Travelers to These 10 Airports Make Out Like Bandits With the AMEX Platinum Cards

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If you have The Business Platinum® Card from American Express or The Platinum Card® from American Express, you can travel in comfort through some of the most popular airports around the US.

These cards offer exclusive access to AMEX Centurion lounges, which are highly regarded among the best in the country.  And in addition, you get a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership to enjoy other airport lounges and restaurants that are part of their network.

When you combine this incredible lounge access with the lesser-known Priority Pass Select dining credit at participating airport restaurants, you can save Big Money at certain airports by double (or triple!) dipping these deals.

A Rendering of the Upcoming Denver Centurion Lounge. American Express Centurion Lounges are our Favorite Lounges to Relax at While Waiting for an Upcoming Flight.
Coming Soon – A Brand New Centurion Lounge in Denver, Which Is Already a Favorite Airport Among AMEX Platinum Cardholders

Here are 10 airports where folks with The Platinum Card from American Express or The Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN card can make out like absolute bandits by combining these benefits.

Up to 75,000 AMEX Membership Rewards Points With AMEX Business Platinum

Apply Here:   The Business Platinum® Card from American Express

Our Review of the AMEX Business Platinum Card

If you’re looking to get in on some of the best airport lounge access, check out The Business Platinum® Card from American Express. 

With the AMEX Business Platinum, you’ll earn up to 75,000 AMEX Membership Rewards points after meeting tiered spending requirements:

  • 50,000 AMEX Membership Rewards points after you spend $10,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
  • 25,000 AMEX Membership Rewards points after you spend an additional $10,000 on qualifying purchases within the same time frame
  • Terms apply

Between this welcome bonus, and the points you earn while meeting the minimum spending requirements, you will have at least 95,000 AMEX Membership Rewards points (75,000 point intro bonus + at least 20,000 minimum spending points).

Here Are 10 Airports That Offer Huge Benefits for American Express Platinum Card Holders

Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)

Dallas-Fort Worth airport is home to a Centurion Lounge with conference rooms, a spa, showers and great food.  Team member Jasmin has visited this lounge and says the food and cocktails are out of this world!

Dallas also offers 3 other lounge options through Priority Pass Select.  But nothing really compares to the Centurion Lounge’s amenities and food.  It’s worth taking the Skylink train from any terminal to visit, enjoy some good food and drink, and relax.

Centurion Lounge
(Terminal D – Opposite Gate 17)

Note:   The Dallas Centurion Lounge is undergoing renovations until August 14, 2018

  • Fresh seasonal food
  • Premium bar
  • Shower suite
  • Televisions
  • Conference rooms
  • Spa
  • Family room
  • Semi-private workspaces
  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Print, copy, fax, and computer center
The Centurion Lounge at Dallas Fort-Worth Offers Modern, Comfortable Styling with Showers, Wi-Fi, and Refreshments
The Centurion Lounge at Dallas Fort-Worth Offers Modern, Comfortable Styling With Showers, Wi-Fi, and Refreshments

Priority Pass Lounges:

  • Minute Suites
    (Located Terminal A – Near Gate A38)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Comfortable daybed sofas
    • 1 hour access for you and up to 3 guests (per cardholder)
  • Minute Suites
    (Located Terminal D – Near Gate D23)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Comfortable daybed sofas
    • 1 hour access for you and up to 3 guests (per cardholder)
    • Shower facilities (extra charge)
  • The Club at DFW
    (Located Terminal D – Across from Gate D15)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Conference rooms

Houston Intercontinental (IAH)

Houston Intercontinental Airport gives American Express Platinum cardholders access to 3 different lounges, including a Centurion Lounge, all of which offer very impressive amenities.  Unfortunately, they are all located in Terminal D, and with 5 terminals in this airport, it would be nice to have them a little more spread out.  But Terminal D is accessible via the SKYWAY (upper level) train without needing to go through security again, so it is available for everyone if you have time.

Tip:   Don’t take the lower Subway train, because it requires you to cross out of security – instead use the SKYWAY.

The Centurion Lounge:
(Terminal D – Access via Elevators Near D6)

  • High-Speed Wi-Fi
  • Shower suite
  • Locally-inspired cuisine
  • Premium bar
  • Dedicated workspaces
  • Print, fax, copy, and computer center
  • Family room
  • Tranquility area
Houston's Centurion Lounge Is Bright and Clean, and Includes All the Amenities You Expect From a Centurion Lounge
Houston’s Centurion Lounge Is Bright and Clean, and Includes All the Amenities You Expect From a Centurion Lounge

Priority Pass Lounges:

  • Air France Lounge
    (Located Terminal D – Opposite Gate D12)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:  Maximum 3-hour stay
  • KLM Crown Lounge
    (Located Terminal D – Near Gate D8)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:  Maximum 3-hour stay

Las Vegas (LAS)

Las Vegas offers a Centurion Lounge for American Express Platinum cardholders, and 2 other lounges through Priority Pass Select.  Las Vegas lounges tend to be pretty busy because this airport has a high concentration of business travelers.  I have found The Club at LAS in Terminal 1 to be the least busy because it is sort of hidden, so most people don’t go there unless they are specifically looking for it.

The Centurion Lounge:
(Concourse D –  Across from Gate D1)

  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Shower suite
  • Fresh seasonal entrees
  • Premium bar
  • Large flat-screen TVs
  • Semi-private workspaces
  • Print, fax, copy, and computer center
  • Family room
  • Conference room
The Dishes at Las Vegas Centurion Lounge Are So Good You Won't Feel the Need to Find an Airport Restaurant
The Dishes at Las Vegas Centurion Lounge Are so Good You Won’t Feel the Need to Find an Airport Restaurant

Priority Pass Lounges:

  • The Club at LAS
    (Located Terminal 1 – 2nd Level in Concourse D behind The Sugar Factory and Jamba Juice)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
  • The Club at LAS
    (Located Terminal 3 – Across from Gate E2)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Showers
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments

Los Angeles (LAX)

For those of us who live on the West Coast it feels like all roads (or skies?) lead to Los Angeles.  Not only is it the most convenient and affordable airport for southern Californian adventures, but many flights layover through this busy destination.

As of today if you visit Los Angeles you will NOT find a Centurion Lounge, and have to stick to Priority Pass Select options.  But that will soon change, because American Express announced it is building a new Centurion Lounge at this airport!

With a Priority Pass Select restaurant option also available, AMEX Platinum cardholders can combine benefits for the ultimate travel experience.

The Centurion Lounge (OPENING 2019):
(Tom Bradley International Terminal)

  • 13,900 square feet
  • Culturally diverse buffet-style food
  • Tranquility area (a mix of bright and dimly lit zones designed to help travelers adjust to new time zones and combat jetlag)
  • Premium bar
  • Showers
  • Family room
  • Spa
  • Workstations
American Express Teased An Upcoming New Centurion Lounge Coming to LAX By Creating a Small Pop-Up Lounge. Luckily the Permanent Lounge Will be Nearly 14,000 Square Feet With All The Amenities of a Centurion Lounge.
American Express Teased an Upcoming New Centurion Lounge Coming to LAX By Creating a Small Pop-Up Lounge.  Luckily the Permanent Lounge Will be Nearly 14,000 Square Feet With All the Amenities of a Centurion Lounge.  Expect the New Lounge in 2019.

Priority Pass Lounges:

  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
    (Terminal 2 – Level 4 Above Departure Gates)

    • Wi-Fi
    • Alcohol and refreshments
  • Alaska Lounge
    (Terminal 6 – Mezzanine level near Gate 64)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:  Access is permitted 3 hours prior to a scheduled flight departure
  • KAL Lounge
    (Tom Bradley International Terminal – 5th Floor Above Duty Free Store)

    • Showers
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Wi-Fi

Priority Pass Restaurants:

  • Barney’s Beanery
    (Terminal 2 – Next to Gate 22)

    • A classic Irish pub and restaurant in LAX since 1920
    • Popular entrees include:  Mega pancake breakfast platter, burgers, chili cheese fries
    • Popular drinks include:  Draft beer
    • $28 credit per cardholder (plus up to 1 registered guest for a total of $56)

Miami (MIA)

American Express Platinum cardholders will absolutely love traveling through Miami’s airport.  Not only does this airport have a luxurious Centurion Lounge, but it offers 3 other lounges through Priority Pass Select and 3 different Priority Pass Select restaurant options!

These benefits pair together really nicely because you can use your Priority Pass Select membership to get up to $56 off your bill (with a registered guest) at an approved restaurant, and then go relax with your remaining time at the Centurion Lounge.

The Centurion Lounge:
(Concourse D – 4th Floor Near Gate D12)

  • High-Speed Wi-Fi
  • Fresh seasonal entrees
  • Premium bar
  • Large flat-screen TVs
  • Semi-private workspaces
  • Print, fax, copy, and computer center
  • Spa center
  • Family room
  • Note:  If coming from any other terminal, you will be required to pass through security

Priority Pass Lounges:

  • Club America F
    (Central Terminal – Concourse F on 3rd Floor)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:  Available for international flights only
  • Avianca VIP Lounge
    (South Terminal – Concourse J on 3rd Floor near Gate J4)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:  Dress code enforced (no swimsuits, shorts, sandals, or flip flops)
  • VIP Lounge Miami
    (South Terminal – Concourse J near Gate J5)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Showers
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Restrictions:  Maximum 3-hour stay
    • Note:  Dress code enforced (no swimsuits, shorts, sandals, or flip flops)

Priority Pass Restaurants:

  • Air Margaritaville
    (Central Terminal – Concourse E)

    • Island-inspired food and beverages
    • Popular entrees include:  Coconut shrimp, volcano nachos
    • Popular drinks include:  House-made margaritas and frozen boat drinks
    • $28 credit per cardholder (plus up to 1 registered guest for a total of $56)
    • Note:  Smart casual dress code enforced
  • Corona Beach House
    (North Terminal – Concourse D)

    • Mexican-American food & Corona beverages
    • Popular entrees include: Shrimp quesadilla and fish tacos
    • Popular drinks include:  Fresh Corona beer on tap and bloody marys
    • $30 credit per cardholder (plus up to 1 registered guest for a total of $60)
    • Note:  An 18% gratuity is automatically added to all orders
Enjoy a Ribeye With Sautéed Spinach and Baked Potato at Viena in Miami Airport With a $28 Bill Credit From Priority Pass
  • Viena
    (Central Terminal – Concourse E)

    • Farm-to-table food of European and Brazilian cuisines
    • Popular entrees include:  Salt cod fritters and Brazilian cheese bread
    • Popular drinks include:  Caipirinha (Brazil’s national cocktail)
    • $28 credit per cardholder (up to 1 registered guest for a total of $56)

New York – La Guardia (LGA)

Most frequent travelers will find themselves flying through New York at some point, especially for many transatlantic flights.  Luckily, American Express has a Centurion Lounge at this airport.

Note:   Both the Centurion Lounge and the Priority Pass lounge at New York – La Guardia are located pre-security.  So don’t instinctively rush through security (as I often do) if you want to enjoy the lounge.

The Centurion Lounge:
(Terminal B –  3rd Floor Pre-Security Between Concourses B & C)

  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Fresh seasonal entrees
  • Premium bar
  • Large flat-screen TVs
  • Semi-private workspaces
  • Print, fax, copy, and computer center

Priority Pass Lounges:

  • Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge
    (Located Terminal B – Concourse A before Security on Level 3)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:  Accessible to departing passengers only

Philadelphia (PHL)

Philadelphia offers a Centurion Lounge for the best lounge experience, with included fresh seasonal entrees and cocktails at the premium bar.  The Centurion Lounge is located in Terminal A.  It is accessible via a shuttle bus or by walking, without leaving security for any terminals.

The Centurion Lounge:
(Terminal A –  near Gate A14)

  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Phone room
  • Locally-inspired cuisine
  • Premium bar
  • Showers
  • Personal workstations
The Philadelphia Centurion Lounge Offers Great Food and Drink Options for Cardholders to Relax and Enjoy
The Philadelphia Centurion Lounge Offers Great Food and Drink Options for Cardholders to Relax and Enjoy

Priority Pass Lounges:

  • Minute Suites
    (Terminal B – Between Concourse A & B in the AB Connector)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Private relaxation rooms
    • Comfortable daybeds (sleeps 2)
    • Note:  Available for international flights only

Portland International (PDX)

Unfortunately, Portland doesn’t have a Centurion Lounge, but it does offer a ton of options through Priority Pass Select, including several restaurants.  Portland is also unique because it hosts the House Spirits Distillery tasting room, which is the first ever distillery tasting room worldwide in an airport, and it receives a credit with Priority Pass Select!

Million Mile Secrets team member Jesse flies out of Portland often and has his Priority Pass restaurant credit skills down to a science!

Priority Pass Lounge:

  • Alaska Lounge
    (Concourse C – Across from Gate C5)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:  Access is permitted 3 hours prior to a scheduled flight departure

Priority Pass Restaurants:

  • Capers Cafe le Bar
    (Concourse C – Immediately after security on the left)

    • American cafe and deli cuisine
    • Offers packaged food options for taking on flights
    • Popular entrees include:  Pastrami sandwich, gyro wrap
    • Popular drinks include:  Specialty coffee drinks and draft beers
    • $28 credit per cardholder
    • Note:  Bill credit can not be applied to bottle sales or merchandise
  • Capers Market
    (Concourse D – Immediately after security)

    • Market fresh seafood, pastries, coffee, and beer
    • Popular entrees include:  Fresh oysters, and packaged meals for flight
    • Popular drinks include:  Specialty coffee drinks
    • $28 credit per cardholder (plus up to 1 registered guest for a total of $56)
    • Note:  Bill credit can not be applied to bottle sales or merchandise
House Spirits Distillery Is a Unique Offering in Portland Because It Is the First Airport Distillery in The World. Get a $28 Credit Here With Priority Pass Select From Your AMEX Platinum Card
  • House Spirits Distillery
    (Concourse C – Near Gate C6)

    • First ever airport distillery tasting room in the world
    • All products exclusively made in-house in small batches
    • Popular drinks include:  Westward American Single Malt Whiskey, Krogstad Aquavit, and Casa Magdelena Rum
    • $28 credit per cardholder (plus up to 1 registered guest for a total of $56)
    • Note:  Bill credit can not be applied to bottle sales or merchandise

San Francisco (SFO)

San Francisco is another airport with an excellent Centurion Lounge for AMEX Platinum cardholders.  This lounge is beautiful and truly feels unique to California.  There is even a Napa Valley wine tasting area in this lounge, in addition to other welcome amenities like shower suites to freshen up after a long day of travel.

The one thing this lounge lacks surprisingly is workstation desks!  It is obviously designed more for pleasure travelers than other Centurion Lounges.

The Centurion Lounge:
(Terminal 3 –  Near Gate 74)

  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Fresh seasonal entrees
  • Premium bar
  • Shower suite
  • Open kitchen
  • Wine-tasting area
  • Large flat-screen TVs
  • Computer center
  • Family room
  • Note:  If coming from any other terminal, you will be required to pass through security

Priority Pass Lounges:

  • Air France – KLM Lounge
    (International Terminal – Concourse A right next to TSA Checkpoint)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:   Available only for flights departing Concourse A, maximum 3-hour stay

Seattle-Tacoma (SEA)

There are lounges everywhere you turn in Seattle’s airport.  American Express hosts a Centurion Lounge here with bright Pacific Northwest styling and outlets at every seat.

Unlike other Centurion Lounges, the focus is on a stocked healthy snack bar for food, as opposed to buffet-style meals.  The lounge is accessible from any security checkpoint.  There are also a total of 5 other lounges available through Priority Pass Select, meaning you will have access to a lounge wherever you go.

The Centurion Lounge:
(Concourse B – Opposite Gate B3)

  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Healthy snacks
  • Premium Bar
  • Large flat-screen TVs
  • Power stations
  • Shower suite
The Biggest Difference You Will Notice at The Centurion Lounge in Seattle Is the Lack of Traditional Centurion Lounge Dishes – Instead, There’s a Healthy Snack Bar

Priority Pass Lounges:

  • The Club at SEA
    (Concourse A – Across from Gate A11)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Conference rooms
  • The Club at SEA
    (South Sattelite Concourse – Next to Gate S9)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Conference rooms
  • Alaska Lounge
    (Concourse C – Across from Gate A11)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:  Access is permitted 3 hours prior to scheduled departure
    • Note:  As of September 1, 2018, this lounge will no longer be available to Priority Pass members
  • Alaska Lounge
    (Concourse D – Across from Gate D1)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Conference rooms
    • Note:  Access is permitted 3 hours prior to scheduled departure
    • Note:  As of September 1, 2018, this lounge will no longer be available to Priority Pass members
  • Alaska Lounge
    (North Satellite Concourse – between Gates N1 & N2)

    • Wi-Fi
    • TVs
    • Fax machines
    • Alcohol and refreshments
    • Note:  Access is permitted 3 hours prior to scheduled departure
    • Note:  As of September 1, 2018, this lounge will no longer be available to Priority Pass members

Be careful traveling out to the satellite concourses just to visit a lounge.  Shuttles can be unpredictable to these locations, and it can take a surprising amount of time to get back to your gate to catch your flight.

Bottom Line

American Express Platinum cardholders can relax at airports in comfort thanks to the access they have to both Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass Select lounges with their cards.

Both these cards offer the combination of Priority Pass Select (including participating restaurant credits!) and Centurion Lounge access:

You can earn up to 75,000 AMEX Membership Rewards points after meeting tiered spending requirements with the welcome bonus from The Business Platinum® Card from American Express.  There are only a couple of days left to apply!

These benefits are really useful when folks use their Priority Pass Select memberships towards restaurant fare, and then relax at a luxurious Centurion Lounge.  These perks make either of these 2 cards well worth the annual fee for frequent travelers.

These 10 airports give American Express Platinum cardholders the most benefit:

  • Dallas Fort-Worth
  • Houston
  • Las Vegas
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • New York – La Guardia
  • Philadelphia
  • Portland
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle-Tacoma

Did we miss your favorite airport for AMEX Platinum perks?  Please share in the comments!

Alex Curtis is a contributor to Million Mile Secrets, he covers topics on points and miles, credit cards, airlines, hotels, and general travel.

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! :)

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