Escape Lounges Limit Access for American Express Platinum Cardholders
American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders receive many benefits, with one of them being lounge access. This is a popular perk for frequent travelers, as lounges offer an escape from busy terminals, plus food, drinks and other amenities.
Platinum cardholders get complimentary access to Centurion Lounges, but access has been limited as you can no longer bring free guests without crazy spending on the card. But cardholders also get access to The American Express Global Lounge Collection. That includes Priority Pass, Plaza Premium and Escape Lounges among others.
Escape Lounges still let you bring two free guests, but there’s now a new restriction for those who arrive at the airport too early. You may only access the lounge within 3 hours of departure. The good thing is that you can still access these lounge during a long layover.
Here’s the announcement that was first reported by YourMileageMayVary:
“Effective May 9, 2024, to access select Escape Lounge locations, eligible Platinum Card® Members will be required to arrive at the lounge within 3 hours of their departing flight. During a layover the eligible Card Member may use the Escape Lounge in the connecting airport at any time. Additional information on guest fee rates, access policies and lounge terms and conditions can be found at escapelounges.com/us/access/.”
These are not the most popular lounges, so I doubt anyone was going to the airport more than three hours early just to visit one of their locations. But they can be the only option in some cases, or a good option when other lounges are full.
