One of my favorite travel perks is having access to the American Express Centurion Lounges which are operated by American Express. Since the Centurion lounges are so popular sometimes they are subject to over-crowding. American Express has been busy expanding some of their lounges to make more room for travelers but, effective March 22nd, they will also start to limit the time that you spend there.
New Amex Centurion Lounge Access Rules
Access to The Centurion Lounge is complimentary for global Platinum Card® and Centurion®Members. Both cardholders of the Platinum Card® from American Express, and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are able to access the lounge and can bring in two guests with them each time. See more American Express Platinum Benefits Overview here.
Effective March 22, 2019:
- The Centurion Lounge will welcome Platinum Card Members who arrive within 3 hours or less prior to their original scheduled departure time or can provide proof of a connecting flight. Card Members who arrive at the Centurion Lounge as their final destination will no longer be permitted entry.
- Children under 2 years of age will be admitted free of charge and will not count towards Platinum Card Member’s 2 complimentary guest count, so long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian who is able to produce a “lap infant†boarding pass or proof of age.
Bottom Line
Traveling can be a lot more fun if you have a fantastic lounge to hang out in with free food and beverage (and if it isn’t over-crowded.) I think that the Centurion Lounges are amazing and they keep adding more! If you want to gain access to them this year, consider picking up the Platinum Card® from American Express, or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
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Meanwhile AmEx keeps raising the annual fee on the card…
Loved Amex shower on arrival. Buh bye. (pretty sure these rules have already started at most locations).
So book an award ticket check in and cancel if you have status that allows you to do it for free.
I understand the need to limit people because lounges are getting so crowded. But Amex is going to start losing business with these types of restrictive policies.