Your guide to American Express lounges
Updated: November 13, 2024
There is one respite from the grind of waiting for your flight to take off: the airport lounge. An oasis of calm amidst the chaos, airport lounges can offer a range of comforts like free Wi-Fi, plush chairs, complimentary snacks, hot meals and drinks, and possibly even showers or massages.
What is the American Express Global Lounge Collection™?
The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ is an extensive network of airport lounges that spans the globe and stands out among its peers. Rather than granting access to just one lounge program, the American Express airport lounge system grants Platinum® cardholders (yes, you have to have The Platinum Card® or higher for this perk) entry to a massive network of more than 1,300 airport lounges throughout the world. Lounges include the high-end Centurion® lounges and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.
It’s worth noting that while the International American Express lounge program forms part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection™, it’s (confusingly) also its own unique network of 11 lounges. The network includes two American Express lounges in Australia and India and six Centurion® Clubs (which are a less lavish version of a Centurion® lounge) in Mexico. They are also only available to Amex platinum or higher cardholders.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ program gives any of its Centurion® and Platinum® consumer or platinum business cardholders complimentary use of all of the above networks. Many participating lounges also allow free entry for a spouse or one or two companions and/or accompanied children. Most also permit cardholders to buy a day pass for additional travel companions, with prices commonly ranging up to $50 USD. Consult the individual lounge in question for details.
American Express lounge network pros and cons
Pros
-
Multiple partners: The Amex lounge network includes over 1,500 global lounges through Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (and partner lounges like Lufthansa), Priority Pass, Plaza, Airspace and more.
-
Complimentary refreshments: The Amex Global Lounges is like Priority Pass or Dragon Pass in that it provides complimentary snacks, beverages and buffet options for travellers.
-
Huge variety of amenities: Amex lounges provide a mix of work, dining, and relaxation options for travellers of all sorts.
Cons
-
Crowds: Overcrowding has been an issue with Delta Sky Club and Amex lounges in the past.
-
Additional charges: You might need to pay additional charges depending on your Amex card, including discounted lounge entry fees and guest fees.
What are the benefits of using the Amex lounge network?
While the Amex airport collection is hugely varied and linked to numerous branded networks, there are some common amenities you can expect to enjoy throughout the American Express Airport lounge system, including:
- A large selection of snacks
- Hot meals or more elevated food service, like buffets with carefully curated selections of hot and cold dishes
- A wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Free Wi-Fi
- Satellite TV
- Personalized flight assistance
- Private restrooms
Plus some lounges have more coveted amenities for weary world travellers, like showers and nap areas.
Another unique feature of the American Express Platinum Lounge collection is its exclusivity. While other lounge networks like Priority Pass or Plaza Premium allow any traveller to buy memberships, Centurion lounges and International American Express lounges are exclusively available to Amex cardholders.
Which lounges can you access through the American Express Global Lounge Collection?
So, which lounges can you access through the Amex Global Lounge Collection? Here's a quick rundown of the lounge networks Amex uses:
- The Centurion Lounge
- Escape Lounges
- Delta Sky Club
- Plaza Premium Lounges
- Priority Pass
Lounge locations at a glance
As mentioned, the American Express lounge collection is massive and includes Centurion® lounges, International American Express lounges, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium and Delta Sky Club, as well as much smaller, miscellaneous lounge programs like Airspace and Escape lounges. Platinum cardholders also have access to Executive Lounges by Swissport and Québec City’s Jean Lesage International Airport VIP Lounge.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the number of locations for each lounge network in Canada, the United States, and overall worldwide:
American Express Centurion Lounge
Centurion lounges are most commonly associated with their namesake, an invitation-only card for those with a high net worth (generally over a million). The card comes with an initiation fee of US$5000-$7500 and an annual fee of US$2500.
But contrary to what you might assume, you don’t need to have an actual Centurion card to gain entry to an American Express Centurion lounge. You can make full use of all the fancy facilities as long as you have at least an American Express The Platinum Card®.
Adding to the Centurion lounge’s allure is its relative scarcity. Presently there are only nine official Centurion lounges worldwide, with only one outside of the United States (at the Hong Kong Airport). Each lounge’s offerings vary, but common denominators include:
- Regionally-inspired cuisine
- Beer, wine and cocktail menus developed by well-known chefs and mixologists
- “Quiet areas,” as well as family rooms with special playrooms for children
- A select number have luggage lockers and shower suites.
- Some, like the Centurion lounge at the Miami airport, also feature a spa with complimentary massages, facial treatments and manicures.
Centurion® cardholders can be accompanied by two complimentary guests or their immediate family, including children under 18. Additional entries can be purchased at US$50 each.
American Express lounges in Toronto
At Canada’s busiest airport, Toronto’s Pearson International, some of the most popular rest spots are the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and Plaza Premium Lounges. If you have an Amex Platinum or Centurion card you can access the American Express Lounge network in Toronto, which includes six different Plaza Premium lounges (the spots you can access depend on what terminal your flight leaves from), as well as an Air France/KLM Lounge at Terminal 3. Amenities at these luxe hideaways range, but all include hot meals, alcoholic beverages and free Wi-Fi. Some, like the Plaza Premium lounge in Terminal 1, also provide showers.
As mentioned above, with Plaza Premium lounges, you are generally allowed to bring a spouse and two children under the age of 21 or one companion. At the Air France/KLM lounge, you’re permitted only one complimentary guest.
Read more: Your guide to Priority Pass lounges
Which airport lounges can’t you access with the American Express Global Lounge Collection?
While the Amex collection of lounges is expansive, it isn’t comprehensive, meaning you might miss out on some lounges you might actually want to visit, with Maple Leaf Lounges the biggest omission.
Maple Leaf Lounges are the lounges of Air Canada, Canada’s largest carrier, with locations in 12 airports across Canada, including Toronto (Pearson and Billy Bishop), Vancouver, Edmonton, Montreal, Calgary, St. John’s, Halifax, and more. Fortunately, Priority Pass can help compensate for these missing options, ensuring travellers will have access to a different lounge option in many of those locations.
Read more: Canada’s best Aeroplan credit cards
Which Amex credit cards are eligible for lounge access in Canada?
Which Canadian Amex credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access? Here's a quick rundown of which Amex credit cards offer complimentary lounge access, which lounges they allow access to, and how many free visits you can expect:
What’s the best Amex card for lounge access in Canada?
The Platinum Card®
3.6
up to 140k pts
Welcome offerExcellent
Suggested credit scoreEarn up to 140,000 Membership Rewards® points* – that’s up to $1,400 in value.
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR Applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. This charge card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances.
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Pros
-
Access to a wide range of luxury perks, including premium concierge service
-
Complimentary lounge membership providing access to over 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide
-
Annual statement credits: $200 annual travel credit, $200 annual dining credit
-
Special insurance coverages like trip cancellation/interruption, flight delay, lost or stolen baggage and rental car theft & damage.
-
Provides extended warranty (2 years) and purchase protection (120 days).
Cons
-
High annual fee of $799, one of the heftiest among Canadian cards
-
The rewards system can be complicated, especially for users not familiar with maximizing credit card points
-
Requires good to excellent credit for eligibility
Eligibility
Excellent
Recommended Credit Score
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
1x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
2x
points for every $1 in Card purchases on eligible travel
2x
point for every $1 in all other Card purchases
1x
additional point on Amex Travel Online for eligible hotel or car rental bookings
1
21.99% - 28.99%
Variable APR Applies to your Flexible Payment Option balance. This charge card has both Due in Full and Flexible Payment Option balances.
$799
Annual Fee Supplementary Platinum Cards: $250 each
2.5%
Foreign Transaction Fee
Variable APR
21.99% - 28.99%
Annual Fee
$799
Foreign Transaction Fee
2.5%
Of course, the most widely recognized form of access to the Amex airport lounge collection experience is via The Platinum Card®. For a hefty annual fee, you’ll have complimentary access to all the airport lounge benefits outlined above. Take full advantage of The American Express Global Lounge Collection™ which unlocks access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion® Lounge network, Plaza Premium Lounges, and hundreds of other domestic and international lounges designed to enhance your travel experience.
That impressive lounge access is on top of the huge welcome bonus typically found with the Platinum Card from Amex. Here’s the latest welcome offer:
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points* after spending $10,000 on your Card within your first 3 months as a new Platinum® Cardmember.* That’s $1,000 towards your next flight.
Plus, earn 40,000 points* when you make a purchase between 14 and 17 months of Cardmembership.* That’s $400 towards dinner out with friends.
*Current or former Cardmembers with this Card are not eligible for these offers. Other terms apply.
Offer ends January 28, 2025.
Add to that a $100 NEXUS◊ statement credit and a $200 annual travel credit and a $200 annual dining credit and you have an ultra-premium card that can quickly offset the massive annual fee.
Disclosures:
- Contact American Express for the most up-to-date referral bonus figures.
American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, (I/we) may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.
Conclusion
Clearly, if you fly frequently, paying the high annual fee for The Platinum Card® or other ultra-premium American Express card may be worthwhile. These cards give you access to the world’s most comprehensive network of airport lounges, which can transform an airport from a nuisance that must be endured and exited posthaste into a place you actually look forward to visiting.
FAQs about Amex lounges
Sandra MacGregor has been writing about finance and travel for nearly a decade. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications like the New York Times, the UK Telegraph, the Washington Post, Forbes.com and the Toronto Star.
Cory Santos is a finance writer, editor and credit card expert with nearly a decade of experience in personal finance. Cory joined Wise Publishing from BestCards, with bylines in numerous print and digital publications across North America, including the Miami Herald, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Debt.ca, AOL, MSN and Medium as well as financial podcasts like KOFE Talk.
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