American Experes Centurion Airort Lounge

Amex is Cutting Complimentary Centurion Lounge Access for Guests — But Don’t Panic Yet

Back when I was considering and comparing the American Express Platinum card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve, one of the perks that put the former over the top for me was access to Amex’s own Centurion Lounges. While the similar benefits of being able to enjoy Delta SkyClubs when flying Delta was another reason why I opted for the Platinum, the downside there was that Delta still charged for guests whereas Centrurions allowed cardmembers to bring up to two guests for free. However, that policy is now set to change.

After a seemingly accidental update to their terms was spotted by bloggers, American Express has now confirmed to The Points Guy that Centurion lounges will discontinue that complimentary admission of guests. Instead, Platinum cardholders will need to pay $50 per guest per entry. Luckily, though, this change won’t take effect until February 1st, 2023. Also, once the policy is installed, Platinum cardholders can unlock the guest access perk by spending $75,000 or more in purchases during a calendar year (sidenote: LOL).

The move to eliminate free guests from Centurion lounges speaks to ongoing complaints from cardmembers that the locations are frequently overcrowded, leading to long wait or turned away customers. In fact, the lounges have already made changes aimed at curbing capacity issues, such as no longer allowing arriving passengers to enter and limiting departing passengers. Meanwhile, Amex continues to build new lounges in additional airports and is currently expanding some of its existing locations.

While it’s obviously disappointing that Amex is taking away this great benefit and charging such a high price per guest, at least they’re giving a long heads-up about the shift. This advanced notice also gives cardholders the chance to consider adding an authorized user to their card if they want to continue bringing travel companions into the lounges. If you weren’t aware, Platinum cardholders can currently add up to three authorized users for an annual fee of $175 (this means you pay the full $175 per year whether you add one person or three people). Authorized users won’t receive such perks as the Uber credits, Saks credits, etc., but they will enjoy the same lounge access perks as primary cardholders along with complimentary hotel status and more. Furthermore, Amex’s new terms do state that additional cardholders will be exempt from the incoming $50 per-visit fee.

On the other hand, a lot can still change before 2023 rolls around. In fact, this news has only intensified rumors that American Express is looking to hike up the Platinum card’s annual fee and/or introduce a new card level between Platinum and its exclusively illusive Centurion card (AKA “the black card”). To be clear, nothing concrete or official on these fronts has been announced… but I’ll admit I am a tad bit worried about what could be coming down the pike.

Setting aside those larger fears, I’m not too concerned about this change at Centurion lounges. No one likes paying for something that used to be free but, as someone who has already added authorized users to my card, it honestly doesn’t impact me too much — except to say that the lounges will hopefully be more accessible in the future. That said, we’ll have to wait and see what other plans Amex has in store for its premium products and whether or not the Platinum card remains worth it for people like me.

Author
Founder ~ Moneyat30
Kyle is a freelance writer - including being the head writer for Fioney.com. He also serves as editorial director for the Disney fan site LaughingPlace.com and the founder of Money@30.com. In 2015, Kyle and his wife Bekah moved from Los Angeles to Springfield MO in pursuit of greater financial freedom. Together, the pair enjoy travel, coffee, and spending time with their dog Rigby. Additionally, as of 2023, they become first-time homeowners.
Other Articles by Kyle Burbank
person standing in front of exploding fireworks
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Venetian rewards gems
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds 4th of July sale logo
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...

Leave a Reply

Featured Articles
Hey You Kids, Get Off My Lawn!
With last Friday being July 4th, I decided to take a week off from posting. However, I wanted to share a story from that night (or, really, early the next morning). Backing up, last year, we learned that our neighbors loved fireworks. So we were prepared for a few hours of noise and helping our...
Travel Tuesday: The Venetian Surveying Guests on Possible Rewards Credit Card
Late last year, I had a chance to cross another Las Vegas Strip property off my list with a stay at The Palazzo at The Venetian. Whether because of that or because I opened a players club card with them as well, this week The Venetian sent me a survey regarding a potential rewards credit...
Allbirds is Celebrating Independence Day with a 50% Off Sale
One funny thing about summer is how a sunny day can quickly turn into a heavy downpour. This is even more prominent in certain parts of the country where you may be headed on a summer vacation (I'm looking at you, Florida!). So, given that weather reality, it makes perfect sense that Allbirds would be...
An Amex Platinum Card Revamp is Coming — And I'm Worried
Earlier this week, Chase confirmed pretty much every rumor that had been swirling for the past couple of months by announcing details on a major refresh for its uber popular Sapphire Reserve card. When this refresh launches next week (or in October for current cardholders), it will bring new credits, a reimagined rewards-earning system, and...