The American Express Platinum card is renowned for its premium travel perks, and at the forefront of these are the extensive airport lounge benefits. For discerning travelers, especially families seeking comfort and convenience on their journeys, understanding the American Express Travel Platinum Benefits regarding lounge access is crucial. This guide will detail the American Express Global Lounge Collection®, providing a comprehensive overview of the lounges you can access with your Platinum card and how to make the most of this valuable benefit.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection: Your Gateway to Airport Comfort
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® offers U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum Card Members access to a wide network of airport lounges worldwide. This collection isn’t just limited to one type of lounge; it encompasses a variety of premium lounge experiences, each with its own unique offerings and ambiance. It’s important to note that access is granted to Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on the account. Companion Platinum Cards on Consumer Platinum Accounts, and Additional Gold and Additional Business Expense Cards on Business Platinum Accounts, do not qualify for Global Lounge Collection access. Remember that all lounge access is subject to space availability, and each lounge program has its specific rules and policies.
The Centurion Lounge: American Express’s Flagship Lounges
The Centurion Lounge is the jewel in the crown of the American Express lounge network. U.S. Platinum Card® Members enjoy unlimited, complimentary access to all Centurion Lounge locations. Again, Companion Platinum Cards and Additional Gold or Business Expense Cards are not eligible. To enter a Centurion Lounge, Platinum Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight and present:
- Their valid Platinum Card
- A boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for a departing flight on the same day (any carrier)
- A government-issued I.D.
The name on the boarding pass must match the name on the Platinum Card. Some Centurion Lounges might grant access for same-day arrival travel as well; it’s best to check the specific location’s policy. Failure to provide these documents may result in denied entry. Card Members need to be at least 18 years old to enter unaccompanied by a parent or guardian. All Centurion Lounge visitors must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol, and responsible drinking is encouraged. American Express reserves the right to refuse entry or remove anyone for inappropriate behavior.
Guest access to Centurion Lounges has specific rules. U.S. Platinum Card Members, U.S. Business Platinum Card Members, and Additional U.S. Platinum Card Members will be charged a guest fee of $50 per guest (or $30 for children aged 2-17). However, there’s a way to achieve Complimentary Guest Access. By spending $75,000 or more on eligible purchases on the Platinum Account within a calendar year, Card Members can qualify for complimentary guest access for up to two guests per Centurion Lounge visit in the U.S., Hong Kong, and London Heathrow. This Complimentary Guest Access, once earned, lasts for the remainder of the year it was earned, the following calendar year, and until January 31st of the next year.
Escape Lounges: Comfort and Convenience
U.S. Platinum Card® Members also gain complimentary access to all Escape Lounge locations, including Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner locations. Similar to Centurion Lounges, Companion Platinum Cards and Additional Gold/Business Expense Cards are not eligible. To enter an Escape Lounge, present:
- Your valid Platinum Card
- A boarding pass showing a confirmed same-day travel reservation (any carrier)
- Government-issued I.D.
The name on the boarding pass must match the Platinum Card, and the eligible flight must be booked using a U.S.-issued American Express Card. At certain locations, you must arrive within 3 hours of your departing flight. During layovers, you can use Escape Lounges in connecting airports at any time. For detailed access policies and terms, refer to the Escape Lounges website. Escape Lounge access is also subject to space availability. Card Members must be 18+ to enter without a guardian, and all visitors must be of legal drinking age to consume alcohol responsibly. Platinum Card Members can bring up to two complimentary guests per Escape Lounge visit.
Delta Sky Club: Access for Delta Flyers
For those who frequently fly Delta, the Platinum card offers access to Delta Sky Clubs. U.S. Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members each receive 10 complimentary “Visits” per year to Delta Sky Clubs or Grab and Go options. These visits are renewed annually on February 1st and expire on January 31st of the following year. These visits are non-transferable and exclusive to the Eligible Platinum Card Member.
A “Visit” encompasses entry to one or more Delta Sky Clubs within a 24-hour period, starting from the first entry, while traveling on a same-day Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet. Importantly, Basic Economy (E) fare tickets do not grant access to this benefit. If your travel extends beyond 24 hours from the initial lounge entry, a second visit will be deducted upon subsequent lounge entry. After using all 10 visits, additional visits can be purchased for $50 per person, or Grab and Go for $25 per person. Guests can be brought into Delta Sky Clubs, with a fee of $50 per guest (or $25 for Grab and Go), up to two guests or immediate family.
Similar to Centurion Lounge access, Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access can be earned by spending $75,000 or more on eligible purchases on the Platinum Card Account within a calendar year. This unlocks unlimited visits for the remainder of the current year, the following year, and until January 31st of the next year.
To access Delta Sky Clubs, Platinum Card Members need to present their valid Platinum Card, government-issued I.D., and boarding pass for a same-day Delta or WestJet flight. Access is limited to within 3 hours of departure for departing flights or anytime during a layover.
Lufthansa Lounges: European Hospitality
For travelers flying with Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines), the Platinum Card provides complimentary access to select Lufthansa Business Lounges (regardless of ticket class) and Lufthansa Senator Lounges (when flying business class). To access Lufthansa lounges, Platinum Card Members must present their Platinum Card, government-issued I.D., and a same-day boarding pass for a Lufthansa Group flight. Check the Lufthansa website for the most updated list of participating lounges and any guest access policies.
Plaza Premium Lounges: Global Network
Platinum Card Members enjoy complimentary access to any Plaza Premium Lounge location globally. To enter, present your Platinum Card, a same-day boarding pass (any carrier), and government-issued I.D. In some locations, the minimum age for unaccompanied entry is 21. A significant benefit is that Platinum Card Members can bring up to two complimentary guests into Plaza Premium Lounges. Refer to Plaza Premium Lounge rules for any specific location policies.
Priority Pass Select: Extensive Lounge Choices
The Priority Pass Select membership, included with the Amex Platinum card, dramatically expands your lounge access options. Platinum Card Members and Additional Platinum Card Members must enroll in Priority Pass Select through their American Express account or by calling the number on the back of their card. Once enrolled, you’ll receive a Priority Pass Select card. Present this card and your boarding pass to access participating Priority Pass lounges.
Priority Pass is an independent program with a vast network of lounges. Enrollment is required to activate this benefit. With Priority Pass Select, Platinum cardholders receive complimentary access for themselves and up to two guests at participating lounges that allow guest access. After the first two guests, guest fees from the Priority Pass Standard program will apply. Some lounges might have guest limitations or age restrictions. Priority Pass Select membership is subject to Priority Pass terms and conditions, which are provided with your membership package and online.
Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges
Beyond these main programs, American Express provides access to even more lounges within the Global Lounge Collection. Platinum Card Members receive unlimited complimentary access to participating locations. Access requirements are generally consistent: Platinum Card, government-issued I.D., and same-day boarding pass (any carrier). Guest access policies vary by lounge. The American Express App or website’s Lounge Finder tool provides the most current list of participating lounges and access details.
Maximizing Your American Express Platinum Lounge Benefits
The American Express Travel Platinum benefits for airport lounge access are a game-changer for frequent travelers and families. By leveraging the Global Lounge Collection, you can transform your airport experience from stressful to relaxing. Whether it’s the flagship Centurion Lounges, the convenient Escape Lounges, the Delta Sky Clubs for domestic travel, or the global reach of Plaza Premium and Priority Pass, the Platinum card opens doors to comfort and tranquility amidst the hustle of travel. Remember to check the specific access rules for each lounge program and location to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
