This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Disclosure, visit this page.
The Centurion Lounge is one of the best airport lounge experiences. Access is complimentary for flyers that have The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. However, additional guests will cost $50 per visit soon. Here’s what you need to know about how Centurion Lounge visits are going to be more expensive.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Current Centurion Lounge Pricing
One of the best air travel perks of the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum is complimentary airport lounge access to the Centurion Network.
This lounge network is an exclusive perk to select American Express credit cards. The current policy lets the primary cardholder and up to 2 additional guests enter for free into the Centurion Lounge.
Cardholders of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card can bring up to 2 additional guests but must pay $50 per person, per visit. When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
The Centurion Lounge price changes won’t impact Reserve card members.
Related: Best Delta Credit Cards
What’s Changing?
Reports and screenshots from other online outlets (here and here) indicate the Centurion Lounge intends on having Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card members pay $50 per visit for two additional guests starting February 1, 2023.
These changes won’t affect the corporate version of the Platinum Cards.
The policy change was briefly seen on the online terms and conditions on the Centurion Lounge website. But the service reverted back to the current pricing structure.
Having to pay for additional guests is a frustration for traveling couples and families that may be wondering if the Amex Platinum is worth it. The Platinum Card® from American Express has a pricey $695 annual fee (See Rates & Fees), after all.
Why Start Charging for Additional Guests?
There are several reasons for the pricing change.
The primary reason is to help prevent overcrowding. Before the pandemic, many Centurion Lounges were getting crowded as more travelers carried the Amex Platinum for its lounge perks. The secret is out that the Centurion Lounge is one of the best lounge networks and it’s easy to access.
While it may seem like ancient history, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Priority Pass lounge benefits were curtailed shortly before the pandemic to allow a limited number of guests from anyone in the travel party down to 2 guests. Overcrowding isn’t unique to the Centurion Network.
While fewer people are flying than pre-pandemic, travel is increasing and social distancing measures don’t appear to be disappearing soon.
It’s common for Platinum members to join a waitlist to enter a lounge due to capacity restraints. Traveling groups will need to decide if the visit is worth $50 a pop or if cardholders should only visit the lounge when flying solo.
How to Avoid the Additional Guest Fee
The Centurion Lounge visits will be more expensive. However, here are two ways to waive the $50 additional guest fee.
Get Additional Platinum Cards
The easier way to avoid the fee is by getting a secondary Platinum Card for the guests. They can also enjoy the Amex Platinum benefits like complimentary lounge access. Our in-depth Platinum Card from American Express review might help to see whether the long list of perks and benefits makes sense for potential new cardholders.
The current price is a flat $175 for up to three additional cards. You pay the same additional card annual fee whether you get one, two, or three secondary cards.
If you need more cards, the 4th extra card and beyond each cost $175 per year.
There’s the possibility that American Express will raise the fee for additional cards and eliminate the bundle pricing. One option could be charging an annual fee for each card as other premium credit cards do.
Learn more: Johnny Jet Recommended Credit Cards
Spend $75,000 in 2022
A second option is making at least $75,000 in card purchases during the 2022 calendar year. Reaching this spending threshold waives the $50 fee for all of 2023.
Spending from the basic and additional cards count toward the $75,000 spending requirement. Cardholders will need to achieve the spending process each year to renew the fee waiver.
Note that this was the only fee waiver option mentioned in the revised terms and conditions mentioning the new price increases.
Summary
The Centurion Lounge visits are going to be more expensive. The price increase is negative news for people that use the Platinum Card when traveling as a group. Despite this setback, it’s possible to enjoy the Centurion Lounge along with the other partner lounges. And, The Amex Platinum remains one of the best credit cards for flying.
Related Articles:
- Do You Need a Credit Card That Comes With Lounge Access?
- Best Credit Card Reviews
- Amex Business Platinum Card Review: Bonus, 5x Points, & More
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.
