Advertiser Disclosure

american express lounge
Amex Credit Cards

Why The Amex Platinum Is the Lounge Access King! – American Express Lounges

Last updated: August 23,2023
Originally Published: August 22,2023
by Pradeep Chandravanshi

Points Panda has partnered with a variety of financial companies including CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. Points Panda and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. For more information please read our full Advertiser Disclosure.

Yes! The title stands for itself, and what makes it true is the ability of The Platinum Card®  from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express to access the extensive network of the American Express Lounge Collection. While many credit cards promise access to airport lounges, the Amex Platinum Cards effortlessly outshines the competition, securing its position as the undisputed king.

American Express Lounge
Centurion Lounge Houston. Image Courtesy Of American Express

One of the main benefits of holding the American Express Platinum card is access to a wide range of airport lounges, from top-class Centurion Lounges to complimentary Priority Pass access. Complimentary lounge membership opens the gates to over 1,400 different lounge locations worldwide. If you are a frequent traveler and value access to airport lounges, the $695 annual fee is well worth it.

American Express Lounge You Can Access With Amex Platinum Cards

Amex Platinum cardholders can enjoy access to various Amex lounges worldwide; major lounges accessible with Amex Platinum and Business Platinum are:

The Centurion Lounge

The most luxurious and famous lounge under the American Express Lounge Collection is Centurion Lounge. Centurion Lounges, in our opinion, are the best lounges in the Amex Lounge collection. It offers a plethora of premium perks like chef-inspired menus, complimentary beverages, shower facilities, high-speed wifi, and lots of resting spaces.

american express lounge
The Centurion Lounge LGA. Image Courtesy of American Express

Currently, 13 Centurion Lounges are currently operating in the US. Meanwhile, there are 11 Centurion Lounges operating internationally.

Cardholders will need to present their Platinum Card, Government ID, and same-day boarding pass upon entering the lounge. According to the recent policy, you can only bring up to two complimentary guests when you spend at least $75,000 annually on the card; otherwise, you have to pay $50 per guest.

Delta Sky Club Lounges

Delta Sky Club is Delta Airlines’ own lounge network which is found in over 200 locations. It offers a lot of benefits, such as complimentary food and drinks, shower facilities, working spaces, and high-speed Wi-fi. The Delta Sky Club lounges, which have locations all throughout the United States and in a few international airports, are a popular option for travelers looking for a little more comfort and convenience when traveling.

american express lounge
Delta Sky Club Lounge. Image Courtesy of Delta

You have to show or submit your boarding pass, ID, Amex Platinum card, or Amex Business Platinum card for entry. There is a $50 charge per guest if you want to bring guests into Delta Sky Club Lounges.

International American Express Lounges

Amex Platinum cardholders enjoy more than just access to the prestigious Centurion Lounges; they also have the privilege of entering American Express Lounges, also known as “Centurion Clubs.” These exceptional lounges can be found in various destinations across the globe.

These lounges are essentially a less expensive version of the Centurion Lounge, but they still offer valuable advantages such as complimentary food and drinks, free WIFI, and resting areas.

Guest access policies vary by location and are subject to change, so it depends upon the location you want to access the lounges.

Priority Pass

As an Amex Platinum cardholder, you’ll enjoy a remarkable perk: a Priority Pass Select membership that grants you access to over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges worldwide. While regular Priority Pass memberships have annual fees ranging from $99 to $429, this exclusive benefit comes at no additional cost with your Amex Platinum card.

Take note that your Priority Pass Select membership isn’t automatic. You need to enroll first by logging into your Amex account or calling the Platinum Card Service at 1-800-263-1616. With the Priority Pass, you’re allowed to bring along two guests. However, if you have more than two guests, you’ll be charged $32 per guest by the lounge.

Plaza Premium Lounges

american express lounge
Plaza Premium Lounge. Image Courtesy of Plaza Premium

American Express has teamed up with Plaza Premium Lounge to provide an exciting benefit for Amex Platinum Card members. This partnership opens the doors to a selection of Plaza Premium lounges worldwide, giving cardholders even more options for relaxation and comfort during their travels.

With your Amex Platinum or Business Platinum Card, you can enjoy access to over 70 Plaza Premium lounge locations across the globe. Also, You may enter with one guest for no additional cost.

Escape Lounges -The Centurion Studio Partner

america express lounge
Cincinnati Northern Kentucky escape lounge. Image Courtesy Of Escape Lounges

Amex Platinum cardholders have another excellent option for lounge access: Escape Lounges. These lounges provide a peaceful and comfortable space to unwind before your flight. You can enjoy a range of complimentary amenities, including high-speed Wi-Fi, premium beverages, and snacks. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge before your journey.

You can bring up to 2 guests at no additional charge. All you need to do is present your card, valid ID, and same-day boarding pass.

Lufthansa Lounge

Thanks to a partnership between Amex and Lufthansa, Amex Platinum cardholders have the opportunity to enjoy access to Lufthansa lounges. These exclusive privileges mirror those offered in other lounges within the American Express Lounge Collection. Whether you’re flying economy class or business class, having the Amex Platinum allows you to enter Lufthansa Business Lounges and, when flying business class, Lufthansa Senator Lounges.

To have access to the lounge, you must present a valid Platinum Card, a government-issued photo id, and a confirmed same-day Lufthansa Group boarding pass. In general, Lufthansa Lounges do not accept guests, but some locations may accept guests for a fee.

Option To Add Authorized User

Complimentary guest access to the Amex Centurion lounges has been eliminated. The fee per guest will be $50 per adult or $30 per child between the ages of 2 and 17; complimentary guest access will be reinstated once you spend $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year. If you frequently travel with family, it can be frustrating when lounge access is denied to more than two guests.

american express lounge
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

One of the great benefits you get from the Amex Platinum cards is the option to add authorized users. It’s a fantastic value, especially if you often travel with your family and exceed the usual guest limits for lounge access. You have the option to add up to three authorized users at a cost of $175 (Rates & Fees) in total. This means each authorized user could potentially enjoy the full range of Centurion lounge access perks for less than $60.

Adding authorized users allows everyone to benefit from the card’s lounge access privileges and enhances the overall travel experience for your loved ones. For more information, you can check recent policy changes.

Is It Really Worth It?

With such many great lounge access options, Amex Platinum truly stands as king in matters of lounge access. The Platinum Card is a premium card that offers a wide array of benefits and a generous welcome bonus. Cardholders can enjoy annual statement credits, exclusive perks, extensive airport lounge access, elite status privileges, and much more. However, the value you derive from the card depends on your specific needs and preferences. So, it all depends on you!

If you frequently travel alone and prioritize comfort and luxury, the Platinum Card can provide immense value. The access it offers to Centurion lounges and other premium lounges can greatly enhance your travel experience. If you plan to bring guests along to the lounges, to address this, you have the option to add them as authorized users, allowing them to enjoy the lounge benefits as well.

Bottom Line

The Platinum Card®  from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express stand out as the lounge access king due to its extensive network of over 1,400 lounge locations worldwide, including popular networks such as Priority Pass, Delta Sky Club, and American Express Centurion Lounges. Cardholders enjoy exclusive access to luxurious lounges, including the renowned Centurion Lounges, known for their exceptional service, stylish designs, and complimentary gourmet food and beverages. For frequent travelers seeking an unparalleled lounge experience, the Amex Platinum card is a top choice.

Interest in flying around the world using credit card points? Check out our site to learn the basics, and follow our blog for more tips on how to make your dream vacation a reality. You can also sign up for our travel concierge and get unlimited credit cards and travel assistance for one full year.

Advertiser Disclosure

  • Earn 75,000 Bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 2X miles on everyday spend.
  • Earn 10X miles on hotels and car rentals, and 5x on flights booked on Capital One Travel
  • Receive 10,000 bonus miles every account opening anniversary.
  • Get a $300 credit to use on Capital One Travel each year.
  • Unlimited Access to Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass lounges internationally.
  • $395 annual fee.
Learn More

Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Leave a Reply

Leave a comment