How does the Amex Platinum lounge access benefit work?

The American Express Platinum card lounge access benefit gives eligible cardholders complimentary entry to a network of 6 airport lounge programs with a combined 1,550+ locations in more than 140 countries. All that’s required to get access to these lounges, also known as the “Global Lounge Collection®,” is your card, a government-issued ID, and a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel.

What You Need to Get Access to American Express Platinum card Lounges 

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. 

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. Card members will be charged a per-visit fee for each guest. You can earn complimentary guest access for up to two guests by reaching a specific threshold spending on your card in a calendar year. 

Lufthansa Lounges: 

You can access Lufthansa Lounges when flying on a Lufthansa Group flight, as long as you have a boarding pass for a flight departing within three hours. Certain locations allow guests for a fee. 

Delta Sky Club®:  

You can access Delta Sky Clubs when you’re flying on a Delta-operated flight. Card members will receive 10 visits to the Delta Sky Club (to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year) and they can unlock unlimited Delta Sky Club access by spending $75,000 on their card in a calendar year. American Express Platinum card holders don’t get any complimentary guests but may purchase guest access for up to two traveling companions. 

Priority Pass:  

Provides access to more than 1,700 lounges worldwide. Priority Pass Select requires enrollment and there is no set visit limit for card members. You can bring up to two guests with you at no additional charge. 

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 two guests with you at no additional cost. 

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 charge. 

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. 

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. 

American Express Platinum card Lounge Access Value 

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 complimentary benefit that, if you use it often enough, could save you hundreds of dollars and help offset the card’s $895 annual fee.