Gaining Access to Airport Lounges Is About to Become Much More Difficult

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As travel makes a strong comeback, airports have become busier—and more stressful—leading more travelers to seek refuge in the tranquility of airport lounges. However, with numerous travel credit cards touting lounge access as a key benefit, these lounges are struggling to deliver the promised peace. Consequently, both credit cards and lounges are tightening their access policies in 2023. On a positive note, credit card companies are heavily investing in expanding their lounge networks to meet growing demand, offering much to anticipate. Here’s a look at the good, the bad, and the ugly in the airport lounge landscape for 2023.

American Express Centurion Lounges

The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee, see rates and fees) provides the most extensive airport lounge network of any credit card, encompassing the Priority Pass network, Plaza Premium lounges, Lufthansa lounges, and more. The standout lounges in this portfolio are the Centurion Lounges, which are American Express’s flagship airport lounges. Currently, there are 13 Centurion Lounges across the United States (Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York–LGA, New York–JFK, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle).

Good news: The newly enlarged San Francisco Centurion Lounge reopened on December 31, 2022, featuring double the space, an additional bar, and a new menu curated by Executive Chef Ravi Kapur from San Francisco’s Liholiho Yacht Club. Later in 2023, a brand-new Seattle Centurion Lounge will be three times larger than the existing one, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Additionally, three new Centurion lounge locations (Atlanta, Newark, Washington–DCA) are planned for 2023 and beyond, along with a growing number of international locations.

Bad news: Centurion’s guest policy is changing for the worse. Currently, Platinum Card holders can access any Centurion Lounge on their travel date, regardless of airline or class, and bring up to two guests at no charge. However, starting February 1, 2023, each guest will incur a fee of $50 (or $30 for children aged 2 to 17, with proof of age).

Chase Sapphire Lounges by the Club

In the summer of 2022, we announced that Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders could expect Chase Sapphire lounges to debut in late 2022 and throughout 2023. The first lounge is now officially open, with more locations on the horizon.

Good news: On October 25, 2022, the inaugural Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club opened at Hong Kong airport. Shortly thereafter, Chase revealed plans for additional lounges currently under construction in Boston, Las Vegas, New York–LGA, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington–IAD, along with a massive 20,000-square foot lounge at Philadelphia’s Terminal D/E connector.

Bad news: The entire new network of Chase Sapphire Lounges by the Club will be integrated into the Priority Pass network. Since Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders receive Priority Pass Select membership, they will have access. However, this also means that all Priority Pass members, including those who hold membership through Capital One or American Express credit cards, will be allowed in, which could lead to overcrowding. (Keep in mind that a Priority Pass card is required for entry; presenting just your Reserve card won't suffice.)

Capital One Lounges, Landings, and Priority Pass updates

Holders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card can access lounges within the Priority Pass network, Plaza Premium lounges, and Capital One’s expanding array of branded lounges, rich in amenities.

Good news: Capital One is venturing into the airport lounge scene with its own Capital One Lounges. While there is currently just one located at Dallas–Fort Worth, more are set to launch in 2023. Full-sized Capital One Lounges will soon open in Denver and Washington–IAD. Additionally, Capital One Landings, the credit card’s boutique lounge concept featuring chef-driven offerings by the acclaimed José Andrés Group, will debut at Washington–DCA and New York–LGA. Venture X Rewards cardholders can access Capital One Lounges at no cost, along with two free guests per visit.

Bad news: At present, Priority Pass memberships obtained through Capital One provide credits for various affiliate airport restaurants, cafés, and bars. As of now, there are 29 such lounge alternatives where Priority Pass members can enjoy a food and beverage credit ranging from $28 to $32 per guest. However, starting January 1, 2023, Capital One’s Priority Pass membership will no longer offer credits or experiences at these restaurants and lounge alternatives. (It's important to note that Priority Pass membership via American Express credit cards also lacks restaurant credits, whereas Chase Sapphire Reserve does provide them.)

Delta Sky Clubs

Overcrowding is a significant issue across airport lounges, but the congestion at Delta Sky Clubs has reached an extreme level. Consequently, Delta is implementing major changes to lounge access in 2023 while also expanding its lounge presence in key markets.

Good news: Delta has plans to open and expand eight Sky Clubs in 2023. A new club will debut in Kansas City, and lounges in Boston, Minneapolis–St. Paul, Newark, and New York–JFK will relocate to larger spaces. Additionally, clubs in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta’s concourse E will be expanded. Delta will also introduce a real-time occupancy tracker for its Atlanta and Detroit lounges in the Fly Delta app, with more airports to follow.

Bad news: Delta will prioritize lounge entry, giving first access to Diamond Medallion, Delta 360 members, and Delta One customers. Those with the Platinum Card® from American Express and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($550 annual fee, see rates and fees) will still have access, but their position in the new hierarchy remains unclear. Starting February 2, 2023, the fee for companion guests will increase to $50 per guest (up from the current $39). Additionally, elite status holders (Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion®) will no longer enjoy Delta Sky Club access when traveling internationally in Main Cabin or Delta Comfort+. Furthermore, beginning February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will receive ten visits per year to the Delta Sky Club, but to earn unlimited visits each year, total eligible purchases on the card must reach $75,000 or more in 2024 and each year thereafter.

American Airlines Admirals Clubs

American Airlines is embarking on a complete redesign of its Admirals Club lounges, prioritizing relaxation and comfort. The first revamped lounge opened in October 2022 at Washington–DCA. Membership to the Admirals Clubs is available for $650 per year, but it's also included as a complimentary benefit with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which has an annual fee of $450, making it a more economical choice for membership.

Good news: Future locations are planned for Newark, Austin, and Denver, with these new lounges designed to evoke a more residential atmosphere rather than a corporate feel. They will feature sustainable design elements, cozy relaxation spaces, and a strong connection to their surroundings. (The DCA lounge incorporates design elements inspired by the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Capitol building, and the city's iconic cherry blossoms.) American has yet to specify a timeline for the opening of these additional lounge locations.

In addition, American Airlines has also opened three new co-located lounges—the Chelsea Lounge, Soho Lounge, and Greenwich Lounge—at Terminal 8 in New York–JFK in collaboration with its oneworld partner British Airways in December 2022. To access the new JFK lounges, you must be traveling in first or business class on a qualifying American, British Airways, or oneworld Alliance airline flight, or hold specific status with those airlines.

Bad news: There truly is none! American is maintaining its lounge access policy unchanged into 2023.

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