American Express Platinum and Centurion cardmembers now have access to American Airlines Admirals Club lounges in 44 airports worldwide. The new partnership between American Express and American Airlines expands the existing American Express Airport Club Access Program, a benefit offered to consumer, small business and corporate Platinum and Centurion cardmembers.
Cardholders already have access to Continental Airlines Presidents Club, Delta Air Lines Crown Room Club and Northwest Airlines WorldClubs airport lounges. Members receive lounge access when they show their card to the club representative, along with an airline ticket on the corresponding airline for same-day travel and a government-issued ID. Members can bring up to two traveling companions into the lounge with them as guests.
Before you run to your nearest computer and apply for an American Express Platinum card, be aware that the annual fee required is about the same as purchasing a lounge membership directly through one of the airlines. The annual fee for the business Platinum card is $395 and the consumer Platinum card is $450. Access to Admirals Clubs costs $50 for a one-day pass or $300 to $450 to join for one year, depending on elite status.
Other benefits of the Platinum card include room upgrades and guaranteed late check-outs at more than 550 hotels, VIP Shopping, “By Invitation Only” experiences such as a Zero Gravity flight with Buzz Aldrin to on-stage seating at a Rolling Stones concert and four complimentary companion airfares per year.
The Centurion card, by invitation only, requires a minimum annual spending of $250,000 and comes with a $2,500 annual fee, not including the $5,000 one-time initiation fee.
