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Can you access Priority Pass lounges just by showing your Amex Platinum card?

  • Andrew Wan

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    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 with airport lounge access as a complimentary 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. However, Priority Pass requires a separate registration and enrollment.

    Amex Centurion Lounges have hot meals, premium alcohol, and fast Wi-Fi. (Photo by Zach Griff)

    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:

    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 physical Priority Pass membership card and you can also access a digital card in 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 have a same day boarding pass and valid ID. With over 1,300 locations worldwide, the specific amenities will vary based on the location, but you can generally expect the following:

    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:

    Sign-in to your Amex account

    Log into your American Express account then find the “Membership Benefits” link.

    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.

    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 gets 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, like:

    Some travel 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.The information for the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve card has been collected independently by Million Mile Secrets. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

    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. One of the benefits for the 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 enrolling through your Amex 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.

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)