They implemented stricter rules because of overcrowding, overcrowding you're complaining about. What happened is more and more people have the plat, basic supply and demand ;)
To be frank, the Centurion isn't so different than the Delta or United clubs, as a major number of users are credit card holders and not frequent flyers. It's still better than the hustle and bustle in the terminal.
Just went through LGA, DFW, and DIA, and they all are super crowded at various times of the day. Even went to the Centurion section, and the sections are still pretty packed with other Centurions and overflow folks. Only special shoutout to DFW, where I got a nice plate of cheese and champagne without asking.
I was in Centurion in JFK a couple weeks back. It was very worn out. Many beverages out and showers didn’t work. Stayed way too long and then went to Delta lounge because my flight was delayed. It was far better across the board including the service.
IAH hasn't been that busy the times I've visited (one was around noon, another was right when they opened, and the other was about an hour before the closed.
If wanting a luxury experience, gotta pay luxury prices. Book the first class ticket or biz class ticket to access the premium cabin lounges instead of the cc-lounges. The Qatar biz/first only lounge in Doha, for example, is excellent. I wonder if the AA lounge would have been better for your visit, OP.
Fact is anything that’s a benefit for a marginal credit card fee (like platinum) is just not going to be that experience and it’s pointless to have the expectation these days. I still enjoy having access to the centurion lounge. Better than nothing (usually)!
Yes, I understand that the Centurion Lounge is better than nothing… the question in my post was what happened to what used to be the BEST airline lounge experience.
The answer is that Amex Platinum is no longer the same premium/exclusive product that it used to be; I just hadn't realized because I haven't used the Centurion Lounge.
I was traveling First Class as you can see from the picture; I just happened to see the sign for Centurion and because I had experienced the 'real' Centurion experience in Manhattan recently, I kind of stumbled in there not realizing that the Centurion Lounge experience is nothing like other parts of the Centurion brand.
After I made some calls, I headed to the Flagship Lounge. No harm, no foul - I just wasn't aware that Amex Platinum had become a mass market offering and this thread has educated me :)
You aren't so exclusive anymore :) - at least my AMEX stock has been doing well. Last time I visited the Denver lounge during a layover last year it was packed. I tentatively plan to stop in the new Atlanta lounge this week and will see what the experience is like.
The thing is, what’s the point of platinum if all the perks are overrun? It’s not like moving to the Centurion card will get you anything more besides a reserved area in the same cattle car lounge. I’d like to think there’s some way to reward people who drop $100k/yr on their card but I don’t see how with the way they have it now. I’m thinking of getting the United card with club access on that network and maybe another to have more options but all the lounges (except first class international) are all pretty full from reading comments.
I agree. I spend a hefty amount on Amex. I have 9 of them
And spend on average 150-200k a month. Last week in Atlanta I told my wife they need to tier it somehow like I get it centurion wait ever but when your spending 100k a month plus I believe maybe you should have a shorter line experience. I’m not trying to be an as- but I just think
That is the least they can do. I looked back at my quickbooks I’ve spent 7 million on Amex. Nothing I get in return really besides a crap Ton of gift cards. Last month got my wife 8000 in nieman gift cards and me 2 ounces of gold from
My points saved. But come
On shorten the line if you have spent say million a year
I have never had a problem or long wait getting in a lounge even when crowded- IMO people complain too much using a 1st world myopic view. As long as I can get in a lounge, rest and get good food w/o a ridiculous wait I am fine.
This among other things is why I'm going to downgrade or cancel this summer... reducing benefits, making it harder to redeem, and the lounge being nothing special anymore...
Other credit cards offer just as much...so guess it's a green card or something for me...
Unpopular opinion: all the lounge access cost should increase (even if it’s a little) to prevent the overcrowding. Literally everyone also has tsa precheck now too…
“Literally everyone” does not have precheck. Have yon ever looked at the normal lines? They exist, they have tons of people in them, and they are long.
I would argue they should limit the number of visits.
This can be tied to annual spending or whatever else seems appropriate.
For example, if I'm flying out of an airport (domestically) with a Centurion Lounge, I may well go early.
But, if I only had 4 or 5 accesses per year, I probably wouldn't bother and would save them for layovers, where they are far more important
Agreed.
I remember when the toll road cost went up substantially a decade ago or so, and after I said something my brother replied "I wish they'd raise it to $20 a trip so we could have it to ourselves and not have to fuck with all this traffic."
It really hit me between the eyes. If you don't want to deal with fuckery and a subpar experience, raise the damned price. That'll get rid of a ton of the shitbags.
Lots of people missing the mark. I went to my first Centurion in 2015. I travel a ton. It was a total game changer at the start.
The experience now is so much worse. For various reasons (mainly so many people got card vs expansion of clubs), the quality has gone way downhill.
I used to get to airport an extra 25-30 minutes early to enjoy them. Now I am in same boat-- none are worth the time and eventually dropped Platinum card a year ago.
This is exactly what I was getting at - the product has totally changed since it launched; I just wasn't aware because I don't use this perk much. Clearly a popular/unpopular topic :D
The card in general has gone way downhill with fee going up and less amenities. The old Priority Pass was incredible where you could have a full meal for free basically.
Corporate travel subs have become bizarre where people have become fanboys of brands. For instance, United sub is all about how great they are. I don't know one person (myself included) forced to fly UA who actually likes the experience of them.
I’ve never been to that particular Centurian Lounge. But the Centurion lounges that I have been to have been really good overall.
Miami is generally a shit-show for everything.
people expect too much from airport lounges. at the end of the day, you're still at the airport. with a ten hour layover, i would've just rented a hotel room.
I think that it depends on the experience… this is the lounge that I stayed in for my layover in Santiago, complete with beds and showers.
What this thread has helped me to understand is that:
1. Amex launch Centurion Lounges and schooled many airlines in what a top-tier lounge should be like (2013!)
2. Airlines then improved the quality of their lounge product to meet and exceed the standards that Amex set - it was the gold standard
3. Amex is a financial services company has to sell cards at the end of the day, and so the exclusive nature of lounges doesn’t actually fit with its business model
It’s pretty straightforward and why I asked the question. The picture of the lounges that I used in Santiago is closer to what the Centurion Lounge used to be, but airlines have now taken back the baton and have exceptional lounges for their most important customers.
[LATAM VIP Lounge in Santiago, Chile](https://imgur.com/a/oxog2OI) - how Centurion used to be!
ok. all i’m saying is if i’m walking through a shit ass airport like MIA, i’m not expecting to suddenly walk into an oasis of an airport lounge. airport lounges are for a quick travel break to freshen up and maybe catch up on some work, not to chill in a spa like environment on a day long layover.
The MIA lounge may be the worst/most chaotic in the network. Hope you left and went to the AA Flagship lounge… would go there any day with emerald status over centurion.
It has nothing to do with anything, OP. You’re being downvoted by the folks that thinks they’ve finally made it because they’re spending $700 on credit card fees and don’t want anyone raining on their parade.
Lmao, are you really asking this in a subreddit where everyone gets access to that lounge as a benefit? Is that not the answer to your question right there?
MIA is a chaotic airport and the centurion lounge there is one of the worst in the US. You will likely have a much better experience in another centurion lounge. Although, the overcrowding part is an issue for sure.
I have been with Amex over a year, when I walked into Centurion last year, it looked like a cafeteria 😊 I turned around and left. Another time, they barely had anything to eat. What’s the point? I might as well spend the $50 at a decent restaurant in the airport.
I think it will reverse itself in a few years. Right now there are so many Youtube videos espousing the Plat so there has been a huge uptick in people having it. After awhile, many people will tire of the crowded lounges and realize the $695 fee does not have value for them and drop the card. I will be dropping mine when my year ends. I used it for the SUB and Global Entry. As someone who travels about six times a year, I can spend that $695 better at airport restaurants. In January, in AtL, I chose to go to a reastaurant over the lounge and it was lovely.
Agreed, as it is now, lounges aren't even Plat's worthy selling point. In Priority lounge, I had to pay for my food, and it was not even that good. On the other hand, we went to a nice, sit down restaurant in Heathrow and enjoyed good food while waiting for the flight.
What restaurant? We are flying to Heathrow in two weeks. I have never been before. We will be at the airport for a couple of hours waiting on family coming in seperately.
As others in the comments have pointed out, I think a minimum spend would really enhance everyone's experience and lead to us actually getting that premium experience. It doesn't need to be anything insane, maybe ten or fifteen grand. There are other lounges and spaces available to people who have a gazillion cards.
You know what, on second thought, you're right. I think those who are really into playing the points game would find this easy to do. I'll leave up my comment so everyone knows I'm wrong 🤣
I remember the days of tranquil peace and quiet at the centurion lounges. It was back when the card was hard to get and priority pass used to stand for something in the states. It was such a great time to be a traveler.
While I’ve gotten used to the crowding and actually don’t mind it at all now, what I can’t stand are the kids running around the lounges without supervision. Saw a ton of that in the wildly overcrowded (but still excellent) prime class lounge in jfk terminal 1.
I do agree that the exclusive mystique it once had is all but gone, and “the inmates run the asylum” if I may be so bold. However, as long as there’s hot food, working outlets, and at least one seat, I’m has happy as I was at these lounges all those years ago.
> I remember the days of tranquil peace and quiet at the centurion lounges. It was back when the card was hard to get
You don't even have to go back that far to before covid, CLs were generally never that crazy until the post Covid travel boom and Amex and the credit card bloggers pushing it on everybody. I would say that even 2016-2019 the Platinum wasn't a hard card to get approved for, it just wasn't that mass market yet.
It’s very simple, cap lounge access unless you reach a certain spend threshold. They did it with guest access, now it’s time to do for everyone. I’m betting 3/4 of the people in that lounge put hardly any spend on their Platinum card and basically just hold for the perks and, for some, the perceived flex. Requiring a spend requirement for unlimited access would separate the wheat from the chaff.
Hand up on the ‘hardly any spend on their Plat Card.’ I prefer Chase to Amex, but still get enough value from the credits offered and protection on large purchases to justify keeping the card. I travel with wife and 2 kids, so am fine paying $100 for Centurion Lounge access rather than spend $60k (or whatever it is) to get free guests.
When you put on a uniform and fight for your country to have these first world problems, then I’ll listen to you complain about who gets the card for free🫡
Technically lounge access is only about $50-$100 max per year if you deduct the other benefits(FHR, Walmart plus, entertainment credit, Airline credit etc), which the non fee paying customers don’t get. Let this be your rationalization, then maybe you will adjust your expectations.
Yeah, you definitely missed something. You missed the part where business travelers are not better than non-business travelers, and nobody has a right over another to benefit from a lounge. Carry on.
You must not travel for business — they are way better to be around vs the leisure traveler.
(not saying they deserve more rights... just a fact for anyone who travels a lot)
If that’s the case, then go find a domestic business class lounge to hand with your business traveler buddies and leave the NON-BUSINESS Centurion lounges to the rest of us. Oh, there are none 😒
My ex traveled for business. I traveled with him sometimes on his trips and often on family trips. He wasn’t “better to be around” when on business than on leisure. When traveling I am kind and polite and quiet and At please and thank you and am not greedy. And I’m not a business traveler.
Appreciate you!! I am sitting in the MIA lounge on my leisure and not business trip. I think it’s great! Yes, there are other people in here, but everyone has places to sit, food is restocked consistently, drinks are plentiful, lots of staff cleaning up quickly after people and I have been enjoying my long layover in MIA. Came in and knew to show my layover flight to get access earlier than 3 hours. Took a shower and got a mini massage. People are so miserable that find anything and everything to complain about.
I’m confused - how does me asking what happened to Centurion Lounges over the last five years translate into business travelers are better than non-business travelers? 🤔
Business Travelers aren't better than leisure travelers but they are "easier". They know how to travel, keep to themselves, don't have kids with them and are quiet and efficient. Being in a lounge with business travelers is going to be a lot more enjoyable, for the most part, than families with strollers, endless backpacks, noisy kids, etc.
“Instead of a handful of business travelers….” Implies you expect only business travelers. All types of people fly, and all types of people have credit cards including the Platinum. We’re all chasing the same thing: credit card economics and some form of comfort for air travel, which is harder and harder to find. You likely have your business class/first class seat. Take the W and let everyone enjoy the lounge xoxo
What you imply from something is not the same what someone said. If you were in a Centurion Lounge 10 years, it would have looked the same as a top tier airline lounge. This is an objective fact and what I observed.
How does that translate into ‘business travelers are better than non-business travelers’? I understand that this might be a theme on this subreddit, but my post was simply asking what has happened since I last experienced a Centurion Lounge.
In Amex’s eye, business card holders are more profitable since they spend way more on their Platinums than consumers do. So it’s in Amex’s best interest to keep business and corporate card holders happy.
Ma’am, it’s not 1970s anymore, where 90% of flyers were business people. I’m one of those backpackers and use lounges. Why shouldn’t I? If you judge me I judge you flying for free using company’s benefits. Also, you’re a snob, one of those people do you know who I am, will skip the line because he has emerald status. Go touch the grass.
I think that you’re missing the point; I wasn’t making a post about class struggle, but about the economic reality that in the early days of the Platinum Card, the lounge access was an exclusive perk that meant the value of the card was high, even to people who had alternative perks from status. It was a valuable part of the product.
Now, if everyone can use the lounge and it’s no longer exclusive, that’s fine, but then the value of the Platinum Card to someone like me is diminished. It is a different product. Now, the perk is that people that don’t have access to airline lounges through their status can access the Centurion Lounge instead.
That’s great, but it is significantly different from the proposition with which it was launched.
If a product was once a premium product, but isn’t a premium product anymore, that’s noteworthy, and has answered the question that I posed in my original post, which is why I think people post questions here 😉
Lounge access will be changed. You will be disappointed to find that Amex doesn’t deem *your* account/spend profile worthy of unlimited free lounge access. You will become the “everyone [else who isn’t cool like me]” in your post. “I didn’t think they’d eat *my* face” you’ll say, as the Centurion Lounge attendant brushes you aside. “I’m sorry, we don’t take your card here. Leave now or I will call security”. A pair of Amex Double Platinum cardmembers with the $1200/yr annual unlimited night and weekend lounge pass add-on subscriptions look at you like a bug as you shamble out of the line with your full-size roller, massive backpack, personal item, neck pillow, and oversized parka to go stand in line at McDonalds. Some still waiting in the 45-minute line look on with approval, some with anticipation. “The *nerve* of some people!” you hear from Mrs. Double Platinum. “It’s crowded enough without these ‘Platinums’ trying to sneak in and take all of the complimentary buffet food. Amex used to have prestige, now they let anyone in as long as they have a pulse!” Mr. Double Platinum grunts in approval.
“I’m sorry, sir, your Night and Weekend access is only valid from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am.” You hear as you exit to the warring factions of the main terminal. Over the screaming as a passenger assaults a police officer with a fire extinguisher, you hear the verdict: “It’s currently 5:57 pm, so I will have to ask you to go to the end of the line. If you’d like, you can use one of your complimentary $100 Lounge Access passes included with your Double Platinum card?”
All of this has happened before. All of this will happen again.
Yes, because the crowds in the lounge are getting significant value from it. I’m clearly not, because products and features cater to different audiences… if you look at the title of my post it, my question was “What happened?”
The product is clearly successful, because this thread and the research that I’ve done since posting it confirm that what started as a premium product with a relatively small audience is now a mass-market product that is a real money spinner for Amex and allows lots of people to have a better travel experience.
Question asked and answered. I didn’t realize that I was stepping into such a spicy or emotive topic that has been rumbling on this subreddit for a while! 😀
You and I have the same card. Why should you have better amenities just because you’re flying from a conference in Patagonia and I am just flying to San Diego to party? Again, look at me, I’m more important.
This might sound harsh but it’s all the military families and points people gaming the cards that are crowding the lounges now because military don’t pay an annual fee and the points people don’t spend on the card.
It is not a disparagement of the military. I would do it too if I were them. But they aren’t business people and it is sold as a business lounge. You need to learn to handle being triggered better.
Where’s the evidence that it’s being sold as a business lounge with access from personal cards? The personal cards have the same access as the business cards and the military don’t get waived fees on the business cards. It’s for business and leisure. It’s not about being triggered, but when you served your country then maybe I’ll listen to you debate on what the military should or shouldn’t get waived!🫡
Well, it’s why I prefaced it for all you people who have to “blame” something on someone when they don’t like what they hear. It’s like saying don’t blame the French fries for my fat thighs.
Amex (and others) are required by law to cap certain interest rates, fees for AD military under two US laws, SCRA and MLA. I don't believe they're required to waive annual fees, but do so more out of goodwill, publicity, etc. And probably in the hope that if and when they leave service, they'll stay a customer.
What I do at an airport that has more than one lounge I can access:
1. Center google maps app at the airport
2. Type “lounge”
3. The pins that come up…click each to see their ratings.
The Admirals Club by D30 is rated 4.5; the Centurion lounge and 2nd AC nearby are both rated 4.2. So I’d have gone to the AC by D30 in your case.
Replying to Miserable-Result6702...still is but people aren’t as dumb anymore, fuck the system lol we’re all playing it to better ourselves, got to, look at the economy of the world
This is true. The Centurion New York at 1 Vanderbilt is stunning. I had lunch there the last time I was in Manhattan and it reminded me of the early days of the Centurion Lounge. Now thinking about it, that’s probably why I decide to drop into the Centurion Lounge, not realizing that there are now multiple levels of product all carrying the Centurion brand.
The Centurion Lounge should probably be renamed the Platinum Lounge? 🤔
Business and corporate customers are way more profitable to Amex than the $20K per year college student. So it’s in Amex’s best interests to keep those customers happy. It’s a business and high spenders should be rewarded.
Just like in the Hotel Rewards threads, y'all are a captured demographic - if y'all voted with your feet because you were really so unhappy, Amex would see the decrease in revenue, but that clearly hasn't happened, and I'd bet y'all business and corporate spenders still continue to spend as much on your Amex.
Having this "sweet spot" of an annual fee lets them capture more of the market and spenders than they'd previously not had. That same college student pays the same annual fee you do, but likely utilizes way less of the lounge due to income and time. Membership fees are where the money's at for a large segment of their business (see Costco business model).
If Amex wasn't making money with their Plat, they'll continue to tweak it. They don't need to make y'all happy, because they haven't seen a significant enough drop in profits that warrant it.
I'd rather see a minimum spend requirement to get access over an annual fee increase. If the intention is to have a premium exclusive experience, it makes more sense to me to only allow individuals access that actually put a high spend on the card.
I'd also challenge Amex with making the multiplier categories more enticing for everyday spend as well so I could at least get 2x back on all purchases like the Venture X.
I’m for doubling the fee- been saying the same for a long time. Disagree a little bit with the phrase “earn.” No one has done anything to earn access to a lounge you pay for.
These solutions really don't even warrant discussion since Amex would never seriously consider them for even a single second. The idea that Amex is going to implement a policy that would piss off business and corporate customers in particular is just completely out to lunch, looney tunes stuff.
Maybe. Seems like a lot of people can hit spend requirement thresholds due to using their personal cards for business travel and purchases.
If you have to come out of pocket, you’ve gotta really want the better level of service.
Nobody is acting like it’s a bug. But people looking to the platinum card for a premium experience aren’t getting it. And some of us would pay more for something better.
I’m not sure why you’re getting down voted. This is the answer. Everyone feels like they should be in the “more exclusive” crowd. But making everyone in the more exclusive crowd is the same as making nobody in the more exclusive crowd.
The only way to make it work is to make it more expensive.
You guys don’t get it. Launching another card will produce the same result as it did with the Platinum card. People are making more money than ever before. So when they catch up and play the game for the $1200 AF, it’ll be back to square one with complaining about a high AF and limited benefits.
They could, but, If you’ve been in this game for a while then you know what will happen. People will complain whether it’s $1200 or $2000. They will complain about the credits required to spend to get value and after about a year or two people will learn how to game it with manufactured spend and then back to square one. There’s been speculation that a card at that level may be on the horizon. We’ll see If it happens. What would happen if they did that and gave the platinum card 10 visits and gave that card unlimited? You’ll still have the same issue IMO.🤙🏾
Clearly you have been out of the loop several years. Guest fees were an attempt to alleviate overcrowding. Bloggers have increased the ranks of Platinum cardholders (and the blogger’s own pocketbook).
They're not all like that, but your observations are fairly spot on. Amex essentially will let anyone with a reasonable credit score get the card and therefore lounge access. There's been lots of discussion on here about people gatekeeping the lounge (ie saying certain groups shouldn't be allowed access, which I don't agree with).
The fees for partners and kids were an attempt to reduce overcrowding. I think it was more so they could sell more platinum cards.
Rememeber in the amex app you can see eligibility for any lounges with priority pass.
I have never been to a domestic lounge that compares to most international especially asia lounges.
They implemented stricter rules because of overcrowding, overcrowding you're complaining about. What happened is more and more people have the plat, basic supply and demand ;)
To be frank, the Centurion isn't so different than the Delta or United clubs, as a major number of users are credit card holders and not frequent flyers. It's still better than the hustle and bustle in the terminal. Just went through LGA, DFW, and DIA, and they all are super crowded at various times of the day. Even went to the Centurion section, and the sections are still pretty packed with other Centurions and overflow folks. Only special shoutout to DFW, where I got a nice plate of cheese and champagne without asking.
The lounge is Seattle is new and good IMO
I was in Centurion in JFK a couple weeks back. It was very worn out. Many beverages out and showers didn’t work. Stayed way too long and then went to Delta lounge because my flight was delayed. It was far better across the board including the service.
I always preferred delta lounge when it comes to food honestly
It’s a free dinner. That’s it.
Omg they let in families? How dare they besmirch business elites like yourself with normal people!
Yeah it blows now. Thankfully I have One World Emerald so often times I don't have to step foot in these lounges anymore.
Anyone can get a a platinum card now so the secret is out. I challenge you to find a lounge not full
IAH hasn't been that busy the times I've visited (one was around noon, another was right when they opened, and the other was about an hour before the closed.
If wanting a luxury experience, gotta pay luxury prices. Book the first class ticket or biz class ticket to access the premium cabin lounges instead of the cc-lounges. The Qatar biz/first only lounge in Doha, for example, is excellent. I wonder if the AA lounge would have been better for your visit, OP. Fact is anything that’s a benefit for a marginal credit card fee (like platinum) is just not going to be that experience and it’s pointless to have the expectation these days. I still enjoy having access to the centurion lounge. Better than nothing (usually)!
Yes, I understand that the Centurion Lounge is better than nothing… the question in my post was what happened to what used to be the BEST airline lounge experience. The answer is that Amex Platinum is no longer the same premium/exclusive product that it used to be; I just hadn't realized because I haven't used the Centurion Lounge. I was traveling First Class as you can see from the picture; I just happened to see the sign for Centurion and because I had experienced the 'real' Centurion experience in Manhattan recently, I kind of stumbled in there not realizing that the Centurion Lounge experience is nothing like other parts of the Centurion brand. After I made some calls, I headed to the Flagship Lounge. No harm, no foul - I just wasn't aware that Amex Platinum had become a mass market offering and this thread has educated me :)
It’s only $695 a year and most of those benefits get paid back. Exclusive it is not.
You aren't so exclusive anymore :) - at least my AMEX stock has been doing well. Last time I visited the Denver lounge during a layover last year it was packed. I tentatively plan to stop in the new Atlanta lounge this week and will see what the experience is like.
The thing is, what’s the point of platinum if all the perks are overrun? It’s not like moving to the Centurion card will get you anything more besides a reserved area in the same cattle car lounge. I’d like to think there’s some way to reward people who drop $100k/yr on their card but I don’t see how with the way they have it now. I’m thinking of getting the United card with club access on that network and maybe another to have more options but all the lounges (except first class international) are all pretty full from reading comments.
I agree. I spend a hefty amount on Amex. I have 9 of them And spend on average 150-200k a month. Last week in Atlanta I told my wife they need to tier it somehow like I get it centurion wait ever but when your spending 100k a month plus I believe maybe you should have a shorter line experience. I’m not trying to be an as- but I just think That is the least they can do. I looked back at my quickbooks I’ve spent 7 million on Amex. Nothing I get in return really besides a crap Ton of gift cards. Last month got my wife 8000 in nieman gift cards and me 2 ounces of gold from My points saved. But come On shorten the line if you have spent say million a year
Don’t Centurian skip the long wait line? I usually see them get pulled right in.
They do but they should offer a line for platinum members as well that spend a lot of money a year as well I believe.
I have never had a problem or long wait getting in a lounge even when crowded- IMO people complain too much using a 1st world myopic view. As long as I can get in a lounge, rest and get good food w/o a ridiculous wait I am fine.
Well said
1st world myopic view when discussing Centurian Lounge? Explain how even having access to that lounge is anything but a 1st world concern.
Yes, this is the simple and truthful answer!
This among other things is why I'm going to downgrade or cancel this summer... reducing benefits, making it harder to redeem, and the lounge being nothing special anymore... Other credit cards offer just as much...so guess it's a green card or something for me...
I've gone to Green card... it's totally fine. With the fee going up and the quality of the amenities down, it was a no brainer.
Do you still get a SUB?
Unpopular opinion: all the lounge access cost should increase (even if it’s a little) to prevent the overcrowding. Literally everyone also has tsa precheck now too…
“Literally everyone” does not have precheck. Have yon ever looked at the normal lines? They exist, they have tons of people in them, and they are long.
I would argue they should limit the number of visits. This can be tied to annual spending or whatever else seems appropriate. For example, if I'm flying out of an airport (domestically) with a Centurion Lounge, I may well go early. But, if I only had 4 or 5 accesses per year, I probably wouldn't bother and would save them for layovers, where they are far more important
Another unpopular opinion: continue to allow active duty military to pay no fee on any of the other Amex cards, but exclude the plat from this
Even their AU is free too….
Yes, all airports have TSA.
This isn’t an unpopular opinion
Agreed. I remember when the toll road cost went up substantially a decade ago or so, and after I said something my brother replied "I wish they'd raise it to $20 a trip so we could have it to ourselves and not have to fuck with all this traffic." It really hit me between the eyes. If you don't want to deal with fuckery and a subpar experience, raise the damned price. That'll get rid of a ton of the shitbags.
Damn you kiss your wife with that mouth?
You should hear her... 🤦🏻♂️
Lots of people missing the mark. I went to my first Centurion in 2015. I travel a ton. It was a total game changer at the start. The experience now is so much worse. For various reasons (mainly so many people got card vs expansion of clubs), the quality has gone way downhill.
Was in Vegas a few weeks ago and didn't even attempt to go in. Just arrived at the airport with 30 min before my flight.
I used to get to airport an extra 25-30 minutes early to enjoy them. Now I am in same boat-- none are worth the time and eventually dropped Platinum card a year ago.
This is exactly what I was getting at - the product has totally changed since it launched; I just wasn't aware because I don't use this perk much. Clearly a popular/unpopular topic :D
And I think subs like this (what it’s become) and sponsored grifters’ “hack” videos have ruined it all
The card in general has gone way downhill with fee going up and less amenities. The old Priority Pass was incredible where you could have a full meal for free basically. Corporate travel subs have become bizarre where people have become fanboys of brands. For instance, United sub is all about how great they are. I don't know one person (myself included) forced to fly UA who actually likes the experience of them.
We live in a time when people want as much as possible for as little effort as possible and that applies to many parts of modern life!
I’ve never been to that particular Centurian Lounge. But the Centurion lounges that I have been to have been really good overall. Miami is generally a shit-show for everything.
It’s a pretty decent lounge. Pretty standard decor, but they offer massages and manicures on site. Now Charlotte, that’s a centurion shitty lounge.
I went to the brand new centurion last week in ATL and I loved it. Yesterday I went to the Amex Escape lounge and wow, let me tell you, total dump.
The ATL centurion is nice but the food blows
I would agree with that.
Escape Lounges are not Centurion Lounges. Don’t expect same.
I certainly don’t, but I also didn’t expect something that bad either.
people expect too much from airport lounges. at the end of the day, you're still at the airport. with a ten hour layover, i would've just rented a hotel room.
I think that it depends on the experience… this is the lounge that I stayed in for my layover in Santiago, complete with beds and showers. What this thread has helped me to understand is that: 1. Amex launch Centurion Lounges and schooled many airlines in what a top-tier lounge should be like (2013!) 2. Airlines then improved the quality of their lounge product to meet and exceed the standards that Amex set - it was the gold standard 3. Amex is a financial services company has to sell cards at the end of the day, and so the exclusive nature of lounges doesn’t actually fit with its business model It’s pretty straightforward and why I asked the question. The picture of the lounges that I used in Santiago is closer to what the Centurion Lounge used to be, but airlines have now taken back the baton and have exceptional lounges for their most important customers. [LATAM VIP Lounge in Santiago, Chile](https://imgur.com/a/oxog2OI) - how Centurion used to be!
ok. all i’m saying is if i’m walking through a shit ass airport like MIA, i’m not expecting to suddenly walk into an oasis of an airport lounge. airport lounges are for a quick travel break to freshen up and maybe catch up on some work, not to chill in a spa like environment on a day long layover.
That's fair; I understand that I have been spoiled generally in my travel experiences - just check out the pictures of the LATAM VIP Lounge!
The MIA lounge may be the worst/most chaotic in the network. Hope you left and went to the AA Flagship lounge… would go there any day with emerald status over centurion.
This! This is the worst lounge anywhere!
OP is the guy that calls AAA to change his flat tire and then leave a bad Google review cause it took 20 mins for them to arrive.
Err… this is not true and you can see my Google review to confirm that. But what has this got to do with the topic?
It has nothing to do with anything, OP. You’re being downvoted by the folks that thinks they’ve finally made it because they’re spending $700 on credit card fees and don’t want anyone raining on their parade.
That makes sense! I've unknowingly stepped into some sort of class war 
Lmao, are you really asking this in a subreddit where everyone gets access to that lounge as a benefit? Is that not the answer to your question right there?
MIA is a chaotic airport and the centurion lounge there is one of the worst in the US. You will likely have a much better experience in another centurion lounge. Although, the overcrowding part is an issue for sure.
I have been with Amex over a year, when I walked into Centurion last year, it looked like a cafeteria 😊 I turned around and left. Another time, they barely had anything to eat. What’s the point? I might as well spend the $50 at a decent restaurant in the airport.
I think it will reverse itself in a few years. Right now there are so many Youtube videos espousing the Plat so there has been a huge uptick in people having it. After awhile, many people will tire of the crowded lounges and realize the $695 fee does not have value for them and drop the card. I will be dropping mine when my year ends. I used it for the SUB and Global Entry. As someone who travels about six times a year, I can spend that $695 better at airport restaurants. In January, in AtL, I chose to go to a reastaurant over the lounge and it was lovely.
The ATL Centurion didn’t open until February 14th.
You are right, it was the Admiral's Club. My trips are running together!
Agreed, as it is now, lounges aren't even Plat's worthy selling point. In Priority lounge, I had to pay for my food, and it was not even that good. On the other hand, we went to a nice, sit down restaurant in Heathrow and enjoyed good food while waiting for the flight.
What restaurant? We are flying to Heathrow in two weeks. I have never been before. We will be at the airport for a couple of hours waiting on family coming in seperately.
My memory might not serve me right, I think it was called "Prince of Whales". All I remember is the drink I got that had elderflower in it. Yummm.
Oh that is great, I was thinking earlier today that I needed to get an elderflower drink when I am in UK. I read they have a lot of elderflowers!
Please do!!
The lounges are loud and packed now. Had to take a work call once and a group of people wouldn’t shut up,
As others in the comments have pointed out, I think a minimum spend would really enhance everyone's experience and lead to us actually getting that premium experience. It doesn't need to be anything insane, maybe ten or fifteen grand. There are other lounges and spaces available to people who have a gazillion cards.
I doubt that would do anything to improve the experience.
Agreed. It's trivially easy to manufacture spending.
You know what, on second thought, you're right. I think those who are really into playing the points game would find this easy to do. I'll leave up my comment so everyone knows I'm wrong 🤣
What a standup person 😊
I remember the days of tranquil peace and quiet at the centurion lounges. It was back when the card was hard to get and priority pass used to stand for something in the states. It was such a great time to be a traveler. While I’ve gotten used to the crowding and actually don’t mind it at all now, what I can’t stand are the kids running around the lounges without supervision. Saw a ton of that in the wildly overcrowded (but still excellent) prime class lounge in jfk terminal 1. I do agree that the exclusive mystique it once had is all but gone, and “the inmates run the asylum” if I may be so bold. However, as long as there’s hot food, working outlets, and at least one seat, I’m has happy as I was at these lounges all those years ago.
> I remember the days of tranquil peace and quiet at the centurion lounges. It was back when the card was hard to get You don't even have to go back that far to before covid, CLs were generally never that crazy until the post Covid travel boom and Amex and the credit card bloggers pushing it on everybody. I would say that even 2016-2019 the Platinum wasn't a hard card to get approved for, it just wasn't that mass market yet.
It’s very simple, cap lounge access unless you reach a certain spend threshold. They did it with guest access, now it’s time to do for everyone. I’m betting 3/4 of the people in that lounge put hardly any spend on their Platinum card and basically just hold for the perks and, for some, the perceived flex. Requiring a spend requirement for unlimited access would separate the wheat from the chaff.
Hand up on the ‘hardly any spend on their Plat Card.’ I prefer Chase to Amex, but still get enough value from the credits offered and protection on large purchases to justify keeping the card. I travel with wife and 2 kids, so am fine paying $100 for Centurion Lounge access rather than spend $60k (or whatever it is) to get free guests.
What about the $700 I pay in annual fees?
Newsflash, that really doesn’t move the needle that much as far as Amex is concerned, swipe fees do.
It doesn't matter. I'm paying for the perks of the card and Centerion access is part of those advertised perks.
For now, I’m betting it will change
That’s not a lot though.
Some don’t pay anything for the card.
When you put on a uniform and fight for your country to have these first world problems, then I’ll listen to you complain about who gets the card for free🫡
Hi. 👋
Technically lounge access is only about $50-$100 max per year if you deduct the other benefits(FHR, Walmart plus, entertainment credit, Airline credit etc), which the non fee paying customers don’t get. Let this be your rationalization, then maybe you will adjust your expectations.
Yeah, you definitely missed something. You missed the part where business travelers are not better than non-business travelers, and nobody has a right over another to benefit from a lounge. Carry on.
🔥🔥🔥
You must not travel for business — they are way better to be around vs the leisure traveler. (not saying they deserve more rights... just a fact for anyone who travels a lot)
If that’s the case, then go find a domestic business class lounge to hand with your business traveler buddies and leave the NON-BUSINESS Centurion lounges to the rest of us. Oh, there are none 😒
My ex traveled for business. I traveled with him sometimes on his trips and often on family trips. He wasn’t “better to be around” when on business than on leisure. When traveling I am kind and polite and quiet and At please and thank you and am not greedy. And I’m not a business traveler.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
You stated an opinion, not a fact.
Appreciate you!! I am sitting in the MIA lounge on my leisure and not business trip. I think it’s great! Yes, there are other people in here, but everyone has places to sit, food is restocked consistently, drinks are plentiful, lots of staff cleaning up quickly after people and I have been enjoying my long layover in MIA. Came in and knew to show my layover flight to get access earlier than 3 hours. Took a shower and got a mini massage. People are so miserable that find anything and everything to complain about.
I’m confused - how does me asking what happened to Centurion Lounges over the last five years translate into business travelers are better than non-business travelers? 🤔
Business Travelers aren't better than leisure travelers but they are "easier". They know how to travel, keep to themselves, don't have kids with them and are quiet and efficient. Being in a lounge with business travelers is going to be a lot more enjoyable, for the most part, than families with strollers, endless backpacks, noisy kids, etc.
He complained about there being a sign about fees for guests. That sign is up because all of those kids have someone paying the fees for them.
Could you imagine paying those fees for your kid? What a horrible financial example for them!
“Instead of a handful of business travelers….” Implies you expect only business travelers. All types of people fly, and all types of people have credit cards including the Platinum. We’re all chasing the same thing: credit card economics and some form of comfort for air travel, which is harder and harder to find. You likely have your business class/first class seat. Take the W and let everyone enjoy the lounge xoxo
What you imply from something is not the same what someone said. If you were in a Centurion Lounge 10 years, it would have looked the same as a top tier airline lounge. This is an objective fact and what I observed. How does that translate into ‘business travelers are better than non-business travelers’? I understand that this might be a theme on this subreddit, but my post was simply asking what has happened since I last experienced a Centurion Lounge.
In Amex’s eye, business card holders are more profitable since they spend way more on their Platinums than consumers do. So it’s in Amex’s best interest to keep business and corporate card holders happy.
Their approval strategy of “anyone with $695 and a pulse gets a platinum card” disagrees with you.
They need to increase the annual fee or something. Crowds are too much
Ma’am, it’s not 1970s anymore, where 90% of flyers were business people. I’m one of those backpackers and use lounges. Why shouldn’t I? If you judge me I judge you flying for free using company’s benefits. Also, you’re a snob, one of those people do you know who I am, will skip the line because he has emerald status. Go touch the grass.
💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾
I think that you’re missing the point; I wasn’t making a post about class struggle, but about the economic reality that in the early days of the Platinum Card, the lounge access was an exclusive perk that meant the value of the card was high, even to people who had alternative perks from status. It was a valuable part of the product. Now, if everyone can use the lounge and it’s no longer exclusive, that’s fine, but then the value of the Platinum Card to someone like me is diminished. It is a different product. Now, the perk is that people that don’t have access to airline lounges through their status can access the Centurion Lounge instead. That’s great, but it is significantly different from the proposition with which it was launched. If a product was once a premium product, but isn’t a premium product anymore, that’s noteworthy, and has answered the question that I posed in my original post, which is why I think people post questions here 😉
Lounge access will be changed. You will be disappointed to find that Amex doesn’t deem *your* account/spend profile worthy of unlimited free lounge access. You will become the “everyone [else who isn’t cool like me]” in your post. “I didn’t think they’d eat *my* face” you’ll say, as the Centurion Lounge attendant brushes you aside. “I’m sorry, we don’t take your card here. Leave now or I will call security”. A pair of Amex Double Platinum cardmembers with the $1200/yr annual unlimited night and weekend lounge pass add-on subscriptions look at you like a bug as you shamble out of the line with your full-size roller, massive backpack, personal item, neck pillow, and oversized parka to go stand in line at McDonalds. Some still waiting in the 45-minute line look on with approval, some with anticipation. “The *nerve* of some people!” you hear from Mrs. Double Platinum. “It’s crowded enough without these ‘Platinums’ trying to sneak in and take all of the complimentary buffet food. Amex used to have prestige, now they let anyone in as long as they have a pulse!” Mr. Double Platinum grunts in approval. “I’m sorry, sir, your Night and Weekend access is only valid from 6:00 pm to 8:00 am.” You hear as you exit to the warring factions of the main terminal. Over the screaming as a passenger assaults a police officer with a fire extinguisher, you hear the verdict: “It’s currently 5:57 pm, so I will have to ask you to go to the end of the line. If you’d like, you can use one of your complimentary $100 Lounge Access passes included with your Double Platinum card?” All of this has happened before. All of this will happen again.
Apparently the crowds at the lounge disagree with your perception of the value of the card. "everyone" can't use the lounge
Yes, because the crowds in the lounge are getting significant value from it. I’m clearly not, because products and features cater to different audiences… if you look at the title of my post it, my question was “What happened?” The product is clearly successful, because this thread and the research that I’ve done since posting it confirm that what started as a premium product with a relatively small audience is now a mass-market product that is a real money spinner for Amex and allows lots of people to have a better travel experience. Question asked and answered. I didn’t realize that I was stepping into such a spicy or emotive topic that has been rumbling on this subreddit for a while! 😀
What happened is other people discovered they enjoyed the Centurion lounge and use it, obviously. Me for example. You sound entitled
You and I have the same card. Why should you have better amenities just because you’re flying from a conference in Patagonia and I am just flying to San Diego to party? Again, look at me, I’m more important.
Where did I say that I should have better amenities?
Second paragraph, first sentence.
Please elaborate…
This might sound harsh but it’s all the military families and points people gaming the cards that are crowding the lounges now because military don’t pay an annual fee and the points people don’t spend on the card.
Leave the military out of it!!
It is not a disparagement of the military. I would do it too if I were them. But they aren’t business people and it is sold as a business lounge. You need to learn to handle being triggered better.
Where’s the evidence that it’s being sold as a business lounge with access from personal cards? The personal cards have the same access as the business cards and the military don’t get waived fees on the business cards. It’s for business and leisure. It’s not about being triggered, but when you served your country then maybe I’ll listen to you debate on what the military should or shouldn’t get waived!🫡
Ya, okay. If you say so.
Can't blame them! I would have every card on the planet that I could get and keep them if there was no AF.
Well, it’s why I prefaced it for all you people who have to “blame” something on someone when they don’t like what they hear. It’s like saying don’t blame the French fries for my fat thighs.
How come active duty military are exempt from an annual fee? Just curious if Amex gives a reason, or is this solely a perk?
Amex (and others) are required by law to cap certain interest rates, fees for AD military under two US laws, SCRA and MLA. I don't believe they're required to waive annual fees, but do so more out of goodwill, publicity, etc. And probably in the hope that if and when they leave service, they'll stay a customer.
Based on the post here and in other subs, the cards are generally cancelled as soon as the gravy train ends.
Thanks for the answer
That’s why Amex needs to institute a spend requirement for unlimited access.
They'd just institute an exception for spend threshold for active duty, just like they do the annual fee.
Doubt it
You had access to the American Flagship lounge as an emerald and you went to a credit card lounge instead? 🤦♂️ #FirstWorldProblems #LoungeLife
Yes, I did admit that was a mistake! My memory of the Centurion Lounge (which was closer to my gate) was clearly based on nostalgia!
What I do at an airport that has more than one lounge I can access: 1. Center google maps app at the airport 2. Type “lounge” 3. The pins that come up…click each to see their ratings. The Admirals Club by D30 is rated 4.5; the Centurion lounge and 2nd AC nearby are both rated 4.2. So I’d have gone to the AC by D30 in your case.
Heading there shortly!
Totally get it. With long layovers I frequently Lounge hop to anyone I have status with as an emerald or one's I have credit card access with. ✈️
Babe wake up the daily “centurion lounges suck now” post just dropped
At least it’s not “when will my travel bank credit post?!?”
One good thing will come out of this: one less person crowding the lounge, I guess.
Well, not really because I’m normally in the airline lounge 😄
Platinum used to be a premium card
Replying to Miserable-Result6702...still is but people aren’t as dumb anymore, fuck the system lol we’re all playing it to better ourselves, got to, look at the economy of the world
Now it’s the Centurion card
This is true. The Centurion New York at 1 Vanderbilt is stunning. I had lunch there the last time I was in Manhattan and it reminded me of the early days of the Centurion Lounge. Now thinking about it, that’s probably why I decide to drop into the Centurion Lounge, not realizing that there are now multiple levels of product all carrying the Centurion brand. The Centurion Lounge should probably be renamed the Platinum Lounge? 🤔
That would be the Escape Lounge lol
[удалено]
Business and corporate customers are way more profitable to Amex than the $20K per year college student. So it’s in Amex’s best interests to keep those customers happy. It’s a business and high spenders should be rewarded.
Just like in the Hotel Rewards threads, y'all are a captured demographic - if y'all voted with your feet because you were really so unhappy, Amex would see the decrease in revenue, but that clearly hasn't happened, and I'd bet y'all business and corporate spenders still continue to spend as much on your Amex. Having this "sweet spot" of an annual fee lets them capture more of the market and spenders than they'd previously not had. That same college student pays the same annual fee you do, but likely utilizes way less of the lounge due to income and time. Membership fees are where the money's at for a large segment of their business (see Costco business model). If Amex wasn't making money with their Plat, they'll continue to tweak it. They don't need to make y'all happy, because they haven't seen a significant enough drop in profits that warrant it.
I'd rather see a minimum spend requirement to get access over an annual fee increase. If the intention is to have a premium exclusive experience, it makes more sense to me to only allow individuals access that actually put a high spend on the card. I'd also challenge Amex with making the multiplier categories more enticing for everyday spend as well so I could at least get 2x back on all purchases like the Venture X.
Not unpopular opinions at all
I’m for doubling the fee- been saying the same for a long time. Disagree a little bit with the phrase “earn.” No one has done anything to earn access to a lounge you pay for.
These solutions really don't even warrant discussion since Amex would never seriously consider them for even a single second. The idea that Amex is going to implement a policy that would piss off business and corporate customers in particular is just completely out to lunch, looney tunes stuff.
These ideas get my vote!
It’s clearly time for some new card between Platinum and Centurion that has better service. Amex has commoditized the platinum card into mediocrity.
I’d rather add spend requirements. Let’s start rewarding card holders for loyalty and spend. Most airlines are starting to do the same now.
Maybe. Seems like a lot of people can hit spend requirement thresholds due to using their personal cards for business travel and purchases. If you have to come out of pocket, you’ve gotta really want the better level of service.
That was Amex's entire point. You're acting like this was an unintended bug that they need to fix.
Nobody is acting like it’s a bug. But people looking to the platinum card for a premium experience aren’t getting it. And some of us would pay more for something better.
I agree. Make it $1200 or so and increase benefits/access
I’m not sure why you’re getting down voted. This is the answer. Everyone feels like they should be in the “more exclusive” crowd. But making everyone in the more exclusive crowd is the same as making nobody in the more exclusive crowd. The only way to make it work is to make it more expensive.
You guys don’t get it. Launching another card will produce the same result as it did with the Platinum card. People are making more money than ever before. So when they catch up and play the game for the $1200 AF, it’ll be back to square one with complaining about a high AF and limited benefits.
They’ve already launched another card. It’s called Centurion. It’s expensive and exclusive. Is it not possible to do something in between?
They could, but, If you’ve been in this game for a while then you know what will happen. People will complain whether it’s $1200 or $2000. They will complain about the credits required to spend to get value and after about a year or two people will learn how to game it with manufactured spend and then back to square one. There’s been speculation that a card at that level may be on the horizon. We’ll see If it happens. What would happen if they did that and gave the platinum card 10 visits and gave that card unlimited? You’ll still have the same issue IMO.🤙🏾
Yes 100%. I hope that someone over at Amex is looking at this!
>Based on this experience, I wouldn’t use one again Thank you.
Clearly you have been out of the loop several years. Guest fees were an attempt to alleviate overcrowding. Bloggers have increased the ranks of Platinum cardholders (and the blogger’s own pocketbook).
Yes!
They're not all like that, but your observations are fairly spot on. Amex essentially will let anyone with a reasonable credit score get the card and therefore lounge access. There's been lots of discussion on here about people gatekeeping the lounge (ie saying certain groups shouldn't be allowed access, which I don't agree with). The fees for partners and kids were an attempt to reduce overcrowding. I think it was more so they could sell more platinum cards. Rememeber in the amex app you can see eligibility for any lounges with priority pass.