cardholders spending less than $75k) in July 2021 when all this was still a bit less than two years out. Amex originally published the changes to the lounge access system (canceling guest access for U.S. Their priorities are out of whack, and at the very least, the company is dishonest about the problem.Īmerican Express has kicked off a massive overhaul of both the lounge system, the Platinum card service portfolio, and of course, let’s not forget about the increased annual fee. At the same time, they have these insane sign-up bonuses of 150,000 points while pretending that lounge occupancy is an issue and that they need to combat it by cutting access. A lot of these credits end up as breakage or are semi-paid by the partner companies as sponsors. Sure, it’s easy money for Amex to get the $695. If your credit is somewhat ok (mid to higher 600s), you can get any charge card product, no matter if the color is Green, Gold, or Platinum, depending on what you’re willing to pay. When you talk to those you see regularly and ask this question, all you get in reply is a laugh and a head shake.Īmex is overmarketing its Platinum Card product in the U.S., and there are really no elevated criteria to get the card. I doubt that Amex as a company will come forward and say it didn’t work, but I think that customers and lounge representatives get a pretty clear picture of what’s going on. The real question is: Has this policy really caused relief on Centurion lounges across the country? Ok, it would be hard to believe someone carries a Centurion card and charges less than $75k/p.a. I would sare to say a ridiculously low amount that’s way too small to even feel in daily operations.Ĭenturion Cardmembers are still able to cut the line, get preferred seating and also are exempt from the guest access restriction. How many guests who would use the lounge that way does this even impact? Not many. Under the new rules, Amex Platinum cardholders will be charged a $50 fee for each lounge guest, children will no longer be permitted free of charge, but those who charge a minimum of $75k/per year to the card will retain lounge access privileges for two guests.Īmerican Express has heavily expanded its lounge portfolio in the last two years, which included the expansion of existing space and the opening of new lounges, mainly throughout the U.S.īut this overcrowding has become a problem, yet Amex implemented three policies that only deal with a minuscule part of the entries, namely passengers entering on arrival, more than three hours before departure, and now they culled the guest access. Seattle has gotten better since they moved to a larger location, but as I was told, the Port of Seattle even refuses Amex to attach proper signage in the terminal or even the corporate blue colors. Lines are still massive, and customers, for example, in Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Houston have to wait around, get on actual waiting lists, and in many cases, don’t get in at all before boarding starts. So this has now been in place for three, almost four months, but has it actually helped to produce the desired effect on lounges?įrom my personal experience, it didn’t make a dent. Reminder: American Express Centurion Lounge Access Rules Change As Of February 1, 2023 Hopefully this change helps with overcrowding.See our coverage here about these new rules Amex USA has established: From what I hear this expansion was desperately needed in Seattle so it is good to see people have a lot more space and a new lounge to check out. If you had planned on hitting up the Centurion lounge on a trip then you are now in luck since the lounge is open once again and still has that new lounge smell. Seattle Amex Centurion Lounge Is Now Reopened: ToP Thoughts This perk does not extend to the no fee Gold authorized user cards you can add as well. They would then get their own lounge access, with or without you. You can add up to 3 Platinum authorized users for $175 a year, or $58.33 per person. The better workaround for guests (family members that travel often with you) is adding them as an authorized user. Only cardholders that spend $75,000 or more in a calendar year will still get the two free guests when they visit a lounge going forward. You will no longer be able to bring 2 free guests once this lounge reopens though since that policy changes on February 1st. You can gain American Express Centurion lounge access as a cardholder perk of the American Express Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card or the American Express Centurion card.
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