Amex Cutting Centurion Lounge Guest Access February 2023

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Airport lounge crowding has become a bigger problem recently. The access policies for the popular Centurion Lounges were going to be changed. We are just a few weeks away from this new policy taking effect and I wanted to recap all the details.

Amex Platinum Centurion Lounge guesting changes

The Platinum Card from American Express and the Business Platinum Card from American Express are going to be affected by the changes. Many card members will no longer be able to bring two guests into lounges for free.

• Both primary cardmembers and authorized users on the Amex Platinum will continue to receive lounge access
• Those with the Amex Platinum will be charged a $50 fee for each guest they bring into Centurion Lounges; there will be a reduced fee of $30 when guesting people under the age of 18, though babies under two can still be brought in at no extra cost
• Amex Platinum cardmembers who spend at least $75,000 per calendar year on the card will continue to receive complimentary lounge access for two guests
• The Centurion Lounge guesting policy will remain unchanged for those with the Centurion Card, as well as those with the Corporate Platinum Card (which is different than the Business Platinum Card)
• There are no changes to the guesting policy for the Amex Platinum Card when it comes to partner lounges, including the Priority Pass membership, Escape Lounges, etc.

American Express explained the change to its lounge access policy.

“The Centurion Lounge is one of the most popular benefits of the Platinum Card. We want to make sure we continue to back our Card Members when they travel by delivering a comfortable space for our Card Members to recharge and relax, which is why we are making some changes to our Centurion Lounge guest access policy.”

Is this Amex policy change good or bad news?

The change to Amex Centurion Lounge guesting policies looks like a devaluation since a benefit is being taken away. The food, drinks, and other amenities of the lounge are more impressive than those of most US airlines.

The biggest downside to the lounge is how crowded they are. The lounges don't get any less busy even though the lounge network keeps expanding.

There have been attempts by Amex to add new restrictions that would reduce crowding. I think this change will greatly reduce the crowds in these lounges.

You won't be happy about this policy change if you take a lot of guests into the lounge. If you enter the lounge alone, you might find it too crowded.

Even though Miami is my home airport, I always go to the American Admirals Club instead of the Centurion Lounge because it is much quieter.

The best Amex Platinum strategy going forward

Adding more users to the personal version of the Amex Platinum is a good deal if you travel with a few other people.

You can add up to three additional cardmember for a total of $175, which is less than $60 per cardmember. The additional card members get access to the lounge. If you want to travel with the same people, this is a good way to deal with this change.

If you spend a lot on airfare you can earn 5x points on the card. Better cards are available for everyday spending.

Will Centurion Lounges have significantly fewer kids?

I think it's bad for parents here.

• You can only add those 13 years of age or older as additional cardmembers on Amex cards
• In other words, if you have a child who is 12 years or younger, your only options for getting them Centurion Lounge access are to spend $75,000 per year on the Amex Platinum, or to spend $30 per visit for them

I could see a lot of parents canceling their American Express Platinum cards. It is possible that the goal is to have fewer children in these lounges in order to focus them on road warriors.

How do you see your Amex Platinum spending?

If you want to bring in more guests into the lounge, you will need to spend at least $75,000 a year on the Amex Platinum Card. When the new restrictions take effect, where can you see your spending on the card?

Go to the Amex Platinum card profile after logging into your Amex account. Click on theBenefits tab to go to the next page.

You should be able to see a spending tracker when you visit. If you are close, this could be helpful, as most people know if they have spent more than $75,000 in a year.

Those with the Amex Platinum will no longer be able to bring guests into the lounge. The exception is for people who spend a lot of money.

This is an interesting change, and your opinion will likely vary based on whether you usually take guests into these lounges or not, as well as whether you have kids.

What do you think about the changes to the lounge?

The rates and fees can be found in the links. There is a Platinum Card from American Express.