With security you need a long period to cross several terminals to get to a Centurion, let alone go to a PP lounge, and then back again. But he admitted he might be way off.
As a business and solo leisure traveler, I wish they would still allow a certain number of free passes per year. The card has come in handy a few times when I could get my boss, employee, or parents into the lounge. Giving us 4 or 6 passes a year, that we could use anytime, would be a nice middle ground. Otherwise, I would forgo using the lounge when I’m with other people and that reduces the value I get out of the Platinum - and a chance to impress my family or boss.
Well said! Zero chance to ever bring anyone...ever? With 4 different card holders, I bet I am the only one that gets any of the credits and have found a Centurion, once.
@@jbaru648 Of course that's an option, but misses the point. Having to pay (for example) $150 to get a guest in 3x for a meal or a quick snack and beverage, where it used to be included in the annual fee, is a significant reduction in value from the card. I personally don't value a lounge visit at $50 most of the time, unless I have a significant layover.
@@jbaru648 Completely missing the point. This only adds onto the cost of the card. Lounge access was a big perk. And just coughing up 50 bucks for all purposes, a basic $25 meal with drinks isn't that appealing. Not everyone drinks alcohol and eats everything they see in the lounge. I think a 2 to 4 guess pass per year would've been the better route to take. The couponing to justify this card over time is losing its appeal.
After having experienced the crowding issue at the Seattle Centurion Lounge on Friday, yes, I agree that something needs to be done. I saw a dad bring in his wife and 3 daughters into the lounge, effectively taking up 5 out of 35 person capacity (limited by Covid) in an already small lounge. I waited for 30mins to get a text to show up. Upon arrival I noticed how cramped the space was. I got a drink and bolted for the new Alaska Airlines lounge, which was spacious and more inviting. Until something changes with the Centurion Lounge in Seattle, I'll continue to visit other Priority Pass lounges.
@@DeborahE7 no, I have not, because that's patently false. Admission into the Centurion Lounge doesn't require proof of payment of those airfares on any Amex card - you only need a Platinum card. The crowding issue is due largely to one card holder bringing in multiple guests (spouse + kids), multiplied by many families. In the covid environment we live in, capacity is already limited at Centurion Lounges (35 max in Seattle) - so a father that's traveling with his wife and 3 kids is taking up 15% of the total capacity, and that's with just one Platinum card!
Deb, the majority won't miss you or anyone else with kids. We pay a premium yearly and go to the lounges for peace and quiet, business calls, e-mails, and to get away from screaming kids. This was a stellar move by Amex.
I love your vids cause you don't just relay news. You actually consider the strategy to maximize the benefit from the change. Thanks for the ridiculously good vid
I agree completely - I think they should have at least one guest. Now I’m gonna hold off because I want my mom coming with me when I go to the lounge. And if she sees me paying 50$ she’s not gonna want me to pay.
I know this is an old video, and I’ve never known centurion lounge access for my guest being free, but… I am taking an international trip with my 8 yo daughter in a few months, and on that trip we will hit ATL, LHR, and finally MIA airports. I plan on going to all centurion lounges and gladly paying the $30 youth guest fee because I can easily spend more than $30 x3 on a meal for both of us in the airport elsewhere (and I’m sure the food won’t be nearly as good). Our layovers are at least 4 hours in ATL & MIA. We are also a military family and could go to the USO if available (stateside), but the amenities don’t come close to centurion lounge amenities. Thanks again for always posting helpful videos worthy of commenting on and discussing further!
Me and my wife don't drink, so if AMEX raises the AF (rumored) and charges me for bringing a guest, I would cancel my platinum. She has the sapphire reserve so we would keep that.
DFW Centurion Lounge is always packed from my experience. I've never had to be turned away (yet) but I've seen a huge increase in crowdedness over the years. Instead of choosing where you'd like to sit you have to take whatever is available. I think this is a brilliant move by AMEX.
So glad someone said it. Was on a business class flight to Milan 1 month ago...OMG this one family had 3 kids with them & one wouldn't stop crying....🤬🤬🤬
A lot of people are saying this I don’t understand it. Do you know how much parents spend on their kids? Have you never seen the Hermès infant mittens for $200. Infant. Mittens. $200. There will be maybe a very small number of fewer smaller children. But the 13+ kids running around will still be there. The number of children 0-2 won’t change as they don’t count. You may see fewer 3-12 years old. But they will still be there.
Yeah as a single parent with an awesome 4 year old as my travel partner and player 2, AMEx obviously doesn’t want my money. Their loss. I travel quite often solo, but liked having the option of having lounge access for us both. This is very clearly targeted to alienate families, so now I just get rid of my platinum and stick with my other cards. No on wants to take the Amex internationally anyway.
@@sha2596 I mostly fly solo, but I did have GF with a couple kids, she had 0 interest, but I enjoyed taking them anyway. It's heartbreaking that I won't be able to treat a future partner to a C Lounge. But honestly they are extremely rare, and inconvenient to get to. I've been in Mexico all year, the card is almost useless except for a national convenience store chain. I spend hours today going through every place in town that might accept it, almost every restaurant could not be found on Google maps and the handlful that were looked dreadful.
It's funny how AMEX thought they were being bros during the pandemic by offering some sort of rewards (albeit, you still didn't get your value because of no travel) but decides to nerf the card once things start to open up again to get their money back.
PSA for parents: Having children , I would happily get them a card for access but they are not old enough to count. I was informed that children 17 and under pay $30 per person. That makes sense, as they will not consume much food or drink alcohol. Children 2 and under are free. I would maybe like children 10 and under to be free instead, or under 13 since that’s the age when kids can get a platinum card.
Back in the day when having any AMEX was enough to at least let you pay to stay, it was always worth the $50 they charged back then. But that was for me, who could eat lunch, have some drinks, do some work, take a nap, wake up, grab an early dinner, some more drinks, and then hop on my flight. It’s too bad they can’t just draw a line in the sand - no kids. Period. There’d be backlash, but there’d be applause as well.
SEBBY - Dropping kids off at PP lounges is hilarious 😂😂 - send the son to the lounge in concourse D and the daughter to the lounge in concourse X 😂😂 HILARIOUS
I once had to make a choice between Platinum and Sapphire Reserve. Think I made the right choice by sticking with Chase. And no... They ain't pouring you no Blue Label without a $30 or so bill attached...
I think Amex is paving the way to a card that is higher than a Platinum card but below a Centurion card. The new card will provide unlimited access for the card holder and up to 3 additional guests into the Centurion lounges. I am guessing the annual fee would be in the $1000 to $1200 dollar range. This would keep the masses at bay, keep the lounges from getting too full and provide another opportunity for business travels as well as aspirational types (code for posers) to enjoy Amex top tier perks . . . for a price, while still providing a tidy profit for good old Amex - just sayin . . .
Amex is really becoming a glorified high annual fee coupon card at this point... ready to get the scissors ✂️ out when they bring out that $695 fee for the platinum...
Have you tried cutting...going to need a blowtorch....melt down the metal and trade it in at a pawnshop for noise canceling headphones to use at the airport since the clubs will be packed.
@@artraft5142 What could help is if Amex stopped the notices of discounts for your card IF you select them and just provided a dashboard that these discounts have been provided for a limited time if you chose to use them. The fact that we have to go in and select them to be added to our cards for use supports this coupon mentality. Amex should be servicing us showing what benefits they are providing versus us having to sect them like picking out coupons to use.
@@fullspectrum2752 thank you...I never understood the reason behind having to look and adding...it should be already activated in card for future charges!
@W I think the first thing AMEX needs to do is make it harder to get accepted. A high minimum credit score would be a good starting point, then make it so only cardholders/authorized users can access the lounge. Maybe they could allow cardholders to bring 1 guest 2-3 times a year without paying, then charge $25/per guest after that maximum has been met. I'm a young solo traveler, and nothing annoys me more than people bring 2-3 kids into what is supposed to be an exclusive/work area... I've personally never had issues with overcrowding because I always fly super early or super late, and the lounges are pretty chill, but I understand the frustration.
I think this is a pure revenue stream from Amex knowing there will be flood of people doing leisure travels with their friends and family after the pandemic and countries finally open up for visitors by 2023. Amex knows about the options you have discussed in your video and they either get the $50 per visit per guest or the $175 for additional AU so a “WIN-WIN” for them.
Not a platinum holder but this sounds reasonable .....sorry, but people bring all kinds of kids and things into these lounges ...I’d imagine that is annoying for someone paying 550 to travel well
Amex has really sent the Platinum down the toilet because they only care about the revenue generated by the annual fee cards by offering big sign up bonuses, yet water down the travel benefits and turn the card into a coupon in the hopes people keep it.
I have said for a long time they needed to raise the AF to get rid of the overcrowding, quite a few types in there that probably struggle to pay the AF. A premium lounge should come at a Premium and therefore attract a specific customer base. With that said, these changes are going to make a lot of us cancel it.
Amex just fluffs up these “credits” and then follows it up with an annual fee increase while throwing in rather lame “credits”. Now to top it off, they are adding restrictions...
I do most of my travel on my own and I don't like bringing my family with me into the lounge. The grab and go system worked great for getting everyone in, getting our food, and getting out.
I'm one of those people that think this $50 is not enough. I would push it to $100 for guest. My take has always been: its called the Centurion Lounge. Imagine being a Centurion Card holder and sitting in a room full of screaming kids and families with flip flops and shorts. This is a good way to trim the crowds at the Centurion Lounge.
@@AskSebby That would be a great idea as well. Having a separate lounge for the Centurion folks. I'm not a Centurion member but I just think its more fair to them considering they are paying such a huge AF. Thanks for the videos, Sebby!
I think it would've been better for Amex to just limit customers to 1 guest aged 21+... that way it would somewhat help overcrowding, you could still bring a +1, but it would also not require you to add any AUs or have your companion apply for their own Plat outright. Kind of a happy medium. Hopefully Amex sees this as a better middle ground and makes good adjustments between now and Feb 2023
I don't think $50 is enough. to control overcrowding issues. I say, Raise the annual fee of Platinum cards to $1000 and $100 for Guest fee. I think you will see a significant decrease of lounge access. I don't mind any increases since I just chalk it up to business expense
Thanks for sharing this info I just got approved for the platinum card yesterday. I will be a solo traveler aiming to get that bonus ASAP and maximize the benefits that come with it. I work hard and plan to travel more moving forward and would like to experience firsthand these so called lounges that they offer both priority pass and Centaurion hoping they are worth it. I think it’s a good decision they are making but agree with previous user if we could bring at least one significant other is more appealing. Otherwise $50/guest isn’t a big deal to me seeing as I probably won’t fly as much year round with family so it works out in my favor. I don’t blame the other people complaining max capacity and children roaming around either would definitely frustrate me too. Haha lounges are places to relax, have a pleasant experience, and to get away from it all. Well done Amex thanks for listening to our concerns.
I’m not a huge fan of this change but at the same time I like the new value the card provides. Question is would these new features also be applied towards the Business Platinum ?
While I think this is problematic for some I like the idea of giving perks to people who use the card and don't just purchase it for lounge membership. Overall a good thing.
"I'd probably just drop them off at different priority pass lounges. Don't do anything stupid and message me if you need anything." Sounds like something like my dad and most Asian parents would do. LOL
Good. They should even increase it some more. Too many idiots flooding the places who shouldn't even be there. No idea how they even got those cards in the first place.
great video mentioning morgan stanley. i think i will definately get that once my wife will be travelling with me alot. I got the vanilla recently and was sad after finding the morgan stanley one the next day. but as you say its a great strategy for getting the big bonuses. i just dont like cancelling my cards though, and might downgrade the vanilla to gold after the first year and see if its worth keeping for me. also if my wife has authorization and the lounges are never crouded that would be pretty nice.
TYVM! I travel 90% solo so this is probably a net positive for me. Still, it is disconcerting with things like this and the fee increase. My unrealistic hope is that there will be an amazing new card between plat and black with great Delta benefits.
Sebby, can you make a video on cancelling credit cards? I've never taken a card out without a downgrade path to a no AF card and I'd be curious about your thoughts on the process and any tips/tricks.
$30 for kids isn't too bad especially since me and my spouse both have an amex platinum card, I'll definitely consume at least $30 worth of food and beverages.
You can tell which individuals have money and which do not by the comments left. To all complaining about the AF, Amex Platinum was not intended for use by consumers who believe $695.00 is too much.
I don't think the $50 pp fee will have any impact on how full the lounges are. I think "henrys" "dinkys" and families will still pay in order to sit at a table away from the crowded concourse and eat and drink for "free" for a couple of hours.
totally shit. I have to kids and they're to young that I can put them as a authorized guest for 175$ per year. So I have to pay the 50$ each and the can't consume it up. Why can't I take all my Kids under 18 with me in the Centurion lounge from Feb 2023?
Why do I pay $550 for this card? So I can get 1 point per dollar on most of my spend & be charged for using centurion lounges? A step too far. Think I’m going to cancel...
Seems like a reasonable move because I think they are losing money and possibly users. Plus The card is suppose to benefit the holder essentially. It will also make it more adult friendly and less hassle for employees to keep everything organized and clean since kids makes a mess.
Yes, this! When they first opened, Centurion lounges were wonderful then they got crowded. Having an Amex Plat. w/it's sky high annual fee should at least guarantee entrance into the lounge. This is a step in the right direction towards thinning out the crowds.
I think this change is long overdue. My wife is an AU on my account, so we can still go in. The Centurion Lounges have become overcrowded daycare centers. I love this change!
Only got to visit one centurion lounge and it wasn’t too impressive and was way too crowded. I got much more value out of the Delta lounge access as well as a few nice lounges Amex platinum gives access to elsewhere. In the end with COVID-19 last year and my card up for renewal it was best to just cancel. Retention offer was only 30k MR points vs 50k others were getting at the same time. Amex rep said 30k MR would be enough to cover the cost of retaining the card during an extended period of time (year+) that I was not likely to be able to take advantage of the travel benefits. Not so, but 50k MR would have done it. In the end I’m happier without the card.
They should have it so only the Delta Reserve allows Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Lounge access for guests. Platinum members should pay to get extras in. That's just makes the most sense.
@@Undecided0 it's not. It's a glorified coupon book now. They're trying to make the Delta cards the travel cards with this move bc delta complained about it. Makes perfect sense. I can see them going this route to get people to pick up the SkyMiles cards more.
Nope it says in the current rules that you and your intermediate family (spouse/partner and kids under 18. Now it would be abusive if you was bringing in your niece and nephew and trying to pass them off as your kids or the kid is over 18 and you are trying to say he is under 18.
I think it’s a good idea because some of those lounges get pretty crowded. However, I think a minimum $75k annual spend for free guests is super high. They should have set it at $35-50k. Rumors have it that the fee is going to $695 or maybe it was $795...
Amex has always been about earned status and creditworthiness. They need to reinstate these core values, which would eliminate many of the posers. Raising the annual and charging for guests should eliminate the families. Both which resolve the overcrowding issue.
I dont care if they do. The stupid credits and increased fee I've heard about are what is gonna push me to cancel my card. Hopefully they don't ruin the gold card Also, I get a feeling I might consider switching to the Morgan Stanley Plat card. Could you show the process of getting approved for one of those? (Or the process of switching to one of those)
@@patrickptmonk8673 IHG slashed the value of their points by drastically raising the number of points needed for redemption. It's so bad that the free night certificate isn't even enough for some basic holiday Inn hotels now
A few weeks ago I was traveling through PHX airport. The Centurion Lounge had a 45 minute wait while Priority Pass was 25 minutes. I put my name on both list. Then went with Priority Pass; by the time I was ready to leave Centurion Lounge texted me as it was my turn. I'm glad I didn't wait otherwise I would have not been able to enjoy the benefits of the card.
I don't understand why AMEX wont just make the requirements more strict. Pretty much anyone can get the Platinum card-its too easy for what is perceived as an exclusive card. I got mine years ago with a 600ish credit score and was rejected for CSR three times in a year.
Brb, about to spend 75k to save $50 real quick.
Exactly 😂
Lol
Lmaoo!
Lmaooo
🤣🤣🤣 sounds about right
"I'd probably just drop them off at different priority pass lounges." Ha!
With security you need a long period to cross several terminals to get to a Centurion, let alone go to a PP lounge, and then back again. But he admitted he might be way off.
As a business and solo leisure traveler, I wish they would still allow a certain number of free passes per year. The card has come in handy a few times when I could get my boss, employee, or parents into the lounge. Giving us 4 or 6 passes a year, that we could use anytime, would be a nice middle ground. Otherwise, I would forgo using the lounge when I’m with other people and that reduces the value I get out of the Platinum - and a chance to impress my family or boss.
Well said! Zero chance to ever bring anyone...ever? With 4 different card holders, I bet I am the only one that gets any of the credits and have found a Centurion, once.
2 free passes per day, if you add more guests, thats 50usd each
Just pay the 50 dollars
@@jbaru648 Of course that's an option, but misses the point. Having to pay (for example) $150 to get a guest in 3x for a meal or a quick snack and beverage, where it used to be included in the annual fee, is a significant reduction in value from the card. I personally don't value a lounge visit at $50 most of the time, unless I have a significant layover.
@@jbaru648 Completely missing the point. This only adds onto the cost of the card. Lounge access was a big perk. And just coughing up 50 bucks for all purposes, a basic $25 meal with drinks isn't that appealing. Not everyone drinks alcohol and eats everything they see in the lounge.
I think a 2 to 4 guess pass per year would've been the better route to take. The couponing to justify this card over time is losing its appeal.
They have to do something. They're way too packed in normal times. These lounges are not Disneyland designed for families. I love this.
After having experienced the crowding issue at the Seattle Centurion Lounge on Friday, yes, I agree that something needs to be done. I saw a dad bring in his wife and 3 daughters into the lounge, effectively taking up 5 out of 35 person capacity (limited by Covid) in an already small lounge. I waited for 30mins to get a text to show up. Upon arrival I noticed how cramped the space was. I got a drink and bolted for the new Alaska Airlines lounge, which was spacious and more inviting. Until something changes with the Centurion Lounge in Seattle, I'll continue to visit other Priority Pass lounges.
@@DeborahE7 no, I have not, because that's patently false. Admission into the Centurion Lounge doesn't require proof of payment of those airfares on any Amex card - you only need a Platinum card. The crowding issue is due largely to one card holder bringing in multiple guests (spouse + kids), multiplied by many families. In the covid environment we live in, capacity is already limited at Centurion Lounges (35 max in Seattle) - so a father that's traveling with his wife and 3 kids is taking up 15% of the total capacity, and that's with just one Platinum card!
Deb, the majority won't miss you or anyone else with kids. We pay a premium yearly and go to the lounges for peace and quiet, business calls, e-mails, and to get away from screaming kids. This was a stellar move by Amex.
@@cetvxs totally agree
@@cetvxs what did she say? Lol I guess she deleted her comments?
I love your vids cause you don't just relay news. You actually consider the strategy to maximize the benefit from the change. Thanks for the ridiculously good vid
Facts! No moves or adjustments to the strategy occurs until Sebby analyzes
Thank you! :)
Facts
Sebby with the sneak attack on a Sunday afternoon
Notification squad! :)
Add
I agree completely - I think they should have at least one guest. Now I’m gonna hold off because I want my mom coming with me when I go to the lounge. And if she sees me paying 50$ she’s not gonna want me to pay.
I know this is an old video, and I’ve never known centurion lounge access for my guest being free, but… I am taking an international trip with my 8 yo daughter in a few months, and on that trip we will hit ATL, LHR, and finally MIA airports. I plan on going to all centurion lounges and gladly paying the $30 youth guest fee because I can easily spend more than $30 x3 on a meal for both of us in the airport elsewhere (and I’m sure the food won’t be nearly as good). Our layovers are at least 4 hours in ATL & MIA.
We are also a military family and could go to the USO if available (stateside), but the amenities don’t come close to centurion lounge amenities. Thanks again for always posting helpful videos worthy of commenting on and discussing further!
Me and my wife don't drink, so if AMEX raises the AF (rumored) and charges me for bringing a guest, I would cancel my platinum. She has the sapphire reserve so we would keep that.
Finally, no more scrubs and kids on my lounge😂😂🤣
DFW Centurion Lounge is always packed from my experience. I've never had to be turned away (yet) but I've seen a huge increase in crowdedness over the years. Instead of choosing where you'd like to sit you have to take whatever is available. I think this is a brilliant move by AMEX.
i’ve got to say it does get a little annoying when people bring their entire 4 kids when i’m trying to get some peace and quiet but $50 is a bit much
So glad someone said it. Was on a business class flight to Milan 1 month ago...OMG this one family had 3 kids with them & one wouldn't stop crying....🤬🤬🤬
Ive read that kids are allowed too
I will not miss seeing as many kids in the lounges at all. The point for me is to escape crowds/kids, not be put in even closer proximity to them 🙃
A lot of people are saying this I don’t understand it. Do you know how much parents spend on their kids? Have you never seen the Hermès infant mittens for $200. Infant. Mittens. $200. There will be maybe a very small number of fewer smaller children. But the 13+ kids running around will still be there. The number of children 0-2 won’t change as they don’t count. You may see fewer 3-12 years old. But they will still be there.
Yeah as a single parent with an awesome 4 year old as my travel partner and player 2, AMEx obviously doesn’t want my money. Their loss. I travel quite often solo, but liked having the option of having lounge access for us both. This is very clearly targeted to alienate families, so now I just get rid of my platinum and stick with my other cards. No on wants to take the Amex internationally anyway.
@@sha2596 I mostly fly solo, but I did have GF with a couple kids, she had 0 interest, but I enjoyed taking them anyway. It's heartbreaking that I won't be able to treat a future partner to a C Lounge. But honestly they are extremely rare, and inconvenient to get to.
I've been in Mexico all year, the card is almost useless except for a national convenience store chain. I spend hours today going through every place in town that might accept it, almost every restaurant could not be found on Google maps and the handlful that were looked dreadful.
I know that’s right!!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@ColoringKaria Yup! Our family travels a ton.
You will be a great parent! lol. I wish that they would do only 1 guest for your significant other.
Welcome to the age of happy solo travelers and unhappy families 😄✌️
Savage! 😄
It's funny how AMEX thought they were being bros during the pandemic by offering some sort of rewards (albeit, you still didn't get your value because of no travel) but decides to nerf the card once things start to open up again to get their money back.
PSA for parents: Having children , I would happily get them a card for access but they are not old enough to count. I was informed that children 17 and under pay $30 per person. That makes sense, as they will not consume much food or drink alcohol. Children 2 and under are free. I would maybe like children 10 and under to be free instead, or under 13 since that’s the age when kids can get a platinum card.
I didnt want to believe it, but Sebby has spoken. #squad
Squaddd!! 🔥🔥🔥
Back in the day when having any AMEX was enough to at least let you pay to stay, it was always worth the $50 they charged back then. But that was for me, who could eat lunch, have some drinks, do some work, take a nap, wake up, grab an early dinner, some more drinks, and then hop on my flight.
It’s too bad they can’t just draw a line in the sand - no kids. Period. There’d be backlash, but there’d be applause as well.
Or they can create a kids lounge? 🤷🏼♀️
SEBBY - Dropping kids off at PP lounges is hilarious 😂😂 - send the son to the lounge in concourse D and the daughter to the lounge in concourse X 😂😂 HILARIOUS
At least he admits he's probably not meant to be a parent.
Sebby knows his limits. I appreciate that level of insight.
@@flexspec That is actually a sign of a true professional!
No drop-offs needed, the Centurion lounges for Adults/business/solo travelers, PP lounges for the family with kids/vacations/groups, it makes sense.
@@lewis20002000 Or the other way around.
I once had to make a choice between Platinum and Sapphire Reserve. Think I made the right choice by sticking with Chase. And no... They ain't pouring you no Blue Label without a $30 or so bill attached...
There’s a $30 bill?
I'd be more than happy to pay $50 if they were all stocked with Hibiki
Same! 🥃
I think Amex is paving the way to a card that is higher than a Platinum card but below a Centurion card. The new card will provide unlimited access for the card holder and up to 3 additional guests into the Centurion lounges. I am guessing the annual fee would be in the $1000 to $1200 dollar range. This would keep the masses at bay, keep the lounges from getting too full and provide another opportunity for business travels as well as aspirational types (code for posers) to enjoy Amex top tier perks . . . for a price, while still providing a tidy profit for good old Amex - just sayin . . .
Amex is really becoming a glorified high annual fee coupon card at this point... ready to get the scissors ✂️ out when they bring out that $695 fee for the platinum...
Have you tried cutting...going to need a blowtorch....melt down the metal and trade it in at a pawnshop for noise canceling headphones to use at the airport since the clubs will be packed.
Interesting comment! What needs to happen to get rid of coupon mentality?
@@artraft5142 What could help is if Amex stopped the notices of discounts for your card IF you select them and just provided a dashboard that these discounts have been provided for a limited time if you chose to use them. The fact that we have to go in and select them to be added to our cards for use supports this coupon mentality. Amex should be servicing us showing what benefits they are providing versus us having to sect them like picking out coupons to use.
@@fullspectrum2752 thank you...I never understood the reason behind having to look and adding...it should be already activated in card for future charges!
@W I think the first thing AMEX needs to do is make it harder to get accepted. A high minimum credit score would be a good starting point, then make it so only cardholders/authorized users can access the lounge. Maybe they could allow cardholders to bring 1 guest 2-3 times a year without paying, then charge $25/per guest after that maximum has been met. I'm a young solo traveler, and nothing annoys me more than people bring 2-3 kids into what is supposed to be an exclusive/work area...
I've personally never had issues with overcrowding because I always fly super early or super late, and the lounges are pretty chill, but I understand the frustration.
I think this is a pure revenue stream from Amex knowing there will be flood of people doing leisure travels with their friends and family after the pandemic and countries finally open up for visitors by 2023. Amex knows about the options you have discussed in your video and they either get the $50 per visit per guest or the $175 for additional AU so a “WIN-WIN” for them.
Yep, seems big brain to me given travel ramping up.
That's a good point, although the dates don't really work. Lounges will be full shortly.
"Drop them off at a priority pass lounge" LOL good one Sebby
Not a platinum holder but this sounds reasonable .....sorry, but people bring all kinds of kids and things into these lounges ...I’d imagine that is annoying for someone paying 550 to travel well
Most (all?) of the Centurion lounges have family rooms with toys and TVs with children’s programming. It seems they support having children there.
Amex has really sent the Platinum down the toilet because they only care about the revenue generated by the annual fee cards by offering big sign up bonuses, yet water down the travel benefits and turn the card into a coupon in the hopes people keep it.
I have said for a long time they needed to raise the AF to get rid of the overcrowding, quite a few types in there that probably struggle to pay the AF. A premium lounge should come at a Premium and therefore attract a specific customer base. With that said, these changes are going to make a lot of us cancel it.
The irony of it is,that someone is looking at you the exact same way.
I wish they’d charge $100 per guest. The lounges are so busy and it almost ruins it !
Amex just fluffs up these “credits” and then follows it up with an annual fee increase while throwing in rather lame “credits”. Now to top it off, they are adding restrictions...
I do most of my travel on my own and I don't like bringing my family with me into the lounge. The grab and go system worked great for getting everyone in, getting our food, and getting out.
Dude, no way you can drop a kid off at another lounge.
Make it $150 per person. Eliminate overcrowding and screaming kids.
Seriously. No one is better than you in this game. You really think this stuff out and give a great analysis on everything related to CCs.
This value starts at 10$? What can you get in an airport for 10$?? Bottle of water, a pack of skittles, and a seat next to a homeless person.
Had no idea you could add an AU for free on Morgan Stanley platinum. Very informative. Will definitely be adding that version down the road.
Lovely, the sole reason for getting the AMEX Plat is so I can avoid crowds at airports
I'm one of those people that think this $50 is not enough. I would push it to $100 for guest. My take has always been: its called the Centurion Lounge. Imagine being a Centurion Card holder and sitting in a room full of screaming kids and families with flip flops and shorts. This is a good way to trim the crowds at the Centurion Lounge.
Interestingly, the Hong Kong lounge has a separate section. I haven't been but AFAIK, it's meal service similar to CX First Lounge.
@@AskSebby That would be a great idea as well. Having a separate lounge for the Centurion folks. I'm not a Centurion member but I just think its more fair to them considering they are paying such a huge AF. Thanks for the videos, Sebby!
If a perks card makes you pay a fee for perks in addition to its annual fee what’s the point?
I agree👍
I had already added my wife so she could go to the lounge when she traveled alone as well. I love this.
I think it would've been better for Amex to just limit customers to 1 guest aged 21+... that way it would somewhat help overcrowding, you could still bring a +1, but it would also not require you to add any AUs or have your companion apply for their own Plat outright. Kind of a happy medium.
Hopefully Amex sees this as a better middle ground and makes good adjustments between now and Feb 2023
I agree!! I think one guest is reasonable! For me and my wife, it doesn’t make sense to have two platinums...
Is this just America issued cards? $50 per guest? I'm in Australia and amex website still says 2 guests.
Lounges in the US offer horrible tasteless food! Why can't they just offer in n out or shake shack burgers? 🤔
So happy… I hate kids at lounges.
I think they should’ve atleast give one complimentary pass with the card or as another commenter said, give a certain amount of free passes per year
The KFC in the terminal food court is good enough for me. Forget these lounges.
I don't think $50 is enough. to control overcrowding issues. I say, Raise the annual fee of Platinum cards to $1000 and $100 for Guest fee. I think you will see a significant decrease of lounge access. I don't mind any increases since I just chalk it up to business expense
Thanks for sharing this info I just got approved for the platinum card yesterday. I will be a solo traveler aiming to get that bonus ASAP and maximize the benefits that come with it. I work hard and plan to travel more moving forward and would like to experience firsthand these so called lounges that they offer both priority pass and Centaurion hoping they are worth it. I think it’s a good decision they are making but agree with previous user if we could bring at least one significant other is more appealing. Otherwise $50/guest isn’t a big deal to me seeing as I probably won’t fly as much year round with family so it works out in my favor. I don’t blame the other people complaining max capacity and children roaming around either would definitely frustrate me too. Haha lounges are places to relax, have a pleasant experience, and to get away from it all. Well done Amex thanks for listening to our concerns.
It just keep getting worse and worse
I’m not a huge fan of this change but at the same time I like the new value the card provides. Question is would these new features also be applied towards the Business Platinum ?
While I think this is problematic for some I like the idea of giving perks to people who use the card and don't just purchase it for lounge membership. Overall a good thing.
"I'd probably just drop them off at different priority pass lounges. Don't do anything stupid and message me if you need anything."
Sounds like something like my dad and most Asian parents would do. LOL
yeah i was on the fence on my platinum but i think it is time to let go. Going to Las Vegas and trying to get some worth but after that its gone.
Is the $50 per guest applying to the staple center lounge?
Definitely a good thing. Crowded lounges are THE WORST.
Wait, not even ONE free guest?? That’s bullshit
Good. They should even increase it some more. Too many idiots flooding the places who shouldn't even be there. No idea how they even got those cards in the first place.
I've heard that if have the centurian card it's free access and you can not be turned away even if they are full. Is that correct?
great video mentioning morgan stanley. i think i will definately get that once my wife will be travelling with me alot. I got the vanilla recently and was sad after finding the morgan stanley one the next day. but as you say its a great strategy for getting the big bonuses. i just dont like cancelling my cards though, and might downgrade the vanilla to gold after the first year and see if its worth keeping for me. also if my wife has authorization and the lounges are never crouded that would be pretty nice.
Mmm it’s probably a little early for this news. 2023? Who knows where we will be then
TYVM! I travel 90% solo so this is probably a net positive for me. Still, it is disconcerting with things like this and the fee increase. My unrealistic hope is that there will be an amazing new card between plat and black with great Delta benefits.
Sebby, can you make a video on cancelling credit cards? I've never taken a card out without a downgrade path to a no AF card and I'd be curious about your thoughts on the process and any tips/tricks.
I have kids so this sucks
Guess passes like 5 or 10 for the year or lower the money spent to like 15-25k something a bit more reasonable.
Even at airport prices you can buy a good amount of food and gifts for 50 $.
They are trying to get rid of kids in lounges
You are the best in the business!
$30 for kids isn't too bad especially since me and my spouse both have an amex platinum card, I'll definitely consume at least $30 worth of food and beverages.
If authorized users stays $175 for 3 just get 3 authorized users and that’s basically a $60/person fee for the year
You can tell which individuals have money and which do not by the comments left. To all complaining about the AF, Amex Platinum was not intended for use by consumers who believe $695.00 is too much.
"take them to a priority pass lounge" lol
$50 per *additional* guest, sure, but not one guest. Ridiculous.
I travel alone. Yet I get overwhelmed by families crowding the lounge :(
I don't think the $50 pp fee will have any impact on how full the lounges are. I think "henrys" "dinkys" and families will still pay in order to sit at a table away from the crowded concourse and eat and drink for "free" for a couple of hours.
No one is paying $50 unless, there is a massive delay or someone is impressing his girlfriend.
You have the Morgan Stanley card too? how many and which platinums do you have sebby!
totally shit. I have to kids and they're to young that I can put them as a authorized guest for 175$ per year. So I have to pay the 50$ each and the can't consume it up. Why can't I take all my Kids under 18 with me in the Centurion lounge from Feb 2023?
hopefully better amenities/more lounges/etc
That was my hope as well, but it should be pretty clear from this they don't want to keep building lounges in expensive airports.
Thanks Sebby! I used your Seated link! 😉
This is good. Way to many people in the lounges.
Why do I pay $550 for this card? So I can get 1 point per dollar on most of my spend & be charged for using centurion lounges? A step too far. Think I’m going to cancel...
Seems like a reasonable move because I think they are losing money and possibly users. Plus The card is suppose to benefit the holder essentially. It will also make it more adult friendly and less hassle for employees to keep everything organized and clean since kids makes a mess.
I'm all good with no guests, period. But $50 seems to be a reasonably high bar. They should implement it tomorrow!
-A Solo Traveller
Yes, this! When they first opened, Centurion lounges were wonderful then they got crowded. Having an Amex Plat. w/it's sky high annual fee should at least guarantee entrance into the lounge. This is a step in the right direction towards thinning out the crowds.
“Hopefully the buddy system works “😂😂 gotta keep track of those potential kiddos LOL
I think this change is long overdue. My wife is an AU on my account, so we can still go in. The Centurion Lounges have become overcrowded daycare centers. I love this change!
Only got to visit one centurion lounge and it wasn’t too impressive and was way too crowded. I got much more value out of the Delta lounge access as well as a few nice lounges Amex platinum gives access to elsewhere. In the end with COVID-19 last year and my card up for renewal it was best to just cancel. Retention offer was only 30k MR points vs 50k others were getting at the same time. Amex rep said 30k MR would be enough to cover the cost of retaining the card during an extended period of time (year+) that I was not likely to be able to take advantage of the travel benefits. Not so, but 50k MR would have done it. In the end I’m happier without the card.
Note: this affects US cards ONLY. Platinum Canada cards guest policy is not changing. 1 priority pass guest and 2 Centurion guests :)
Why is this happening??
They should have it so only the Delta Reserve allows Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Lounge access for guests. Platinum members should pay to get extras in. That's just makes the most sense.
The Platinum card is basically a travel card.
@@Undecided0 it's not. It's a glorified coupon book now. They're trying to make the Delta cards the travel cards with this move bc delta complained about it. Makes perfect sense. I can see them going this route to get people to pick up the SkyMiles cards more.
Also they literally have a family spots in the lounges. So they originally planned for families to go...
Until people started abusing it and bringing in their spouse and 4 kids. It's too damn crowded.
@@wwbaker3 That doesn't sound like abuse to me. Just families using the lounge.
@@KenronTheGamer is there an upper limit to the size of the family before the behavior is abusive given the lounge capacity?
Nope it says in the current rules that you and your intermediate family (spouse/partner and kids under 18. Now it would be abusive if you was bringing in your niece and nephew and trying to pass them off as your kids or the kid is over 18 and you are trying to say he is under 18.
@@KenronTheGamer Actually it says 2 guests.
Yeah I’m excited about this
I think it’s a good idea because some of those lounges get pretty crowded. However, I think a minimum $75k annual spend for free guests is super high. They should have set it at $35-50k. Rumors have it that the fee is going to $695 or maybe it was $795...
Amex has always been about earned status and creditworthiness.
They need to reinstate these core values, which would eliminate many of the posers. Raising the annual and charging for guests should eliminate the families.
Both which resolve the overcrowding issue.
I dont care if they do. The stupid credits and increased fee I've heard about are what is gonna push me to cancel my card. Hopefully they don't ruin the gold card
Also, I get a feeling I might consider switching to the Morgan Stanley Plat card. Could you show the process of getting approved for one of those? (Or the process of switching to one of those)
Still waiting on a video about the IHG point devaluation...
What are you referring to?
@@patrickptmonk8673 IHG slashed the value of their points by drastically raising the number of points needed for redemption. It's so bad that the free night certificate isn't even enough for some basic holiday Inn hotels now
Glad I stuck with Hyatt and didn't go after IHG card
Love this. Hopefully less crowded
Would the AMEX Green Lounge Buddy credit work for additional guests for the $50 guest charge?
A few weeks ago I was traveling through PHX airport. The Centurion Lounge had a 45 minute wait while Priority Pass was 25 minutes. I put my name on both list. Then went with Priority Pass; by the time I was ready to leave Centurion Lounge texted me as it was my turn. I'm glad I didn't wait otherwise I would have not been able to enjoy the benefits of the card.
wow, I was in the Phoenix Centurion lounge last Friday noon there was no wait at all same as Miami Centurion lounge Tuesday noon.
70k is a hell of a high bar even if you make 250k a year. this will make it a business only lounge for their guests.
Lol, it's insane!
I don't understand why AMEX wont just make the requirements more strict. Pretty much anyone can get the Platinum card-its too easy for what is perceived as an exclusive card. I got mine years ago with a 600ish credit score and was rejected for CSR three times in a year.
Great information, Thank you.