specifics before your trip.
Airport Lounges
Airport lounges are a game-changer for travelers. You can enjoy over 1,300 airport lounges across more than 140 countries with your American Express Card, offering everything from champagne bars to indulgent spas.
Some lounges, like the Escape Lounge, offer complimentary food and beverages, unlimited Wi-Fi, and a peaceful atmosphere. You can even bring up to two guests at no additional charge. To access these lounges, simply present your eligible Card and boarding pass at the lounge.
With the American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card, you get 12 complimentary visits in a year to domestic airport lounges across India. You're also entitled to a complimentary membership in Priority Pass, one of the world's largest independent airport lounge access programs.
Here's a list of some airport lounges you can access with your American Express Card:
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Lufthansa Business Lounge
- Lufthansa Senator Lounge
- Club Aspire Lounge
- Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium Group
Keep in mind that some lounges, like Delta Sky Club lounges, have limited access and require a same-day boarding pass. You can also purchase guest access for up to two traveling companions at a per-visit basis.
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Airport Worldwide
Airport lounges are a wonderful way to escape the chaos of airport terminals. With over 1,300 airport lounges across more than 140 countries, you can enjoy a range of luxurious amenities worldwide.
You can access these lounges with your American Express Card, which offers a wide range of benefits and privileges. For example, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card gives you access to the Priority Pass Card, allowing you to enter lounges with your Platinum Card and a confirmed same-day boarding pass.
Some lounges, like the Plaza Premium Lounges, offer complimentary access to Platinum Cardmembers, with the option to bring up to two guests for no additional cost. However, other guests can purchase a day pass, with the cost varying by location.
If you're a Business Platinum Cardmember, you can also access Plaza Premium Lounges, bringing one travel companion as a complimentary guest. But, if you have additional guests, you'll need to pay a fee.
Delta-operated Sky Club lounges are another option, offering unlimited visits to Platinum Cardmembers before eligible flights. However, beginning in February 2025, Delta will limit Amex Platinum cardmembers to just 10 Sky Club visits per program year.
Here are some key features of airport lounges worldwide:
Gatwick
At Gatwick Airport, you've got several lounge options to choose from. The Gateway Lounge is one of them.
You can also find No1 Lounges at Gatwick, which is great for those who want a bit of luxury.
Another option is the Plaza Premium Lounge, which is perfect for travelers who want a more upscale experience.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, Club Aspire Lounge is another choice. My Lounge is also available, but be aware that it's not part of the Aspire Lounge network.
Here are the lounge options at Gatwick:
- The Gateway Lounge
- No1 Lounges
- Plaza Premium Lounge
- Club Aspire Lounge
- My Lounge
- No1 Lounges
Lufthansa
Lufthansa offers a range of airport lounges that American Express Platinum cardmembers can enjoy.
You can access select Lufthansa airport lounges as part of The American Express Global Lounge Collection.
Lufthansa Business Lounges are available to Platinum Cardmembers regardless of their ticket class, but Senator Lounges are only accessible when flying business class on Lufthansa Group airlines.
To gain entry, you'll need to show your Platinum Card, a government-issued ID, and a boarding pass for a same-day Lufthansa Group flight.
Some Lufthansa lounges may allow guests for a fee, but this is not always the case.
Here are the participating Lufthansa lounges:
- Lufthansa Business Lounges
- Lufthansa Senator Lounges
Domestic
You can enjoy 8 complimentary visits per year to airport lounges across India, with a limit of two visits per quarter. This is a great perk for frequent travelers.
Domestic lounges are available at select locations in India, offering comfort and amenities like food, beverages, and Wi-Fi. You can bring a guest with you, but there's a charge of $35 per person.
You can enter with up to two complimentary guests, which is a nice bonus.
Priority Pass and Partners
As a Platinum Cardmember, you're entitled to a complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges located outside India at over 1400 locations.
You'll need to enroll in Priority Pass Select to access these lounges, which can be done on Amex's website or by calling Platinum Travel Services.
The quality of each lounge varies, but there are some excellent ones to choose from, like The Club, which has multiple locations around the US and offers on-demand dining and an extensive drink list.
You can bring up to two guests each visit, but if you have more than two guests, the lounge will charge you $35 per guest.
Escape: The Partner
Escape Lounges in the U.S. rebranded as "Escape Lounge — The Centurion Studio Partner" in 2021. You can access these lounges by showing your Platinum Card, government-issued identification and a confirmed same-day boarding pass.
To access U.S. Escape Lounges, you may bring two guests with you for no additional cost, but any other guests must purchase a day pass.
The following U.S. airports have Escape Lounges you can access with your Amex Platinum card:
- Bradley International Airport (BDL)
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
- John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
- Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)
- Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
- Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)
- Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Terminal 3
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Terminal 4
- Portland International Airport (PDX)
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- Reno–Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Terminal A
- Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Terminal B
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)
- Tulsa International Airport (TUL)
Note that some of these lounges are marked as opening soon, so be sure to check for updates before your visit.
Priority Pass Select
Priority Pass Select is a fantastic perk for Platinum Card members, offering access to over 1,600 lounges worldwide. This membership doesn't include Priority Pass restaurant lounges, so you'll need to check the specific lounge before heading in.
To gain access, you'll need to enroll in Priority Pass Select on Amex's website or by calling Platinum Travel Services. It's a good idea to register as soon as you get your Platinum Card, so you can start enjoying the benefits right away.
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The quality of each Priority Pass lounge varies, but there are some real gems out there. I've had the chance to visit a few, and I can tell you that some of them are truly exceptional. The Club, for example, has multiple locations around the US and is a staple in the Priority Pass network.
You can bring up to two guests each visit, but if you have more than two guests, the lounge will charge you $35 per guest. It's worth noting that some lounges have limited hours for Priority Pass guests, so be sure to check the hours before heading in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You'll need to check with your lounge directly to find out more information and read the Terms and Conditions, as lounges may be subject to availability or wait times.
Some lounges may have specific rules or restrictions, so it's a good idea to confirm with the lounge before visiting.
You can find answers to frequently asked questions, but keep in mind that each lounge is unique and may have its own set of rules.
To get the most out of your lounge experience, make sure to check the lounge's availability and wait times before heading over.
Locations and Booking
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There are currently 30 Centurion Lounges open worldwide, with 15 locations in the U.S. and 15 abroad. You can find Centurion Lounges at major airports like Los Angeles International Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Hong Kong International Airport.
Some Centurion Lounges allow you to pre-book your visit using your American Express Card, while others only accept walk-ins based on capacity. If you're unsure whether to book or walk-in, it's best to check ahead of time.
Here are some of the airports with Centurion Lounges:
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US Locations
If you're looking to indulge in the luxury of an airport lounge during your travels, you'll find 15 Centurion Lounges open in the US. These lounges are located in major airports across the country.
Here are the US locations where you can find a Centurion Lounge: Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN), Houston (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), New York (JFK and LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX), Ronald Reagan Washington (DCA), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA).
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If you're planning a trip to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), keep an eye out for the upcoming Centurion Lounge openings.
With the American Express Platinum Card, you can enjoy unlimited access to the Global Lounge Collection, which includes over 1400 lounges across 130+ countries.
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Locations Abroad
If you're a Centurion cardholder traveling abroad, you're in luck - there are now 15 Centurion Lounges open at 11 airports.
These lounges are located at major airports in Argentina, India, Hong Kong, the UK, Australia, and Mexico.
You can find Centurion Lounges at the following airports: Buenos Aires (EZE), Delhi (DEL), Hong Kong (HKG), London (LHR), Melbourne (MEL), Mexico City (MEX), Monterrey (MTY), Mumbai (BOM), São Paulo (GRU), Stockholm (ARN), and Sydney (SYD).
Here's a breakdown of the Centurion Lounge locations abroad:
And, if you're planning a trip to Tokyo, you can expect a new Centurion Lounge to open at Haneda Airport.
Do I Need to Book?
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Booking a lounge visit can be a bit tricky, as some places don't allow pre-booking. A few lounges only accept walk-ins based on capacity.
If you're planning to visit a lounge, it's best to check their policy first. Some lounges require reservations to ensure availability.
Some lounges can accommodate walk-ins, but it's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm their policy.
For another approach, see: Booking Travel through American Express
Benefits and Features
As an American Express Platinum cardmember, you'll have access to a wide range of airport lounges around the world. You'll get access to over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries.
You can access lounges like Delta Sky Club lounges, limited to 10 annual visits, and Priority Pass Select lounges, which require enrollment. You can also visit Aspire Lounges, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, and Select Lufthansa lounges.
To access most eligible lounge networks, you'll need to show your Platinum card, government-issued identification, and a valid boarding pass. However, each lounge network has different access requirements and guest policies.
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Here are some of the lounges you can access with your Amex Platinum Card:
- Centurion Lounges
- Delta Sky Club lounges (limited to 10 annual visits)
- Priority Pass Select lounges
- Aspire Lounges
- Escape Lounges
- Plaza Premium lounges
- Select Lufthansa lounges
- Other Global Lounge Collection partner lounges
Additionally, if you have an American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card, you'll get four complimentary lounge passes a year, alongside other valuable travel benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my card is eligible for the airport lounge?
Check your credit card issuer's website, specifically the card benefits or rewards section, to see if your card offers airport lounge access. If you're unsure, look for details on lounge membership or benefits.
Sources
- https://global.americanexpress.com/lounge-access/the-platinum-card
- https://www.americanexpress.com/us/explore/top-platinum-lounges.html
- https://www.americanexpress.com/in/travel/airport-lounge.html
- https://www.americanexpress.com/en-gb/life-with-amex/travel-and-lifestyle/amex-lounge-access/
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/american-express-platinum-lounge-access/
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