Guide to American Express lounges

If you are a cardholder of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can enjoy access to thousands of airport lounges around the world. The American Express Global Lounge Collection℠ includes a variety of brands, each with unique perks that can make your next trip a little more comfortable.

Before you show up at a lounge asking for complimentary food, Wi-Fi or business tools, it is important to know how each of these lounges work, what they offer and who can get in. Read on to learn more about each brand in the American Express Lounge collection.

Which lounges are part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection?

The American Express lounge collection encompasses more than 1,200 locations in more than 100 countries all around the world, including both airline partnerships and cardholder-exclusive lounges. The collection encompasses the following brands:

• The Centurion℠ Lounges
• The International American Express Lounges
• Delta Sky Club®
• Priority Pass lounges
• Plaza Premium lounges
• Airspace Lounge
• Escape Lounges

No matter where you are traveling, there is probably an American Express lounge available. You can even search by airport using the American Express lounge finder.

Who can access lounges in the Amex collection?

Most of these lounges only offer complimentary access to Platinum cardholders, including both the business and personal version of the card. The Delta Sky Club, however, also offers complimentary access to Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardholders, and for a exclusive discounted rate, to Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card cardholders.

Priority Pass lounges are much more flexible, allowing access to cardholders of luxury cards from several issuers, including the Citi Prestige card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® and many more.

Perks of Amex collection lounges

All of the lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection offer great perks to make your next trip a bit more relaxed. From complimentary food and drink to conference rooms for working on the go, each lounge includes plush amenities that provide an escape from busy airports. Here’s a quick look at the benefits you’ll find in each lounge:

Perks vary slightly by location, so check out your destination on the lounge’s website before you travel for specific details.

Guest access policies

If you frequently travel with friends or family, many American Express collection lounges allow eligible cardholders to bring guests. However, specific policies vary by lounge, and many might require guests to purchase a membership or day pass.

Larger families might have a bit more difficulty gaining access to the lounge, but most locations allow you to purchase a day pass for accompanying travelers.

Where are Amex collection lounges located?

While Priority Pass lounges include more than 1,000 locations around the world, other brands in the American Express Global Lounge Collection have much more limited coverage.

Air Space lounges, for example, are only available in Cleveland and San Francisco for the time being.

Are Amex collection lounges worth it?

If you are a frequent traveler, the extra perks offered by American Express collection lounges can take some of the stress out of your next trip. Plus, you’ll save money on food and beverages. While membership for all the cards that allow access to these lounges is expensive, the value of the benefits can help offset the cost.

See related: Booking a trip with American Express Travel, Restrictions on Centurion lounge access coming soon for Amex Platinum cardholders