Amex Platinum Lounge Access: Benefits & Guide

Considered the crown jewel of amex platinum airport lounges, these lounges are known for their high-quality food, signature cocktails, and luxury amenities.

Found in major airports like New York’s JFK, Miami (MIA), and San Francisco (SFO), Centurion Lounges are a haven for weary travelers.

If you’re flying Delta, your Amex Platinum Card gives you access to the Delta Sky Clubs. However, there’s a catch – you need to be flying on a Delta-operated flight.

These lounges provide complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi, perfect for getting some work done or just relaxing before a flight.

Your Amex Platinum Card comes with a complimentary Priority Pass membership, opening doors to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.

These lounges vary in offerings, but many provide free beverages, light snacks, and a comfortable environment away from the main terminal.

Located in select airports, these lounges provide access to cardholders and offer a range of amenities like food, drinks, and even showers at some locations.

The amex platinum card lounge access makes these smaller, lesser-known lounges a hidden gem.

Not all lounges are available to all cardholders at all times. It’s a good idea to check your eligibility through the American Express website or app before heading to the airport.

Most lounges will require you to show your physical The Platinum Card® from American Express along with your boarding pass. This is especially important for access to Centurion and Delta Sky Clubs.

Most lounges allow you to bring guests, but rules vary. For example, Centurion Lounges allow you to bring up to two guests for a fee, while Delta Sky Clubs require you to pay for any additional guests.

Some lounges have time restrictions, particularly Centurion Lounges, which typically allow access three hours before your flight. So, plan accordingly to maximize your relaxation time.

Why It’s Great for Lounge Access:

• Centurion Lounge Access: Complimentary access for the cardholder plus two guests or immediate family members.
• Global Lounge Collection: Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Plaza Premium lounges.
• Additional Benefits: Up to $200 in airline fee credits, up to $200 Uber Cash annually, and 5X points on flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel.

Annual Fee: Annual Fee: annual_fees

Best For: Frequent travelers who want unlimited access to the most exclusive lounges and premium travel perks.

Why It’s Great for Lounge Access:

• Centurion Lounge Access: Complimentary access for the cardholder plus two guests or immediate family members.
• Global Lounge Collection: Access to Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Plaza Premium lounges.
• Business Perks: 5X points on flights and hotels through Amex Travel, 1.5X points on select business purchases, and up to $200 airline fee credit.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Best For: Business travelers who want to combine premium lounge access with valuable business rewards.

Why It’s Great for Lounge Access:

• Delta and Centurion Lounge Access: Complimentary access to Centurion Lounges when flying on Delta-operated flights (fee applies for guests) and Delta Sky Clubs.
• Delta-Specific Perks: First checked bag free, priority boarding, and an annual companion certificate for domestic flights.
• Earning Rates: 3X miles on Delta purchases, 1X miles on other eligible purchases.

Annual Fee: annual_fees

Best For: Delta frequent flyers who want access to both Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs.

Why It’s Great for Lounge Access:

• Unlimited Access: Complimentary entry for the cardholder and up to two guests or immediate family members at all Centurion Lounges.
• Ultimate Luxury Perks: Includes private jets, concierge services, exclusive event access, and personalized travel planning.
• Elite Benefits: Top-tier access to exclusive Amex benefits, hotel loyalty programs, and special experiences.

Annual Fee: Invitation-only with a high initiation fee and annual fee.

Best For: Ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking the pinnacle of luxury and exclusivity in travel benefits.

Why It’s Great for Lounge Access:

• Centurion Lounge Access: Complimentary access for corporate employees holding the card.
• Global Lounge Collection: Access to Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Plaza Premium lounges.
• Corporate Benefits: Travel insurance, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee credit, and 5X points on flights and hotels through Amex Travel.

Annual Fee: Varies by corporate plan.

Best For: Companies and corporate executives looking to provide premium travel benefits for frequent business travelers.

Did you know that the Miami Centurion Lounge features a curated menu by a James Beard Award-winning chef?

Yes, you can munch on gourmet food while watching planes take off. Goodbye, stale airport sandwiches!

Some lounges offer local wines and craft beers. For example, the Seattle Centurion Lounge features a rotating selection of Pacific Northwest wines.

Consider it a mini wine tour before you fly.

There’s even an escape room-like experience at the Las Vegas Centurion Lounge.

Just kidding, but the lounge does have shower suites, which feel like an escape after a long flight.

Use the American Express app or website to check which lounges are available at your departure and arrival airports.

Some lounges are only available in certain terminals, so plan your route through the airport accordingly.

From gourmet meals to high-end cocktails, make sure to enjoy all the complimentary offerings.

Remember, you’re getting this access as part of your card benefits, so make the most of it!

Lounges can get crowded during peak travel times, and some may even have waitlists.

Arriving early not only secures you a spot but also allows you more time to relax and enjoy the amenities.

Lounge access rules can change, so keep yourself updated.

For example, in recent years, many lounges have implemented tighter guest policies due to overcrowding.