How to Avoid New Guest Fees at Amex’s Centurion Lounges
A comprehensive guide to navigating and minimizing guest fees at American Express Centurion Lounges amid policy changes.
The American Express Centurion Lounges are among the most sought-after airport lounges in the United States and select international locations, providing a premium travel experience. However, recent changes in guest policies and fee structures have sparked questions among cardholders looking to bring friends and family along. This guide breaks down the new guest fee rules, explains who is exempt, and reveals practical strategies for minimizing or avoiding these additional costs when accessing Centurion Lounges.
Understanding the Recent Changes: Centurion Lounge Guest Fees
In February 2023, American Express revised its Centurion Lounge guest policy, ending complimentary guest access for most Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card holders unless specific spending thresholds are met.
- Standard Guest Fees: $50 per adult (18+ years) and $30 per child (aged 2–17 years). Children under 2 can enter free with proof of age.
- Spending Requirement for Complimentary Access: Cardholders who spend at least $75,000 on eligible purchases during a calendar year regain complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit for the rest of that year and through January 31 of the second following year.
- Corporate and Centurion (Black Card) Members: Corporate Platinum and Centurion cardmembers enjoy separate complimentary guest policies.
These changes were made primarily to address overcrowding and maintain the lounge’s premium experience.
Who Can Still Bring in Guests for Free?
While most Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders are now subject to the guest fee unless they meet the spending requirement, some card members still enjoy complimentary guest privileges:
- Centurion Card (Black Card) Members: Two complimentary guests or immediate family members per visit at all lounges.
- Corporate Platinum Card Holders: Two complimentary guests at Centurion Lounges in the U.S., London, and Hong Kong.
- Platinum and Business Platinum Card Holders (after $75,000 annual spend): Up to two complimentary guests per visit.
If you do not fall into these categories or meet the annual spend, expect to be charged the per-guest fee.
Options to Minimize or Avoid Centurion Lounge Guest Fees
For travelers seeking to share the lounge experience without incurring frequent fees, here are the main alternatives:
Option 1: Pay the Guest Fee
- This is the default option for most cardholders who haven’t met the annual spend requirement. While $50 per adult guest (or $30 per child aged 2–17) may feel steep, it can be justified in certain scenarios.
- The fee grants guests access to high-end amenities, gourmet dining, curated cocktails, comfortable workspaces, and even showers in some locations.
- Paying for occasional guests can make sense for travelers with long layovers or those seeking a premium pre-flight or transit experience.
Option 2: Meet the $75,000 Annual Spend Threshold
- Platinum and Business Platinum cardmembers who spend $75,000+ on eligible purchases in a calendar year regain complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit.
- How the benefit works:
- Activate: Once you cross $75,000 in eligible spend, Amex notifies you (typically via email) and reinstates your guest access benefit for the remainder of that calendar year, the next calendar year, and through January of the year after that.
- Duration: For example, qualifying in September 2025 unlocks complimentary guest access through January 31, 2027.
- Applies to both consumer and business versions of the Platinum Card.
- This is the most straightforward route for frequent travelers or large spenders, but out of reach for the average cardholder.
Option 3: Add Authorized Users to Your Account
- Rather than paying the per-guest fee, you can add one or more authorized users to your Platinum or Business Platinum card for $195 each per year.
- Each authorized user receives their own card and is granted full lounge access privileges—no guest fee required for their own entry.
- Additional authorized user benefits:
- Access to the Centurion Lounge and the entire Amex Global Lounge Collection.
- Some travel and purchase protections.
- Independent ability to earn rewards.
- For frequent traveling partners, family members, or business associates, this method can be cost-effective versus repeat guest passes.
- Note: Authorized users themselves must pay guest fees for their own guests unless they meet the $75,000 spend threshold on their own account.
Option 4: Encourage Your Travel Companions to Apply for Their Own Amex Card
- If your travel companions are frequent flyers or value airport amenities, they may benefit from applying for their own Platinum or Business Platinum Card.
- This grants each person full entry privileges, eliminating the need for guest fees or shared spend thresholds.
- This may have the added bonus of additional signup bonuses or perks for new cardmembers.
Option 5: Alternative Lounges and Memberships
- Don’t forget, Platinum and Business Platinum Card holders also receive access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide through the Amex Global Lounge Collection, which includes:
- Priority Pass (enrollment required)
- Plaza Premium Lounges
- Escape Lounges
- Delta Sky Club (limited visits on Delta flights, expanded access possible with Delta Reserve Card)
- Some of these lounges may have more lenient guest policies or day pass options at a lower cost.
- Research lounge options at your departure airport in advance to maximize value for your group.
Comparison Table: Guest Fee-Avoidance Strategies
| Strategy | Cost | Guest Policy | Who Should Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay Guest Fee | $50/adult; $30/child (2-17) | Pay per visit, per guest | Occasional lounge visitors |
| $75,000 Annual Spend | $0 (besides card annual fee) | 2 complimentary guests per visit | High spenders, frequent travelers |
| Add Authorized User | $195/year per user | User gets card & lounge access | Travel partners, family |
| Companion Gets Their Own Card | Annual card fee (varies) | Full access to lounges | Independent frequent travelers |
| Alternative Lounges | Varies by lounge/network | Guest policies vary | Those seeking flexible options |
Exceptions, International Lounges, and Important Notes
- International Locations: Amex lounge guest policies may vary outside the U.S. For instance, Centurion Lounges in Mexico City charge $70 per guest, and lounges in Stockholm may offer different complimentary policies.
- Always double-check lounge policies in your destination country before your trip.
- Delta Reserve Card Holders: When flying Delta, you can pay for up to two guests, each of whom must be on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight.
- Children Under 2: Always free with proof of age.
Tips to Maximize Your Amex Lounge Value
- Calculate annual lounge usage to determine if adding authorized users or meeting the spend threshold is justified.
- Consider enrolling in Priority Pass and identifying partner lounges when traveling with larger groups.
- Monitor Amex updates—lounge access terms are subject to change, especially in response to demand and crowding.
- Verify each lounge’s amenities and potential guest costs before every trip—international policies may differ and can change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who pays Centurion Lounge guest fees?
American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders are generally required to pay a guest fee ($50/adult, $30/child) unless they meet the qualifying annual spend or hold a Centurion or Corporate Platinum Card.
How do I qualify for free guest access as a Platinum or Business Platinum holder?
If you spend $75,000 or more on eligible purchases with your card in a calendar year, you receive complimentary guest access for up to two guests per visit for a period spanning the rest of that year, all of the following year, and through the following January.
Is it worth paying for guests in the Centurion Lounge?
It can be, especially if your guests want a restaurant-quality meal, premium drinks, shower facilities, and a comfortable place to relax or work between flights. The value proposition increases with longer layovers or when airports lack alternatives.
Can authorized users bring their own guests for free?
Authorized users enjoy their own lounge entry privileges, but must also meet the $75,000 individual spend threshold to bring two complimentary guests. Otherwise, guest fees apply to them as well.
Do children qualify as guests, and is there a reduced rate?
Yes, children aged 2–17 are considered guests and require a $30 fee per visit; those under 2 enter free with proof of age.
Key Takeaways
- The Centurion Lounge experience remains a highly prized travel perk, particularly for frequent flyers and those willing to invest in the required spend or add authorized users.
- For occasional guests or families, understanding the nuances of the updated guest fee structure, and leveraging alternate strategies, can help minimize costs and maximize value.
- The lounge guest access landscape continues to evolve—always refer to American Express and specific lounge sites for the latest policies before you fly.
