How does the Amex Platinum lounge access benefit work?

The American Express Platinum card lounge access benefit gives cardholders free entry to a network of 7 airport lounge programs with a combined 1,200+ locations in more than 130 countries. All that’s required to get access to these lounges, also known as the “Global Lounge Collection,” is:

1. Your American Express Platinum card
2. A government-issued ID
3. A boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel.

Keep in mind, though, that each lounge network has different access requirements and guest policies, so let’s take a look at each.

Here’s how the American Express Platinum card lounge access works:

• The Centurion Lounge: You can access Centurion Lounges when flying with any airline, as long as you have a boarding pass for a flight departing within three hours. You can bring up to two guests with you at no additional cost.
• The International American Express Lounges: You can access American Express Lounges when flying with any airline, as long as you have a same day boarding pass. Guesting privileges vary by lounge, but you can generally bring two guests with you at no additional cost.
• Delta Sky Club: You can access Delta Sky Clubs when you’re flying on a Delta-operated flight. American Express Platinum card holders don’t get any complimentary guests but may purchase guest access for up to two traveling companions.
• Priority Pass (enrollment required): Provides access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide but doesn’t include Priority Pass restaurant lounges. You can bring up to two guests with you at no additional cost.
• Plaza Premium Lounge: You can access Plaza Premium Lounges when flying with any airline, as long as you have a boarding pass for same day travel. You can bring up to one guest with you at no additional cost.
• Air Space Lounge: You can access Airspace Lounges when flying with any airline, as long as you have a boarding pass for same day travel. You can bring up to two guests with you at no additional cost; each person being admitted receives a $10 credit towards food and premium drinks.
• Escape Lounges: You can access Escape Lounges when flying with any airline, as long as you have a boarding pass for same day travel. You can bring up to two guests with you at no additional cost.

Each lounge has its own set of perks, but typically, they offer access to an array of amenities ranging from cell phone charging stations to free Wi-Fi and conference rooms. There’s also complimentary hot and cold food, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and more.

Here’s how to find American Express Platinum card partner lounge locations:

To find an Amex partner lounge location, visit the Global Lounge Collection website and type in the city or airport code in the search field. Restrictions on visitors vary by lounge, but nearly all locations allow complimentary access for at least one guest or immediate family member.

Here’s the value of American Express Platinum card lounge access:

The cost of purchasing airport lounge membership is constantly increasing. It’s not unusual to see $600 annual membership fees for access to a lounge network. The American Express Platinum card lounge access is a benefit that, if you use it often enough, could save you hundreds of dollars and help offset the card’s $695 annual fee. There’s no limit to the number of times you can visit each lounge, as long as your American Express Platinum card is active and in good standing.