Why are Centurion lounges so full?

With airline cancellations and delays at a post-pandemic high, the lounge has been a welcome refuge from the crowded, maddening airline waiting room. But those 'exclusive' lounges are now packed with crowds of the mass affluent, people with enough points, miles or “elite status” to get past the sliding doors.



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While lounge crowding has become a more common issue across the board in the past couple of years, Amex Centurion Lounges have had consistent crowding issues long before that, given the number of people who want to use them.

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If your same-day outbound flight departs after the lounge closes for the day, we will admit you as early as 3 hours prior to the lounge closing, subject to available capacity. Select lounges may allow access to eligible Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival).

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American Express Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members, and their Additional Platinum Card Members, spend a total of $75,000 or more on eligible purchases on their Platinum Account during a calendar year, they will receive complimentary Centurion lounge access for up to two guests per visit.

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Many Centurion Lounges feature day beds or private areas where you can nap, however no Centurion Lounge is open overnight, so no sleeping overnight is allowed.

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Soliciting other Card Members to bring your guests into lounges in the Centurion® Network is not permissible. Guest access is per Card Member, not per Card. Family or guests may not enter or remain in a lounge unless accompanied in a lounge by the Card Member.

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No, you cannot use the same credit card twice to access the same airport lounge. You can swipe for two different lounges at the same airport. However, you need to wait for some hours if you want to do so.

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It's how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts' opinions aren't influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. You can stay overnight and sleep at 24-hour airport lounges, as long as they don't have any rules on how long you stay.

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These locations offer custom drinks created by a nationally renowned mixologist, a member services desk that can help with travel plans and semi-private workspaces — some locations even have shower suites, a spa and a wine-tasting area.

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Escape Lounges - The Centurion® Studio Partner Card Members can enjoy an exclusively curated menu (including a Complimentary Premium Bar Snack and a selection of Complimentary Cocktails, Spirits, and Wines) and access to The Centurion® Lounge Digital Library.

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United Club memberships are worth nearly $650 per year. The Amex Platinum card offers free airport lounge access through its Global Lounge Collection. You can access more than 1,200 airport lounge locations worldwide with just an Amex Platinum card, a photo ID and a same-day boarding pass.

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As a Platinum Cardholder, you are entitled to a complimentary membership in Priority Pass.

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