Amex cutting Priority Pass restaurant access

American Express announced May 28 that cardholders with Priority Pass lounge access will no longer receive restaurant discounts starting August 1, 2019. Though the change is not supposed to go into effect until August, some cardholders are reporting that the American Express app is already no longer showing restaurants.

According to an American Express representative, “the Priority Pass Membership benefit offered on American Express Platinum and Centurion Consumer and Business Cards and Hilton Ascend, Hilton Aspire, Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ Cards will no longer include complimentary access to non-lounge airport experiences.”

See Related: Guide to Priority Pass lounges

How the Priority Pass restaurant perk works

Currently, eligible cardholders enjoy Priority Pass Select membership – which grants access to more than 1,200 Priority Pass lounges in airports around the globe. Members can also reserve a complimentary hour at a handful of Minute Suites in the U.S., which allow travelers to relax in a small room with a bed and desk. Neither of these benefits are affected by the new policy.

Unfortunately, Amex cardholders with Priority Pass access will no longer be able to take advantage of restaurant discounts, which typically offer $28 off your bill at 28 participating restaurants in the U.S. Since this perk could help members save on airport dining, cutting the benefit represents a big loss in value.

American Express cards with Priority Pass access

Card	Rewards rate	Annual fee
The Platinum Card® from American Express	5 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel 5 points per dollar on eligible hotels booked with amextravel.com 1 point per dollar on other purchases Terms apply	$550
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card	6 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels 3 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants and on directly booked flights 2 points per dollar on other purchases Terms apply	$450
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card	12 points per dollar at select Hilton properties 6 points per dollar on U.S. restaurant, U.S. supermarket and U.S. gas stations purchases 3 points per dollar on other purchases Terms apply	$95
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card	14 points per dollar on Hilton stays 7 points per dollar on airfare, car rentals and restaurants 3 points per dollar on other purchases Terms apply	$450

Luckily, American Express is not the only card issuer to offer Priority Pass access as a card perk. Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Citi Prestige cardholders also enjoy lounge access. Neither Chase nor Citi has announced a similar cutback to restaurant benefits.

Priority Pass lounge access still a valuable benefit

Despite this cut, Priority Pass access is still a great perk for eligible American Express cardholders. Perks like free Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and beverages and flight assistance can save you time and money while you travel.