One of the things I enjoy the most about airport lounges is how they make the entire experience waiting at the airport so much better. They’re a great spot to relax in between flights, and enjoy snacks and drinks in a comfortable place. And there are many great credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access as a perk!
A common question upon receiving The Platinum Card® from American Express is exactly how you use it to access fancy airport lounges. Can you just wave your Amex Platinum card at the front desk? The answer is, it depends on which lounge you’re trying to enter. Although there are some lounges, like American Express owned Centurion lounges, which only require you to show the card, Priority Pass requires a separate registration.
How to access Priority Pass lounges with the Amex Platinum Card
With The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum® Card from American Express, you’ll be able to access a variety of lounges worldwide, such as:
- The Centurion Lounge
- International American Express Lounges
- Delta SkyClub
- Priority Pass Select
- Airspace
- Escape Lounges
Each offers different amenities, but you can generally expect things like snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and sometimes showers. If you ever have a long layover or travel frequently, having airport lounge access can be well worth it.
You’ll have to register separately to gain access to Priority Pass lounges. You’ll get a Priority Pass Select membership number and card in the mail, which you can upload to the Priority Pass app. But because some lounges still require the physical card for access, it’s a good idea to carry the membership card with you just in case.
I’ll walk you through the steps needed to register your Amex Platinum or Amex Business Platinum card for Priority Pass lounge access.
Benefits of Priority Pass Select
You’ll have access to Priority Pass lounges as long as you are flying on an airline that day. With over 1,300 locations worldwide, the specific amenities will vary based on the location, but you can generally expect the following:
- Complimentary beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor
- Snacks and meals
- Wi-Fi
- Showers to refresh before or after a flight in some lounges
How to register for Priority Pass Select Membership
To activate your Priority Pass Select membership, you can either call the number on the back of your card or do it online through your account. Here’s how to do it online in just a few easy steps:
Step 1. Sign-in to your Amex account
Log into your American Express account then find the “Membership Benefits” link.
Step 2. Find the enrollment button
You’ll want to find the box for “The American Express Global Lounge Collection,” then click the “Enroll” button as pictured below.
Step 3. Complete your registration
The last step is to double-check you are enrolling the correct card, click the box to indicate you agree to the terms, and then hit “Enroll.”
Priority Pass Select rules
The Priority Pass Select membership with the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cards let you bring in two guests for no additional charge. Each card issuer has different rules on how many guests are allowed though, so if you have a Priority Pass Select membership through other cards, it’s important to keep your cards organized so that you don’t end up using the wrong card.
There are many other cards that offer Priority Pass Select access, bu there are just a couple:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – Free for the cardholder and up to two guests
- U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card – First four visits per year free for the cardholder and 1 guests
The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Many credit cards will also offer authorized user lounge access, as well — even if you’re not traveling with them. Each card has its own policy on this though, so you’ll want to check to see if there are any restrictions or fees before you start adding authorized users.
Bottom line
Frequent travelers will love the amenities offered by many airport lounges, because you’ll usually get Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages, showers, and more!
Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum cardmembers receive complimentary Priority Pass Select membership as a perk. You’ll need a membership card to enter the lounges, which you can get by registering through your Amex online account or by calling Amex. You cannot access Priority Pass lounges just by showing your Amex Platinum card.
Priority Pass membership through Amex Platinum cards gives you and two guests free access to the lounge. However, other card issuers that offer lounge access have different rules on how many guests are allowed, so it’s important to keep your membership cards organized so that you don’t use the wrong one.
What’s your favorite credit card that gives you airport lounge access? Let us know in the comments below. And subscribe to our newsletter for more credit card benefit info.
Very disappointing you can only use the priority card for the Buenos Aires (Argentina) lounges after 10 pm at night.
I would recommend that you make this information available to your customers
I’m currently in Detroit airport waiting on a flight. I am an American Express platinum business card holder with priority pass membership. We we’re denied due to a blackout period but people behind us we’re allowed in and the lounge was not full. The attendant clearly took a disliking to me. I showed her my American Express card upon arrival. She said that isn’t accepted here. I said oh I forgot you need my priority pass. She said you’re a priority pass member? I said yes. I pulled it up and then she said sorry I can’t let you in for 3 hours. I’m not pleased at this turn of events.
Hi! It looks like the blue “enroll in Priority Pass…” button is missing.
Only Amex from certain countries work for certain countries. Amex from South Africa doesn’t work everywhere. In Abu Dhabi, I was told that only if I had Amex from the US or China, it would be acceptable.
Which SA AMEX card do you have ? I was thinking of applying for one.
Interesting, I never thought of that before. Thanks for the heads up.
You can enter the lounges by downloading the app and showing that as your ID, in case you forget to get the Priority Pass card. Just FYI!
Yes, and I find the app is helpful in locating lounges too.