Just several months ago, American Express began limiting the number of guests that cardholders can bring to The Centurion Lounge with them, and the card issuer has introduced another way of limiting access.
As of Oct. 2, access to Amex’s exclusive network of lounges is limited to The Platinum Card and the Centurion Card members only. Other American Express card members no longer can access the lounge network by purchasing a day pass, which used to cost $50.
The new change does not affect the existing guesting policy. Platinum members can invite up to two guests into the lounge for free, no matter if they’re family or not. Centurion members can bring in up to two guests or immediate family members. Passes for additional guests will remain available to either card members at $50 per person.
Related: Platinum Card: A Golden Ticket to the World’s Best Airport Lounges
Travelers can find The Centurion Lounge at the following airports across the United States: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Miami International Airport and LaGuardia Airport. Amex is constructing two more—in Philadelphia and in Hong Kong.
The reason these lounges are so popular is that they offer high-quality food and amenities, including massages, to cardholders. Also, they are more exclusive and scarce than other domestic lounges, which is part of their appeal.
American Express keeps addressing overcrowding concerns while introducing new access policies. However, I’m interested to know how many people who carry Amex cards other than Platinum or Centurion actually pay $50 to enter the lounge and whether the new policy will help control the capacity.
Do you think the new policy will help alleviate the crowds inside The Centurion Lounges? Please share your thoughts below.
[Image: thecenturionlounge.com]

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