HUGE Changes to Amex Centurion Lounges 2023 | How to Access Airport Lounge

[@AskSebby]

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[@willjoful]

Amex needs to put better food items in their lounges. That is where they need to make a change.

[@Mase63425]

New York and ATL was good too

[@SGTMajorLarry]

Agreed Amex has the best drink offering by far but with only 1 main and like 2 sides plus soups, salad and desert, they get put to shame by Delta’s food offering. Luckily they partnered with Delta so cross lounge access makes them a perfect pair at least if you fly Delta.

[@LintonWong]

I like the food @ LGA, LAS, SFO, IAH

[@gilbertnicholas1582]

The food in JFK is always very good

[@willjoful]

@@Mase63425 ATL is the worst lounges try Hawaii lounges. They have real food in there delta lounge.

[@TheInstigator32]

I love this as a solo traveler. I recently got the platinum card and I've only gotten to use the lounge twice. Both times it was filled with obnoxious children running around and big groups of people with nowhere to sit. I just want to enjoy a free breakfast and a nap without worrying about someone lurking through my bag and in a comfortable area.

[@Dreadlock1227]

I do wish they would allow a little bit of leeway for couples. Like maybe just allow one free guest instead of 2. It kind of sucks for me, cause my wife and I travel together all the time and we usually used the lounge together. She’s a Canadian citizen and doesn’t have a US social security #, so I can’t add her as an authorized user, so we’re just gonna end up paying the extra $50 every time.

[@RoLE777]

You can add her without a SSN… It would just be a card issued for 60-days only

[@aryamansinghi3314]

@@RoLE777no, you can put her passport number and it works as a permanent ID number

[@Ron-qe4ul]

☕️ Solo traveler and I've been waiting for this change for a while. Had to just skip the lounge once or twice because lines were out the door. Amex should offer quality "grab n go" options like Cap One does.

[@AskSebby]

"Grab n go" could potentially reduce the crowding for ppl who want a quick bite.

[@claytonrehm]

Couldn’t agree more, way too many families with several kids!

[@Elricky124]

Time for Centurion Lounge family edition. Lol 😂

[@RobertSK931]

We got that in Sweden and some more EU countries

[@truecanuck97]

They do at LAX

[@thejokerspeaks]

Team Delta Reserve. We mainly use the Sky Club, and my wife gets 2 passes a year, the exact number she wanted to use in 2022. I often just zip in for a glass of wine and snack, when time is short. Soon Capital One will have a lounge in the D Gates of Las Vegas, our home airport.

[@Jezzrichjames]

☕️ Lounges are getting quite crowded during peak times, so making people pay for bringing in more people makes sense.

[@Omikoshi78]

20 year Amex plat holder. Cancelling this year since it feels like a second job trying to claw back value. Chase Reserve is 100x better.

[@jacob_90s]

Don't know why I like the Centurion videos so much, but here we are!

[@AskSebby]

:)

[@im2bused]

☕️ solo traveler

[@vgsindc1615]

Same!

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

☕ Definitely an unfortunate change for those who travel as a couple or with a family. As for solo travelers, this could be great! I guess time will tell how it all plays out, but I know a lot of people were complaining about overcrowding, so hopefully this helps. Great video Sebby!

[@bellad1063]

$25 for my 2 yr old and $25 for my 4 yr old. Together they can’t eat or drink $5 worth 😂

[@bullishatresistance8830]

As a mostly solo traveler this is long overdue. Why should I the cardholder not be able to access lounges because half of the people in the lounge don't have a card and are taking up the space from actual cardholders. Well done Amex.

[@SpencerJohnsonOfficial]

@@bullishatresistance8830 Great points!

[@SlumberSource]

Love the new rules. Eliminates many posers

[@masonmagee9860]

Got the authorized user card for my wife as we travel frequently and 4 lounge visits more than pays this off. In addition I had an offer for 10,000 points to add an authorized user if they spend 2k in 6 months. That made it a bit easier to decide on our case. Be sure to check if you can get a similar bonus!

[@danielsaadi803]

Ask Seby, thanks for always keeping me in the know of what changes are taking effect on my card, I sometimes learn more from you than the statement inserts they send us.

[@fearsomebeard4290]

I’m happy about it because the Centurion loungers have become too crowded. I’m a solo traveler and rarely ever have a guest. ☕️

[@mrb152]

The Amex Platinum makes less and less sense for me. It was going to be my last big travel card, but looks like I’ll stop at Venture X and go get hotel cards.

[@anthonychen6237]

That is exactly what I did. Venture X + Hilton Aspire Card combo.

[@jonlim88]

☕ Pretty pleased with this change, but I am one of the folks who added 3 AUs for $175 right after getting the card, because it enabled my friend group to hit up lounges whenever we traveled. Went to JFK last week, and the Centurion Lounge line was out the door, didn't bother and went to the Delta Sky Club which also had a line out the door, and I just wanted to run in for a quick bite and drink. Anything to reduce the crowding is great, in my eyes!

[@ctw1983]

When going to these lounges, do we just "show" the credit card along with our ID & plane ticket? Or do they actually swipe/scan the platinum card also? Thanks!

[@kartikniyogi]

☕ I am in Atlanta. Waiting for Centurion lounge to open here. But paying $30 for my kid ... That's a bummer 😞

[@ajlotter]

☕️ I have an AMEX Platinum card and can’t wait to visit one of the lounges. Thank you for your videos.

[@Vegaslocal]

One thing I do not like that Amex changed about a year ago was that if you are not between connecting flights, you can't get into Centurion until 2 hours before departure. So if you go to the airport early you can't get in at all until 2 hours before your flight leaves. Period. So when you get in, you're lucky to have maybe one hour before you start to head to your gate. I could understand 3 hours but not 2. I like the lounge but this restriction seems cheap to me. I'm rushed enough at a airport and don't like a lounge to make it worse.

[@Elricky124]

$30 for a 3 year old. That will be $10 glass of milk and $20 cereal. I haven’t even seen a kids play area in the Sfo lounge. I haven’t seen play areas in any of the lounges that I have visited. Too bad kids can’t have a toddler Amex platinum card. Cup of ☕️

[@notorioustori]

☕ solo disabled traveler here and these changes are favorable for folks like me. Whereas I've been lucky not to encounter long lines to get in, it's sometimes impossible to find a tiny table in the lounge to simply roll up to. If by chance it ever gets to a point where I can no longer travel solo, I'd gladly shell out the extra for either a pass or AU. However, with some airports expanding accommodating services in their terminals & keeping bathrooms more hygienic & gates more relaxing, when I'm flying FC/BC sometimes the lounge is overrated.

[@anthonyparker1589]

The hotel at 6:50 is the Barcelo in Aruba. Love it there. If you're apart of the vacation club I recommend going at least once. You pay $100/night for an $800 room.

[@alexchen7729]

You didn’t give any options or comment on families with children aged 2-12 who cant be authorized users on Amex cards.

[@james-p]

As a solo traveller, I am pleased! Next flight (to France) coming up in February, after this takes effect (Business Class, purchased with points, of course lol). Hopefully Centurion LAX won't be too much of a zoo. 😁 ☕

[@EthanPatrick_CreditCards]

The best lounge access cards in this order: 1. AMEX Platinum 2. Capital One Venture X 3. Chase Sapphire Reserve Although the CSR has non-lounge benefits that the two others don't.

[@mrchecox2206]

My wife is already authorized since she travel for business at least once per month. For us will just showing 2 cards instead of 1 when traveling together

[@robbiemoore4714]

☕️ went to the centurion lounge in DEI. Sign out front said 30-45min wait but there was no line. Walked up got let in, once inside with my family (utilizes 1 auth user and 2 guest for P1 and 1 guest for P2. All our kids) it was BUSY. We were able to score a table, the food was great and the staff were turning and burning food out. But we didnt get to the lounge side, stuck more on the cafeteria feeling side. Still free food, drink, coffee wasnt impressive. Glad i got to utilize it. For me thats at least a $100 value feeding and drinks for 5 people.

[@MrBucky565]

☕️ in a quiet lounge is worth the AF

[@SeanZetterlund]

Luckily, lounge access isn't one of the main reasons I have the Amex Platinum. Whenever I've traveled, if I notice a Centurion Lounge isn't crowded, I'll go for it, but I've been pretty satisfied by the other lounges I've also gotten access to.

[@janellmd]

Which other lounges did you have access to?

[@d05wtt]

I miss the days before credit cards gave you access to the lounges. Back in those days, your status with an airline or if you’re flying business or first class gave you access to the lounges. It was much quieter then and far less travelers. For example, the United Red Carpet club would be 1/4 full. You could find a seat away from people. No screaming kids running around. You could actually get some work done. My experience, the food was better then. Now, I’d rather sit outside with the “cattle” than go into the lounge unless I get access to the Polaris lounge. There are also some United lounges that are far better than the Centurion lounges in those cities. Food is much better. Far less people than in the Centurion lounges. Personally, I wish they would go back to the old ways to weed out the crowds. Eliminate credit card access.

[@nyalovebychi]

☕ I am considering working for a lounge to supplement my income and I came across your video. I was already subscribed. I love how thorough you are when you explain things.

[@edlee9432]

Can’t wait to check out the new SFO remodel Centurion lounge. Double the size, and with the new restrictions, maybe I’ll get a seat for a change.

[@ianshaan]

Yea it is so much better. Many people are confused by the change. Just keep going down the hall and the larger part + more seats in the back.

[@jeffrs82]

I spend 85% of my time in Asia now. I dont use Centurion Lounges much, but other lounges in Asian airports are better than Centurion in the US.

[@sunnybabyface]

☕️ I have the Morgan Stanley platinum card. If you do a video on this topic, it’s worth mentioning that the CashPlus platinum account reimburses the $695 annual fee. The account has a $55 monthly fee but that can be waived with a monthly direct deposit of $5k and also maintaining an average balance of $25k. The current preferred savings program has 4% interest rate for 2023. The MS route is def not for everyone considering the investment relationship criteria but could make sense for some.

[@billjoyce]

For those of us in the US of the right age, you can direct deposit your Social Security as an alternative to the $5K monthly.

[@robinsonsontheroll5482]

I’m mostly a solo traveler my husband and I fly together less than once a year. So we will just pay the $50 vs adding him as an authorized signer on my Amex Platinum. Our home airport only has escape lounges so we can use them with no changes 😉

[@noeapantoja]

Good thing we don’t have a overcrowding problem at the Centurion @ ORD 😎

[@hunterrodriguez6802]

☕️ as a solo traveler I’m excited for the change as it should help make the lounges less crowded

[@WaterYourSoil]

This was very informative. I love Centurion lounges. If it's not Delta Sky club, it's the Centurion for me. ☕

[@rollinwrench6298]

Lovin the Morgan Stanley option! Just canned my Platinum and changed to a gold because I was tired of the lame congested lounges. Couldn’t justify the yearly. But, park $25k @ 3.5% (plus $5 month) to get the $695 waived? WIN-WIN!! I’m in! Thanks mate! ☕️☕️☕️

[@sergeypareyko2696]

Did you have to register for their cashplus account?

[@kylekeller7577]

Wife and I both have platinum card, so doesn’t effect us much. Hope the changes reduce crowding though. Especially with all of the kids.

[@senorbautista6143]

I am using the two Platinum approach. My wife has one and I have another. I ran the numbers and in our situation, we break even on both cards to justify the annual fees.

[@mrb152]

Not going to make sense for most people. Too many of the credits are easily shared by a household and you have no reason to double them.

[@KenanHeppe]

Why not just add her as an authorized user? They get the same lounge benefit, right?

[@senorbautista6143]

Like I said - In our situation - it makes sense to keep them both separate. We each use the $200 hotel credit, the $200 airline incidental credit, plus my wife has Audible (she had it before AMEX offered the credit). Not to mention that a lot of times we double dip into their cash back offers.

[@primitivestudio1]

☕Thanks, I started out with a Mercedes Platinum card, but now regular platinum for obvious reasons. For me, this won't really affect me so much. My spouse is an authorized user and she travels a lot so works out. We have no kids so no problem. That said, I am still mystified about why folks complain about crowded lounges. In the past 6 months have been to various Centurian lounges more than 12 times. I have never waited in line for more than 3 minutes, and that was just waiting for people to check-in. One exception was waiting for the lounge to open up. Becaus e me and my spouse travels a lot we find value in it. Also, lets be honest, its nice to be in lounge that doesnt have screaming kids. I know selfish

[@EVO.0w0]

☕️ I don’t travel much maybe once a year. I am traveling in may, so I hope the crowds won’t be a issue.

[@rolman1223]

thanks you so much for the heads up.... I dont really have so much time to got over my AX info but you always keep us on the loop.... you rock !

[@melnagai]

☕️ I don’t have a centurion lounge in Boston. Now that they have made those changes I will definitely not be getting the platinum card. I was in Denver a couple of months ago on the United club lounge was packed and people were being directed to the other United Club lounge. I think I have all the cards I’m going to have for a while, but I enjoy watching your videos and learning about all of the updates and offers.

[@mefirst5427]

Last time I was in the Centurion Lounge at SFO was 5 years ago and it was over crowded to the max. Not a single seat available and long wait for shower. I can imagine it is much worse post pandemic.

[@Onigirii]

☕I went to the Centurion lounge in Seattle recently, it wasn't crazy packed, but it was still more than I liked

[@Dia0002]

Thinking of just adding my sister and splitting the annual fee together so I have my card and she has hers 🤞I get approved

[@topozo33]

I can see one reason, Military people get free high-fee Amex credit card...

[@smartpoker473]

They definitely could make it better way- like to offer 1-3 free companion entry per year and than you have to pay for it or earn thru 75K spend

[@hseojeon]

What about Canadian Platinum holders?

[@jermaineweaver50]

I just got the Amex platinum in December so I guess I won’t enjoy it unless I make some changes

[@FranciscoAngustia]

☕I travel solo a lot now so I love this change. The last few times I've wanted to use the Centurion lounge they were packed(JFK, MIA, IAH)

[@zinky123]

☕☕more coffee for you Seb. we dont personally spend enough time in lounges unless we travel internationally.

[@grassjellychou8277]

☕️☕️ thank you Sebby. Would definitely want to see a video about how to apply for Morgan Stanley platinum card

[@kylekeener9247]

Honestly, this is great! There are too many people in there, especially kids…sorry parents but yeah you gotta go or pay. It’s not fair.

[@jayzee316]

does this rule affect canadian platinum customers?

[@StevenLynn]

☕Currently not affected. Solo and beginner just starting to travel. Did a couple trips in late 2022 via car. Got my first Amex in Vegas experience which was awesome. Spent almost nothing on food because of the Platinum via the hotel $100 restore fee which the hotel said was available daily for use including the restaurants. Looking to travel at least once via plane this year just have not decided on where (Hawaii or Washington DC). Leaning towards DC because I live in the southwest so weather is almost always nice outside of monsoon season. 😁

[@Tuemtuci]

I think the solution if the raise the annual fee would be get a bigger coupon book but only allow people a certain amount of slots 800$ annual but 2x on everything

[@SuperVeganShark]

Forcing more people to pay to get the AUs is the way for Amex to increase cards and increase membership fee income.

[@decaprio7421]

Awesome content like always. ALSO please fix the video/camera setup, picture/colors looks grayish/plain

[@AskSebby]

I think my room is just naturally plain / gray lol. I can add color lights in the back if you think that's better? But it looked really distracting when I was testing it.

[@53consulting]

deep dive on Morgan Stanley platinum card please ☕🍺

[@dhruvshah5813]

Yes, can you please do a deep dive into the morgan stanley amex platinum

[@joannat1898]

I go to lounges for the coffee ☕️ too! Thanks for this video.

[@kevjak357]

Luckily I used option #2. My wife is my player 2 on our Amex Schwab.

[@douglaslewis5853]

☕Good to know that authorized users can also hit the SkyClub. One question: If you've never earned the big welcome bonus on the Platinum, does becoming an authorized user mess you chances up if you want to get your own down the road?

[@tomastaz]

Venture X looking pretty nice now

[@pgiatrakis]

☕️ Thanks for the update I have zero status so now I guess it will be better for me. I get my money back always but I’m not really a traveler. I use Uber & WM, my big perk for me is the phone insurance Thanks for your hard work ❤cheers 🍻

[@jamesmoore5630]

If you did not already know, new members of the milatary get an AMEX Platinum card handed to them and AMEX waves all the fees, and the card can be used worldwide.

[@ja8160]

New member and I’m glad for the changes. Love your content! ❤☕️

[@AWMCarnival]

Solo traveler here so I will definitely benefit. I just got the platinum and have been worried if I would even get to enjoy the lounges with the excessive crowding.

[@tristanolarti9671]

☕️ think I missed it, are Delta Reserve cardholders affected? Didn’t see it referenced.

[@andrewm7352]

5pm closing time in SFO is straight offensive. They need to get their situation sorted out before reopening.

[@tod3msn]

I paid top prices for first class and told I was not allowed in. I felt like it was like trying to get into Studio 54 in the 1970's. I went to this incredible small boutique restaurant at the airport and had a mind blowing taco salad that made my being rejected for the lounge ok.

[@omarkhan4714]

The Canadian platinum can still bring guests to the centurion lounges. Although we don’t have any in Canada.

[@dalenesbitt]

I was going to come here to say that. I hope the gatekeepers at the Centurion lounges know this.

[@sdfawe-qo8eq]

$50 for extra guest isn’t too bad. I wish I could’ve abused that bring 2 extra people into the lounges. I was wondering what that $75000 bar was doing in the app. I thought that timeframe was to indicate how much time left I need to spend if I want to keep the lounge pass.

[@malachiharewood8573]

☕️ we need that Morgan Stanley video Seb!

[@carol-wg3zr]

☕ Dissappointed, because I always fly with someone! I use Alaska lounge frequently, and is nice!

[@gabe1784]

YESSS, so tired of families in the lounges. They are without a doubt the biggest annoyance, sorry not sorry.

[@tahneshawilson4391]

☕️ I'm new to the Amex platinum business card. It's $50 for Sky Club access. I used it for the first time today. I felt that it was overrated. Super crowded, only certain drinks were complimentary. I don’t think I would go again.

[@miketash2428]

I was late for my flight in Dallas because amex lounge was overcrowded and it was very noisy inside. When i went back to general waiting area i was surprised how quiet it was 😂

[@rosagarcia5041]

I think the changes only benefits solo travelers. Couples and families will have to pay the additional $175 for AU or pay the guest fee. The guest fee is reasonable but I do feel like they don’t care about families which is why the change benefits solos.

[@achevres]

My issue with the food is that dishes that should be hot are not kept hot. I can’t be the only one with this complaint. I agree lounges are too crowded, so I’m ok with the fees.

[@ccgnoix]

☕️ I'm a Delta loyalist. Will be interesting to see how these changes make the lounges a more positive experience.

[@landonbarretto4933]

I have a Platinum and was in the Seattle lounge recently. It's huge, at least 20 thousand feet. There are areas reserved only for Centurion card holders. Platinum members were sitting in those areas and being booted out of them. There just aren't that many people who have that card to segregate the lounges that way.

[@vonzellable]

☕Finally got to use my lounge access last year 2 years after getting the Amex Platinum. It was a Priority Pass lounge and it was nice. We are probably going to do the $175 AU option and upgrade the gold cards for my wife, my mom and our adult kids. Just waiting for the yearly fee to come around before we upgrade.

[@hazelem1266]

Make sure that each person has a card. A couple of times we used one card and brought the other in though we had two cards and couldn’t understand why we were charged $Aud 44 for the lounge. It was only with our last flight in September that we finally figured it out.

[@olsenz]

☕I'm mostly a solo traveler for work so changes don't effect me much, but do plan to travel with family a couple times this year so if I want to use the louge it will cost $60 for 2 kids, not sure it's worth that.....

[@stevenbabe3288]

I just got the Amex platinum but I didn’t know i was going to have to pay $175 to get another car for my husband. Chase you get it for free and access to the lounges. Spending another 695 a year to get 150k points may make sense but it gets expensive getting all these cards. I worry about cancelling them after I use the 150K miles which is all i really care about.

[@SlickRick135]

Amex needs to limit access to Centurion and Platinum cardholders only, the line at these lounges is getting ridiculous.

[@samuelosorio281]

☕ Excellent Info! Solo traveler here!

[@theuriah01]

☕️ is disgusting. Thanks for the videos! Please keep up the great content!

[@chiangui24]

☕When I reached out to Amex to try and get an exemption for my gf as an occasional additional guest, they told me the $200 flight credit could apply to the lounge. If this is accurate then you can use that to get 4 guest visits.

[@josevera263]

This works if you are traveling with Delta and go to Sky Delta lounge and you selected Delta as the ancillary. I would assume it works also with United lounges if you selected United. But doubt it would work with Centurion since is not affiliated with any airlines.

[@TheRealMattHerdman]

A bit disappointing to hear since Amex just opened up a new lounge at my home airport. I was considering getting this card at some point but I’ll have to give it some further thought after hearing this since I usually travel with my +1. We’ll see how this strategy works out for Amex but I think this card can make a lot of sense for certain people outside of just guest access. ☕️

[@Chuckerson100]

Same here, I was about the get the Amex but I don’t feel like paying $50 for my wife every time we travel. Thinking about the United club card.

[@NissanSkylineVR30]

I never understood why people are upset with the “coupon book”. I get a lot of them are unusable because it’s for luxury hotels and expensive products but Amex does it purposely to target the rich (or big spender) person that is likely to buy that stuff anyways.

[@shuqi8975]

Its better this way to limit guests so it’s not crowded and still somewhat exclusive ;-)

[@SearsSean5]

Would you recommend the Amtrak credit cards? If you travel on Amtrak once a year?

[@damnjustassignmeone]

The biggest reason I still have the AmEx Platinum is lounge access. With centurion lounges being shut off for my wife, I think I’ll cancel…

[@thescottmoran]

NEED a video on the Morgan Stanley version of the he platty!

[@monsieuraout]

After receiving the news update about the new changes for entering the _Priority Pass lounges_ with the AmEx Platinum, I called up my bank and _canceled_ my _AmEx Platinum card._

[@AskSebby]

Yep, in that case CSR is probably your best bet (with non-lounge options as well).

[@SirTurdle]

☕ I got the MS Plat from the Access Investing/ cash+ right before they stopped applications, but a hidden perk is that MS's website lets you link your bank and credit accounts into one place and shows totals with calculated stats. Its really convinient, and the plat cash+ debit has ATM rebates that kicked Schwab out of my wallet.

[@stefansperb816]

☕ added parents as AUs and got my friend bitten by the lounge bug (got the platinum as well). Please do another in depth video on other versions of platinum please 😊

[@cheesesandwich1033]

I received the “congrats” email after I spent $75k on my AMEX. I didn’t really know why it mattered, now I do :)