Upcoming Guest Fees at Amex’s Centurion Lounges—Here’s How to Avoid Them

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The Platinum Card® from American Express (with a $695 annual fee, see rates and fees) is undoubtedly the premier personal credit card for airport lounge access, excelling in both quantity and quality. The American Express Global Lounge Collection provides Platinum Card holders with access to more lounges than any other credit card available, including AirSpace lounges, Delta Sky Club lounges, International American Express lounges, Lufthansa lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, and Priority Pass lounges. Most importantly, the card serves as a golden ticket (or rather, platinum) into Centurion lounges, Amex’s exclusive airport lounges. Platinum Card holders can access any Centurion lounge (13 in the U.S. and 11 internationally) on the day of their travel, no matter the airline or class of service.

Nevertheless, a combination of increased travel demand and the popularity of the Platinum Card has led to overcrowding in Centurion lounges. In response, the credit card company is adjusting its previously generous guest policy, which currently allows two guests per visit at no charge. Starting February 1, 2023, each guest will incur a fee of $50 (or $30 for children aged 2 to 17, with age verification). However, there are still several ways to avoid these new fees and enjoy the Centurion experience with friends and family at no cost. Here’s how.

Maximize Your Amex Platinum Spending in 2023

Significant spending on your Amex Platinum now offers more than just the chance to earn Membership Rewards points. If you spend $75,000 or more on eligible purchases within a calendar year, you’ll gain complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit, valid for that year and the following one as well as January of the next year. For instance, if you reach the $75,000 spending limit on April 5, 2023, your complimentary guest access starts immediately and will be valid for the remainder of 2023, all of 2024, and until January 31, 2025.

Review Your 2022 Spending

If you actively used your Amex Platinum throughout 2022, consider checking your total expenditures for the year. Those who spent over $75,000 in 2022 will automatically qualify for complimentary guest access for two guests per visit until January 31, 2024.

Add Additional Authorized Users Right Away

One of the standout benefits of The Platinum Card® from American Express is the option to add authorized users—also known as extra cardholders—for a fee, allowing them to enjoy many of the primary member's perks, including access to Centurion lounges. Each authorized user costs $195. They gain access to the following travel benefits and more:

• Access to lounges within the entire American Express Global Lounge Collection, from Centurion lounges to Priority Pass lounges
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credits of up to $100 every four years
• Complimentary gold status in Hilton Honors
• Complimentary gold status in Marriott Bonvoy
• Various implicit travel insurances (such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance)

If you are an Amex Platinum holder planning to travel in 2023 and anticipate visiting the Centurion lounge with your spouse at least three times, it would cost $150. However, for just $45 more, they could become an authorized cardholder and enjoy unlimited lounge access with you—or even when traveling alone—along with the other benefits mentioned above throughout the year.

The Importance of Centurion Lounge Access

Centurion lounges are far from ordinary airport lounges. Inside, you'll discover exceptional food and beverage offerings, often curated by renowned local chefs and mixologists. (We particularly love dishes crafted by James Beard Award winner Michelle Bernstein in Miami and fellow winner Nancy Silverton at the Los Angeles location.) Additionally, the lounges feature well-designed work and relaxation areas, and occasionally salons and spas where complimentary treatments are available. In essence, they encourage you to linger at the airport and even arrive several hours before your flight.

Currently, there are 13 Centurion lounges located in major U.S. airports (Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York–LGA, New York–JFK, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, and Seattle), with an increasing number opening internationally. The San Francisco Centurion lounge is set for renovations and expansion in 2023, aiming to double its size, while a brand-new Seattle Centurion lounge will be three times larger than the current one, featuring stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Additionally, three new Centurion lounge locations are planned for next year (Atlanta, Newark, Washington–DCA).

In Summary

Starting February 1, 2023, Centurion’s guest policy is becoming less favorable for holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express. Each guest will incur a fee of $50 (or $30 for children ages 2 to 17, provided proof of age is presented). Nevertheless, you can avoid these charges by adding cardholders to your account now or by spending over $75,000 in a calendar year.

While the offers listed above are accurate as of publication, they are subject to change at any time and may have already changed or may no longer be available.