I usually want to get out of the airpirt when I arrive at my final destination so I will not be affected by this. I can see some getting pissed about it, but I look forward to getting out of the airport.
Henry Bommia how are they freeloaders? Whats wrong with taking a shower and grabbing a quick bite before heading out to your destination? This is one of the main uses for me. I could care less about arriving beforehand.
Yep not getting the card now, not very competitive move from Amex here. Not being able to access on arrival is big. The 3 hours before thing sucks but its whatever. However not being able to access the lounge twice or basically only 50% in my home airport takes away too much expected value from a $550 fee card that really doesn't give a great credit back like the CSR. So I'll probably stick with the CSR instead of the Amex here.
@@DavidRiddick I hope so! I really like my CSR card even more so than the Platinum card. The travel credits alone made the CSR worth it and if they do start their own lounges, i'll downgrade the Platinum to the Gold and call it a day.
Devastating. The drop in at the destination was a huge feature for me. I did enjoy being there for an extended period when leaving for business because it’s far more productive to be at the lounge then to be sitting at the hotel waiting on a flight. This may help me make my decision as I rotate cards around. I don’t think I am the typical Internet sky is falling over every decision but this one does affect how I use the card.
Hi sebby, rule number two is what I have a problem with your Centurion lounges videos is what convinced me to go after the American Express Platinum Card but I live in Orlando Florida I don't have one here but I do have family in Dallas Texas so now that I go there as my final destination I can't use it that sucks!!
@@mazda3jdm not really abuse if that is the premise. free alcohol, showers and snacks. this lounges are free advertisement so to speak for amex since it was a visit to my local centurion lounge what inspired me to get into the game - an advertisement better then any show or commercial could have ever been. now slightly diminished.
The final destination rule is a non issue with me. When my plane lands I'm done with the airport and I want to be as far away from it as I can be! I don't travel to visit airports.
Now I'm thinking twice about getting the card, I was going to get it because I have family in Dallas Texas and I was going to see Dallas Cowboys football games and use the Centurion Lounge but now I know I won't be able to so probably won't get the card anymore
Yeah, I won’t be getting it either. The Centurion Lounges were the only reason I was considering it but now with all these restrictions... it’s just not gonna work.
None of the rules impact me. I’ve had the card for 1.5 years and I do quite a bit of travel and have never used the centurion lounge. I have used the card numerous times to access Delta Lounges. I’ve never gone to any lounge at my final destination and I’ve never gone to the airport more than 3 hours ahead of time. 2 hours is about the most. Lastly it always seems that the Centurion Lounge is super far from the gate I happen to be departing from.
Doesn't really affect me NOW since I don't have this card but may in the future. Rule #1 seems perfectly reasonable. No reason to spend all day in the lounge just because you can. Rule #2 seems like they are trying to curtail the casual use case (1 for the road). I mean, you're already at your destination. Why are you still hanging out at the airport? But the business use case (shower) seems more compelling and makes this rule a little unfair. Rule #3 well, I have no problem with this at all! Lounge access is all about exclusivity. That exclusivity includes not having to listen to, deal with children running around and generally being obnoxious. Lounges should be for the cardholder only and maybe one guest.
A bit bummed about cancelling arrivals access - it's nice to grab a quick drink but I can just have another one on the plane. They can make it zero guests and I'd be totally fine with that, tho.
I often times meet friends at a destination airport and wait at the lounge. Now I can’t. This trend of restrictions is not good with the recent annual fee increase.
Minimal change except international when I arrived more than 3 hours early sometimes, either to avoid rush hour traffic /rush hour check-in or because I checked out of the hotel already. I never used the lounge after arriving. Most other airline lounges only allow 1 guest, NO exceptions. If you want more quests, you have to pay with cash or mileage. So, 2 guests is still very nice.
Delta SkyClubs hard product is superior to Centurion Lounges. The SkyClubs have decent food offerings, although not quite on par as centurion lounges. SkyClubs are often double and triple the size and have more comfortable seating, and they welcome arriving passengers.
I was recently impacted by the new changes on a trip to DFW. My flight landed and I was disappointed to find out I could not enter the lounge. However, I was able to show that I had a flight back the next day (our of Love Field...an entirely different airport) and they let me in! So it seems as long as you can show you have a return flight they can type in that confirmation and give you access. Anyways, this was my experience and I wanted to share. I hope my explanation makes sense.
Jason Parraga I think AMEX realizes that they differentiate themselves from their competitors by providing Platinum and Centurion card holder’s with access to Centurion Lounges; they’ll work hard to protect and widen that differentiation with improvements and expansions. I also agree with Sebby that we may see further restrictions.
I have never been to a centurion lounge. Mostly solo traveler and I hate crowded clubs. I use the card for delta clubs and have to pay fo any guests or family there.
Terrible move by Amex to not allow access on arrivals. For me that’s when I would use them most. Lounge access is one of the few reasons to keep the card past the initial signup bonus and reducing access to it by 50% makes it a likely cancel for me before the fee hits again. If they really wanted to reduce crowding just reduce guests to down to 1 instead of dramatically slashing one of the cards key features.
exactly one guest or even 0 guests. Or have an option: 2 guests with the current restrictions. 1 guest but remove the arrival restriction. 0 guests and remove all restrictions.
My thoughts are in line it’s yours. Agree on rule one not with two or three. Seems like to me they push to increase cards popularity then pull back when it does.
I'm 100% in favor of rule #1. I tried going to the Centurion Lounge during the US Open and people legit WERE NOT LEAVING. Completely unfair to everyone else that just wanted to experience it. GJ AMEX!
I’m probably going to downgrade or cancel after this year. Flying from Hawaii I enjoyed getting a quick shower after getting off of the plane, so losing this perk is a big negative for me.
Although I have two kids, this won't affect me as I have already added 3 authorized users for $175. Although at first, $175 may seem like alot to pay for authorized user cards, it actually works out well because I have parents who travel alot (being retired, they do alot more travel than my wife and I), and they were interested in Priority Pass, but weren't willing to pay for a $450 annual fee for one of the top tier cards. The $175 might seem like alot, but it basically averages out to be $58 per card, and each authorized user gets: Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access, Hilton and SPG/Marriot gold status, Centurion Lounge access, Delta Skyclub access when flying Delta, and Hertz and National car rental status. For people who like cash back more and don't want to hassle with the travel points game, but who still want the perks, $58 for Amex Platinum / Priority pass / hotel status is an amazing value. In my case, my parents actually paid me back the full $175, and my wife kept the third Platinum card, which she uses whenever she travels for work, and it has the additional benefit of Centurion lounge access (as well as the restaurant credits) when we travel with the kids. Ultimately, I am planning to open the City National Bank Crystal Infinite VISA, and add my wife and parents as authorized users for free which will get them each Priority Pass, at which point I will probably cancel the Platinum card authorized users... Value wise, the primary Platinum card still gets me positive expected value, since the net annual fee is only $50 after credits.
I just recently went to the Delta lounges in Atlanta and Seattle and they were great! However, only experienced the Centurion lounge in Seattle and was extremely disappointed. Delta lounges just had more room, better food and amenities.
I was thinking of applying because of the lounge access to help me get my yearly fee benefit. And going to the lounge after arrival for a bit was a huge perk. So it does disappoint me to see that one can no longer arrive and relax, and get cleaned up or have a few drinks or snacks before moving on, but I’ll have to give it more consideration now. Thanks for your videos and keep up the good work
After starting a family, I don’t fly as much anymore, and it seems every year the perks of the Platinum card keep diminishing so I downgraded myself to Amex’s Gold Rewards card and it seems I get more rewards compared to the Platinum card except for travel rewards and concierge. If you live in a big city though, you need the Platinum card though. When I lived in Atlanta, Amex concierge got me in the best places with no wait.
The only one that bothers me is that I’ll be unable to access the lounge upon arrival. I understand they want to control the number of people accessing, but damn!!! I’ll still keep the card, but that sucks!
For SFO, no access on arrivals to showers is a blow. Delta Sky Clubs are decent. I've been valuing a quiet space more than some free food. The United Club in SFO has been my go to lately.
In certain long haul/red eye flights I travel in casuals, and get ready for business meetings at the destination lounge. This change is a deal breaker!!!!
Rule #2 is what really makes a difference for me. Coming from NYC to go to Vegas is a haul, especially when there’s traffic getting to the airports. We want to freshen up before we hit the conventions we are apart of.
This further disappointments me as they have gone up on their annual membership fee, in addition to their additional card holder fee AMEX has continuously been pulling the reins back on cardholders. Obviously if you are a platinum card holder, you are a higher end spender. And typically, people with money do not like restrictions or feeling like they are paying a premium to be given reduced value. At this point, why not just cancel my AMEX platinum and pay for access to another lounge if my other cards don’t already cover it?
I definitely get that mentality but a lot of the better lounges (in my experience anyways) don't have a "buy-in" feature. You have to have airline status to get in. Ideal solution for everyone is if they could expand the lounges (but obviously not possible at some airports).
Ideal solution is if they negotiate better lounge access agreements for their card holders. This is supposed to be one of the premium cards for travel... yet I can only get into a Centurion lounge (with added restrictions), and Delta lounge (only when flying Delta). And the Centurion lounge isn’t at every major airport. Neither do they have multiple Centurion lounges in a single airport. Other brands have multiple lounges in a single airport- some with multiple in the same terminal.... depending on the size of the airport.
Doesn’t affect me, but I think it makes sense. I think AmEx could have shaved the restriction on guests a bit finer. Maybe limit admission to up to two guests, unless all guests are immediate family. Then it would be useful for business travelers and family travelers alike.
Are there centurion lounges for international flights at LAX?? Do u have to book your flight using your Amex Platinum or just be card carrying member to access the lounge?
They may as well have just limited lounge access based on monthly spend. If you aren’t spending with them, why enjoy the amenities of the card? Watch the lounges instantly become uncrowded.
I'll like to have access to lounges especially on long layovers but if it limits to only 3 hour prior to departure on connecting flights, that's a bummer!
Hi Sebby, I just got a withdrawal taken out of my bank account for my first ever credit card. I applied for the Discover IT secured card, as I am barely establishing credit. I had done tons of research, as well as watched hours of videos reviewing the card. (I even called the customer service number to have em answer some questions for me). I’m excited and all, but I am a little worried. I’ve noticed in your January update, “What’s in my wallet” you seem to no longer use the Discover IT card? Its a concern to me, as you have suggested before to hold on to a card for Its AAoH. Now knowing that you usually recommend Chase, Amex, and Discover I’d like to know how can I safely transition from my Discover IT, to something more like Chase without it effecting my Credit History, or is that inevitable? Should I even open up a second card, like Capital One within the next month or so to keep the inquirers effect low? (Benefit my future self is why i’m considering the second card) I’m trying to build a base but if these cards are going to become useless as I age, shouldn’t I just go for something more beneficial? A video on this subject would be great for all newbies like myself, but a thorough reply is awesome too.
I was debating getting the card since once I move I'd be flying between DEN and LAX a lot, both of which are getting Centurion Lounges at or near their Southwest terminals
The arrival rule might cause me to swap premium cards. I travel to SF and Dallas for business and generally grab a meal on arrival which is a nice perk. Also for Miami based cruises the we use it while waiting for ship boarding a couple of times a year. Would prefer dropping to one guest. Would have preferred to see a $10 fee on arrivals. Would still be worth it for my use case.
I'm with everyone else on this regarding the destination restriction. Have some thinking to do about this card. One of the things I value the most. Hmmm. I will probably stick it out another year, in case there's some refreshing like many people think. But probably a deal-breaker after that if nothing else is making up for it.
Amex plat should have more restriction of whom is able to acquire platinum cards. I have seen folks who get their 5 friends or families to share annual fees just to get perks like PP and airport lounges, which in some country also come with free gyms access in 5 star hotels. Amex should eliminate platinum card members who has low income and low spending to keep its exclusivity of platinum.
These rules are already active at DFW a few months back. Too bad they stopped letting arrival access... I do have CSR access to priority passes too, so this is gonna be a debate to cancel AMEX or not, or maybe cancel the extra cards as CSR have better trip protection anyways.
Good move. The Vegas lounge has gone so downhill it’s ridiculous. The bathrooms were disgusting, the shower was out of service, families shoved multiple tables together- it does not represent what I look for in a lounge. The staff obviously can’t keep up. Hope these policies help with that.
Final destination access is big for me. I arrive in Philly in the early morning everytime I fly there and can't check into my hotel till about noon and schedule my car rental for noon as well. Not sure what I will do now. This really does suck. Do centurion card holders have the same restrictions? Just wondering. Can understand if they have different rules. May consider their invite.
Next we won't be able to use our incidental airline credits for food/drinks if the flight is shorter than 3 hours... Or something along the lines of that -- my guess.
I use to be a Manager with these types of cards. Too many in circulation, they're not a premium anymore. Everyone has them and the lounges are so busy. Also it's unknown business so you only allow X amount of spaces to be free
Wow I guess I expected this to happen. These sweet deals never last for long. The only part I don't like is no access on final destination. Doesn't change how I feel about the card though. But you mentioned the possibility of no guess allowed at all in the future? You know very few people travel alone. Most people travel with 1 or more persons. Making the lounge then obsolete. That would be a major problem for me!!!!!!
I think they shouldnt get rid of guests completely, but limit it to 1 guest, treat it as a bar since they have alcohol and say no kids or must stay in designated area and be between a certain age, and allow access at final destination but no guests.
Disappointed about not being able to use the Centurion Lounge upon arrival, as it’s a great meeting spot for me and my business partner, and (as mentioned elsewhere) it’s,a great hangout/dining/drinking spot upon arrival vs. the hotel destination. I can somewhat offset this effect by going to the Delta Lounge upon arrival as we usually fly Delta, but for LAX-LAS or LAX/BUR-SFO, I usually fly SWA (or will try BUR-LAS via JetSuite), so no lounge for me upon arrival- except for the disappointing PP “The Club” Lounge at LAS... Certainly this is a 1%-er “problem “, I know, but lightly frustrating nonetheless. On the other hand, our office is walking distance from Staples Center and the Centurion Suite, so I do have Amex benefits access that most others don not have.
yellow spoon very true. Wish that Platinum was a step between Centurion and where Platinum is now. Disappointed with who gets Platinum these days (ie, those under 30 and those making under $100K). The Gold Card should be for upper middle class people, IMO.
*****Breaking @ask sebby just spoke with Amex rep for biz plat and they said they have restrictions we can only use $100 from Jan-June and another $100 from July-December
The Delta Lounge @JFK was pretty good IMO. Was there last month during my layover from London to Washington DC. Why would the Centurion Lounge be located at LaGuardia Airport when all the International flights are out of JFK? Messed up my trip, as I assumed the Centurion Lounge was at JFK when it clearly wasn't!
I like it. I'm usually 1.5 hrs before. I travel solo and prefer kids not be running up and down while I'm going over a presentation. One guest per member is great. The final destination rule works too for me. I usually hop a can upon arrival
Travel as a field engineer, not too close to a centurion lounge, and every time I've been to the DFW one a few times and it was full of kids. I'm glad these changes are happening.
So am I. My last trip of 2018 I watched a parent change her child's diaper right in the lounge! Didn't have the common sense or decency to take the kid to the changing station in the bath room.
I have been holding a platinum card for s long time now Even though some of the benefits were a bit limited. Yet for me this has been the best card ever. With my business platinum card now I can more office spaces. Amex has been the best amongst all others.
I want a lounge experience to feel on par with the type of card I'm using to access it. Not like the "Walmart" of lounges that most domestic lounges feel like.
Not being able to go to the lounge on arrival is a bit of a downgrade, but to be honest, I have never done that personally. When I arrive at my destination, I usually am eager to get home or to the hotel, so I have never stopped to think I should go to a lounge. Won't affect me personally, but I can see how some people might find this a negative. At the same terminal (terminal 3) you have the San Francisco Giants Clubhouse and Yankee Pier, which are Priority Pass restaurants so really, if you wanted to grab a bite after arrival you can always go to one of those restaurants instead (which probably have better food), so I really don't see this as a negative for SFO travellers, I would just go to the Centurion on departure and Yankee Pier on arrival.
Not thrilled but I understand why they're doing it. A packed lounge leads to diminished quality of service for everybody. Hopefully your prediction about only letting the card holder in doesn't come true. In that scenario would we be able to pay for additional guests? I wouldn't want to have to leave the wife out with the cattle while I go live it up in the centurion lounge ;) or perhaps if I was traveling with my mother or other family members.
I think it will be 1 guest only in the near future. This will force couples to pony up the authorized user annual fee to try and get 2 guests in. I don't think non Platinum members should be allowed to pay to get in. It's already too easy for anyone to get a Platinum card. Pay the $550 for access or be the one guest.
SolidLiquidFox I have another idea. What if American Express only allowed you so many total guests for the calendar year? Let's say 10 for example and you can use them however you want, all at once, separately, whatever, but once you use them up that's it.
Nice thing about authorized user cards on the Amex Platinum is, they can each get full unlimited priority pass, centurion and delta skyclub access (including their own guests), and gold status at hilton and spg/marriot... At $175 for three of them, it comes out to $58 each user which is imho a pretty awesome value, works well if you have extended family members who don't already have priority pass
@@adamsmith8689 I'll take you up on that and make the guest passes per account and not authorized user. The problem here is that Amex is not a fan of giving you stuff/credits up front or in bulk for immediateuse. In this case most people would use passes during holidays when group family travel is heavy.
Honestly if it’s a huge deal for arrival. Just buy a refundable southwest ticket. Not practical in HKG. My partner lives in Canada. Lots of times we meet it’s in SFO,SEA, or LAS during the summer. I will usually already be there. I always pick him up at the airport. So for the past few years. I’ve just been buying the southwest ticket so I can go to the centurion and wait. At this time I don’t think there is an airport that southwest does not service that has a centurion. I may be wrong ? In the US at least.
Seems to me Amex is just trying to stay ahead of the problem of people taking advantage and turning their lounges into what Priority Pass has become. You're the consumer- it's your right to cancel your Platinum card and go with a different card if you don't like what they're doing. Personally I agree with Amex on this one.
Can’t access at final destination is a disappointment.
agree 100%
This is horrible!!!
Not a big deal for me - we usually access contract lounges upon arrival.
KallMeKG Visuals You should not speak for those who arrive at destinations to go direct to work. They need a place to change or and freshen up.
Mel Lee 100% agree!!! This is unacceptable!!! Why I have to pay $550/year if you change the rules??????
The changes won't impact me much, so this is not a deal breaker. My worry is that there are more restrictions to come.
agree!
People who pay $550.00 a year in fees shouldn't be cheap-skated. They should be giving us more perks not less.
ÞCan you call me please00905360716623
Lol get a black card then.
I usually want to get out of the airpirt when I arrive at my final destination so I will not be affected by this. I can see some getting pissed about it, but I look forward to getting out of the airport.
Can’t access as final destination? Sad
@@henrybommia8452 Free loaders? They're paying for that lounge.
Henry Bommia how are they freeloaders? Whats wrong with taking a shower and grabbing a quick bite before heading out to your destination? This is one of the main uses for me. I could care less about arriving beforehand.
very sad!
@@simoncohn-gruenwald8867 You couldn't* care less, is what you mean.
Yep not getting the card now, not very competitive move from Amex here. Not being able to access on arrival is big. The 3 hours before thing sucks but its whatever. However not being able to access the lounge twice or basically only 50% in my home airport takes away too much expected value from a $550 fee card that really doesn't give a great credit back like the CSR. So I'll probably stick with the CSR instead of the Amex here.
Ryan's Compass I think we will see Chase Sapphire Lounges in airports within next two years to compete.
I agree. Defo won't be renewing. Not being about to use the lounge at the end destination is the final straw for me.
@@DavidRiddick I hope so! I really like my CSR card even more so than the Platinum card. The travel credits alone made the CSR worth it and if they do start their own lounges, i'll downgrade the Platinum to the Gold and call it a day.
@@DavidRiddick That would be awesome, it would force amex to do something to stay competitive.
Bye felicia
Devastating.
The drop in at the destination was a huge feature for me.
I did enjoy being there for an extended period when leaving for business because it’s far more productive to be at the lounge then to be sitting at the hotel waiting on a flight.
This may help me make my decision as I rotate cards around. I don’t think I am the typical Internet sky is falling over every decision but this one does affect how I use the card.
Ever heard of something called Starbucks?
Hi sebby, rule number two is what I have a problem with your Centurion lounges videos is what convinced me to go after the American Express Platinum Card but I live in Orlando Florida I don't have one here but I do have family in Dallas Texas so now that I go there as my final destination I can't use it that sucks!!
I'm from Orlando too
You know what this means.... people abused the crap out of it and just took advantage of feee liquor or food
They'll cut it to 2 hours prior soon enough.
@@mazda3jdm not really abuse if that is the premise. free alcohol, showers and snacks. this lounges are free advertisement so to speak for amex since it was a visit to my local centurion lounge what inspired me to get into the game - an advertisement better then any show or commercial could have ever been. now slightly diminished.
The final destination rule is a non issue with me. When my plane lands I'm done with the airport and I want to be as far away from it as I can be! I don't travel to visit airports.
Now I'm thinking twice about getting the card, I was going to get it because I have family in Dallas Texas and I was going to see Dallas Cowboys football games and use the Centurion Lounge but now I know I won't be able to so probably won't get the card anymore
Jesus, and The Centurion Lounge at DFW is closed indefinitely as they move the Lounge within DFW, I’ve read.
Yes, Now I am also thinking about not getting the card.
Yeah, I won’t be getting it either. The Centurion Lounges were the only reason I was considering it but now with all these restrictions... it’s just not gonna work.
@@orangeradios it was yuuggeee reason, but also having a platinum card and having AMEX is the two top major reasons
None of the rules impact me. I’ve had the card for 1.5 years and I do quite a bit of travel and have never used the centurion lounge. I have used the card numerous times to access Delta Lounges.
I’ve never gone to any lounge at my final destination and I’ve never gone to the airport more than 3 hours ahead of time. 2 hours is about the most. Lastly it always seems that the Centurion Lounge is super far from the gate I happen to be departing from.
Doesn't really affect me NOW since I don't have this card but may in the future. Rule #1 seems perfectly reasonable. No reason to spend all day in the lounge just because you can. Rule #2 seems like they are trying to curtail the casual use case (1 for the road). I mean, you're already at your destination. Why are you still hanging out at the airport? But the business use case (shower) seems more compelling and makes this rule a little unfair. Rule #3 well, I have no problem with this at all! Lounge access is all about exclusivity. That exclusivity includes not having to listen to, deal with children running around and generally being obnoxious. Lounges should be for the cardholder only and maybe one guest.
Can’t use lounges at the end destination?! And I was going to apply the other day for my business Platinum - good thing I waited!
A bit bummed about cancelling arrivals access - it's nice to grab a quick drink but I can just have another one on the plane. They can make it zero guests and I'd be totally fine with that, tho.
I often times meet friends at a destination airport and wait at the lounge. Now I can’t. This trend of restrictions is not good with the recent annual fee increase.
Minimal change except international when I arrived more than 3 hours early sometimes, either to avoid rush hour traffic /rush hour check-in or because I checked out of the hotel already. I never used the lounge after arriving. Most other airline lounges only allow 1 guest, NO exceptions. If you want more quests, you have to pay with cash or mileage. So, 2 guests is still very nice.
Can you do a comparison between the AMEX Platinum and the Priority Pass applying the new rulings for the lounges. Pro vs Con etc....
Delta SkyClubs hard product is superior to Centurion Lounges. The SkyClubs have decent food offerings, although not quite on par as centurion lounges. SkyClubs are often double and triple the size and have more comfortable seating, and they welcome arriving passengers.
I was recently impacted by the new changes on a trip to DFW. My flight landed and I was disappointed to find out I could not enter the lounge. However, I was able to show that I had a flight back the next day (our of Love Field...an entirely different airport) and they let me in! So it seems as long as you can show you have a return flight they can type in that confirmation and give you access. Anyways, this was my experience and I wanted to share. I hope my explanation makes sense.
It doesn’t. Clear as mud.
AMEX getting ahead of the issue beforehand to ensure they never become like the Priority Lounges.
AMEX lounge at SFO has been a zoo for the past year.
Jason Parraga I think AMEX realizes that they differentiate themselves from their competitors by providing Platinum and Centurion card holder’s with access to Centurion Lounges; they’ll work hard to protect and widen that differentiation with improvements and expansions. I also agree with Sebby that we may see further restrictions.
@@1drummer172 I could never get into the Centurion lounges with my Delta AMEX Platinum.
I would cancel if the benefit were ever reduced to “no additional guests”
These rules make sense. The lounges are getting way too crowded.
I have never been to a centurion lounge. Mostly solo traveler and I hate crowded clubs. I use the card for delta clubs and have to pay fo any guests or family there.
Makes sense, can’t really get too mad over these changes. That does help limit the people in there so that’s good!
Btw, the Las Vegas one is closed for renovations.
Terrible move by Amex to not allow access on arrivals. For me that’s when I would use them most. Lounge access is one of the few reasons to keep the card past the initial signup bonus and reducing access to it by 50% makes it a likely cancel for me before the fee hits again. If they really wanted to reduce crowding just reduce guests to down to 1 instead of dramatically slashing one of the cards key features.
exactly one guest or even 0 guests. Or have an option: 2 guests with the current restrictions. 1 guest but remove the arrival restriction. 0 guests and remove all restrictions.
My thoughts are in line it’s yours. Agree on rule one not with two or three. Seems like to me they push to increase cards popularity then pull back when it does.
I'm 100% in favor of rule #1. I tried going to the Centurion Lounge during the US Open and people legit WERE NOT LEAVING. Completely unfair to everyone else that just wanted to experience it. GJ AMEX!
They should impose time limits. Your card should be swiped on the way in and out. Overstay and be billed.
I welcome this change...we’ll see how it goes.
I’m probably going to downgrade or cancel after this year. Flying from Hawaii I enjoyed getting a quick shower after getting off of the plane, so losing this perk is a big negative for me.
Although I have two kids, this won't affect me as I have already added 3 authorized users for $175. Although at first, $175 may seem like alot to pay for authorized user cards, it actually works out well because I have parents who travel alot (being retired, they do alot more travel than my wife and I), and they were interested in Priority Pass, but weren't willing to pay for a $450 annual fee for one of the top tier cards.
The $175 might seem like alot, but it basically averages out to be $58 per card, and each authorized user gets: Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access, Hilton and SPG/Marriot gold status, Centurion Lounge access, Delta Skyclub access when flying Delta, and Hertz and National car rental status. For people who like cash back more and don't want to hassle with the travel points game, but who still want the perks, $58 for Amex Platinum / Priority pass / hotel status is an amazing value. In my case, my parents actually paid me back the full $175, and my wife kept the third Platinum card, which she uses whenever she travels for work, and it has the additional benefit of Centurion lounge access (as well as the restaurant credits) when we travel with the kids.
Ultimately, I am planning to open the City National Bank Crystal Infinite VISA, and add my wife and parents as authorized users for free which will get them each Priority Pass, at which point I will probably cancel the Platinum card authorized users... Value wise, the primary Platinum card still gets me positive expected value, since the net annual fee is only $50 after credits.
I was thinking of getting the Platinum mainly for the Centurion Lounge access. No arrival access is a deal breaker.
Same! Lounge access is the main reason for the card
I just recently went to the Delta lounges in Atlanta and Seattle and they were great! However, only experienced the Centurion lounge in Seattle and was extremely disappointed. Delta lounges just had more room, better food and amenities.
I was thinking of applying because of the lounge access to help me get my yearly fee benefit. And going to the lounge after arrival for a bit was a huge perk. So it does disappoint me to see that one can no longer arrive and relax, and get cleaned up or have a few drinks or snacks before moving on, but I’ll have to give it more consideration now. Thanks for your videos and keep up the good work
After starting a family, I don’t fly as much anymore, and it seems every year the perks of the Platinum card keep diminishing so I downgraded myself to Amex’s Gold Rewards card and it seems I get more rewards compared to the Platinum card except for travel rewards and concierge. If you live in a big city though, you need the Platinum card though. When I lived in Atlanta, Amex concierge got me in the best places with no wait.
Dear AMEX, I have my rule as well. I will start using my Chase Sapphire more than my platinum card for my traveling, guessing why?
The only one that bothers me is that I’ll be unable to access the lounge upon arrival. I understand they want to control the number of people accessing, but damn!!! I’ll still keep the card, but that sucks!
For SFO, no access on arrivals to showers is a blow. Delta Sky Clubs are decent. I've been valuing a quiet space more than some free food. The United Club in SFO has been my go to lately.
Interesting you won’t be able to access lounge on your arrival destination.
In certain long haul/red eye flights I travel in casuals, and get ready for business meetings at the destination lounge. This change is a deal breaker!!!!
For the three hour rule a very real possibility is if you have an unavoidable long layover/delay
Rule #2 is what really makes a difference for me. Coming from NYC to go to Vegas is a haul, especially when there’s traffic getting to the airports. We want to freshen up before we hit the conventions we are apart of.
This further disappointments me as they have gone up on their annual membership fee, in addition to their additional card holder fee AMEX has continuously been pulling the reins back on cardholders. Obviously if you are a platinum card holder, you are a higher end spender. And typically, people with money do not like restrictions or feeling like they are paying a premium to be given reduced value. At this point, why not just cancel my AMEX platinum and pay for access to another lounge if my other cards don’t already cover it?
I definitely get that mentality but a lot of the better lounges (in my experience anyways) don't have a "buy-in" feature. You have to have airline status to get in.
Ideal solution for everyone is if they could expand the lounges (but obviously not possible at some airports).
Ideal solution is if they negotiate better lounge access agreements for their card holders. This is supposed to be one of the premium cards for travel... yet I can only get into a Centurion lounge (with added restrictions), and Delta lounge (only when flying Delta). And the Centurion lounge isn’t at every major airport. Neither do they have multiple Centurion lounges in a single airport. Other brands have multiple lounges in a single airport- some with multiple in the same terminal.... depending on the size of the airport.
Doesn’t affect me, but I think it makes sense. I think AmEx could have shaved the restriction on guests a bit finer. Maybe limit admission to up to two guests, unless all guests are immediate family. Then it would be useful for business travelers and family travelers alike.
At my final destination I go to pick up my luggage, so no problem with restriction 2.
I find not being able to visit at departure pretty annoying since I don’t travel much and looked forward to that as a nice perk ☹️
Are there centurion lounges for international flights at LAX?? Do u have to book your flight using your Amex Platinum or just be card carrying member to access the lounge?
Are they going to be cutting the annual fee down too? Less perks less reason to put up with that fee.
They may as well have just limited lounge access based on monthly spend. If you aren’t spending with them, why enjoy the amenities of the card? Watch the lounges instantly become uncrowded.
I usually go to delta lounges
Restrictions is Amex Nick name.
I'll like to have access to lounges especially on long layovers but if it limits to only 3 hour prior to departure on connecting flights, that's a bummer!
Hi Sebby, I just got a withdrawal taken out of my bank account for my first ever credit card. I applied for the Discover IT secured card, as I am barely establishing credit. I had done tons of research, as well as watched hours of videos reviewing the card. (I even called the customer service number to have em answer some questions for me). I’m excited and all, but I am a little worried. I’ve noticed in your January update, “What’s in my wallet” you seem to no longer use the Discover IT card? Its a concern to me, as you have suggested before to hold on to a card for Its AAoH. Now knowing that you usually recommend Chase, Amex, and Discover I’d like to know how can I safely transition from my Discover IT, to something more like Chase without it effecting my Credit History, or is that inevitable?
Should I even open up a second card, like Capital One within the next month or so to keep the inquirers effect low? (Benefit my future self is why i’m considering the second card)
I’m trying to build a base but if these cards are going to become useless as I age, shouldn’t I just go for something more beneficial?
A video on this subject would be great for all newbies like myself, but a thorough reply is awesome too.
As soon as I saw this on TPG i knew a sebby reaction video would be quick to follow 🤣
I actually like these changes, hopefully the centurion lounges arent so crowded all the time anymore
paying such high annual fee and cant have as much fun with the damn thing
Exactly. The fee is outrageous. It doesn’t even give back benefits I would actually use.
I was debating getting the card since once I move I'd be flying between DEN and LAX a lot, both of which are getting Centurion Lounges at or near their Southwest terminals
The arrival rule might cause me to swap premium cards. I travel to SF and Dallas for business and generally grab a meal on arrival which is a nice perk. Also for Miami based cruises the we use it while waiting for ship boarding a couple of times a year. Would prefer dropping to one guest.
Would have preferred to see a $10 fee on arrivals. Would still be worth it for my use case.
No centurions lounge any where near me or where I frequent fly to. I guess I’m not missing anything. Priority lounge do get over crowded...a lot.
I'm with everyone else on this regarding the destination restriction. Have some thinking to do about this card. One of the things I value the most. Hmmm. I will probably stick it out another year, in case there's some refreshing like many people think. But probably a deal-breaker after that if nothing else is making up for it.
Amex plat should have more restriction of whom is able to acquire platinum cards. I have seen folks who get their 5 friends or families to share annual fees just to get perks like PP and airport lounges, which in some country also come with free gyms access in 5 star hotels. Amex should eliminate platinum card members who has low income and low spending to keep its exclusivity of platinum.
These rules are already active at DFW a few months back. Too bad they stopped letting arrival access... I do have CSR access to priority passes too, so this is gonna be a debate to cancel AMEX or not, or maybe cancel the extra cards as CSR have better trip protection anyways.
Good move. The Vegas lounge has gone so downhill it’s ridiculous. The bathrooms were disgusting, the shower was out of service, families shoved multiple tables together- it does not represent what I look for in a lounge. The staff obviously can’t keep up. Hope these policies help with that.
Final destination access is big for me. I arrive in Philly in the early morning everytime I fly there and can't check into my hotel till about noon and schedule my car rental for noon as well. Not sure what I will do now. This really does suck. Do centurion card holders have the same restrictions? Just wondering. Can understand if they have different rules. May consider their invite.
Centurions are riding high since they dont have any of these new restrictions. They pay hefty annual fees so that is how it should be.
Next we won't be able to use our incidental airline credits for food/drinks if the flight is shorter than 3 hours... Or something along the lines of that -- my guess.
I use to be a Manager with these types of cards. Too many in circulation, they're not a premium anymore. Everyone has them and the lounges are so busy. Also it's unknown business so you only allow X amount of spaces to be free
Wow I guess I expected this to happen. These sweet deals never last for long. The only part I don't like is no access on final destination. Doesn't change how I feel about the card though. But you mentioned the possibility of no guess allowed at all in the future? You know very few people travel alone. Most people travel with 1 or more persons. Making the lounge then obsolete. That would be a major problem for me!!!!!!
Have you seen that Amex free credit score updates switched from Fico to Vantage score?
I think they shouldnt get rid of guests completely, but limit it to 1 guest, treat it as a bar since they have alcohol and say no kids or must stay in designated area and be between a certain age, and allow access at final destination but no guests.
Sean Zacharczyk agreed! Ps- your name looks like the last line on the eye chart at a doctors office.
@@scarroll625 😂😂😂
Disappointed about not being able to use the Centurion Lounge upon arrival, as it’s a great meeting spot for me and my business partner, and (as mentioned elsewhere) it’s,a great hangout/dining/drinking spot upon arrival vs. the hotel destination.
I can somewhat offset this effect by going to the Delta Lounge upon arrival as we usually fly Delta, but for LAX-LAS or LAX/BUR-SFO, I usually fly SWA (or will try BUR-LAS via JetSuite), so no lounge for me upon arrival- except for the disappointing PP “The Club” Lounge at LAS...
Certainly this is a 1%-er “problem “, I know, but lightly frustrating nonetheless. On the other hand, our office is walking distance from Staples Center and the Centurion Suite, so I do have Amex benefits access that most others don not have.
10%-er is much more accurate.
yellow spoon very true. Wish that Platinum was a step between Centurion and where Platinum is now. Disappointed with who gets Platinum these days (ie, those under 30 and those making under $100K). The Gold Card should be for upper middle class people, IMO.
The 2 guest limit also for the centurion lounge at staples center or can you still bring 3 guests?
*****Breaking @ask sebby just spoke with Amex rep for biz plat and they said they have restrictions we can only use $100 from Jan-June and another $100 from July-December
Yep. Still pretty useful since they sell a lot of accessories though (keyboards, mice, Nintendo games, etc.)
Ask Sebby yeah that’s true. I was just hoping the latter.
Sydney has already done all the changes
The changes really won’t affect me st all, I’ll hang on to my Amex Platinum Card
The Delta Lounge @JFK was pretty good IMO. Was there last month during my layover from London to Washington DC. Why would the Centurion Lounge be located at LaGuardia Airport when all the International flights are out of JFK? Messed up my trip, as I assumed the Centurion Lounge was at JFK when it clearly wasn't!
Meanwhile... STILL no centurion lounge at O'hare, the busiest airport in the US
I like it. I'm usually 1.5 hrs before.
I travel solo and prefer kids not be running up and down while I'm going over a presentation. One guest per member is great.
The final destination rule works too for me. I usually hop a can upon arrival
Not going far enough IMHO. Should limit guest to just 1! Make lounges less crowded again!
That's a lot of restrictions for almost 600.oo a year.. .
I think I'll hold off on applying.
Not having access at my final destination is no big deal to me. If Need be I’ll use my Admirals Club membership. I’m keeping my Amex Plat.
Do you feel that they might end up changing the rules for this after, just because it’s going to make people happy?
Timely post. I was just in SFO and it was absolutely packed.
The biggest loss is Vegas. As hotels boot you about 12 to 1 and discounted airlines fly out about 9.
They keep making the card harder and harder for me to talk myself into getting. I struggle to really see its value vs it’s price point
I wish I could wear that 100% Human T-shirt, but my friends say I don't qualify T_T
Travel as a field engineer, not too close to a centurion lounge, and every time I've been to the DFW one a few times and it was full of kids. I'm glad these changes are happening.
are you allowed to enter a lounge, leaven, then go back in the same day?
Happy to hear about the kid limitation!!!!! Thank Gawd! :p
So am I. My last trip of 2018 I watched a parent change her child's diaper right in the lounge! Didn't have the common sense or decency to take the kid to the changing station in the bath room.
@@patricks6732 that's RIDICULOUS!
It's inconsiderate of the other guests.
@@patricks6732 Completely agree!
That's gross got to keep it sanitary go to the bathroom
Yes. Cancelled my Amex Plat. This is ridiculous. $600 a year and I can’t even get a beer when I arrive to destination airport. ?
Are platinum authorized users (not gold cards) allowed to access the lounges?
Exia TV unfortunately, yes they are.
I have been holding a platinum card for s long time now
Even though some of the benefits were a bit limited. Yet for me this has been the best card ever.
With my business platinum card now I can more office spaces. Amex has been the best amongst all others.
Was this done to create more separation between the Platinum and Centurion Card? Asking for a $550 fee yet adding restrictions...
I want a lounge experience to feel on par with the type of card I'm using to access it. Not like the "Walmart" of lounges that most domestic lounges feel like.
will this affect cernturin as well?
Doesn't really affect me as I use them as connections since I don't live in a big city.
Not being able to go to the lounge on arrival is a bit of a downgrade, but to be honest, I have never done that personally. When I arrive at my destination, I usually am eager to get home or to the hotel, so I have never stopped to think I should go to a lounge. Won't affect me personally, but I can see how some people might find this a negative. At the same terminal (terminal 3) you have the San Francisco Giants Clubhouse and Yankee Pier, which are Priority Pass restaurants so really, if you wanted to grab a bite after arrival you can always go to one of those restaurants instead (which probably have better food), so I really don't see this as a negative for SFO travellers, I would just go to the Centurion on departure and Yankee Pier on arrival.
Not thrilled but I understand why they're doing it. A packed lounge leads to diminished quality of service for everybody.
Hopefully your prediction about only letting the card holder in doesn't come true. In that scenario would we be able to pay for additional guests? I wouldn't want to have to leave the wife out with the cattle while I go live it up in the centurion lounge ;) or perhaps if I was traveling with my mother or other family members.
I think it will be 1 guest only in the near future. This will force couples to pony up the authorized user annual fee to try and get 2 guests in. I don't think non Platinum members should be allowed to pay to get in. It's already too easy for anyone to get a Platinum card. Pay the $550 for access or be the one guest.
SolidLiquidFox I have another idea. What if American Express only allowed you so many total guests for the calendar year? Let's say 10 for example and you can use them however you want, all at once, separately, whatever, but once you use them up that's it.
Nice thing about authorized user cards on the Amex Platinum is, they can each get full unlimited priority pass, centurion and delta skyclub access (including their own guests), and gold status at hilton and spg/marriot... At $175 for three of them, it comes out to $58 each user which is imho a pretty awesome value, works well if you have extended family members who don't already have priority pass
@@adamsmith8689 I'll take you up on that and make the guest passes per account and not authorized user. The problem here is that Amex is not a fan of giving you stuff/credits up front or in bulk for immediateuse. In this case most people would use passes during holidays when group family travel is heavy.
Honestly if it’s a huge deal for arrival. Just buy a refundable southwest ticket. Not practical in HKG. My partner lives in Canada. Lots of times we meet it’s in SFO,SEA, or LAS during the summer. I will usually already be there. I always pick him up at the airport. So for the past few years. I’ve just been buying the southwest ticket so I can go to the centurion and wait. At this time I don’t think there is an airport that southwest does not service that has a centurion. I may be wrong ? In the US at least.
Hey Sebby, Where did you get that shirt?
Seems to me Amex is just trying to stay ahead of the problem of people taking advantage and turning their lounges into what Priority Pass has become. You're the consumer- it's your right to cancel your Platinum card and go with a different card if you don't like what they're doing. Personally I agree with Amex on this one.