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Which Airport Lounges Can I Access With the Amex Platinum & Business Platinum?

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Christine Krzyszton

Christine Krzyszton

Senior Finance Contributor

Countries Visited: 98U.S. States Visited: 45

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, deta...
Edited by: Jessica Merritt

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Countries Visited: 4U.S. States Visited: 23

A long-time points and miles student, Jessica is the former Personal Finance Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report and is passionate about helping consumers fund their travels for as little ca...
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The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, loaded with luxury travel benefits and generous statement credits, are revered by many as perfect premium credit cards for the frequent traveler.

And while there are plenty of reasons to be a cardholder, there’s 1 outstanding benefit that warrants carrying the card in your wallet: the complimentary lounge membership opens the gates of airport lounge access to an unprecedented span of over 1,400 different lounge locations worldwide.

If you travel frequently, you already know the benefits of airport lounge membership. These quasi-sanctuaries have become places to anticipate a journey with friends, hold a meeting with co-workers, grab needed refreshments between flights, or serve as a convenient retreat during trip disruptions.

However, the normal cost of all this comfort and convenience doesn’t come cheap. It’s not unusual to spend $600 annually for a stand-alone airport lounge membership. If you’re a frequent traveler and lounge access is important to you, you will find extreme economic value in a travel rewards credit card that comes with complimentary lounge access.

And while the overall benefits of the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card are many, the lounge benefits that come with the card are second to none. If you’re in the market for an Amex personal card or Amex business card, this article will cover which lounges you can access, the value of complimentary lounge access for every traveler, and an overview of network lounges and what to expect.

Card Snapshots

If the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card is not already in your wallet, here’s a quick overview of the cards to see if they might be a good addition for you.

Amex Platinum Card

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Amex Business Platinum Card

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a huge welcome bonus offer of up to 170,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum. The current public offer is 120,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The American Express Global Lounge Collection

You don’t have to fly a specific airline or purchase a premium class of service to have worldwide lounge access. Your Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card come with complimentary lounge access to over 1,400 different lounge properties worldwide, including the vast network of Priority Pass lounges.

You’ll have access to any of the lounge networks within the American Express Global Lounge Collection:

We’ll discuss the details of these lounge networks later in this article. First, let’s look at the potential value of the Amex Platinum card and the Amex Business Platinum card’s complimentary lounge access benefit.

Hot Tip: With over 1,400 lounges worldwide, the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card offer the most comprehensive lounge access benefit of any travel credit card. 

The Value of Complimentary Lounge Access

Purchasing individual lounge membership can be expensive. Image Credit: Priority Pass

The cost of purchasing an airport lounge membership is constantly increasing. It’s not unusual to see $600 annual membership fees for access to a single lounge network.

To understand the value of the complimentary lounge membership that comes with the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card, let’s look at what membership would cost for a typical airport lounge network.

Lounge Network Single 1-Year Membership CostCost To Add a Spouse, Partner, or Guest to MembershipSingle-day Pass for 1 Person
Admirals Club$750 to $850 depending on elite status$800 additional for household membership, depending on elite status$79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles
Delta Sky Club$545, 54,500 miles or $50 for 12 monthly installments$300 additional for Executive Membership, which includes access for up to 2 additional guestsNot available
United Club$550 or 75,000 miles for Premier 1K members,$600 or 80,000 miles for Premier Platinum members, $650 or 85,000 miles for Premier Silver, Gold, and General Members$650 (or 85,000 United miles) additional for spouse or partner$59
Priority Pass Select$469N/A – Annual membership covers cardholders only; additional guests pay $35 per visit$35 per visit for cardholders with basic $99 annual standard membership
Centurion LoungeN/AN/AEligible Amex cardholders can purchase a guest day pass for $50 per adult or $30 per child between the ages of 2 and 17 (rates and fees)
Lufthansa LoungesN/AN/A$25 to $50 per visit per person
Plaza Premium$349 (10 visits)N/ACan bring 2 guests free, 30% discount on the fee for each additional guest
Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio PartnerN/AN/A$40 to $45 per visit
Aspire LoungeN/A N/A$40 to $45 per visit

Yes, annual lounge membership can be expensive. However, with a yearly fee, is the complimentary lounge access that comes with the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card worth it?

Let’s do the math.

Value for Family Lounge Access

As of February 1, 2023, complimentary guest access for Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum cardholders is based upon calendar spending for Centurion Lounge access. The fee per guest will be $50 per adult or $30 per child between 2 to 17 years old. Complimentary guest access will be reinstated once you’ve spent $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year.

If you frequently travel with a large family, it can be frustrating when lounge access is denied to more than 2 guests. Sure, you and your partner could each be primary cardholders with your own individual cards, but fortunately, that’s not necessary.

For $195 per card, you can add authorized users to your Amex Platinum card (rates and fees) . Each authorized user receives the same lounge benefits as the primary cardholder.

Remember that authorized users don’t have to be traveling with you to have lounge access. Plus, they can each bring 2 guests to most lounges.

Value for the Delta Air Lines Traveler

Without the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card, a frequent Delta traveler would still need SkyMiles elite status to purchase a Sky Club membership to have lounge access.

A Delta Sky Club membership that allows 2 guests would cost $1,495 annually. A single membership is $695.

For just the annual fee, the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card could secure access for an entire family to over 1,400 lounges worldwide, not just Delta-affiliated lounges.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card, with annual fees at the same cost as a single Sky Club membership, deliver far more value for the Delta traveler. Plus, you’ll receive all the cards’ additional benefits, including the initial sign-up bonus, statement credits, hotel/rental car elite status, and access to more than Delta-affiliated lounges. 

Value for the Business Traveler

If you travel for business, chances are you greatly value lounge access. The expense can add up quickly if you pay for an annual lounge membership or purchase day passes.

The Amex Business Platinum card can give you unlimited access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide for less than the cost of purchasing just 2-day passes per month or a single annual lounge membership.

The additional benefits of the Amex Business Platinum card can also serve the business traveler well. Airline incident fee credit, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit, statement credits, elite status with car rental and hotel programs, and premium perks at Fine Hotels & Resorts all provide value for the business traveler.

Bottom Line: The business traveler who purchases just 2 lounge day passes per month would receive far greater economic value, more benefits, and spend less by having the Amex Business Platinum card. 

Value for the Leisure Traveler

If you currently pay for lounge access, having the Amex Platinum card for complimentary lounge access as a leisure traveler makes sense. It also makes sense if you’d like to add the luxury of having airport lounge access to your travels.

If you travel just once a quarter and pay for 2 travelers to access a lounge, you could be spending $400 a year on lounge access. Having the Amex Platinum card will add unlimited worldwide lounge access to your travels for yourself, plus 2 guests at most lounges. You can visit for 15 minutes or 3 hours without considering whether it’s worth the $50 per day pass fee for each person.

The Global Lounge Benefit Details

Having complimentary access to various airport lounges during your travels may sound very appealing. However, it’s always good to dig deeper and learn more about the actual benefits you’ll be receiving.

For a credit card benefit to have value for you, you’ll need to be able to utilize that benefit.

Let’s take a look at the impressive collection of lounges and lounge alternatives in the American Express Global Lounge Collection that you’ll have complimentary access to with your Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card.

The Centurion Lounge Network

The Centurion Lounge Miami Airport. Image Credit: Juan Ruiz

Membership to this elite network of luxury airport lounges is not for sale. You’ll need to have either the Amex Platinum card, Amex Business Platinum card, or the Centurion® Card by American Express to gain access.

Centurion Lounges, both in the U.S. and abroad, are the most incredible places to hang out if you’re a frequent traveler. Order from the menu, take a nap in the zen room, or relax with a premium cocktail during your visit.

You may even choose to get a manicure or massage if your schedule allows. Services and amenities vary by location, but it’s always an elevated experience.

Centurion Lounge Benefits

  • High-speed internet
  • Membership and itinerary assistance
  • Premium alcoholic beverages
  • Seasonally-inspired food
  • TV, magazines, newspapers
  • Workspaces, computer charging stations, copiers, and fax machine

Additional Amenities Available at Some Centurion Lounges

  • Conference room
  • Family room
  • Luggage lockers
  • Shower suites
  • Spa services
  • Wine tasting

As of February 1, 2023, cardmembers with the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card can no longer bring complimentary guests into the Centurion lounge. The guest fee is $50 per adult and $30 per child (2 to 17 years old).

However, cardholder accounts that spend $75,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year will have the perk of complimentary access for 2 guests reinstated. Note that this spend requirement is across all cardholders (main Amex Platinum or Amex Business Platinum cardholder and associated authorized users).

Priority Pass Select

Oman Air First and Business Class Lounge Bangkok. Image Credit: Priority Pass

Priority Pass lounges seem to be available everywhere, and there’s a reason. There are more than 1,300 locations worldwide, so you’ll likely find one available during your travels.

You may also use your Priority Pass Select membership to take a nap at Minute Suites. You’ll receive the first hour free.

You must register for Priority Pass once you receive your Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card welcome package in the mail. Log in to your online account, sign up under the Benefits tab, or call the number on the back of your card.

We’ve put together an extensive guide to Priority Pass with a list of benefits, plus lounge, restaurant, and Minute Suite locations in the U.S. Note that Priority Pass memberships from U.S.-issued American Express cards, including the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card, no longer include Priority Pass restaurant access (“non-lounge airport experiences”).

Delta Sky Club (50+ Lounges)

Delta Sky Club Austin. Image Credit: Delta

Cardholders traveling the same day on Delta have unlimited access to over 50 Delta Sky Clubs.

Just show your boarding pass, ID, and Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum card for entry.

While guests are not included in complimentary access, the cardholder may purchase discounted access for up to 2 guests for a fee.

Lufthansa Lounges

Lufthansa Senator Lounge B Frankfurt. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Cardholders receive complimentary access to Lufthansa business class lounges when flying same-day on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines). If the cardholder is flying business class, they’ll also have access to the Lufthansa Senator Lounges. Centurion cardmembers have access to Lufthansa first class, Senator, and Business lounges regardless of ticket class.

Guests may be granted access for a fee.

Virgin Clubhouses

Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse JFK. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Cardholders are eligible to visit Virgin Clubhouses in New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (IAD).

Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium First Lounge Hong Kong – Primo Buffet. Image Credit: Greg Stone

Based in Hong Kong, Plaza Premium Lounges has a vast network of airport lounges available to the Amex Platinum card or Amex Business Platinum cardholder.

You’ll find 120+ lounges worldwide in the Plaza Premium Lounges network.

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner

Escape Lounge Oakland. Image Credit: Katie Seemann

With 10+ locations throughout the U.S., Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner offers a place to enjoy a premium beverage, have a bite to eat, catch up on work, or relax between flights.

Cardholders may bring 2 additional guests at no charge.

Aspire Lounges

Image Credit: Aspire Lounge

Aspire Lounges (formerly Airspace Lounge) are located at the San Diego (SAN) and Ontario (ONT) airports and offer complimentary access for cardholders. Enjoy complimentary refreshments, a business area, Wi-Fi, a conference room (SAN), and showers (SAN), and 2 guests are permitted at no additional charge.

Final Thoughts

If you currently pay for an annual airport lounge membership, you’ll be thrilled with the value you receive from the Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum card.

For less than the price of just a couple of day passes per month, you can enjoy unlimited worldwide lounge access with the card. You’ll also enjoy the long list of other premium travel benefits that come with the card.

If you’ve been without lounge membership and have considered adding lounge access to your travels, you won’t find a more cost-effective route to unlimited worldwide lounge access for you and your guests.

The information regarding the Centurion® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Christine Krzyszton

Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.

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34 comments

Lisa

February 25, 2019

I don’t have this card but how can I get into BOS as I don’t really have any card to get in there. Will be flying AA. Can I just pay to get in there?

Christine Krzyszton

February 25, 2019

Hi Lisa. Yes, you could buy a day pass for the BOS American Airlines Admiral’s Club. https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/airportAmenities/bos-club.jsp

Lisa

February 25, 2019

BOS is excluded due to construction. 🙁

Christine Krzyszton

February 25, 2019

Lisa, there are a few lounges at BOS where you can purchase a day pass. https://www.loungebuddy.com/BOS?source=wdgt-www-loungebuddy&filter_access=select

Lisa

February 26, 2019

Sorry. Just looked at my bookings. And realize we will be coming BOS on a JetBlue flight. We will have a 6.5 hour layover at BOS.

Christine Krzyszton

February 27, 2019

No problem, Lisa. See my previous answer for lounge options. Safe travels.

David Belin

June 28, 2019

This strategy is contrary to current Centurion Lounge policy: “Guest access is per Card Member, not per Card.” https://thecenturionlounge.com/info/access

Still interested to know if the strategy currently works, though I doubt it given updated TOS since this article was written.

Erin Miller

June 28, 2019

Hi David, on March 27th & 28th of this year, UP had three separate staff members call into the Platinum Card’s customer service center and we all received the same confirmation:

Guest access is, indeed, per cardholder NOT per card member. This means each authorized user or cardholder is allowed two guests.

Again, this was confirmed multiple times by member services upon calling in to request the most up-to-date info but we haven’t called to confirm again since then…

Christine Krzyszton

June 28, 2019

David, I can also confirm that authorized users do indeed have the same lounge privileges as the primary member. A group of 6 of us arrived at the Centurion lounge. The husband used his card to admit 2 guests and the wife, an authorized user, gained access for the other 2 guests. There was one primary card member and one authorized user (with her card) to admit 6 people.

Mark

June 29, 2019

I just spoke with the Delta AmEx folks and they told me that simply having a Delta Platinum AmEx doesn’t grant free access to the Sky Club, there is a $29 per visit fee involved.

Christine Krzyszton

June 29, 2019

Delta provided correct information, Mark. The Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express does not come with complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. The information provided in this article, however, relates to lounge access options for the Platinum Card from American Express which is an entirely different card.

Katen

August 13, 2019

We are traveling to Charlotte, have they opened the Centurion lounge there and are they open 24 hours? Our flight arrives at 12:05am. Would they allow us to rest there before hopping on a cruise?

Christine Krzyszton

August 13, 2019

Unfortunately, the anticipated Centurion lounge is not open yet. It is scheduled to be completed in 2020. There is a 24 hour Minute Suites location at CLT, however.

Steven Kanchuga

September 24, 2019

What is the best lounge I can get into with my AMEX Platinum card at the Changi Airport in Singapore? Thanks.

Christine Krzyszton

September 24, 2019

Hi Steven. There are more than a dozen lounges available at Changi Airport located throughout 4 terminals. Here is a list of available lounges you can access with your Platinum Card: https://global.americanexpress.com/lounge-access/the-platinum-card-idc-en/SIN

Allison P

October 23, 2019

I just asked Amex this question and they couldn’t answer with certainty. If I am an Amex Platinum member, and I bring my husband and child into a lounge (we are all of course flying Delta and they are NOT authorized users), do I have to PAY the $29 fee with the Amex Platinum card? Or could I use a card that I have unused credits on? (Like an Amex gold card, for instance, with its $100 credit with Delta as the selected airline). The Amex person on chat thought it should work, but didn’t know if anyone has tried that exact scenario.

Christine Krzyszton

October 23, 2019

Hello Allison. First, I searched through the terms and conditions for Delta Sky Club lounge access using the Amex Platinum and it does not say whether the guest fees have to be paid for with that specific card, only that you must use your Amex Platinum to gain access. However, airline incidental credits on your Amex Gold card (that you mentioned) are specifically for airline incidentals so it is questionable whether the credit would be triggered by purchasing lounge access. You can read the access rules from Delta’s web site here: https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access

Allison P

October 23, 2019

Thanks for the reply! I know others said the $29 lounge access works for the incidentals on the platinum card. And I can confirm American Airline lounge pass works for the credit. Guess I’m only out $29 if it doesn’t work!

Seyed Nahid

October 26, 2019

Does American Express have a lounge at the Istanbul international airport?

Jarrod West

October 27, 2019

Hi Seyed,

There is not an American Express branded lounge at the Istanbul airport. But if you have a Priority Pass membership then you can access the IGA lounge in the international terminal.

Thanks for reading!

Richard Brock

February 28, 2021

If I have a Delta SkyMiles Reserve card and I am flying on an airline other than Delta can I access a Centurion club for a fee? And can I bring a guest for a fee?

Jarrod West

March 01, 2021

Hi Richard,

Unfortunately not. You can only access Centurion lounges with the Delta Reserve card when you’re flying Delta.

Jeremiah

March 26, 2021

And of course, it turns out I’m transiting in FRA on 4/1.

Mikkel

August 07, 2021

Hello. Do I have to purchase my Delta flight with my Amex card to get Delta Sky Club lounge access? Or simply just having the Amex Plat card, boarding pass, and ID, grants me access?

Christine Krzyszton

August 09, 2021

Hi Mikkel. There is no requirement that the Delta flight must be purchased with your American Express card to have access. You must have a same-day ticket, however.

Max T.

June 26, 2022

Hi. I have multiple Amex Platinum cards (vanilla, business, and Schwab) and am the only primary user for those 3 Platinum cards. Could I then bring (up to) 6 guests (2 guests per Platinum card) into the Centurion lounge? TIA

Christine Krzyszton

June 26, 2022

Hi Max. Unfortunately, guest access is per cardmember, not per card. You are limited to 2 guests per cardmember, regardless how many cards you have. If a member of your party is an authorized user (Platinum) on your card, however, they could bring 2 additional guests using their card.

Max T.

June 26, 2022

Got it – thx much Christine!

Carol

July 01, 2022

Thank you for putting all information into this one big article, super cool! The plaza premium lounge link is not working now?

Jarrod West

July 01, 2022

Hi Carol,

Thanks for pointing that out! I’ve just corrected the link.

Mark Maloney

November 20, 2022

Hey Christine, Great article – thank you. I have an American Express Platinum card and am traveling from New Zealand to Europe this Xmas. My wife has a supplementary card as well. I have two children (17 and 13) and wondered whether we will all be able to access lounges in Hongkong, Frankfurt (on the way over to Europe), and Bristol, Frankfurt, and Singapore (on the way back). For the record, we are flying Lufthansa. I understood that we would all be able to enter lounges, but just trying to get your thoughts (and Hong Kong is the biggest layover with 7 hours – so most important). Thanks in advance. Mark

Christine Krzyszton

November 20, 2022

Thank you for the kind words, Mark. I looked up the requirements for each lounge on your list and provided your wife has an Amex Platinum authorized user card, you should all be able to access each lounge along your route. The 3-hour occupancy rule that applies to departures shouldn’t apply with your connecting flight boarding pass but if there is a capacity issue, they could limit your stay. The Centurion Lounge in Hong Kong is not open but there are Plaza Premium lounges available. Bristol has an Aspire Lounge. Plaza Premium and Aspire (as well as some Centurions) can have capacity issues at times and the staff can choose to limit entry but hopefully, all will go smoothly. You can check current opening times and locations here: https://global.americanexpress.com/lounge-access/the-platinum-card/HKG The new guest rules start February 1st, 2023 so you’ll beat that deadline. Here’s more info on that new requirement: /news/amex-centurion-lounge-network-changes/ Safe travels.

Norine

November 24, 2022

We fly exclusively on United in the U.S. Are any of the lounges included with the AMEX Platinum card easily accessible from United Terminals?

Christine Krzyszton

November 24, 2022

Hi Norine. The first one that comes to mind is the Centurion in SFO in the same terminal as some United flights but there are several others. Loungebuddy.com lists lounges by concourse so you can find a lounge near your connecting flight. While many U.S. lounges may be located in the International terminals, there are a lot of accessible options. Once you bring up the list of lounges, you can click on the specific venue that’s near you, or within walking distance, and look at the requirements for access. Perhaps our readers who fly United have their favorites and can chime in, as well.

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