{"id":204089,"date":"2026-06-06T21:10:02","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T21:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=204089\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T17:39:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T17:39:09","slug":"centurion-lounge-guest-policy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/centurion-lounge-guest-policy\/","title":{"rendered":"How Amex Platinum Card Members Can Unlock Complimentary Centurion Lounge Guest Access"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Centurion\u00ae<\/sup> Lounge remains one of the most valuable airport lounge perks available to eligible American Express cardmembers. With complimentary food, drinks, and more polished spaces than many traditional airport lounges, it can be a welcome escape before a flight.<\/p>\n

But access is more restrictive than it used to be \u2014 especially for couples and families. Card Members of the American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> of The Business Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/a> no longer receive complimentary guest access by default at most Centurion Lounge locations<\/a>. Instead, bringing guests usually means paying a per-visit fee unless you qualify for complimentary guest privileges through high annual spending or use another strategy.<\/p>\n

That makes it worth understanding the current Centurion Lounge guest policy before your next trip. Here\u2019s what Amex charges for guests and how to unlock complimentary guest access.<\/p>\n

Amex Centurion Lounge Guest Policy<\/span><\/h2>\n

Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> and Business Platinum Card<\/a> Members can access Centurion Lounges as a card benefit. However, cardmembers must pay $50 per adult guest, with up to two guests allowed per visit. Children ages 3 to 17 cost $30 each, while children under three can enter for free.<\/p>\n

Centurion Lounges are exclusive to select American Express Card Members, and there\u2019s no pay-to-access option outside of an eligible card benefit.<\/p>\n

These guest policies apply across Centurion Lounges in the U.S. \u2014 as well as new Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge locations \u2014 and select international locations, including Tokyo, London, and Hong Kong. Other international Centurion Lounges, such as those in Sydney, Mexico City, and Delhi, may follow different guest policies, with Card Members allowed one or two complimentary guests depending on the lounge.<\/p>\n

Effective July 8, 2026<\/strong>, Card Member guests must be traveling on the same flight as the primary Card Member to enter a Centurion Lounge. This policy will apply at Centurion Lounges across the U.S., as well as in London (LHR), Tokyo (HND), and Hong Kong (HKG). It does not apply to those with the Amex Centurion Card.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Amex
Credit: Tyler Glatt \/ AwardWallet<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Related: Skip the Line: How Amex Centurion Lounge Digital Waitlists Help You Avoid the Wait<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

How to Unlock Complimentary Centurion Lounge Guest Access<\/span><\/h2>\n

To unlock complimentary guest access at Centurion Lounges, Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup> and Business Platinum Card Members must spend $75,000 in eligible purchases within a calendar year<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Once that threshold is met, they can bring up to two guests into the lounge free of charge for the rest of that year, the entire following year, and through January 31 of the third year.<\/p>\n

Big spenders can rest easy knowing they\u2019ll enjoy the company of up to two guests every time they travel. But for the rest of us, it\u2019s a pretty big hurdle.<\/p>\n

Track your progress toward complimentary Centurion Lounge guest access<\/span><\/h3>\n

To check your progress toward the $75,000 annual spend requirement for complimentary Centurion Lounge guest access, log in to the Amex app or website.<\/p>\n

Navigate to Membership and Benefits<\/strong>, then click on The Centurion Lounge Complimentary Guest Access<\/strong>. There, you\u2019ll see your accrued eligible spend for the calendar year.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot
Credit: American Express<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

But you can avoid needing to log into your Amex account. Savvy travelers who use AwardWallet<\/a> and have connected their American Express account<\/a> will see details about their Membership Rewards balance and card benefits — including a tracker showing progress toward unlocking complimentary guest access.<\/p>\n

\"Screenshot
Screenshot of AwardWallet account<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n

Don\u2019t have an AwardWallet account yet?<\/strong>
This link is a special coupon just for blog readers. Sign up today<\/a>, and get an extended, 6-month trial of AwardWallet Plus!<\/p>\n

Alternatives to Unlocking Unlimited Guest Access or Paying Guest Fees<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you usually travel solo but occasionally want to bring a guest, the simplest option under the current Centurion Lounge policy is to pay the per-visit fee of $30 to $50 per person. But if you plan to travel with a plus one regularly, you'll want to consider other options.<\/p>\n

Add authorized users<\/span><\/h3>\n

For families or groups who travel often, adding authorized users can be a more cost-effective solution. Just a few trips could make it worth adding authorized user Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup> Cards. Each authorized user gets their own Centurion Lounge access, even when traveling alone, so there is no need to worry about one-time guest fees.<\/p>\n

It costs $195 for each additional Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup> for Authorized Users (Rates & Fees<\/a>). At $50 per visit, you would break even after just four visits.<\/p>\n

If you've got the Business Platinum Card, you can add up to 99 employee cards, but this comes with a steep cost of $350 per user (Rates & Fees<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Be sure to do the math before adding an authorized user by comparing that fixed cost to the one-time guest fee.<\/p>\n

Encourage your travel companion to apply for their own card<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you regularly travel as a couple, it may be worth having your player two<\/a> apply for their own Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> account.<\/p>\n

While it may not be worth paying another annual fee just for this one perk (Rates & Fees<\/a>), your travel companion can also take advantage of the other benefits that come with the Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>. These include several elite statuses, a $600 hotel credit<\/a> (up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually), a $300 Lululemon credit<\/a> (up to $75 quarterly), and so much more. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n
\"American<\/div>\n
How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\n
Rates & Fees<\/a>
(Terms apply)<\/span><\/div>\n
Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\n
Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n
Annual Fee:<\/strong>$895<\/b><\/div>\n
Show more<\/a>Why We Like It<\/a>Highlights<\/a>Earning Rates<\/a>
Cardholders can access more than 1,550 airport lounges worldwide, take advantage of up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $219 in CLEAR+ credits, and TSA PreCheck\u00ae<\/sup> or Global Entry fee credits. The card also includes an annual hotel credit worth up to $600 on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts\u00ae<\/sup> or The Hotel Collection bookings (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay), Hilton Honors\u2122 and Marriott Bonvoy\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Elite status, and a suite of benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts\u00ae<\/sup>. Additional perks include $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership credit (with applicable sales taxes and Plus Ups not include), up to $300 in annual digital entertainment credits, up to $300 Equinox credits, and up to $200 annual Uber Cash and $120 Uber One Credit. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.<\/div>
\n\n\n