Plaza Premium Lounges Guide (Prices & Locations) [2023]

You may have heard of Plaza Premium Lounges before because they are in a lot of different countries and come attached to several different membership programs. But what exactly are these lounges, where can you find them, and are these worth your time?

In this article, I will break down everything you need to know about Plaza Premium Lounges including things like how to get access, all of the locations, and what you can expect when you visit. 

What are Plaza Premium Lounges?

Plaza Premium Lounges are lounges that are part of the Plaza Premium Group lounge network and they are located all over the world. You will find a lot of these lounges in Australia, Asia, and the Middle East, though you can also find some in Europe and South America.

How do you get access to Plaza Premium lounges?

There are quite a few ways that you can get access to a Plaza Premium Lounge.

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Purchasing a day pass

One option to get access to a Plaza Premium Lounge is to simply purchase a day pass.

These can be purchased/reserved online or you can just purchase a day pass at the check-in desk. To book online simply go to the main website and then search for your desired lounge and after you click on that lounge you will see an option to reserve a spot.

Not all lounges will allow you to book online and keep in mind that there could be capacity restraints if a lounge is particularly busy at that time. 

The cost of your day pass will depend on the lounge, type of visit, and also on how long you plan on sticking around. Typically, for the type of visit you can choose from a standard lounge visit, a shower visit, or a private resting experience.

A Plaza Premium lounge at Hong Kong charges the following rates for a lounge visit: 

  • Two hours: US$82
  • Five hours: US$110

A lounge at London Heathrow charged $58 for a two hour visit and $26 for a shower visit but some lounges in Asia may only charge $8 for a shower visit. So the cost of your visit will depend largely on the location and duration of your visit. 

Some of these lounges have more to offer and you can purchase a full private rest experience.

This will allow you the opportunity to take a shower, enjoy some dining, and get some real rest. With a pass like this, you could spend up to nine hours in the lounge so it is essentially a mini-hotel stay.

The prices for these experiences are going to be much more expensive. For example, the same lounge in Hong Kong referenced above will charge you US$252 for this experience for 9 hours. (Other private resting experiences may be cheaper if you are only using them for 3 to 6 hours.)

Priority Pass Select membership

You can also get access to some Plaza Premium Lounges with your Priority Pass Select membership. Priority Pass is a much larger network of airport lounges that you can find across the world and their lounge network totals over 1,200 lounges. Some lounges in the Priority Pass Select network are also Plaza Premium lounge so there is overlap between the two.

If you are interested in obtaining a Priority Pass Select membership I would suggest getting a card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve which grants access to lounges and credits to the airport restaurants that are in the Priority Pass Select restaurant network. With a Priority Pass Select membership, you will typically be able to bring two guests along with you but it depends on the type of card you have and also on any capacity restraints from the lounge.

American Express Platinum Card & other cards

If you hold the American Express Platinum Card you can also get access to Plaza Premium Lounges (along with access to many other different types of lounges). Platinum card members may bring up to 1 companion into Plaza Premium Lounges as complimentary guests.

There is some access overlap because the Platinum Card also provides you with Priority Pass Select membership. However, there are some Plaza Premium Lounges that do not offer access to Priority Pass members and with the Platinum Card sometimes you can reportedly get more extensive access and better benefits such as more free food and drinks.

Other cards may also provide access like those from Capital One.

Flight tickets

If you are flying a premium cabin on a certain airline, then you may be given admission to the lounge based on your airfare. For example, I was once given access to a Plaza Premium lounge when I was flying business class on Thai Airways.

Do you have to pay for children?

You can check the policy for bringing children to a lounge by clicking on the lounge through the main website. But the children policy that you will often encounter is that children between ages 2 to 11 are charged 70% of the adult rates and children under 2 years old have complimentary access.

What can you expect in a Plaza Premium lounge?

In my personal experience, I found Plaza Premium Lounges to be pretty high-quality. They didn’t quite blow me away but they are not a bad place to relax in.

The types of amenities that you will encounter will just depend on the type of lounge that you visit. It’s very easy to see what amenities each lounge has because when you click on that lounge, you will see a breakdown of icons displaying all of the amenities offered. It will look something like this:

Food and beverages

Most of these lounges will have an area with food and beverages, including hot food. If you are only interested in vegetarian options many lounges will accommodate those.

Alcohol/bars

Most Plaza Premium airport lounges will have an area dedicated for alcoholic drinks. Some even might have draught beer.

Just note that if you are traveling through certain parts of the world like Saudi Arabia then you will not find a Plaza Premium lounge with alcohol due to the laws in that country. 

Seating areas

All of these lounges should have comfortable seating areas where you can relax and enjoy winding down between flights. Many of the seating areas are semi-private so you can experience a little bit of privacy as you get work done and await your flight. 

Flight information

Just about any Plaza Premium lounge that you visit should have a display for flight information. This means that you will see a screen with all of the current flight numbers and departure times displayed so that you can easily check on the status of your departure. Just note that some lounges might announce when a flight is changed or delayed but most of the time it is completely on you to keep up with your flight times. 

Wi-fi

You should expect to receive complimentary Wi-Fi at most Plaza Premium airport lounges. The speed may vary depending on the airport but in my experience the speed was very good and I was able to get work done without any issues. 

Charging stations

Most lounges will come equipped with the charging stations so you can keep your laptop and electronics ready to go for your travels. Sometimes these might be built into the furniture so be on the lookout for them.

Spa and massage stations

A minority of these lounges will have special spa and massage stations such as the Plaza Premium Lounge (Near Gate 35, Departures) in Hong Kong. Often times a spa or massage session may be very short such as 10 minutes and could be included in an admission package.

Something to keep in mind about massages in airport lounges is that these are subject to availability and often times can fill up quickly. So if you are interested in getting some type of spa session then you need to reserve that as quickly as you can.

Showers

Not all Plaza Premium lounges will have showers but some will. Again, showers can be in hot demand sometimes so as soon as you arrive at a lounge you should inquire about availability. Typically, you will be given a set amount that you can use in the shower such as 30 minutes.

24 hours?

Some Plaza Premium Lounges will be open 24 hours. In certain regions, you may find 24 hour lounges more common like in places like India. Other times, you will be facing a more standard open time where the lounge opens early in the morning and closes late at night, possibly around midnight. Often times the open and close hours depend on the flight schedules at that airport.

Departures and arrivals?

Plaza Premium Lounges have both departures and arrivals lounges. A departure lounge is a lounge that you visit while you are waiting for your flight to depart and an arrival lounge is a lounge where you visit upon landing.

Most of the lounges will be departure lounges but there are some Plaza Premium arrival lounges. For example, London Heathrow Airport has several different arrivals lounges. You might think that arrival lounges will be cheaper to visit but that is not necessarily the case. For example, the arrivals lounge at London Heathrow charges $52 for admission good for two hours.

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Full list of Plaza Premium Lounges

Below is a full list of all of the known Plaza Premium Lounges that you can find. 

Mainland China

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

  • Library Lounge by Aerotel Beijing (Northeast Pier Airport Terminal)

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

  • BGS Premier Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 2) – Temporarily Closed
  • BGS Premier Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 3) – Temporarily Closed

Changsha South Railway Station

  • DragonPass x Plaza Premium Lounge High-speed Railway Lounge

Guangzhou South Railway Station

  • DragonPass x Plaza Premium Lounge High-speed Railway Lounge

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)

  • Library Lounge by Aerotel Guangzhou (International Departures, Terminal 2) – Temporarily Closed

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

  • No. 77 China Eastern Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 2) – Temporarily Closed
  • No. 37 VIP Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 1) – Temporarily Closed
  • No. 9 VIP Lounge (Domestic Departures, Terminal 1) – Temporarily Closed

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

  • V01 VIP International Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 1) – Temporarily Closed

Shenzhen North Railway Station

  • DragonPass x Plaza Premium Lounge High-speed Railway Lounge

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (VIP Building)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge V1

Hong Kong SAR

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

  • Plaza Premium First (Near Gate 1, Departures) – Temporarily Closed
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Near Gate 1, Departures) – Temporarily Closed
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Near Gate 35, Departures)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Near Gate 60, Departures)

Macau SAR

Macau International Airport (MFM)

  • Plaza Premium First – Opening Soon
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures)

Taiwan

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Zone A, International Departures, Terminal 2)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Zone A1, International Departures, Terminal 2) – Temporarily Closed
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Zone C, International Departures, Terminal 1) – Temporarily Closed
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Zone D, International Departures, Terminal 1)

Asia Pacific

Australia

Brisbane Airport (BNE)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)
  • Wellness Spa (International Departures) – Temporarily Closed

Melbourne Airport (MEL)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 2)

Sydney Airport (SYD)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Arrivals)
  • SkyTeam Lounge operated by Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)

Cambodia

Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)

Siem Reap International Airport (REP)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)

Indonesia

Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)

  • Saphire – Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 3)

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

  • Plaza Premium First (International Departures, Satellite Terminal)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Satellite Terminal)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Next to Aerotel Kuala Lumpur, gateway@klia2)

Langkawi International Airport (LGK)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departure Hall, Outside Secured Area)

Penang International Airport (PEN)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures)

Myanmar

Mandalay International Airport (MDL)

  • CIP Lounge

New Zealand

Christchurch International Airport (CHC)

  • Manaia Lounge in partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge

Queenstown Airport (ZQN)

  • Manaia Lounge in partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge

Philippines

Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 2)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Arrival, Terminal 1)

Clark International Airport (CRK)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 2)

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

  • marhaba Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Lounge (Terminal 1)
  • marhaba Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport Lounge (Terminal 3)

Singapore

Singapore Changi Airport (SIN)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 1)
  • Swimming Pool by Aerotel Singapore (Transit Area, Terminal 1)
  • BLOSSOM – SATS & Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 4)
  • SATS Premier Lounge (Departures, Terminal 2) – Temporarily Closed
  • SATS Premier Lounge (Departures, Terminal 3)

South Korea

Gimpo International Airport (GMP)

  • Skyhub Lounge (International Departure, Terminal 1)

Incheon International Airport (ICN)

  • Matina Lounge (International Departure, Terminal 2)
  • Matina Lounge (East Wing, International Departures, Terminal 1) – Temporarily Closed
  • Matina Lounge (West Wing, International Departures, Terminal 1)
  • Skyhub Lounge (East Concourse, International Departure) – Temporarily Closed
  • Skyhub Lounge (East Wing, International Departures, Terminal 1)
  • Skyhub Lounge (West Wing, International Departures, Terminal 1)

Thailand

Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

  • Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge

Americas and Europe

Argentina

Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)

  • Star Alliance Lounge Buenos Aires

Brazil

Rio de Janeiro RIOgaleão – Tom Jobim International Airport (GIG)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 2)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures, Terminal 2)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals, Terminal 2)

GRU Airport – Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo (GRU)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures, Terminal 2)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Landside, Terminal 2)

Canada

Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Non-US Departures)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (US Departures)

Montréal – Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)

  • Air France Lounge operated by Plaza Premium Group

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures, Terminal 1)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures, Terminal 3)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 1)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 3)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder, Terminal 1)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (US Transborder, Terminal 3)
  • Wellbeing Spa (Toronto Pearson Airport)

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures, Pier C)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (US Departures)

Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures)

Mexico

Cancún International Airport (CUN)

  • MERA Business Lounge (Terminal 2)
  • MERA Business Lounge (Terminal 3)
  • MERA Business Lounge Domestic (Terminal 4)
  • MERA Business Lounge International (Terminal 4)

Colombia

Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport (BAQ)

  • Avianca Lounge Barranquilla

Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG)

  • Avianca Bogota Gold Lounge (International)
  • Avianca Lounge Bogota (Domestic)

Palonegro International Airport (BGA)

  • Avianca Lounge Bucaramanga

Cartagena Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG)

  • Avianca Lounge Cartagena

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Cali Airport (CLO)

  • Avianca Lounge Cali

José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)

  • Avianca Lounge Medellin

El Salvador

El Salvador International Airport (SAL)

  • Avianca Lounge El Salvador (International Departures)

United States of America

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse operated by Plaza Premium Group

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures, Terminal E)

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse operated by Plaza Premium Group

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge Orlando

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse operated by Plaza Premium Group

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse operated by Plaza Premium Group

Denmark

Copenhagen Airport (CPH)

  • Eventyr Lounge in partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge

Finland

Helsinki Airport (HEL)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Non-Schengen Area, Departures)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals)
  • Wellness Spa (Arrivals) – Temporarily Closed

Germany

Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 2)

Hungary

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 2)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Non-Schengen Area, Departures, Mezzanine Floor, Terminal 2B)

Italy

Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Extra Schengen Area, Departures, Terminal 3)

Sweden

Gothenborg Landvetter Airport (GOT)

  • Vinga Lounge in partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)

  • Norrsken Lounge in partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge
  • Aurora Lounge in partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge

Switzerland

Geneva Airport (GVA)

  • marhaba Geneva Airport Lounge

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

  • marhaba Zurich Airport Lounge

Turkey

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic Departures)
  • Plaza Premium Bosphorus Lounge (International Departures)

United Kingdom

Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departure Hall)

Isle of Man Airport (IOM)

  • Rendezvous Lounge in partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 2)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals, Terminal 2) – Temporarily Closed
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals, Terminal 3) – Temporarily Closed
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 4)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 5)
  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Arrivals, Terminal 4) – Temporarily Closed
  • Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium Group (Departures, Terminal 4)

London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, North Terminal)

India/Middle East/Africa

Ethiopia

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 2)

Oman

Muscat International Airport (MCT)

  • Majan Lounge

Saudi Arabia

King Fahd International Airport (DMM)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)

King Abdul Aziz International Airport (JED)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures)

Riyadh King Khalid International Airport (RUH)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (Departures, Terminal 1) – Temporarily Closed

South Africa

King Shaka International Airport (DUR)

  • Umphafa Lounge in Partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge

O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)

  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse operated by Plaza Premium Group
  • Shongololo Lounge in partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge
  • Mashonzha Lounge in Partnership with Plaza Premium Lounge

United Arab Emirates

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

  • Plaza Premium Lounge (International Departures, Terminal 3)
  • Their Patio by Plaza Premium Group (Arrivals, Terminal 3)
  • marhaba Dubai International Airport Lounge (Terminal 2)
  • marhaba Dubai International Airport Lounge (Terminal 1)

Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)

  • The Lounge – Sharjah International Airport

Zimbabwe

Robert Mugabe International Airport (HRE)

  • The Lounge (International Departures)

Final word

As you can tell, there are a lot of Plaza Premium Lounges located all across the globe. These are for the most part pretty high-quality lounges that offer an array of amenities that you might need and there are multiple ways to access them including a couple of ways via credit cards. Personally I’ve had good experiences at these lounges and would not hesitate to give them a visit again.

Amex Centurion Lounges: What Are They & Where Are They Located? [2022]

Advertiser Disclosure: UponArriving has partnered with affiliate partners and may receive a commission from card issuers. UponArriving does not display all credit card offers and affiliate relationships may impact how offers are presented. Amex Disclosure: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

If you’ve read any articles about The Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ve probably heard about Centurion Lounge access, which is one of the most valuable benefits of the Platinum Card. But what exactly are Amex Centurion Lounges and why should you care about them?

What are Amex Centurion Lounges?

Centurion Lounges are American Express airport lounges known for being some of the nicest and well-equipped lounges found in the US. You can find them at many major airports in the US and across the globe but to get access you’ll need to hold an eligible card like The Platinum Card® from American Express.

Centurion Lounge
The Las Vegas Amex Centurion Lounge — the first Centurion Lounge opened in 2013.

How can I get access to Amex Centurion Lounges?

In order to gain access to a Centurion Lounge, you’ll need to have one of the following Amex cards:

Authorized users with a Centurion or Platinum Card get access as well, which is a great deal because you can add up to three authorized users to the Platinum Card for just $175 per year (rates & fees).

Currently, you cannot purchase a membership for the Centurion Lounge.

**Note: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card Members are only eligible to visit The Centurion Lounge when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight and eligible lounges only include all Centurion Lounges located in the United States, Hong Kong, and London.

All information about the Centurion® Card and Corporate Platinum Card® has been collected independently by UponArriving.

The Platinum Card® from American Express is the most common way to get Centurion Lounge access for most UponArriving readers.

The awesome thing about the Platinum is that you also get access to other airport lounges like:

  • Priority Pass Select Lounges*
  • Delta Sky Clubs
  • Airspace Lounges
  • Escape Lounges
  • Plaza Premium Lounges
  • Select Lufthansa Lounges

In my opinion, with so many quality options it’s the clear #1 card for airport lounge access. But it also stands out with additional features like:

*Enrollment is required for these benefits.

Centurion Lounge at PHX.

Arrival times and connections

With the Platinum Card, you can only visit the Centurion Lounge if you have a departing flight or are arriving for a connecting flight (same-day round-trip itineraries are not considered connecting flights.)

Also, you can only get in within 3 hours of the departure time stated on your boarding pass. In my experience, you can get in more than three hours before your flight if it is delayed but that’s probably a YMMV situation.

If your flight departs after the lounge closes for the day, they will admit you as early as 3 hours prior to the lounge closing.

Centurion® Card holders have more flexibility with access.

For example, they can enter beyond three hours and even enter when arriving at the airport. As long as they have a same-day boarding pass and access to the terminal they can get in.

Getting into the lounge

Once you show up to the Centurion Lounge, you must present the Centurion agent with:

  • Your American Express card
  • A boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier
  • A government-issued ID

During busy hours, there may be a wait list. In that case, you’ll put your phone number down and then get a text message whenever the lounge is ready for you to enter.

Sometimes the wait may only be 5 to 10 minutes but other times you could be waiting over 30 minutes.

It doesn’t matter what carrier you are flying with or if you’re flying first class or basic economy, as long as you have your American Express card with you and your boarding pass and ID, you can get access to the lounge.

Tip: If you don’t have your physical card you can still probably get in with mobile check-in which can be done through the American Express app.

Centurion® Card holders also have special privileges for access. They often can get in even when the lounge is at capacity and sometimes they even have special reserved tables or even special rooms they can access.

All information about the Centurion® Card and Corporate Platinum Card® has been collected independently by UponArriving.

What airports have Amex Centurion Lounges?

Currently, you can find Amex Centurion Lounges at the following locations below. As you can see, they typically open around 5am to 7am and stay open until late but none of them in the US are open 24 hours.

Almost all lounges are located after security, but keep in mind that if you’re coming from another terminal like at MIA, you might have to re-enter security to get back to your terminal after accessing the lounge.

Here are all of the current locations for Amex Centurion Lounges:

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
    • Location: After clearing TSA in TBIT, walk towards the bridge to the Great Hall. Once there, immediately turn left and enter the elevator lobby. Take elevator from level four to level two where the lounge is straight ahead
    • Hours: 6:00am to 4:30pm
  • New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
    • Location: Terminal B, one level above security, right before the Eastern Concourse pedestrian bridge
    • Hours: Sunday – Friday 5:00am to 9:00pm, Saturday 5:00am to 8:00pm

Future airports:

  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) (coming 2023)
  • Reagan National Airport (DCA) 
Amex Centurion Lounges

International Amex Centurion Lounges

In the past, most international Centurion lounges were not on par with what you come to find in the US.

I remember visiting the lounge in Sydney, Australia, and being extremely underwhelmed with what was a very crowded and stuffed lounge experience.

However, American Express recently announced that they were upgrading these lounges and so in the future they should be of a much higher quality.

One thing to keep in mind about these international lounges for now is that the guest policy differs for each lounge.

  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
    • Location: Terminal 5, after the Security Checkpoint, between the A and F Piers, take the stairs across from Oak Cafe up to the entrance on the Mezzanine Level
    • Hours: Monday – Friday & Sunday 5:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday 5:00am to 7:00pm
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM)
    • Location: Terminal 2, Domestic on Level 3 across from Burger King in the Domestic Departure Area
    • Hours: 24 hours every day
  • Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
    • Location: Terminal 3, Domestic and is adjacent to Gate 27 and 28
    • Hours: 24 hours every day
  • Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE)
    • Location: Terminal B, take the stairs near Gate 15 to the entrance on Level 2
    • Hours: 10:00am to 12:00am
  • Sao Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU)
    • Location: Terminal 3, after the Security Checkpoint and Passport Control, turn left and follow the signs to the ‘VIP Lounges’
    • Hours: 11:00am to 3:00am
  • Melbourne Airport (MEL)
    • Location: Terminal 2, International. After the Security Checkpoint and Passport Control, take the escalator opposite Gate 7 down to the entrance on the lower level
    • Hours: 6:00am to 11:00pm
  • Mexico City International Airport (MEX)
    • Location 1: Terminal 1, International pre-Security between Gate 8 and F1, beside Flap’s restaurant
    • Hours: 5:00am to 10:00pm
    • Location 2: Terminal 1, Domestic Departure area between Gates 17 and 18
    • Hours: 5:00am to 10:00pm
    • Location 3: Terminal 2, after Security, proceed to the Mezzanine Level via escalators or lift. The entrance is down the hall and up the stairs
    • Hours: 5:00am to 11:00pm
  • General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY)
    • Location 1: Terminal A inside Security. Go to the Departure Level, near Gate 4
    • Hours: 5:00am to 9:00pm
    • Location 2: Terminal B in the Departure Level, near the Food Court in front of Gate 4, next to Starbucks
    • Hours: 5:00am to 9:00pm
  • Sydney Airport (SYD)
    • Location: Terminal 1, International Departures near Gates 50-63. Take the escalator or lift down to Level 1 to access the lounge
    • Hours: 6:00am to 10:00pm
Amex Centurion Lounge hong kong
Centurion Lounge at Hong Kong.

Centurion Lounge guest policy

Over the past few years, the guest policy has changed several times so it’s always good to brush up on the latest policy.

Currently, the guest policy depends on what type of credit card you are using for entry:

  • Platinum Cardmembers may bring in two guests for free. 
  • Delta SkyMiles Reserve Cardmembers may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
  • Centurion Cardmembers may enter with up to two guests or immediate family (spouse or domestic partner, and children under 18) at no additional charge.

Platinum Card and Centurion Members may purchase a day-pass for any additional guests for $50. This day pass will be good at any Centurion Lounge on the same day as long as the guest is still accompanied by the Card Member.

Just remember that the guest policy is based on your status as a cardmember and not cardholder.

This means that even if you have both the personal and business version of the Platinum Card, you still are only limited to two guests and not four.

New guest policy update for 2023:

Beginning February 1, 2023, U.S. Platinum Card and U.S. Business Platinum Card Members will be charged a $50 fee for each guest (or $30 for children aged 2 through 17, with proof of age).

U.S. Platinum Card and U.S. Business Platinum Card Members will qualify to bring in two free guests if they spend $75,000 on their card between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022 and in each calendar year thereafter.

The new guest fee is just another reason why you should consider adding someone as an authorized user to your Platinum Card. That way, they will still be able to get through those blue doors for free.

Remember, you can add up to three for only $175 total per year (rates & fees).

This will get them free centurion lounge access and also Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta.

Amex Centurion Lounge SFO
Centurion Lounge at SFO.

What amenities are offered by Centurion Lounges?

You can find the following features at some Centurion Lounges:

  • Member Services Professionals to assist with you with various needs
  • Dining developed in partnership with renowned local chefs
  • Signature cocktails, premium spirits, and curated wines
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Semi-private workspaces
  • Computer bar with printer/fax/copier
  • TVs, magazines and newspapers
  • Spa services*
  • Wine tasting area*
  • Conference room*
  • Shower suites*
  • Family room*
  • Luggage lockers*

*Available in select locations.

Decor and vibe

Aside from the perks discussed above, I think the Centurion Lounges are bit unique because they’re just simply nicer than a lot of other domestic lounges.

Aesthetically speaking, I find the design, decor, and furniture more visually appealing and often times more comfortable than other standard airport lounges in the US.

And who could forget about the amazing scent….

As long as the lounge is not overcrowded, it feels like one of the best places to be in an airport.

IAH Centurion Lounge.
IAH Centurion Lounge.

Service

The service in Centurion Lounges is also great, too.

The staff members are usually exceptionally friendly, enthusiastic, and professional and will attentively serve you drinks and take requests.

They can also assist you with your travel itinerary and even help you make restaurant reservations. If you travel frequently, the staff will quickly become acquaintances with you.

That’s definitely not something you get in every airport lounge.

There’s also a certain “exclusivity factor” since you need to hold a premium Amex card to get in, although with the crowding issues at some of these Centurion Lounges, you may not necessarily feel so “exclusive.”

Dining and drinks

Centurion Lounges offer free dining and drinks, including alcoholic beverages.

For the dining, Amex teams up with renowned local chefs to deliver its cuisine.

For example, at DFW the menu features cuisine designed by James Beard Award-winning chef Dean Fearing and consists of locally-inspired dishes like Texas Migas.

However, if I’m being honest, the food in the Centurion Lounge can be a bit hit or miss for me.

There’s usually some decent options to choose from and sometimes they really hit the spot like the perfectly seasoned pot roast dish I once had at IAH.

But sometimes there’s just not a lot of food that I care for.

Centurion Lounges usually serve both healthy and “less healthy” dining options (I’ve seen fried chicken served up), so it’s not that difficult to “be good” at this lounge.

Overall, the food is usually acceptable to good and well beyond the finger food or snacks that you often find in some other US lounges.

It’s just not always knock-it-out-of-the-park delicious and I think they could step it up a little bit.

As for drinks, Centurion Lounges definitely know what they’re doing.

You’ll find premium spirits and curated wines, and if you’re into cocktails you can look into ordering the specialty cocktails that each lounge serves up.

One popular Centurion Lounge drink is the “Blue Door,” a name inspired by the lounge’s iconic doors.

It’s made with Johnnie Walker Black Label Blended Scotch Whiskey, Myer’s Rum, Herbal Liqueur, Lemon Juice, and Anise-Flavored Liqueur.

Unlike a lot of other airport lounges, you don’t have to pay for these signature cocktails.

Some of the newer lounges may offer special experiences like wine tasting.

You can usually get tea and coffee, too. Also, they usually have a container with some kind of infused water.

Amex Centurion Lounges
Infused water at The Centurion Lounge.

Tip: If you want to bring a little bit of the Centurion Lounge flavor to your home you can check out these recipes.

Nap rooms and relaxation

Another nice perk that some lounges like the one in Houston (IAH) have is a place to rest and take a nap on comfy chaise lounge chairs.

The lounge at IAH has also incorporated wellness into the lounge and has a new room offering free access to Calm content and a health and wellness menu with health-conscious beverage options, including hot Calm Relax Tea and Calm Focus Tea, coconut water, and other options.

Amex Centurion Lounges
IAH nap room.

Seating and work stations

If you’re in the mood to just sit in a comfortable chair, you’ll find those in the lounge, too.

Many of the lounges also have cubbies as seen below that offer you a semi-private experience.

In addition, you can usually find monitors displaying flight information in various parts of the lounge so you can stay updated on your flight status.

Assuming you can find an open workstation, it’s a great place to get work done with high-speed Wi-Fi, semi-private workspaces, and computer bars with a printer/fax/copier. Conference rooms might be available at some lounges as well.

Amex Centurion Lounges FAQ

How can I get access to Amex Centurion Lounges?

In order to gain access, you’ll need to be an Amex Platinum cardmember, Delta Skymiles Reserve Card member, or Centurion cardmember.

All card types are included so Business Platinum Cards and Corporate Platinum Cards will get you access, too.

Can I get free food and drinks in Centurion Lounges?

Yes. One of the great perks about the lounge is that you are offered free hot meals and free drinks, including alcoholic beverages.

In fact, each Amex Centurion Lounge has its own specialty cocktails you can request.

Do Centurion Lounges have showers and spas?

Many of the Centurion Lounges have showers and a couple of them like the ones in DFW and Miami do have spas.

Does Priority Pass get me access to Amex Centurion Lounges?

Priority Pass will not get you access into the Centurion Lounge.

Do Centurion Lounges have free wifi and work stations?

American Express Centurion Lounges provide high speed wifi on a complimentary basis and usually have tables and other work stations that you can use.

They also typically have a computer bar area equipped with printer, fax, and copier.

Do Centurion Lounges have family/kid rooms?

Some of the Centurion Lounges offer special rooms filled with things to keep your kids occupied. They usually have a transparent wall so you can keep an eye on them from the outside.

Do I have to be 21 years old to enter?

No, but in order to be served alcoholic beverages you must be 21.

Can I bring food into the lounge?

No, you are not allowed to bring outside food into the lounge.

Final word

American Express Centurion Lounges are some of the nicest domestic lounges that you’ll probably come across. There are more popping up each year and now it looks like they are expanding overseas, which is great to see.

I personally put a lot of value in my frequent visits to The Centurion Lounge at IAH and at PHX, since they give me a comfortable working space, quality wifi, and complimentary drinks and food.

Advertiser Disclosure: UponArriving has partnered with affiliate partners and may receive a commission from card issuers. UponArriving does not display all credit card offers and affiliate relationships may impact how offers are presented. 

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analysis & recommendations are UponArriving’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. 

Amex Disclosure: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Escape Lounges Guide: (Cost and Locations) [2022]

Airport lounges are some of the best places to visit before departing on your journey (or even between flights). They offer great spots to relax and perhaps have a drink or two (or even a meal) amid sometimes hectic traveling times.

There are quite a few different types of airport lounges but one brand of airport lounges you might want to check out are the Escape Lounges.

In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about Escape Lounges including how to get entry, what to expect, and also provide you a full list of all of the locations in the US and also in the UK.

What are Escape Lounges?

Escape Lounges are airport lounges located around the UK and in certain US states; they are usually found at smaller airports although they are popping up at some larger airports as well.

These lounges offer complimentary food, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, and areas to relax and enjoy some comfortable space away from the crowds.

Escape Lounges originated in Manchester in the UK but Escape Lounges expanded to the US in 2015. Since then, we have seen more and more popping up and they have even joined the American Express Global Lounge Collection (more on that later). 

How do you get access to Escape Lounges?

American Express Platinum Card

One of the easiest ways to get access is with the American Express Platinum Card. With the Platinum Card, you can get access for yourself and for up to two guests. All you have to do is show them your card when you enter and entry will be granted.

The Platinum Card is easily the best credit card for airport lounge access.

In addition to access to Escape Lounges, you will get access to the noteworthy Amex Centurion Lounges which are some of the nicest lounges located in the US. More and more of these are popping up around the country so be sure to keep up with the latest lounges in your area. 

In addition to Amex Centurion Lounges, you will get access to Priority Pass Select lounges. Priority Pass has over 1,200 airport lounges located all around the globe.

There has been some overlap with Escape Lounges in the past so that is something to keep an eye out for. For example, The BDL and MSP lounges were part of the Priority Pass network but MSP was dropped, so now you would gain access to that lounge via your Platinum Card instead of Priority Pass. 

The only drawback with the Priority Pass membership is that you don’t get credit for the restaurants that are in the Priority Pass lounge network like you do with other premium cards. So that’s just something to consider.

You can also get access to the Delta Sky Club Lounges whenever you are flying Delta. In addition, there are a number of other lounges that you can access with the Platinum and you can read about those here.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Purchasing day passes

Regardless of the airline that you are flying on or the class of your airfare, you can purchase a day pass to get admission into an Escape Lounge. There are two different ways you can obtain a day pass. You can purchase a walk up pass or you can book online.

Walk up pass

These lounges allow you to purchase a pass as a walk up guest, which basically means you are a guest that did not make prior reservations. If you choose to enter as a walk up guest, the entry price will be more expensive. For example, in the US you will likely be paying $45 and in the UK you will likely be paying £30.

By the way if you are a AAA member or are a member of the military, you should inquire about discounts.

Book online

You can book your passes online and purchase them before you ever arrive at the airport. If you are worried about lounges being at capacity when you visit, this is the smartest way to go since you can guarantee yourself a spot at a lounge.

This is also how you can save money.

If you purchase online, you will save five US dollars and if you purchase online for a UK lounge you will save £5. Just make sure that you book 24 hours prior to your visit.

It is very easy to go through the booking process. Simply select a date and a time that you plan on entering and then proceed with payment.

If you need to make a change to your booking, you may have to pay additional fees.

For example, if you needed to make a change to your visit date or perhaps a flight and you made that change at least 48 hours prior to your arrival, you may be charged a $10 fee for the change. In that case, you would be issued a full refund.

If you make changes outside the 48 hour notice window, you will NOT be issued a refund. 

Also, if for some reason, you are not able to attend the booking that you made, then you will not be entitled to a refund.

Other forms of membership

You can also get access to the lounges with other types of memberships. For example, the following memberships may qualify you for entry: DragonPass, Priority Pass, Lounge Club, Lounge Key, Diner’s Club International and TAV.

What type of complimentary food and drinks can you get?

You will receive complimentary food and drinks when you visit Escape Lounges, but what type of food can you expect?

When it comes to breakfast, you’ll see things like pastries, muffins, boiled eggs, cereals, and yogurts. For other parts of the day such as lunch you may find some light snacks, sandwiches, salads, and even pies and soups.

I would advise to check the individual lounge page to see what type of foods are offered at that particular lounge (you can find links to the lounges below). For many lounges, you will be able to view both the food and drink menu online.

But to give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a look at the food menu at Minneapolis St. Paul.

For the breakfast menu which is served from 4:30 AM to 10:30 AM, you will see some common items like muffins, grits, yogurt, but there are also some things like smoked salmon quiche that you don’t always find at other lounges.

The lunch and dinner menu which runs from 10:30 AM to 8 PM, has some solid choices like roast beef, meatballs, and a kale chicken caesar salad. Don’t forget that they also have stations open all day where you can pick up things like boiled eggs, hummus, cookies, and other snacks like trail mix.

Escape Lounge food menu.

In addition to the food, you can also get complementary tea, coffee, soft drinks, and even alcoholic drinks at some lounges.

Here’s a look at some of the free drinks you can expect at MSP.

Photo of a Escape Lounge drink menu.
Escape Lounge drink menu.

Notice that you can select from a menu of wines, spirits, and beer. You’ll find a selection of sparkling wine, white wine, and red wine including Emerald Bay Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

As for spirits, you’ll have a broad selection of vodka, whiskey, tequila, gin, rum, scotch, and others. And then for beer you can find both domestic and imported with beers like Coors light and Corona.

There will also be premium drinks available, though those will be offered at an additional cost.

Here’s a look at what the premium drink menu might look like. Prices range from about $5 to $9, depending on what you are interested in. You will see more recognizable names under the premium spirits menu like Grey Goose, Patron, Don Julio, Captain Morgan, Hennessy, and others.

Although I don’t drink myself, I’ve heard good things about the specialty cocktails at these lounges.

Escape Lounge drink menu.

If you are in need of gluten-free items, ask a staff member upon arriving and they may be able to hook you up with something. You can also find out details about the local chefs and get some culinary insight on the lounge’s webpage. 

Full list of Escape Lounges

United States locations

Arizona

California

Connecticut

Florida

Minnesota

Nevada

Ohio

Rhode Island

South Carolina

United Kingdom locations

Escape Lounge FAQ

Can you bring in kids?

Kids are welcome in the lounges.

Children under the age of 23 months receive complimentary entry to Escape Lounges US locations. Children 24 months and older are required to pay the adult entry price.

Passengers wishing to bring children into the lounge must email the lounge or uscustomersupport@escapelounges.com to inform them of the location, date, time, number of children and ages of children. 

How does group access work?

If you are traveling with a large group, then you should know that groups larger than six people are not permitted in the lounge without prior authorization. If you would like to request authorization for a large group simply send an email to: bdl@escapelounges.com.

Keep in mind that the lounge cannot guarantee that your entire group can sit together and space is often on a first come, first serve basis in these lounges.

Just note that the group cancellation policy works a little bit different from the normal cancellation policy. If you have bookings of six or more people, you will need to provide seven or more days notice before the date of arrival to get a free refund and you will still be subject to a $10 cancellation fee per guest. You will not receive a refund for group bookings that provide less than seven days notice.

Is there a dress code?

The lounges state that there is a dress code to adhere to smart casual or business attire at all times and they reserve the right to refuse entry to any person who may be dressed in a way that they deem inappropriate.

Interestingly, shorts above the knee and sports jerseys are not permitted or any other clothing that they think will offend other guests. They also state that men’s shoulders should be covered at all times, so no tank tops.

Lounges often don’t enforce dress codes too strictly so as long as you look presentable, you probably don’t have anything to worry about.

But it never hurts to comply with dress codes so that you don’t have to worry about anything and if you are worried about not getting access, then you can always call ahead and inquire about how strictly the dress code is enforced in practice.

How long can I stay in the lounge?

The amount of time you can spend in the lounge depends on the lounge you were visiting and the location.

For lounges in the US, the website states:

Your booking entitles you to a single visit for the entire calendar day booked in the Escape Lounges from the time of booking or walk-in until the closing time of the lounge.

But for lounges in the UK the website states:

Your Booking entitles you to a single visit in the Escape Lounge of up to 3 hours, from the booked time of arrival at the Lounge.

So just make sure that you are mindful of the differences between the different locations.

Are animals allowed?

You are not allowed to bring in animals or pets of any kind. However the exception is if you are bringing in service animals per ADA regulations.

Can I get intoxicated?

It is okay to let loose a little in the lounge and have a few drinks before your flight. In fact, that is sort of the whole point of lounges for a lot of people. They want to create an inviting place to feel relaxed before hopping on board and traveling.

But there is a fine line between having a good time and getting inebriated. The terms state, “[a]ny Guest whose behavior is disruptive, disrespectful, or inappropriate for any other reason, in our sole discretion, may be removed from the Lounge.” So basically, just act with common sense and decency and you will have nothing to worry about.

Final word

Escape Lounges are great airport lounges and they are expanding around the US and the UK. They definitely add some nice value to the Platinum Card lounge access network and can be a great break from the crowds at some of these less trafficked airports.

Delta Sky Club Guide: (Access & List of Locations) [2022]

If you have walked through any major airport in the USA, you probably noticed a room behind closed doors with a sign reading “Delta Sky Club.” This may have intrigued you and rightfully so because the Delta Sky Club has everything you might need to relax, appease your appetite, and rehydrate before or after a flight.

In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about the Delta Sky Club access policy, lounge features, membership benefits, rules, and a full list of Delta Sky Club locations. And finally, I’ll wrap it up and cover some Delta Sky Club frequently asked questions (FAQs).

What is the Delta Sky Club?

The Sky Club is Delta’s inhouse made lounge that is exclusively for passengers flying Delta Airlines and their partners. It offers a variety of seating and workspaces along with food, beverages, showers, bathrooms, and a private Delta help desk that allows members and guests to handle any questions related to Delta.

In the sections below, I will go into detail of what features and amenities you can find in a Delta Sky Club.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Delta Sky Club access policy

Traditionally, people with a Sky Club membership and elites would be the only ones able to access Delta Sky Clubs. Luckily, you can access Sky Clubs through other means like credit cards.

Credit Cards

It is easier than ever to get free access into the Delta Sky Club and in my opinion, these credit cards represent greater value than the paid membership as you, the cardholder, can gain more benefits than free access to the Delta Sky Club.

The Platinum Card by American Express

  • 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines and American Express Travel
  • 5x points on hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • $200 airline incidentals credit
  • $179 CLEAR credit
  • $200 Hotel credit
  • $300 Equinox credit
  • $240 Entertainment credit
  • Complimentary Delta Sky Club access (when flying Delta)
  • Complimentary Priority Pass Lounge membership
  • Complimentary Centurion Lounge access
  • Complimentary Plaza Premium Lounge access
  • Complimentary Escape Lounge access
  • Fine Hotels & Resorts Program
  • Gold elite status with Marriott and Hilton
  • $695 annual fee (not waived)

The Business Platinum Card by American Express

  • 5x points on flights & hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • $200 airline incidentals credit
  • Complimentary Delta Sky Club access (when flying Delta)
  • Complimentary Priority Pass Lounge membership
  • Complimentary Centurion Lounge access
  • Complimentary Plaza Premium Lounge access
  • Complimentary Escape Lounge access
  • Fine Hotels & Resorts Program
  • Gold elite status with Marriott and Hilton
  • $595 annual fee (not waived)
  • Get 50% more points on purchases of $5k or more and use points for flights and get 35% Points Back

Delta Reserve Credit Card

  • 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
  • Priority boarding
  • First checked bag free (learn more)
  • 20% off in-flight purchases
  • Annual fee $550 (not waived)
  • Annual 1-time first class, Comfort+ or main cabin companion certificate
  • Complimentary Delta Sky Club access
  • Annual miles and MQMs after spend requirement

Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card

  • 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
  • Priority boarding
  • First checked bag free
  • 20% off in-flight purchases
  • Annual fee $550 (not waived)
  • Annual 1-time first class, Comfort+ or main cabin companion certificate
  • Complimentary Delta Sky Club access
  • Annual miles and MQMs after spend requirement

As you can see, all 4 cards above offer complimentary Delta Sky Club access. However, you should note, these cards only give complimentary access to the cardholder and you would have to pay $39 for each guest.

Clearly, these cards represent greater value than the paid membership that I write more about below. The equivalent membership is $545 annually. That means if you hold any of these cards the annual fee is basically the Sky Club membership fee.

Remember, if you’re active in the military, you can get your American Express card annual fee waived.

The good thing about these cards is that each one holds benefits that outweigh the Sky Club membership benefits. Both Platinum cards give you access to 1300+ lounges worldwide and the annual airline incidental credit that is up to $200. The Delta Reserve Credit Cards also offer annual 1-time companion certificate for first class, Comfort+ or main cabin.

If you hold any of the other Delta co-branded credit cards like the Delta Gold or Delta Platinum, you can still access the Sky Club for $39 per guest per visit.

I personally have The Platinum Card by American Express and find it a very valuable card partly because of Sky Club access when I fly domestic flights as my status only entitles me to Sky Club access while flying internationally. Plus, I love all the other benefits like the collection of lounges I can access and the 5x on airfare.

Related: How much are Delta SkyMiles worth?

Delta One

If you’re seated in Delta One (Delta’s name for their international business class product) you have access to Delta Sky Club. This also includes Delta One transcontinental flights.

You’re even entitled Sky Club access when you have connecting flights in your itinerary. An example would be, I am flying to Johannesburg, South Africa from Atlanta in Delta One. However, my origin city is Detroit and I am flying first class between Detroit and Atlanta. As I am connecting onto Delta One, I can access the Sky Clubs in Detroit, even though my flight from Detroit is only a domestic first class flight.

And yes, first class marketed flights on Delta will not get complimentary Sky Club access. It’s only if you are connecting onto a Delta One or SkyTeam partner premium cabin flight that entitles you Sky Club access. It must be marketed as Delta One.

Flying SkyTeam international first or business class

Just like Delta One tickets, flying a SkyTeam partner airline, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Gol, and WestJet seated in business or first class (first class as in an international first class product) you are entitled to Sky Club access, even on your connecting Delta flights.

International travel includes: Customers traveling to/from Europe, Asia, South America, Central America, Africa, Canada and Mexico (excludes travel to/from the Carribean, Guam, Palau and Saipan.)

Elite status

Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion members are entitled to Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta on an international itinerary. Even on the domestic legs of your international itinerary, you are still entitled to Sky Club access.

SkyTeam Elite Plus status holders are able to access Sky Clubs as well when traveling on an international itinerary. Therefore, if I have Garuda Indonesia Platinum status I will be able to access Sky Clubs flying Delta or any other SkyTeam airline as my Garuda Indonesia Platinum status includes SkyTeam Elite Plus status as well.

Sky Club Membership

Currently, there are two memberships that are being sold by Delta right now.

  • Individual membership: one-year is $545; 54,500 SkyMiles; or $50 for 12 monthly installments
  • Executive membership: one-year is $845; 84,500 SkyMiles; or $75 for 12 monthly installments

You can also get these as a choice benefit when you become a Diamond Medallion.

Individual membership entitles only you access to the lounge. You cannot bring guests for free but can bring two guests or a spouse/domestic partner and children under 21 for $39 per guest per club visit.

Executive membership entitles you and up to two guests access to the lounge. Extra guests would be $39 per guest per club visit.

Since January 1, 2019, members can only access the Sky Club when flying Delta or partner airlines. The membership only entitles you access to Sky Clubs and not partner lounges, except the SkyTeam Lounge at London-Heathrow as the membership entitles you access to that lounge.

Delta Sky Club features and amenities

Some Delta Sky Clubs do offer unique amenities and features that make them truly unique. From the various types of seating with outlets almost at every seat to the bar that is playing music and TVs, you can work and come down to earth in locally influenced Sky Clubs.

Seating and workspaces

Sky Clubs will have various seats that let you sit back and relax or get your work done. Most seats will offer outlets at or nearby the seat. Sometimes you can find cushy chairs that have a mini table or cubical like seating.

There will even be communal seating, high top seating, basically cafe-like seating. Plus, for the folks that want to relax at the bar, Sky Clubs that offer a bar will have bar seating.

JFK T4 Sky Club counter seating

Delta Sky Club Sky Deck

As an AvGeek, I die for any type of lounge that has outdoor seating with a beautiful view of the apron and runway. New York John F. Kennedy Terminal 4 Delta Sky Club and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Concourse F Delta Sky Club both offer Sky Decks with amazing apron and runway views and sounds making it an amazing hangout place, especially if you want to get some sun.

JFK T4 Sky Club Sky Deck

Delta Sky Club drinks

Delta Sky Clubs will also have free-flowing alcohol and soft drinks. Sometimes the Sky Club will offer ‘THE BAR’ with a free and paid menu or a self-service bar. There is a range of Coca-Cola products, juice, coffee, tea, liquor, beer, wine, and of course my favorite drink of them all, water.

LGA C28 Sky Club sparkling wine

Delta Sky Club food

Most Sky Clubs will offer snacks and light buffet stocked with a salad bar, hummus with pita chips, and soups bar able to make your own soup like Pho. At Delta hubs, it’s easy to fill up with hot foods like ravioli, pasta, steamed vegetables, Spanish rice, hash, roasted chicken, etc. (Once I was at a Sky Club that served hot dogs.)

Each Sky Club will offer something that is inspired by that region, as southern Sky Clubs will be influenced by southern cooking.

NRT Sky Club right-wing buffet
DTW C Sky Club buffet

Showers and bathrooms

In the hygiene department, you can find private shower rooms at select Sky Clubs that are stocked with Malin+Goetz amenities to smell fresh.

Each Sky Club will offer bathrooms within the club that is also stocked with Malin+Goetz hand soap and lotion.

Help desk

Located near the entrance, you will find a Delta help desk that is able to handle anything Delta related. These desks are really helpful as they won’t get terribly congested during a bad storm as people scramble to change their flights.

WiFi

While WiFi is common throughout airports, it’s always nice to connect to WiFi that is somewhat more exclusive and typically faster than your average airport WiFi.

Delta Sky Club rules

For a full list of Sky Club rules, please read here. In this section, I will highlight the most relevant ones.

Access to the Delta concourse

  • Member must have access to the Delta concourse in order to use the Club at that location.
  • No gate passes will be issued.

Conduct

  • Delta reserves the right to refuse admittance to anyone who interferes with the “business-like atmosphere” of the Delta Sky Club.

Dress code

  • Attire while in a Delta Sky Club must be in keeping with good taste and a dignified atmosphere.

Misc

  • Delta reserves the right to terminate any Membership or remove any Member or visitor for inappropriate conduct, including but not limited to conduct that’s undignified, disruptive, abusive or violent, or for failing to comply with Membership terms and conditions.
  • Airline, airport and industry employees are not permitted access while in uniform or while wearing Delta branded apparel or company/airport identification badge (this includes employees of other airlines, private and corporate aircraft, and charter carriers).
  • Business meetings, conference calls and job applicant interviews are not permitted in any Delta Sky Club.

Food and drink

  • Food and alcoholic beverages may not be brought into any Delta Sky Club.
  • Food and beverages may not be removed from any Delta Sky Club.

Day passes

  • As of November 15, 2018, the sale of the $59/5,000 Single Visit Passes has been discontinued.

Pets

  • Delta Sky Club pet policy mirrors the Carry-On Pet Policy. Pets permitted in Delta Sky Club include dogs, cats and household birds.
  • Monkeys, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, reptiles, frogs, mice, rats, sugar gliders and spiders are not permitted.
  • Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and must remain inside the kennel with the door secured at all times.
  • Guidelines for service and emotional support animals.

Smoking

  • Smoking, chewing tobacco, smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarette use is not permitted in any Delta Sky Club. (Including on the Sky Deck)

As you probably noticed, most of these are common sense and subjective. Maybe the best rule would be, don’t be like this guy.

DTW A38 Delta Sky Club

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

What airports have Delta Sky Clubs? [Full List]

There are a total of 35 airports that have a Sky Club, some of which have more than one. You can look at the full map with amenities here.

Stevens Anchorage Intl (ANC)

  • Delta Sky Club Pop Up Entrance off the South Terminal
    • Daily: 4:30am to 12:30am

Hartsfield – Jackson Atlanta Intl (ATL)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse A in center on 2nd level
    • Daily: 6:00am to 10:00pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse A near Gate A17
    • Daily: 5:45am to 10:30pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse B near Gate B18
    • Daily: 5:45am to 10:30pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse C near Gate C37
    • Daily: 6:45am to 10:30pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse D near Gate D12
    • Sunday – Friday: 6:45am to 10:00pm
    • Closed Saturday
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse D near Gate D27
    • Daily: 6:45am to 10:00pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse T near Gate T6
    • Daily: 4:30am to 10:30pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse F, Mezzanine Level
    • Daily: 6:45am to 10:00pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse E across from Gate E15
    • Daily: 6:45am to 10:45pm

Austin-Bergstrom Intl (AUS)

  • Delta Sky Club, near Gate 4
    • Daily: 4:15am to 7:30pm

Boston Logan Intl (BOS)

  • Delta Sky Club, Gate A7 – Main Terminal
    • Sunday – Friday: 4:30am to 9:30pm
    • Saturday: 4:30am to 7:45pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Gate A18 – Satellite Terminal by Starbucks
    • Daily: 4:30am to 8:30pm

Chicago O’Hare Intl (ORD)

  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal 2 – Concourse E across from Gate E6
    • Sunday – Friday: 4:30am to 7:30pm
    • Saturday: 4:30am to 6:15pm

Cincinnati/Northern Ky Intl (CVG)

  • Delta Sky Club, Near Gate B14
    • Daily: 5:00am to 7:30pm

Dallas–Fort Worth Intl (DFW)

  • Delta Sky Club, between Gates E10 & E11
    • Sunday – Friday: 4:45am to 7:00pm
    • Saturday: 4:45am to 6:30pm

Denver, CO, US (DEN)

  • Delta Sky Club, 4th floor Concourse A centre core
    • Daily: 4:30am to 12:30am

Detroit Metro Wayne Co (DTW)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse C, at Gate level near the entrance to Concourse C
    • Daily: 6:00am to 10:30pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse A, 2nd level at Express Tram North Station across from Gate A68
    • Daily: 6:00am to 9:00pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse A, 2nd level at Express Tram South Station across from Gate A18
    • Daily: 6:00am to 9:00pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal, gate level at the link, across from Gate A38
    • Daily: 4:15am to 10:30pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse A, at gate level, across from Gate A43
    • Daily: 6:00am to 10:00pm

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Intl (FLL)

  • Delta Sky Club, Main Atrium between D2 and D3
    • Sunday – Friday: 4:15am to 7:30pm
    • Saturday: 4:15am to 7:00pm

Honolulu Intl (HNL)

  • Delta Sky Club, Main Concourse Across from Gate F1
    • Daily: 6:30am to 9:45pm

Indianapolis Intl (IND)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse A immediately after security and before Starbucks
    • Sunday – Friday: 4:45am to 7:30pm
    • Saturday: 4:45am to 6:45pm

Jacksonville Intl (JAX)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse A – right after Chili’s restaurant and the Day Spa
    • Daily: 4:15am to 7:30pm

Los Angeles Intl (LAX)

  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal 2 Mezzanine Level
    • Daily: 6:30am to 10:00pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal 3 Sky Way
    • Daily: 4:15am to 12:30am

Memphis Intl (MEM)

  • Delta Sky Club, Adjacent to the B Security Checkpoint in the B/C Connector
    • Monday – Friday: 4:45am to 7:00pm
    • Saturday: 4:45am to 5:00pm

Miami Intl (MIA)

  • Delta Sky Club, South terminal. Airside. In the H and J connector (left of H concourse security)
    • Daily: 4:45am to 8:45pm

Milwaukee Gen Mitchell Intl (MKE)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse D across from Great American Bagel & Bakery
    • Daily: 5:00am to 6:15pm

Minneapolis/St. Paul Intl (MSP)

  • Delta Sky Club, F/G Concourse – entrance located at the beginning of Concourse F
    • Daily: 4:15am to 10:15pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse C, next to Gate C12
    • Daily: 6:00am to 10:15pm

Nashville Intl (BNA)

  • Delta Sky Club, Adjacent to Gate B3
    • Sunday – Friday: 4:15am to 7:30pm
    • Saturday: 4:15am to 7:00pm

Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl (MSY)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse C – Gate 1
    • Daily: 5:45am to 7:30pm

New York John F. Kennedy Intl (JFK)

  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal 2 (Mezzanine Level)
    • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00pm
  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal 4 – Concourse B near Gate 31
    • Daily: 5:00am to 11:30pm

New York La Guardia (LGA)

  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal D – Concourse level, inside security before Gate 81
    • Sunday – Friday: 5:00am to 9:15pm
    • Saturday: 5:00am to 8:15pm
  • Delta Sky Club – Sky Way
    • Sunday – Friday: 5:00am to 9:30pm
    • Saturday: 5:00am – 8:30pm

Newark Liberty Intl (EWR)

  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal B – Satellite B1 after security check point, near Gates 40 to 47
    • Sunday – Friday: 5:00am to 8:00pm
    • Saturday: 5:00am to 5:15pm

Orlando Intl (MCO)

  • Delta Sky Club, Airside 4 – Center Atrium, near Gate 71
    • Sunday – Friday: 4:30am to 9:00pm
    • Saturday: 4:30am – 8:30pm

Philadelphia Intl (PHL)

  • Delta Sky Club, Near Terminal D/E Connector
    • Sunday – Friday: 4:30am to 6:15pm
    • Saturday: 4:30am to 6:00pm

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal 3, near Gate F8
    • Daily: 4:45am to 12:30am
    • Review

Portland Intl (PDX)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse D between Gate D5 and D7
    • Daily: 4:15am to 12:15am

Raleigh–Durham Intl (RDU)

  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal 2, 2nd level, across from Gate C3
    • Daily: 4:15am to 7:15pm

Salt Lake City Intl (SLC)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse A, Level 2 east of the new Airport Plaza
    • Daily: 4:45am to 12:30am

San Diego Intl (SAN)

  • Delta Sky Club, Across Security Check-Point, Mezzanine Level, above Sunset Cove
    • Daily: 5:00am to 10:30pm

San Francisco Intl (SFO)

  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal 1 near gate C3
    • Monday – Tuesday: 4:30am to 11:30pm
    • Wednesday – Sunday: 4:30am – 12:00am

Seattle–Tacoma Intl (SEA)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse A near Gate 1
    • Daily: 4:15am to 12:00am

Tampa Intl (TPA)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse E Gate 68
    • Daily: 4:00am to 8:00pm

Ronald Reagan Washington Natl (DCA)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse B, above Gate 15
    • Sunday – Friday: 5:00am to 9:15pm
    • Saturday: 5:00am to 8:00pm

Palm Beach Intl (PBI)

  • Delta Sky Club, Concourse C, opposite Gate 4
    • Daily: 4:45am to 7:30pm
Sky Club accessible map

Like anything related to air travel, you might have more questions. I made an FAQ section answering questions that you might have about Delta Sky Clubs that weren’t answered above. (If you have any other questions, please drop them down in the comments below.)

Delta Sky Club FAQ

Can I buy Delta Sky Club day passes?

As of November 15, 2018, the sale of the $59/5,000 Single Visit Passes has been discontinued. However, if you hold an American Express co-branded Delta card, you can buy day passes for $39 per visit.

Can military personnel access Delta Sky Club for free?

Unforutally active or veteran military personnel cannot get complimentary Delta Sky Club access.

However, if you’re an active military officer, you can access other airline lounges. You can read more about the benefits you receive from Delta and other airlines for serving our country here.

How old do you have to be to access a Delta Sky Club?

Must be 21 years of age to access Clubs with a self-service bar, unless accompanied by a responsible, supervising adult who is also a Club member. Local age restrictions apply in non-US locations. For locations with a full-service bar, you only have to be 18 years of age.

What type of alcohol is free in a Delta Sky Club?

A range of alcoholic beverages is free in Delta Sky Clubs. There will be your selection of wine, sparkling wine, liquor, beer, and at full-service bars, there are cocktails available too.

If you don’t like alcohol, there is still a range of other drinks like Coca-Cola branded soft drinks, juices, teas, coffee, milk, and water.

Can I access the Delta Sky Club after I land?

Yes, you can access the Delta Sky Club after your flight flying Delta. I have done it personally and works great when I am connecting onto a non-Delta flight.

How much is a bottle of Dom Perignon Brut Champagne?

A 750ml bottle of Dom Perignon Brut Champagne is $250 or 12,500 SkyMiles. Which in my eyes is a good valuation as it makes your miles worth 2 cents per mile.

(Sometimes, you can get a bottle of Dom for $200 or 10,000 SkyMiles.)

Dom Perignon is also served on airlines like Singapore and Emirates in first class

Final word

The Delta Sky Club is one of my favorite domestic lounges that are currently being updated throughout the system. While Delta has no flagship lounge, like the United Polaris Lounge or American Airlines Flagship Lounge, Delta makes a more consistent decent domestic lounge that isn’t bad and better than other membership lounges like Admiral Clubs and United Clubs.

Priority Pass Select Guide (Benefits, Guests, Lounge Lists) [2021]

Priority Pass Select membership can be one of the most valuable credit card perks available. With this membership, you’ll be able to access over 1,300 airport lounges all across the globe. But what exactly are the Priority Pass Select benefits and rules?

In this article, I’ll take an in-depth review of the Priority Pass Select program. I’ll discuss different ways to enroll in Priority Pass Select with different credit cards and go over things like the different guest policies and costs. I’ll also show you how to find Priority Pass lounge locations and what to expect when you visit them.

Interested in finding out the hottest travel credit cards for this month? Click here to check them out! 

What is Priority Pass Select?

Priority Pass Select is a type of Priority Pass membership that is offered through various U.S. financial institutions and grants you access to over 1,300 Priority Pass airport lounges all over the globe.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Priority Pass membership cost

Priority Pass Select memberships are gained through credit cards so the cost for those memberships are essentially the annual fee paid for those cards.

But there are also different types of Priority Pass memberships that you can purchase without being a credit card holder. Those memberships are listed below.

  • Standard: $99 annual fee
  • Standard Plus: $299 annual fee
  • Prestige: $429 annual fee

Priority Pass Select memberships are very similar to these memberships that you can pay for. For example, some Priority Pass Select memberships will grant you unlimited access while others might limit your visits to only 10 per year.

But one major distinction between the two is that with Priority Pass Select you are often allowed to bring guests with you into the lounge free of charge. And if you exceed your guest limit, you can have guests enter with a reduced fee of around $27 per guest. 

If you’re talking about a Priority Pass Select membership that offers unlimited lounge visits, you can quickly see how valuable the membership is. For example, the Prestige membership will cost you $429 per year, so you’re getting at least that much value.

But as noted the Prestige membership does not allow you to bring in guests for free. So if you regularly bring along a companion with you or a family, you’re potentially getting much more than $429 worth of value from your membership.

Priority Pass Select guest policy

Take a look at the cards below and you will notice that the guest policy for the cards differ. Most cards offer two complimentary guests while some other cards also allow for immediate family members to enter or even unlimited guests. As stated, if you exceed the guest policy, you can usually have guests enter with a reduced fee of around $27 per guest.

One thing to take into consideration is that the individual lounges can impose their own restrictions on guest policies. You usually won’t have a problem when bringing in one or two guests but if you’re trying to bring in more than that you could run into issues if the lounge is facing crowding.

How to get a Priority Pass Select membership

There are many different ways to get a Priority Pass membership. Below, I will discuss several of the different credit cards that you can choose from in order to get a membership. I will also highlight some of the key benefits of these cards so that you can have an idea of why these cards might be a good fit for you.

Amex Platinum Card

The American Express Platinum Card is the number one card for lounge access in my opinion. You’ll get Priority Pass membership for you and two other guests but you’ll also get Centurion Lounge access along with Delta Sky Club access, making this the most complete lounge package out there.

The Platinum Card is also a great card if you want elite status, as it offers Gold status with Hilton and Marriott. It’s also a very rewarding card with 5X on airfare and other benefits.

The annual fee for the Platinum Card is $695 but it is offset by the $200 annual Uber credit and the $200 annual airline credit. In addition, you’ll also get a $200 hotel credit, $300 Equinox credit, CLEAR credit, and $240 entertainment credit.

Chase Sapphire Reserve

The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers Priority Pass Select membership for you and two guests. It used to offer unlimited guests but that got a little too popular and Chase cut back the benefit to only allow for two guests.

Beyond Priority Pass, the Sapphire Reserve is a very strong contender of a credit card with its 3X on dining and travel, $300 travel credit, and ability to cash in your points through the Chase Travel Portal at a rate of 1.5 cents per point. It also comes with a host of worthwhile benefits.

The annual fee for the Chase Sapphire Reserve is $550 but with the easy to use $300 travel credit and $60 DoorDash credit, it’s very easy knock down the effective annual fee to $190.

US Bank Altitude Reserve

The US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card offers an interesting Priority Pass membership that gives you four complimentary entries each year and four individual accompanying guest visits as well. After the free visits have been used, the member’s card will be charged a lounge visit fee of $27 per person per visit for the member and each guest.

The Altitude Reserve also comes with a sign-up bonus of 50,000 points (worth $750 in travel) after spending $4,500 within the first 90 days. It also has one of the highest travel credits of $325 making it easy to offset the $400 annual fee.

This is a great card for those who utilize mobile wallets because it earns 3X on eligible mobile wallet purchases, which can be a significant advantage for some. The card also earns 3X on travel booked directly with airlines, hotels, taxis, trains, etc. (but no OTAs).

Amex Hilton Aspire

Hilton Aspire Bonus

The Amex Hilton Aspire will grant you Priority Pass for you and two guests, just like the Platinum Card. The Aspire really shines in a few ways. First, it offers you Hilton Diamond status, which is the top-tier status offered by Hilton. That status can get you free breakfast, lounge access, and suite upgrades, among other benefits.

The Aspire also comes with a number of credits that help offset the $450 annual fee:

  • $250 airline incidental fee statement credit
  • $250 Hilton resort statement credit
  • $100 on property credit at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts when booking the exclusive Aspire Card package

You also get a free anniversary night which can be used at even the most expensive Hilton properties.

And finally you can earn a ton of Hilton points with this card as it comes with the following bonus categories:

  • 14X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
  • 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on flights booked directly with airlines or amextravel.com, car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies and at U.S. restaurants
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases

Amex Hilton Surpass

The Amex Hilton Surpass comes with 10 free Priority Pass lounge passes. You can use these for yourself and for guests if you’d like, so there’s a lot of flexibility with this card.

The Ascend is a much more basic card compared to the Aspire but it’s still a very good hotel credit card. You’ll get Hilton Honors Gold status and the ability to earn one free weekend night at a hotel or resort in the Hilton portfolio after spending $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year

You’ll also get some strong bonus earning potential by being able to earn:

  • 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio worldwide
  • 6X Hilton Honors Bonus Points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants, and U.S. gas stations
  • 3X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all other eligible purchases

For only a $95 annual fee, this card is a bargain for many people.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card comes with the standard Priority Pass Select membership that allows access for you and two guests with unlimited visits. Overall, it’s a pretty strong hotel card and also offers a $300 credit towards Marriott that can even be used at room rates and an annual free night for properties that cost up to 50,000 Marriott points.

There’s also some decent bonus earning potential with the card as it earns:

  • 6X on Marriott purchases
  • 3X on US restaurants
  • 3X on airlines booked directly with airlines
  • 2X on other purchases

The card does come with Marriott Gold elite status but that elite status is less valuable than it was before.

Citi Prestige

The Citi Prestige comes with one of the better Priority Pass memberships. You’ll get unlimited visits for yourself and two guests or your immediate family members.

The card earns a whopping 5X on dining and airfare and 3X on cruise lines and hotels, as well as 2X on entertainment. The $250 travel credit is now expanded so you’ll be able to offset the annual fee easier though the fee is increased to $495.

Luxury Card Black Card

Reportedly, the Luxury Card Black Card allows for unlimited guests with your Priority Pass membership. I haven’t been able to confirm that in the terms and conditions but if that’s the case, the Luxury Card offers the most generous type of Priority Pass membership.

Unfortunately, the Black Card is kind of a bust overall. It doesn’t offer a welcome bonus and while it earns 2% back when used for airfare and 1.5% back on all purchases, you can find no annual fee cards that earn that same rate so that’s not entirely impressive.

It does have a $100 airline credit that helps offset the $495 annual fee and some special VIP perks like 24/7 access to Luxury Card Concierge, Luxury Card Travel, and “Priceless” access. But beyond that, there’s not a whole to rave about with this card. 

Luxury Card Gold Card

The Luxury Card Gold Card is very similar to the Black Card only it earns 2% back when used for airfare and 2% back on all purchases. Again, that’s not bad but considering there are no-annual fee cards which can earn you the same rates, that’s not that impressive.

Other card options

  • City National Bank Visa Infinite
  • Ritz-Carlton Rewards Card (no longer available for new applicants)

Authorized users

Many of these cards allow authorized users to get access to the Priority Pass lounges. Utilizing authorized users is a great way to get more guests into the lounge with you since each authorized user can bring in their own guests. So for example if you and a companion had a Platinum Card, then you each could bring in two guests for a total of four guests. Many times, the fees for adding authorized users are very reasonable so consider using this to your advantage.

How Priority Pass Select works

The way Priority Pass works is pretty simple.

Get approved for an eligible card

First, you need to get approved for a credit card that has Priority Pass Select.

Enroll/activate

You will typically need to enroll in Priority Pass after you are approved for a credit card, so don’t assume that you will be automatically enrolled. You can usually do this online when logging in to your account but you also might be able to do this by calling in.

Show your card

After you enroll into the program, you should receive your physical card in the mail within a couple of weeks. Make sure that you bring your physical card with you when you visit the lounges. 

Many programs will allow you to link your Priority Pass card to the mobile app so you won’t always have to bring the physical card but some lounges have issues when trying to use your app. Thus, I always carry my physical card with me when traveling.

Cancelling

Something you need to know is that if you cancel your credit card you will lose out on the lounge membership immediately. If you somehow are given access to the lounge with your Priority Pass card, you will likely get billed for that visit on your credit card on a later date.

Renewing

Your Priority Pass Select membership should automatically renew if your card remains in good standing. However, it’s a good idea to monitor your card membership to make sure that the renewal process goes smoothly.

Priority Pass MCO Lounge.

Priority Pass Select app (digital card)

You can download the Priority Pass app from the App Store or Google Play.

This app is how you can access your digital card. Also, they are now starting to show indoor airport maps to help you better navigate the terminals and find your lounge. Other features include tracking your visit history and saving your “must visit” lounges to access them from the search screen.

Priority Pass Select benefits (lounges experiences)

The lounge experience can differ dramatically between Priority Pass lounges but here are some benefits you can expect to find at these lounges.

Wifi

Virtually every Priority Pass is going to offer complimentary wifi, at least for a while. Generally, the wifi speed is good enough to get things done but I’ve visited some lounges where the speed was severely lacking.

Food items

The type of food you’ll find in these lounges is going to vary. At the minimum, you’ll usually be able to find snacks and finger foods, such as pretzels, chips, and other light bites. But some lounges will provide you with a spread of hot items — sometimes these are actually pretty tasty items and other times they leave a bit to be desired.

Complimentary drinks

Most Priority Pass lounges that I’ve visited have offered a selection of complimentary alcohol. Beer and wine is common to find but some lounges will have a pretty solid line-up of spirits that you can take advantage of.

Comfy seating

Most lounges will have seating options that are superior to what’s offered in the terminals. Again, it all depends on the lounge.

Showers

Some Priority Pass lounges have showers though there are usually only a small number (or only one shower stall) available. If you want to shower at one of these lounges, your best bet would be to contact the front desk as soon as you arrive in order to secure a stall.

Some of the showers will provide you with amenities like soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, though it varies.

Nap rooms

Nap rooms are more rare to come across but I’ve seen some with some nice nap rooms (sometimes you have to reserve them).

Crowding

With so many credit cards offering Priority Pass now, crowding has definitely become an issue in some of these lounges. As a result, some lounges now limit access to Priority Pass members during busy hours. This is something that you always want to check on before heading out to your lounge.

How to find Priority Pass Select locations

It’s very easy to find Priority Pass lounges.

Simply visit their website and click on “Find a Lounge” at the top of the screen. You can then enter the city, airport name or code.

Once you are taken to the search results, simply click on the “Lounges” tab to see what lounges are available at the airport. You should then be able to select the lounges to find out all of the details for that lounge.

  • Opening Hours
  • Location
  • Conditions
  • Additional Information

You can also easily see the amenities offered like alcohol, showers, wifi, and things like whether Digital Cards are accepted.

It’s really important to make sure that you’ll be able to visit these lounges from the terminal that you’re flying out of. Many airports don’t allow you to connect between terminals after you go through security, so it’s not always practical to visit these lounges.

Sometimes you can exit the terminal and go through security twice to visit a lounge but some of these lounges might not be worth the effort. If you’re trying to figure out whether or not you can get between terminals, Flyertalk is a great place to research and ask questions.

Priority Pass restaurants

One of the cool new trends is that Priority Pass has added airport restaurants to its lounge network. For example, At SFO, you can visit the San Francisco Giants Clubhouse or Yankee Pier.

This is great if you can’t make it to a terminal with a lounge or if the lounges are full. And you can sometimes register multiple guests so you and a small party of three can enjoy a meal together.

These restaurants are constantly changing so you want to make sure that you’re checking the most up to to date information on them before you visit.

Which Priority Pass Select membership is right for you?

Airlines

Since Priority Pass offers you airport lounge access you will likely be seeking out benefits related to airlines. The Platinum Card is a great way to go to maximize your rewards with airlines because it offers 5X rewards on purchases made directly with airlines.

But note that if you want lounge access with specific airlines like United, American Airlines, Delta, etc., there are co-branded cards that you can get that will offer you lounge access for those specific airlines.

Hotels

If you are interested in hotel rewards then the Hilton Aspire Card might be on the top of your list. Personally, I would go with the Hilton Aspire Card because I like that it offers top tier diamond status and also offers such amazing credits. I would also give the American Express Platinum a really good look because it comes with Hilton Gold Status as well as Marriott Gold as well.

Spending

Now, more premium cards are offering bonus spending for various types of bonus categories like dining and travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve is a great option for earning bonus points on travel purchases and it will also earn you three times the points on dining is well. The new Citi Prestige Card is a great option for maximizing earnings on dining with its new 5X rewards as well.

Limited visits

Some people might only visit airports a few times a year. For these people, they don’t really need an unlimited membership for airport lounges. Instead, they can be 100% satisfied with a card that only provides them with a handful of visits each year. These people might want to consider cards like the Hilton Ascend or Altitude Reserve.

Multiple cards with Priority Pass

A lot of people wonder if they should hold multiple cards that offer them a Priority Pass Select membership.

The answer to this question is very often: yes.

Now that so many valuable credit cards offer Priority Pass memberships, it is almost difficult to not have multiple memberships with Priority Pass. In fact, right now I could have a hand full of Priority Pass memberships if I chose to enroll each individual credit card.

But that is not because I am a Priority Pass fanatic. It is just because there are several cards out there that offer such great benefits that they are worth picking up individually.

For example, I hold the American Express Platinum Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Hilton Aspire, and will soon be picking up the Citi Prestige. Each of those cards offer me unique benefits that I can take advantage of in different ways.

  • American Express Platinum Card: Centurion Lounge access, 5X airfare earning Membership Rewards, FHR
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3X on dining and travel earning Ultimate Rewards, 1.5 cents per point through the Chase Travel Portal
  • Hilton Aspire: Hilton Diamond status, 14X on Hilton purchases
  • Citi Prestige: 4th night free, 5X on dining and airfare earning Citi ThankYou Points

If you do enroll in multiple Priority Pass programs then I suggest that you mark your Priority Pass cards so that you do not get your memberships mixed up. This is especially important if the guest policy is different for your different cards.

List of US lounge locations

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl (ATL)

Minute Suites

Check out the full Minute Suites guide.

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – located near Gate B16

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

The Club ATL

Terminal

  • International Terminal / Concourse F

Location

  • Airside – Mezzanine Level, next to the Chapel

Hours

  • Daily: 6:30am to 10:00pm

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside- after security, Minute Suites is located between Gate C3 and C5 right next to Urban Bar-B-Que

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00pm

The Club BWI

Terminal

  • Concourse D

Location

  • Airside – Upper Level. After Security Checks, proceed to Gate D10 and the lounge is located next to ‘Dunkin Donuts’. The lounge is also accessible to passengers traveling from Concourse E. Please allow sufficient time to return back to the departure gate

Hours

  • Daily: 4:30am to 7:00pm

Logan International (BOS)

Stephanies

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – after Security, Departures Level, opposite Gate B24. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Daily: 4:30am and closes 30 minutes prior to last scheduled flight departure (Temporarily Closed)

Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill

Terminal

  • Terminal C

Location

  • Landside – before Security, Departures Level opposite the ‘Alaska Airlines’ check-in counter

Hours

  • Daily: 2:00pm to 8:00pm

The Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal C

Location

  • Airside – 1st Floor, Concourse Level across from Gate C19. The lounge is not accessible from Gates 40 – 42

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am to 8:00pm

Air France Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal E

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn right towards Gate 4. Take the dedicated lounge elevator or stairs to where the lounge is located

Hours

  • Mon, Thu, Sat: 10:30am to 10:30pm
  • Tue: 1:00pm to 10:30pm
  • Wed, Fri, Sun: 9:30am to 10:30pm

The Club

Terminal

  • Terminal E

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn left and take the elevator down one level

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 1:00am (Temporarily Closed)

Buffalo Niagara Intl (BUF)

The Club

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, between Gates 6 and 7

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to 5:00pm

Charleston SC International (CHS)

The Club CHS

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – after Security walk straight ahead towards Concourse B. Take the elevator on the left hand side for entrance to the lounge which is located over the AME Memorial and the Eddie Bauer store

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 7:30pm

Charlotte Douglas Intl (CLT)

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – D/E Connector near the Food Court

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Atrium

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located in the main atrium, next to the Food Court Area

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Chicago Ohare Intl (ORD)

Swissport Lounge

Terminal

  • International Terminal 5

Location

  • Airside – after Security turn right and the lounge is located between Gates M8 and M7 on the right

Hours

  • Daily: 1:00pm to 9:00pm
  • Closed: Dec. 25 & Jan 1

Cleveland Hopkins Intl (CLE)

The Club CLE

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, head straight to Concourse B, turn right into the hall after ‘Ohio Gameday Sports’

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 8:00pm

Bar Symon

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – after Security, go to Concourse C and Bar Symon is located between Gates C4 and C6

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 5:30pm

Colorado Springs (COS)

Colorado Springs Premier Lounge

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, adjacent to Gate 6

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to last scheduled flight departure

Dallas/Fort Worth Intl (DFW)

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – located near Gate A38

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Gameway

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – near the Skylink and Gate 42

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to 8:00pm

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Terminal D

Location

  • Airside – located near Gate D23

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

The Club DFW

Terminal

  • Terminal D

Location

  • Airside – located on the Mezzanine Floor near Gate 27. Passengers departing from other terminals will need to access the lounge via Skylink to avoid passing through security twice. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gate

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 9:00pm

Gameway

Terminal

  • Terminal E

Location

  • Airside – near Gate 16

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 7:00pm

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Be Relax Spa

Terminal

  • McNamara Terminal

Location

  • Airside – located near the middle of the water fall between Johnston & Murphy & Vino Volo, near to Gate A46

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am to 9:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • McNamara Terminal

Location

  • Airside – near Gate A66

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Terminal

  • North Terminal

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks turn left, the lounge is located next to Gate D8

Hours

  • Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:00am to 5:30pm
  • Tue: 9:00am to 5:30pm
  • Sat & Sun: Closed

Fort Lauderdale Hollywood Intl (FLL)

Kafe Kalik

Terminal

  • Terminal 4

Location

  • Airside – after Security proceed towards Concourse G and Kafe Kalik is located near Gate G6

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00am to 8:00pm

Hebron Northern Kentucky Intl (CVG)

The Club CVG

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside, the lounge is located between Gates A8 and A10. The lounge is also accessible to passengers traveling through Concourse B or C but will need to allow sufficient time to reach the departure gate

Hours

  • Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun: 6:00am to 8:00pm
  • Tue, Wed, Sat: 6:00am to 6:00pm

Honolulu Intl (HNL)

The Plumeria Lounge

Terminal

  • Inter-Island Terminal

Location

  • Airside – 3rd Floor, the lounge is located near the Wiki Wiki shuttle pick up area. The lounge is not accessible for Arrivals

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to 6:00pm

IASS Hawaii Lounge

Terminal

  • Overseas Terminal

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, proceed to Garden Court (Airline Lounge Area) towards Gates 14-23 of the Central Concourse. Take the elevator or stairs to Ground Level and follow the signs to the lounge

Hours

  • Daily: 7:30am to 1:30pm & 2:00pm to 6:00pm (Temporarily Closed)

George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)

Cadillac Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – proceed to Security Checkpoint for Gates A17-A30 and Cadillac is located near Gate A17

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat: 10:00am to 9:00pm
  • Thu, Fri, Sun: 7:00am to 9:00pm

Landry’s Seafood

Terminal

  • Terminal C

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint, turn left and Landry’s is located near Gate C42

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am to 6:00pm

Air France Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal D

Location

  • Airside – after Security, opposite Gate D12

Hours

  • Mon, Wed: 3:00pm to 7:00pm
  • Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 1:00pm to 7:00pm

KLM Crown Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal D

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located near Gate D8

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to 9:00pm

Indianapolis Intl (IND)

The Fan Zone

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn left and The Fan Zone is located at the end of Concourse B, near Gate B17

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to last scheduled flight departure

Jacksonville Intl (JAX)

The Club JAX

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside – once you pass through Security walk directly ahead past the Food Court and the lounge is located slightly to the right

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 6:00pm

Kahului Airport (OGG)

Premier Lounge

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – 2nd Floor, opposite Gate 17

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 8:30pm

McCarran Intl (LAS)

The Club LAS

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – Level 2. After passing through Security Checkpoint D, take the Blue Line train to D Gates – Level 0. Take the escalator and head West or right towards Gate D33. The lounge is located between Brooks Brothers & Tumi. It takes approximately 15 minutes. Access from Terminal 3 – Level 0. After passing through Security Checkpoint D and E, take the Red Line train to the D Gates-Level 0 and follow the same directions as above. It takes approximately 18 minutes

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 8:00pm

The Club LAS

Terminal

  • Terminal 3

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located across from Gate E2

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am to 10:00pm (Temporarily Closed)

Blue Grass Airport (LEX)

Kentucky Ale Taproom

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – after Security, the Kentucky Ale Taproom is located on the right, next to Concourse B entrance. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to last scheduled flight departure

Los Angeles Intl (LAX)

Be Relax Spa

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, turn right and Be Relax is located next door to Rock n Brew Restaurant

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am to 11:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Miami Intl (MIA)

Turkish Airlines Lounge

Terminal

  • Central Terminal Concourse E

Location

  • Airside – after TSA Check Point in Concourse E. The lounge is located on Level 2, past the escalator on the left hand side. Access from Terminal D – pass through the connector to the Central Terminal (E Gates Concourse) and the lounge is located directly ahead

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 10:00pm

Club America F

Terminal

  • Central Terminal Concourse F

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint, follow signs to the lounge which is located on the 3rd Floor. International flights only

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am to 9:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Corona Beach House

Terminal

  • North Terminal Concourse D

Location

  • Airside – between Gates D23 and D24

Hours

  • Daily: 6:30am to 9:00pm

Turkish Airlines Lounge

Terminal

  • South Terminal Concourse H

Location

  • Airside – the lounge lift lobby is located midway between Concourses H and J. Take the lift to the 3rd Floor, keep to the left until you reach the lounge entrance

Hours

  • Daily: Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Minneapolis St Paul Intl (MSP)

PGA MSP Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – proceed to the north end of the Airport Mall (towards Concourses D/E). Take the lift or stairs located between Concourses D and E (corner) up to the Upper Level. Check-in at the Golf Shop Counter

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am to 8:00pm

Nashville International Airport (BNA)

Minute Suites Nashville

Terminal

  • Concourse D

Location

  • Airside – near Gate D3

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to 10:00pm

Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl (MSY)

The Club MSY

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, follow the signs for Concourse A and pass Cafe Du Mondé. Take the elevator located on the right hand side to the 3rd Floor

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00am to 6:00pm

Newark Liberty Intl (EWR)

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located before Gates 60 – 68

Hours

  • Mon, Wed: 2:30pm to 5:30pm
  • Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 2:30pm to 9:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules
  • Closed: Dec 24, 25 & 31

John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)

Air France Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – near the Air France Boarding Area by Gate 1

Hours

  • Daily: 2:00pm to 7:30pm

KAL Business Class Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint, the lounge is located on the right hand side, across Gate 3. All passengers must hold a boarding pass departing from Terminal 1

Hours

  • Daily: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checkpoint on the left hand side. International and in-transit flights only

Hours

  • Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun: 12:30pm to 6:00pm
  • Tue, Thu, Sat: 12:30pm to 5:30pm

Primeclass Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Airside – after Security, next to Gates 8 and 9. International flights only

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat: 12:00pm to 6:30pm
  • Wed, Fri, Sun: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Air India Maharaja Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 4

Location

  • Airside – after Security, next to Gate 5

Hours

  • Daily: 9:30am to 6:30pm

Wingtips Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 4

Location

  • Airside – after proceeding through TSA/Security Checkpoint, turn right and proceed approximately 100 meters where the lounge is located on the left

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat: 8:00am to 8:00pm
  • Thu, Fri, Sun: 8:00am to 9:00pm

Alaska Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 7

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, proceed to the Mezzanine Level above Security

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00am & 2:30pm to 9:00pm
  • Closed: Dec 25

Bobby Van’s Steakhouse

Terminal

  • Terminal 8

Location

  • Airside – after Security, turn right and Bobby Van’s Steakhouse is located opposite Gate 14

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 8:00pm

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

Minute Suites Express

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – after Security, take the escalator up one level and the Minute Suites Express is located on the right hand side of the Bowery Bay Shops

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am to 8:00pm

Orlando Intl (MCO)

The Club MCO (Gates 1-29)

Terminal

  • Terminal A Concourse 1

Location

  • Airside – Gates 1-29, adjacent to XpresSpa. All passengers with a Boarding Pass can gain access to the lounge but passengers not departing from Gates 1-29 will be required to pass through Security. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gates

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00pm

The Club MCO (Gates 70-99)

Terminal

  • Terminal B Concourse 4

Location

  • Airside – accessible from Gates 70-99, next to the ‘InMotion’ Store, near Gate 91. All passengers with a Boarding Pass can gain access to the lounge but passengers not departing from Gates 70-99 will be required to pass through Security. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gates

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00pm

Orlando Sanford Intl (SFB)

The Royal Palm Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located in the international departure lounge, adjacent to Budweiser Tap Room

Hours

  • Lounge opens 3 hours prior to the first international scheduled flight departure and closes after last scheduled international departure or 23:00, whichever comes first. (Temporarily Closed)

Philadelphia Intl (PHL)

Minute Suites

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – located between Concourses A and B in the AB Connector

Hours

  • Daily: 24 hours

Pittsburgh Intl (PIT)

The Club

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – take the tram from landside to airside, go up the two sets of escalators and turn right towards Concourse C. The lounge is located 50 yards away on the left between Bar Symon and Gate C51

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 4:30am to 8:00pm
  • Sat: 4:30am to 7:30pm

Portland Intl (PDX)

Capers Cafe Le Bar

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – immediately after Security on the left hand side

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to 2:00pm

Westward Whiskey

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – near Gate C6

Hours

  • Daily: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Capers Market

Terminal

  • Concourse D

Location

  • Airside – immediately after Security

Hours

  • Daily: 4:00am to 10:30pm

T. F. Green Airport (PVD)

Providence Provisions Kitchen & Bar

Terminal

  • N/A

Location

  • Airside – through Security Checkpoint, turn left into the North Concourse and Providence Provisions Kitchen & Bar is located on the left hand side

Hours

  • Daily: 11:30am to last scheduled flight departure

San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Airspace Lounge

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after East Security Checkpoint, take an immediate left and proceed towards Gate 33. The lounge is located between Gates 33 and 23

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am to 1:30pm

Be Relax Spa

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks on the right hand side, near Gate 27

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:00am to 9:00pm
  • Tue, Sat: 6:00am to 8:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Be Relax Spa

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after Security Checks, next to Stone Brewery, near Gate 36

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri: 7:00am to 9:00pm
  • Tue, Sat: 7:00am to 8:00pm
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

San Francisco Intl (SFO)

Air France – KLM Lounge

Terminal

  • International Terminal

Location

  • Airside – Concourse A, Level 3. Take the first left after the TSA Checkpoint and the lounge is located straight ahead

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Sat: 7:30am to 4:30pm
  • Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun: 7:30am to 4:30pm & 6:45pm to 12:00am
  • Hours may vary according to flight schedules

Lark Creek Grill

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after Security, proceed straight ahead and the restaurant is located on the right hand side. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 10:00pm

San Francisco Giants Clubhouse

Terminal

  • Terminal 3

Location

  • Airside – after Security, Concourse F, near Gate F13

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 11:00pm

Yankee Pier

Terminal

  • Terminal 3

Location

  • Airside – Concourse F, near Gate F4

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 10:00pm

Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)

The Club SJC A15

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located on the 3rd Level, across from Gate 15

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 6:00pm

The Club SJC A8

Terminal

  • Terminal A

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located on the Main Level Concourse, across from Gate 8

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 6:00pm (Temporarily Closed)

Seattle Tacoma Intl (SEA)

Trail Head BBQ Bar

Terminal

  • Central Terminal

Location

  • Airside – Trail Head BBQ Bar is located on the right hand side after you exit TSA, near Gate C1

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 10:30pm

The Club SEA

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside – across from Gate A11. Access is available to all Concourses by train which runs every few minutes. Please allow sufficient time to reach the Departure Gate when accessing the lounge from other Concourses

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 9:00pm

Bambuza

Terminal

  • North Satellite

Location

  • Airside – once you disembark the train, take the escalator to Concourse Level and turn left. Bambuza is located on the left hand side

Hours

  • Daily: 5:00am to 10:30pm

The Club SEA

Terminal

  • South Satellite

Location

  • Airside – next to Gate S9. Access is available to all Concourses by train which runs every few minutes. Please allow sufficient time to reach the Departure Gate when accessing the lounge from other Concourses

Hours

  • Daily: 6:00am to 6:00pm

Lambert St Louis Intl (STL)

The Pasta House

Terminal

  • Terminal 1

Location

  • Landside – located on the lower level Pre Security close to Baggage Claim

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 10:00am to 8:00pm
  • Sat: 10:00am to 6:00pm
  • (Temporarily Closed)

The Pasta House & Schlafly Beer

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – located on the Upper level, through Security on the right, opposite Gate E6

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 6:00am to 10:00pm
  • Sat: 6:00am to 6:00pm

Wingtips Lounge St. Louis

Terminal

  • Terminal 2

Location

  • Airside – after TSA Security, turn left. At the end of the terminal hallway (near Gate E22), turn left. The lounge is located opposite Gate E29. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 7:00am to 8:00pm
  • Sat: Closed

Syracuse Hancock Intl (SYR)

Johnny Rockets

Terminal

  • N Concourse B

Location

  • Airside Connector – after Security Checkpoint, turn left and head towards North Concourse B. The restaurant is located on the left hand side

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 11:00am to 6:00pm
  • Sat, Sun: Closed
  • Closed Thanksgiving

Tampa Intl (TPA)

The Café by Mise en Place

Terminal

  • Airside F

Location

  • Airside – after Security, the restaurant is located directly in front of the Security Checkpoint by Gate F85. Access is available to any Airside with a valid Boarding Pass, by train which runs every few minutes. Please allow sufficient time to reach the Departure Gate when accessing the restaurant from other Airsides

Hours

  • Daily: 5:30am to 2:00pm

Tucson Intl (TUS)

Barrio Brewery Co.

Location

  • Landside – 2nd Floor, opposite the ‘Arroyo Trading Post’. Domestic flights only

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri: 10:00am to 3:00pm
  • Sat, Sun: Closed

Washington Dulles Intl (IAD)

Air France – KLM Lounge

Terminal

  • Concourse A

Location

  • Airside – opposite Gate A22. Passengers departing from other Concourses can access the lounge by train. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gate

Hours

  • Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun: 7:30am to 8:00pm
  • Mon: 2:00pm to 8:00pm
  • Wed: 10:00am to 8:00pm
  • Closed: Dec 25

British Airways Galleries Lounge

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – after Security Screening take the train to Concourse B and go up to the Concourse Level where the lounge is located straight ahead

Hours

  • Daily: 7:00am to 2:00pm (Temporarily Closed)

Lufthansa Business Lounge

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – the lounge is located near Gate B50

Hours

  • Mon, Wed, Sat: 2:00pm to 10:00pm
  • Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Turkish Airlines Lounge Washington

Terminal

  • Concourse B

Location

  • Airside – near Gate B43. After Security, take the stairs to the next level and turn right. Passengers departing from other Concourses can access the lounge by train or walk way to Concourse B. Please allow sufficient time to reach the departure gate

Hours

  • Daily: 8:00am to 11:00pm

Chef Geoff’s

Terminal

  • Concourse C

Location

  • Airside – after Security, take the shuttle bus or train to Concourse C and proceed to Gate C14

Hours

  • Daily: 11:00am to 10:00pm

Ronald Reagan Washington Natl (DCA)

Bracket Room

Terminal

  • Terminal B

Location

  • Airside – after Security Control, turn right. The Bracket Room is located opposite Gate 12

Hours

  • Daily: 10:00am to 6:00pm

American Tap Room

Terminal

  • Terminal C

Location

  • Airside – after Security Control, near Gates 35-45

Hours

  • Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat: 6:00am to 10:00pm
  • Sun: 6:00am to 8:00pm

Final word

Priority Pass Select can be a valuable credit card perk. But it’s often a secondary perk for a lot of these credit cards that offer strong perks like elite status and great bonus earning potential. Because so many cards offer Priority Pass membership, it isn’t difficult to prioritize these other benefits and go with the card that offers you the best perks beyond Priority Pass.

Amex Platinum $179 CLEAR Credit: Discounts Explained [2021]

The Amex Platinum CLEAR credit is one of the easier credits to use available on the card. But there are some steps that you should take if you would like to maximize this credit, especially if you have a membership with United or Delta and are planning to add family members to your account. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the $179 Amex Platinum CLEAR credit.

What is the Amex Platinum CLEAR credit?

The Amex Platinum CLEAR credit is a perk offered by the Platinum Card and Business Platinum Card that allows you to offset the cost of a CLEAR membership by $179 every year.

Tip: Use WalletFlo to help you keep track of all of your credits! It’s free and is one of the best ways to manage all your credit cards and promotions!

What exactly is CLEAR?

CLEAR is a special service available at 50+ airports nationwide that allows you to jump ahead of the line whether you are in the standard TSA security checkpoint line or if you have TSA Pre-Check.

It works by obtaining your biometric data such as scans of your fingerprint, eyes, or facial features and storing them in an encrypted manner. It then verifies your identity by matching your biometrics with its database every time you visit the airport.

It’s one of the best ways to save a lot of time when flying on busy days since even the TSA Pre-Check line can get long. CLEAR also offers expedited entry into select stadiums around the US. You can read more about CLEAR here.

LGA Terminal C CLEAR TSA Pre-Check

How to use the Amex Platinum credit

It’s very easy to utilize your Amex Platinum CLEAR credit. First, you will need to enroll in the CLEAR program. You can do that by using this link right here or one of the partner links below (which I recommend).

If you already have a membership all you need to do is log-in but if you have not created an account you will need to do that. If you are enrolling online, enrollment will be a two-step process.

First, you will fill out all of your basic information online. All you need to input is your contact information and date of birth and then provide the form of payment which in this case needs to be your American Express Platinum Card.

Both the primary cardmember and authorized users can trigger the credit but there is only one $179 credit available across all accounts. Also, keep in mind this credit is issued every calendar year.

Important: If you have a membership with United or Delta then make sure that you sign up through the partner pages (Link for Delta; Link for United) that allow you to input your frequent flyer number. Otherwise, you will not see the discount whenever you proceed to do the registration.

The Platinum clear credit will cover the cost of my membership plus my spouse’s.

After you submit your information you should receive an email asking you to set up your accounts which really just means set a password to your account.

The next major step of enrollment is to visit a CLEAR airport location in order to finalize your enrollment. CLEAR should provide you with the closest location after you submit your contact information. (You do NOT need to set up an appointment at the airport location.)

All you need is your government issued ID in order to complete the process. You can actually use CLEAR as soon as you enroll.

CLEAR memberships automatically renew each year unless canceled, so you want to keep track of your enrollment date. Also, American Express has no control over the application and/or approval process for CLEAR. (If your application is not approved, you will receive a refund for the charges.)

It could take up to 2 to 4 weeks after your CLEAR transaction for your statement credit to post. If you do not see a credit after 4 weeks, call the number on the back of your card.

CLEAR Costs

The standard cost for an annual CLEAR membership is $179 per year. You can also add up to 3 adult family members for $60 each per year. (Children under 18 can simply tag along for free and there is no enrollment needed.)

If you plan on using the credit for more than one person you really need to make sure that you take advantage of any discounts available to you. Just by signing up for the frequent flyer programs of either Delta or United you can save yourself a good amount ($60) so I think everyone should at least look into that.

Below are some of the discounts you may be eligible for.

SkyMiles Members

  • Diamond Medallion® Members: Free
  • Platinum/Gold/Silver Medallion Members: $109
  • Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members: $109
  • General Members: $119

United

  • Premier® 1K® members: Free
  • Premier Platinum/Gold/Silver members: $109
  • United U.S. Credit Cardmembers: $109
  • MileagePlus members: $119

Amex Green Card

It is also worth noting that the American Express Green Card comes with a $100 CLEAR credit.

If you have both the Platinum and the Green card, you could add your second and third family member separately after you sign up with the Platinum and change your payment method to the Green Card if you wanted to maximize the credits for both the Platinum and the Green Card. I have not personally tried this but I think it would work.

Students

Once verified, students can get a membership for $50 per year.

Promos

Promotions for CLEAR memberships are always going out.

Sometimes they are giving away one month for free but other times I have seen free trials for up to six months. In addition, you can get discounts such as two months free for referring your friend. Other discounts may allow you to add family members for a small discount.

Unless you have multiple family members you probably don’t need to wait for a discount because your $179 credit can cover your membership as well as an additional one.

Which airports have CLEAR?

CLEAR is available at 50+ locations which include the following:

  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
  • Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
  • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
  • Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD)
  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)
  • Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
  • Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL)
  • Denver International Airport (DEN)
  • Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
  • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
  • William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
  • McCarran International Airport (LAS)
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
  • Miami International Airport (MIA)
  • Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)
  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
  • Nashville International Airport (BNA)
  • Westchester County Airport (HPN)
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
  • Orlando International Airport (MCO)
  • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
  • Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
  • San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
  • San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
  • St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
  • Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
  • Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
  • Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Final word

The combination of CLEAR and TSA Pre-Check is one of the ultimate ways to breeze through an airport even during peak business hours. Now that the Platinum offers a credit that can cover the cost of not only a single membership but also an additional family member’s, it’s easier than ever to get on board with CLEAR.

Amex Platinum Military Benefits ($695 Annual Fee Waived) [2021]

Active duty military members can take advantage of one very valuable benefit for the Platinum Card: a complete waiver of the $695 annual fee!

This article will explain how the Amex Platinum military fee waiver works and some of the benefits that this card offers. 

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

What is the Amex Platinum military fee waiver?

If you are a qualifying active-duty member of the military, you’ll be able to have the $695 annual fee of the Platinum Card waived!

This is not a required federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) benefit but is a special perk offered by Amex. It’s worth noting that other banks offer this perk as well. For example, you can get the Chase Sapphire Reserve’s $550 annual fee waived as well.

Interested in the Platinum Card? Click here to find out more about the offer! 

Who qualifies for the Amex Platinum military waiver?

  • Any member of the U.S. Armed Forces on active duty (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard) or a reserve component called to active duty (Reserve, National Guard, and Air National Guard).
  • National Guard personnel under a call or order to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days (for purposes of responding to a national emergency declared by the President and supported by federal funds).
  • Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officers.
  • U.S. citizens serving with the forces of a nation with which U.S. is allied in the prosecution of a war or military action.
  • Spouses of active duty Service members listed above where credit is extended to a Servicemember and spouse jointly.

This means that retired veterans do not get the benefit and if you are a reservist you’ll need to be called to active duty in order to take advantage of the be benefit.

Tip: Use WalletFlo for all your credit card needs. It’s free and will help you optimize your rewards and savings!

Amex Platinum benefits

In order to understand how great it is to get the $695 annual fee waived, you need to understand all of the amazing benefits that you’ll get.

Here’s a rundown of some of the major benefits that you’ll get with the Platinum Card:

Welcome offer

The welcome offer for the Platinum Card is 60,000 miles after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months. This is one of the best welcome offers for any credit card.

Travel credits

You’ll get a $200 Uber credit and a $200 airline credit with the Platinum Card. In addition, you’ll also get a $200 hotel credit, $300 Equinox credit, and $240 entertainment credit.

In most cases, getting a lot of credits helps to offset the high $695 annual fee. But in this case, the annual fee is already waived for military members so that means they are getting a lot of free travel credits, which is an exceptional bargain.

Lounge access

The Platinum Card is probably the best credit card for lounge access. You’ll get Priority Pass access for you and two guests, Centurion lounges access for you and two guests, and Delta SkyClub access when flying with Delta.

Most other premium cards only offer Priority Pass access so you get enhanced lounge access. And not only that but Centurion Lounges are some of the top lounges in the US, offering great cocktails, hot food items, free wifi, and comfy seating to relax in.

Lounge access can easily be worth several hundred dollars so the fact that you can get this benefit for free is huge for military members.

Hotel elite status

The Platinum Card will offer you hotel elite status with Hilton, Marriott/SPG. Now that the Marriott/SPG merger has taken place, Marriott Gold status isn’t as valuable as it used to be. However, Hilton Gold status is still a solid hotel elite status.

Hilton Gold status will provide you with things like free breakfast, upgrades, late check out, and even lounge access in some instances.

5X on airfare and hotels booked through Amex Travel

The Platinum Card also earn 5X on airfare when purchases directly with the airline which is a huge way to capitalize on earnings. You can also earn 5X through the Amex Travel portal when booking pre-paid hotels but you’ll also likely lose out on your elite perks and elite credits so I don’t generally recommend it.

Centurion Lounge at IAH.

Additional SCRA benefits

  • A maximum of 6% APR on eligible pre-service balances
  • Other waived fees (overage fees, late payments, returned payments, etc.)

Amex Platinum military credit score

To my knowledge, being an active duty military member does not increase your approval odds. You’ll still need a solid credit score to get approved for the Platinum Card. You can read more about the qualifications for the Platinum Card here. 

Amex Platinum military authorized users

The Amex Platinum military waiver also extends out to authorized users on your account so their annual fees should be waived. There are also reports that if you an active military member and an authorized user on a Platinum account of your spouse, that annual fee will be waived for the primary cardholder.

How to request SCRA benefits

You can put in your application for SCRA benefits online, via phone, or via fax.

Online

Submitting your request online is the fastest way to request SCRA benefits.

You may also submit any relevant documents through the Document Center: this includes paperwork establishing active duty, such as documentation prepared exclusively by a branch of the military, the Department of Defense or your commanding officer which indicates that you are on active duty (e.g., active duty orders, change of station orders, DD-214 forms, letters from commanding officers, etc.).

Please note that SCRA benefits can only be requested online if the Card account you’ve selected is enrolled in American Express Online Services. If it is not, you may enroll your Card now.

Phone

Call the number on the back of your Card or 1-800-253-1720 to submit a request.

If you are outside the United States, you can call us collect at 1-336-393-1111.

Fax

Fax documents establishing your active duty to 623-444-3000.

Mail

Send a copy of documents establishing your active duty to:

  • American Express, Attn: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act
  • PO Box 981535
  • El Paso, TX 79998-1535

Make sure to include the applicable American Express Account numbers.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

SCRA benefit review process

Amex will determine eligibility and confirm active duty by reviewing any military documents provided and by checking the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) website.

If Amex is unable to confirm active duty, they will send you a written request to obtain a copy of acceptable military documents. You will receive a response within 60 days regarding the status of your request.

Amex refer a friend

Amex refer a friend allows you to earn extra Membership Rewards when other people are approved for the Platinum Card when using your referral link. Don’t forget to consider the additional value you can get from this perk. To find out more about Amex refer a friend click here

Amex application rules

There are some specific rules and restrictions for applying for Amex cards and you’ll want to make sure that you’re aware of them before you apply. You can read more about these rules here

Final word

If you’re an active duty military member, you should definitely take advantage of the waived annual fee. There aren’t many bargains that are better than getting the annual fee waived and you’ll be able to come out on top big time, especially if you can take advantage of the waiver during multiple years.

Cover photo by Morning Calm Weekly via Flickr

$300 Amex Platinum Equinox Credit Guide [2021]

American Express wants Platinum cardholders to hit the gym as evidenced by the latest perk added to the Platinum Card: a $300 Equinox Credit. But what is this credit all about and is it worth it? Below, I will break down all of the details you need to know about the $300 Equinox Credit.

What is the $300 Equinox Credit?

The $300 Equinox Credit is a perk offered by the American Express Platinum Card that provides you with a monthly $25 credit that you can use towards the following Equinox memberships:  Equinox All Access, Destination, E by Equinox, or Equinox+ membership fees.

In case you are not familiar, Equinox is a network of upscale gyms found around the US and the world. You can find them in highly populated cities but there are just over 100 locations so they are still not super easy to find. For example, Texas only has five locations. Arizona has none. You can search for a nearby Equinox location here.

Tip: Use WalletFlo to help you keep track of all of your monthly credits! It’s free and is one of the best ways to manage all your credit cards and promotions!

How to use the Equinox credit

In order to use this benefit you must enroll (do that here) and create an eligible Equinox or Equinox+ membership or sign into your existing account. Then use your Platinum Card as the payment method and you are all set. It’s actually pretty simple.

You can also enroll in an eligible Equinox membership in person at a Club.

Equinox Membership Types

There are two main types of memberships: in-person and in-app. The in-person memberships start at ~$176 a month for the “destination” membership and go up from there. Meanwhile, the membership for the app is only $39.99 a month.

Below I have some examples of the membership types with some pricing I pulled up from the Equinox website. It doesn’t appear that every type of membership is available at every location. Also, based on what I saw it looks like the in-person memberships usually require a minimum 12 month commitment.

And finally, it looks like you also have to pay expensive initiation fees that differ based on the type of membership. The price for the initiation fee seems to vary but based on reports I have seen it range from $200 to $750. Reportedly, you can sometimes get the initiation fee waived but it’s not clear to me how often that happens.

Single access

  • $176/mo.

This membership will provide you with access to a single club.

Multiple Clubs (Single state)

  • $205/mo.

This will grant you access to all Equinox clubs in one state (like FL), including all classes and amenities.

Multiple Clubs (US)

  • $275/mo.

This will grant you access to a local Equinox club plus 81 clubs across the U.S., including all classes and amenities.

Equinox All Access (Worldwide)

  • $315/mo.

With this membership you will get exclusive access to all Equinox Fitness, Destination, and Sports Clubs locations worldwide.

E by Equinox

  • $26K/yr?

Equinox+ membership fees

  • $39.99/mo.

Equinox+ is the membership for the mobile app. This is probably the type of membership that many Platinum card holders will be eyeing since so many people don’t have an Equinox gym nearby. You’ll be able to find lots of different classes on this app including those offered by partners like SoulCycle.

Since the credit is only for $25 per month this means that you would still have to pay out $15 every month to take advantage of this benefit. That’s something that I don’t think a lot of people will be interested in.

Note that all All Equinox memberships include complimentary access to the Equinox+ app.

Things to know

Authorized users

This credit can be used by the primary cardmember and also the authorized users but there will only be a total of $25 available across all accounts each month.

Charge directly

In each case, membership fees must be charged directly by Equinox or Equinox+ (as applicable) to their Platinum Card, to be eligible for statement credits.

Age limits

Eligible Card Members must be at least 18 years old, or must have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian if they are between the ages of 16 and 18.

Statement posting

Allow 2-4 weeks after an eligible purchase is charged to your card for statement credit(s) to be posted.

Exclusions

Certain clubs are excluded from each membership type, and Equinox reserves the right to in the future exclude other clubs from its All-Access and Destination Access memberships.

Final word

This is one of the least exciting credits now offered by the Platinum Card in my opinion. If you don’t live near one of these gyms you have to pay $15 a month to get any type of benefit which is just not very appealing. On the flipside if you already were an Equinox member then you just found a nice way to save $300 a year.

Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit Guide [2021]

The Amex Platinum Card is making a lot of noise recently. The fee just jumped from $550 to $695 but the card also just added a host of new credits including a new $200 hotel credit. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit.

What is the Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit?

The hotel credit is a special perk that offers you $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card.

This is one of the more straightforward credits offered by the Platinum Card since you do not have to enroll or keep up with monthly limits for your credit. Other credits like the entertainment credit are issued on a monthly basis so you have to keep close tabs on them.

Tip: Use WalletFlo to help you keep track of all of your monthly credits! It’s free and is one of the best ways to manage all your credit cards and promotions!

How can you use the $200 Hotel Credit?

To use the credit you need to make a booking through through amextravel.com, the Amex App, or by calling the phone number on the back of your Platinum Card. I would recommend doing it online or in the app since the search filters are pretty handy.

Factors to consider

Stacked benefits

The FHR comes with a number of benefits which include:

  • Noon check-in, when available
  • Guaranteed 4pm late check-out
  • Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
  • Daily breakfast for two people
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Special amenity unique to each property

Your $200 hotel credit will stack on top of these benefits which includes the property credit that you may receive. You can already get several hundred dollars from the FHR even from a short stay. So this credit adds $200 to the mix which makes the FHR just that much more attractive.

Prepaid

When making your booking you need to make sure that you are booking a prepaid rate. When you are on amextravel.com or on the AMEX app you will see “pay now” after you click “Book” and that means that you are looking at a prepaid rate that will be eligible.

Keep in mind that these prepaid rates do not work like traditional prepaid rates. Traditionally a prepaid rate does not offer you flexible cancellation but with these type of prepaid rates you can still get the same cancellation policy as if you paid at the hotel.

Tip: You should also be able to earn 5X on these purchases with your Platinum Card, although I don’t think you will earn 5X on the $200 credit portion of your purchase.

Related: Amex Travel: Everything You Need to Know

Hotel Collection

The Hotel Collection benefits include:

  • $100 property credit
  • Room upgrade at check-in if available
  • Gold Card members receive 2X (on prepaid stays)
  • Platinum Card members receive 5X (on prepaid stays)
  • Ability to pay with points

If you are booking a stay for the Hotel Collection keep in mind that they require you to book a minimum of two nights. Hotel Collection rates are cheaper than FHR but the two night minimum makes it a little bit more difficult to offset your purchase with the $200 hotel credit.

Calendar year

This credit will be issued every calendar year meaning that you will need to use it by December 31 (11:59 PM Central Time) of a given year and it will reset on January 1.

This means that in some instances you might be able to combine your $200 credit on multiple hotel stays on New Year’s. You would need to check out on December 31 and then once again after the new year but it could be done. If you were staying at FHR properties this would allow you to also receive double the perks on things like the $100 property credits.

So in 48 hours you could squeeze out $600 in value plus all of the additional value you would get from FHR upgrades, free breakfast, late check out, etc.

The hardest part would be making a last-second booking at New Year’s since you would have to make your second booking January one for that same night (remember the rate must be prepaid).

Also, be aware that if you are checking out and then checking right back in to the same hotel things can get tricky with these type of perks so I would generally recommend not doing that (but if you do it at least be smart about it).

Authorized user

Authorized users can trigger this credit. However, they do not receive their own $200 credit. Instead, the primary cardmember and all authorized users will utilize the same $200 annual credit.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members do not get this benefit for their Delta card.

Fees may not qualify

Eligible bookings do not include interest charges, cancellation fees, property fees or other similar fees, or any charges by a property to you (whether for your booking, your stay or otherwise).

90 day waiting period

Sometimes your Amex statement credits will post very soon after you make your purchase but other times credits can take a while to post.

American Express states for you to wait up to 90 days after a charge is posted to your account for the statement credit to apply. I have a feeling that you will not have to wait nearly that long to see your statement credit but if it does not appear after 90 days than simply call the number on the back of your Platinum Card to inquire about the credit.

Your transaction will not be eligible if it is a booking:

  • (i) made with a property not included in the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection programs
  • (ii) not made through American Express Travel, or
  • (iii) not made with an eligible Platinum Card.
Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong OZONE

Is the credit worth it?

The upside to this credit is that it is extremely easy to use. There is no enrollment required and it is an annual credit so you don’t have to keep close tabs on it every month or every few months.

The downside is that on some prepaid bookings you may not receive your elite benefits and you may also not receive elite credits. For some people, that takes a lot of the fun out of staying at big brands like Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton.

In my experience, if you call the hotel ahead of time and add your loyalty number to your reservation you can still receive many of your elite benefits so it is not a total loss. Also, if you are booking through FHR you typically have a better experience when it comes to retaining elite perks.

The other factor about this credit is that the luxury properties included in these programs typically go for a few hundred dollars per night.

For FHR, you might be able to cover a single night with a $200 credit by booking off-season but for the most part you will be spending more than that for a one night stay and definitely a two night stay.

It will be easier to find cheaper hotels in the Hotel Collection but you have to book a minimum of two nights with that program so it will still be very difficult to remain at or under $200 total.

So this credit could incentivize you to spend money in a way that you normally would not which is not usually a great thing for a credit.

Final word

I like the $200 hotel credit because it is so easy to use. My only problem with it is that it is limited to prepaid hotels and that many of those hotels are going to be quite pricey so that it might be difficult to cover one night with your credit. Still, if you are somebody who likes to take a weekend getaway here and there this could be a great way to cover a stay at a hotel, especially a boutique property where you don’t have elite status and where you won’t be missing out on elite benefits.

Amex Platinum $240 Digital Entertainment Credit Guide [2021]

The American Express Platinum Card recently increased its annual fee from $550 to $695. Along with this increase came a host of new credits that you can use to offset the annual fee. One of these credits is the digital entertainment credit, which I will go into detail below.

What is the Platinum digital entertainment credit?

The digital entertainment credit is a credit that provides you with a monthly $20 credit that can be applied towards subscriptions of one or more of the following: Peacock, Audible, SiriusXM, and The New York Times.

Tip: Use WalletFlo to help you keep track of all of your monthly credits! It’s free and is one of the best ways to manage all your credit cards and promotions!

How does it work?

Enroll

In order to take advantage of this credit you must first enroll your Platinum Card.

This means that you need to log-in to your American Express Platinum account and then click over to the “benefits” section. From there, click on the digital entertainment credit where you will see the call to action button “Get Started.”

That will take you to a new screen and you should see the “Enroll Now” button when you scroll down a little bit.

Simply check the button indicating that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions and then click enroll now and you’ll be 50% done!

Note that if you are an authorized user, you will need to contact the primary cardholder to enroll.

Subscribe to the service

Once your Platinum Card is enrolled you then need to subscribe with your choice of service(s):

If you are going to be a new customer you can simply go directly to the website and sign up with your Platinum Card as your method of payment.

If you already are a subscriber and you are billed through a third-party such as Apple you can still receive the credit but you will need to subscribe directly with the service.

In my case, I was already a subscriber to Audible so I simply logged into my Audible account via my Amazon credentials and then changed my Audible payment (under the payment settings) so that my Platinum Card will be charged.

Some things to consider

Make sure that the subscription is directly through the partner’s website. If you have purchased a subscription through a mobile app the purchase will not be eligible for the statement credit.

The terms of state that purchases of gift cards from third-party retailers for use at these partners is not eligible.

The authorized user cannot enroll in the benefit but they can take advantage of the credit. However, statement credits between the primary card and all authorized users will not exceed $20 per month.

Membership prices

Since you are given $20 a month you’re probably wondering what the prices are for the eligible membership services. I’ll give you a breakdown of these below.

Peacocktv

Peacock is a video streaming service owned and operated by NBCUniversal and was launched on July 15, 2020.

  • Peacock Premium: $4.99/month
  • Peacock Premium Plus: $9.99/month

Premium Plus provides you with everything Premium does but without ads. Note that you may be able to get Premium for free if you have COX or Xfinity.

Eligible purchases do not include subscriptions bundled with cable services or other bundles, promotional offers through third parties, or gift cards.

Audible

Audible is an online audiobook and podcast service owned by Amazon.com Inc. where you can purchase and stream audiobooks and other forms of audio content like podcasts.

  • Audible Plus: $7.95/month
  • Audible Premium Plus: $14.95/month

Premium Plus will provide you with access to originals, audiobooks, and podcasts but also allows you one premium selection per month.

Basically, you will be issued one credit every month that can be used for a premium book. You can also purchase credits for around $12 each and I assume that this credit will work on those credits as well.

If you never have given audiobooks a try I would highly recommend it. I never thought I would be an “audio book person” but I gave Audible a try and it is now one of my favorite apps that I use!

All Audible purchases made directly through www.audible.com are eligible, including Audible subscriptions (Audible Plus and Audible Premium Plus) and audiobook purchases.

SiriusXM

SiriusXM is a satellite radio service offering tons of different channels for music, sports, and other forms of entertainment.

  • Streaming Platinum: $10.99/month (first three months free)
  • Streaming Select: $5/month for 12 months then $16.99/month
  • Streaming All Access: $8.25 per month for 12 months then $21.99/month

Streaming Select offers you access to XM in your vehicle which is the big difference between the Platinum and Select. Streaming All Access gives you even more channels and allows you to create your own stations based on the artists or songs that you like. You also get two dedicated Howard Stern channels.

I am a pretty big fan of SiriusXM because we do a lot of road trips and you can only listen to your library so many times before you start going crazy and need to mix it up.

Eligible purchases do not include SiriusXM safety, security or Telematics services (Connected Vehicle), SiriusXM for Business subscriptions, SiriusXM ad sales or Pandora.

NY Times

Everyone knows about the New York Times but this is the subscription service so that you can access all of the articles online.

  • Basic Digital Access Subscription: $4.25/week (billed at $17 every four weeks for one year). There is currently a limited time offer for one dollar per week.

Basic Digital Access Subscription does not include e-reader editions (Kindle, Nook, etc.), NYT Games (the Crossword) or NYT Cooking.

Eligible purchases do not include advertising services, NYT conferences, gift cards, the TimesDigest or purchases from the NYTimes company store.

The most attractive combinations to me are: Audible + SiriusXM or Audible + Peacocktv. That would be a nice way to completely use up the $20 of credit every month.

Final word

The increased annual fee is obviously not very popular with a lot of people but the new credits do make the fee increase very doable for a lot of people. For people like myself who already take advantage of eligible membership services this credit is a nice way to knock down the fee by $240.

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