As a frequent traveler, you understand the value of having a comfortable space to relax or work at the airport. American Express Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer unparalleled airport lounge access, making your travel experience more enjoyable and productive.
In this article, we’ll explore the various lounges you can access with your Amex Platinum card, dive into the amenities, food, and drink offerings at each type of lounge, and help you determine if this card offers the best lounge access benefits for your needs.
Which Lounges Can You Visit with the Amex Platinum?
The American Express Global Lounge Collection provides Amex Platinum cardholders with access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. This impressive collection includes:
- Amex Centurion Lounges (both domestic and international).
- Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta on the same day).
- Priority Pass Select Lounges.
- Plaza Premium Lounges.
- Escape Lounges.
- Select Lufthansa Lounges.
Now, let’s examine each of these lounge categories, their amenities, food and drink offerings, and the access requirements for Amex Platinum cardholders.
Amex Centurion Lounges
Amex’s network of Centurion Lounges is known for offering exceptional amenities, including hot food, cocktails, and comfortable workspaces. These lounges provide a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport, with chef-curated menus featuring local and seasonal ingredients, signature cocktails, and premium wines.
Centurion Lounges often partners with renowned local chefs to create unique dining experiences. For example, the Centurion Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers dishes created by chef Ravi Kapur of Liholiho Yacht Club. At the same time, the Centurion Lounge at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) features cuisine by chef Ignacio Mattos of Estela.
In addition to the excellent food and drink options, Centurion Lounges provide high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable seating areas, and well-equipped workspaces. Some locations offer additional amenities such as spa services, family rooms, and shower suites.
To access these lounges, simply present your Amex Platinum card, a government-issued ID, and a boarding pass for a flight departing within three hours. You can also access the lounge when connecting between flights.
If you spend at least $75,000 per calendar year on your eligible Amex Platinum card, you can bring up to two guests into Centurion Lounges at no additional cost. Otherwise, you can pay $50 for each adult guest and $30 for guests under 18 (children under two can enter for free).
You can find American Express Centurion Lounges at these airports:
Amex Centurion Lounge Locations
Airport
Location
Atlanta (ATL)
Charlotte (CLT)
Dallas (DFW)
Denver (DEN)
Houston (IAH)
Las Vegas (LAS)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Miami (MIA)
Newark (EWR)*
New York (JFK)
New York (LGA)
Philadelphia (PHL)
Phoenix (PHX)
Salt Lake City (SLC)*
San Francisco (SFO)
Seattle (SEA)
International Locations
Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE)
Delhi, India (DEL)
Hong Kong (HKG)
London, U.K. (LHR)
Melbourne, Australia (MEL)
Mexico City, Mexico (MEX)
Monterrey, Mexico (MTY)
Mumbai, India (BOM)
São Paulo, Brazil (GRU)
Stockholm, Sweden (ARN)
Sydney, Australia (SYD)
* Under Construction
Delta Sky Clubs
When flying Delta on the same day, Amex Platinum cardholders can access Delta Sky Clubs upon arrival or up to three hours before scheduled departure. Delta Sky Clubs provides various food options, including fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, and snacks. Some locations even offer hot food options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, breakfast sandwiches in the morning, and pasta dishes, chicken, and vegetables later in the day.
In terms of drinks, Delta Sky Clubs offer complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, wine, and well liquor. Premium drinks are available for purchase. Many locations also feature a bar area where you can enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine while relaxing or working.
Amenities at Delta Sky Clubs include high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable seating areas, and workspaces with power outlets. Some locations also offer showers, family rooms, and even outdoor Sky Decks with tarmac views.
To gain entry, present your Amex Platinum card or save it to your Delta SkyMiles profile to avoid showing the card each time. While guests are not complimentary, you can bring additional visitors for $50 per person.
It’s important to note that as of February 1, 2025, Amex Platinum cardholders will be limited to 10 Sky Club visits per year unless they spend at least $75,000 annually on their card, which will grant them unlimited visits.
Delta Sky Clubs are located at many major airports across the United States, with over 50 available locations.
Priority Pass Select Lounges
Amex Platinum cardholders can enroll in a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide when flying any airline with a same-day boarding pass. To utilize this benefit, you must first register for the membership through your Amex Platinum account. Once enrolled, Priority Pass will mail you a separate card, which you’ll present to gain entry into participating lounges.
Priority Pass lounges vary significantly in quality, with some offering excellent amenities and others providing a more basic experience. Food and drink offerings range from simple snacks and soft drinks to full meals and premium cocktails.
Some standout Priority Pass lounges include the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which offers a wide selection of Turkish cuisine and a variety of seating areas, and the Oman Air Lounge at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which features a spa with complimentary 15-minute treatments.
With your Priority Pass Select membership, you can bring up to two guests at no additional cost, though individual lounges may have their restrictions on guest access and lounge visit duration (often limited to three hours before departure).
It’s worth noting that Priority Pass Select memberships obtained through the Amex Platinum do not include access to specific “experiences” lounges, such as Priority Pass restaurants.
Plaza Premium Lounges
Amex Platinum cardholders can access Plaza Premium Lounges when flying any airline with a same-day boarding pass. These lounges are known for their high-quality amenities and are considered among the best contract lounges available.
Plaza Premium Lounges offer a wide range of food and drink options, from light snacks and sandwiches to full meals and premium drinks. Many locations feature live cooking stations where chefs prepare dishes fresh to order, such as noodle soups, stir-fries, and pasta dishes.
In terms of amenities, Plaza Premium Lounges provide comfortable seating areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, workspaces with power outlets, and even shower facilities at some locations. Many lounges also offer a variety of seating options, from cozy armchairs to dining tables and bar seating.
To enter, simply present your Amex Platinum card and a government-issued ID. You may bring one complimentary guest with you.
You can find approximately 100 Plaza Premium Lounge locations worldwide, particularly in Asia and Europe. Many Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses also operate as Plaza Premium Lounges during select hours.
Escape Lounges
Amex Platinum cardholders can visit Escape Lounges when flying any airline with a same-day boarding pass. These lounges offer a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere with above-average food and service.
Escape Lounges provide various food options, from breakfast items like pastries, fruit, and yogurt to heartier fare like sandwiches, salads, and hot entrees. Drink options include complimentary soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, and wine, with premium cocktails available for purchase at some locations. Many Escape Lounges also feature a bar area where you can enjoy a drink while relaxing or working.
Amenities at Escape Lounges include comfortable seating areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, workspaces with power outlets, and even outdoor terraces at some locations. The lounges also often feature local artwork and design elements, creating a unique sense of place.
To gain entry to the Escape Lounges in the US, present your Amex Platinum card and a government-issued ID. You can bring up to two guests at no additional cost. To access the Escape Lounges in the UK, you can access with your Priority Pass card.
| Airport | Location |
|---|---|
| Hartford (BDL) | Terminal A, Near Gate 1 |
| Cincinnati (CVG) | Concourse B, between Gates B21 and B23 |
| Columbus (CMH) | Concourse B, by Gate 32 |
| Fort Lauderdale (FLL) | Terminal 3, between Gates E and F |
| Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) | On Your Right After TSA |
| Minneapolis (MSP) | Terminal 1, Level 3 Mezzanine |
| Sacramento (SMF) | Terminal B right after security |
| Oakland (OAK) | Terminal 1 between Gates 8 and 8A |
| Palm Beach (PBI) | Entrance to the A and B concourses |
| Phoenix (PHX) | Terminal 3 at E and F Gates |
| Phoenix (PHX) | Terminal 4 across from Gate B22 |
| Reno (RNO) | Between Concourse B and C |
| Providence (PVD) | By Gate 18 |
| Sacramento (SMF) | Terminal A Near Gate 1 |
| Sacramento (SMF) | Terminal B, on the immediate left after exiting security |
| Syracuse (SYR) | Between security and Concourse A, near to Gate 1 |
Select Lufthansa Lounges
Amex Platinum cardholders can access select Lufthansa lounges when flying Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian Airlines on the same day. The type of lounge you can enter depends on your travel class: Business Lounges are accessible when flying economy, while Senator Lounges are available to those flying business class.
Lufthansa Business Lounges offer a variety of food and drink options, including hot and cold dishes, snacks, and a selection of beer, wine, and spirits. Senator Lounges provide an elevated experience with higher-end food and drink offerings, such as a la carte dining and premium cocktails.
Both types of lounges offer comfortable seating areas, high-speed Wi-Fi, workspaces with power outlets, and shower facilities at some locations. Senator Lounges also often feature amenities such as nap rooms, spa services, and cigar lounges.
To verify which Lufthansa Lounges are currently participating, consult the Amex Global Lounge Collection directory. Over a dozen Lufthansa Lounges are eligible, with U.S. locations including Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW), Newark (EWR), New York (JFK), and Washington (IAD).
Present your Amex Platinum card and a government-issued ID to gain entry, but note that complimentary guests are not permitted.
Does the Amex Platinum Offer the Best Lounge Access?
While several premium credit cards provide airport lounge access, Amex Platinum stands out for its comprehensive and diverse lounge network. Although the “best” lounge access benefit ultimately depends on your needs and preferences, Amex Platinum’s offering is unquestionably well-rounded.
In addition to a Priority Pass Select membership (a common feature among premium cards), the Amex Platinum grants access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Plaza Premium Lounges, Escape Lounges, and select Lufthansa Lounges. This extensive network caters to a wide range of traveler needs and preferences, offering a variety of amenities, food and drink options, and experiences.
In comparison, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers a Priority Pass membership and access to a small but growing network of Chase Sapphire Lounges.
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides a Priority Pass membership, Plaza Premium Lounge access, and entry to a limited number of Capital One Lounges. While these cards have their merits, the Amex Platinum’s lounge access benefit remains the most comprehensive and versatile.
The Verdict
American Express Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offer an unrivaled airport lounge access benefit, providing cardholders with entry to an extensive network of over 1,400 lounges worldwide. With access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass Select Lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, Escape Lounges, and select Lufthansa Lounges, the Amex Platinum caters to the diverse needs of frequent travelers.
Each lounge type offers its own unique set of amenities, food and drink options, and experiences, from the luxury and exclusivity of Centurion Lounges to the comfort and convenience of Delta Sky Clubs and the local flair of Escape Lounges.
While other premium credit cards offer lounge access benefits, the Amex Platinum’s well-rounded and comprehensive network sets it apart as a top choice for those seeking a superior airport experience. If you value lounge access and travel frequently, the Amex Platinum card is an excellent choice to enhance your travel experience and provide a comfortable space to relax or work during your time at the airport.
