I’m sure you know that American Express operates a network of airport lounges located across the world but did you know that American Express also operates a network of lounges inside many popular sports and concert venues located across the United States, Europe, and Australia as well? That’s right. These venue lounges, dubbed the “Centurion Suites” (or simply, the “American Express Lounges”) are located in some of the most iconic sports and concert venues such as the Crypto.com Arena (formerly known as the Staples Center) in Los Angeles, the UBS Arena in New York and the O2 Arena in London, to name a few.
Benefits and amenities vary at each location but for the most part, American Express provides cardholders with amazing perks such as early entry into the venue, a special card member entrance to avoid the crowds, and 10% back on qualifying concession stand purchases. For Platinum and Centurion Cardholders, American Express also provides you and up to three guests with access to a private suite located on the club floor with complimentary alcoholic drinks, a more elevated dining experience, and a dedicated space to better enjoy the game/show. And similar to their airport lounges, it doesn’t matter which class of travel you are flying in, or in this case, which section your seat tickets are located in. With Platinum/Centurion Card access, you can access the club floors even if your seats are located in the nosebleeds.
But long gone are those days as American Express has quietly made some changes to their Centurion Suites/American Express Lounge access rule. Effective as of earlier this month, American Express now limits how many guests you can bring into the Centurion Suites/American Express Lounges and guests no longer receive complimentary beverages. In prior years, Platinum Cardholders were able to bring up to three guests and all parties would receive two drink tickets each (eight total) but now, Platinum Cardholders are only allowed to bring in one guest and ONLY the cardholder will receive complimentary drink tickets (two total).
Now, I know it doesn’t sound like much but for people who frequent sports/concert venues, this is going to sting a bit. My friends and I go to the Kings’ games all the time and the Centurion Suite gave us a place to avoid the crowds and get drinks more easily. And if you think about it, eight drinks at $20 a pop is $160 worth of alcoholic drinks that we were getting for free every game. That’s such a great perk and one that I’m going to miss.
And I know what you’re thinking and the answer is no. Access to the Centurion Suites/American Express Lounges is per account, not per card, so it doesn’t matter how many Platinum Cards (business or personal) you have. You are only allowed to bring in one guest. You can’t use your other Platinum Cards to bring in more people. However, authorized users with their own Platinum Card will still be allowed entry with two complimentary drinks and guest in one additional person for access.
Keep in mind that these new changes do not affect the airport Centurion Lounges, American Express Gardens in the Park, and other pop-up lounges such as those at Coachella, and F1 races. Additionally, some venues may have additional restrictions and limitations. I just found out about these new changes from my recent visit to the Crypto.com Arena but the representative I spoke to stated these changes would be affecting other venues as well as American Express is trying to reduce crowding in their lounges.
At the end of the day, this isn’t the biggest loss in the world but it is one more thing that American Express has taken away from us. They already implemented the guest access restriction for airport lounges last year and next year, we will see further cuts with additional restrictions on Delta Sky Club access. And now this. I will admit that American Express has an overcrowding problem and they really need to do something about it but I feel like they go overboard sometimes. Allowing three guests per cardholder is pretty excessive but reducing it down to one AND taking away their complimentary drinks seems a little excessive.
What do you guys think? I know American Express is trying to address their overcrowding issue but did they go too far with these new changes? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!
