American Express is limiting Priority Pass lounge access to its Platinum cardholders in Spain, a sign of what may roll out across Europe and, eventually, the United States.
Sign Of What Is To Come To US? American Express Restricts Priority Pass Access In Spain For Platinum Cardholders
American Express offers Platinum cardholders access to its Global Lounge Collection as a cardholder benefit. The Global Lounge Collection includes its network of Centurion Lounges as well as Plaza Premium Lounges, Delta SkyClubs, and Priority Pass lounges.
As noted by Loyalty Lobby, Platinum cardholders in Spain have received notice that their Priority Pass access will be limited starting later this month. Starting October 24, 2024, Priority Pass access will be capped at:
- 20 visits per calendar year for the primary Platinum cardholder
- 10 visits per calendar year for supplementary Platinum cardholders
Unlimited access to other lounges in the Global Lounge Collection will remain in force.
These 20 visits can be used through the end of 2024, then the number reset and only 20 visits will be offered per calendar year, starting January 1, 2024. Additional visits beyond the annual allotment will cost €30.
Here’s the language that went out to cardholders in Spain:
Might We See The Same Across Europe And In The USA?
It seems to me that AMEX is testing the waters here. Will cardholders revolt? Will they complain at all?
I tend to think this is a small “problem” in that most Platinum cardholders do not approach 20 Priority Pass visits per year. But there are certainly road warriors who might extinguish their allotment every month and this greatly diminishes the value of the card.
If you are in Spain and impacted by this change, I recommend you reach out and voice your dissatisfaction to American Express.
Would this change be enough for you to cancel your American Express Platinum Card?
image: American Express
How good is the catering at Spanish airports? Maybe,Amex is trying to protect clients from a dreadful experience. 🙂
AENA lounges are probably the best, and certainly the most consistent, of any European airport operator (possible exceptions being one lounge at IST and the new Extime concept in Paris). The catering at BCN in particular can rival any airline-run business class lounge.
The ones in T4S at MAD (Neptuno) and in BCN (Sala VIP Miro) are great. They have great wine and a decent selection of good food. It is Spain, and these lounges don’t disappoint when it comes to Spanish specialties. When I fly through there, I will have a plate of cheese, olives, bread, meat, and a good glass of red wine – all from Spain. Excellent!
The other lounge in T4 at Madrid is good but not near at good as Neptuno.
At this point FU amex. Enough, im tired of their coupon book, I dont know how many times a month, ever quarter, every 6 months, every year discounts I get. Uber? Hotel? grub hub? lol its getting out of control!
Chase and Capital one have better lounges too.
Amex sucks. Fee goes up, services go down. Eff them.
They already put a 50 visit cap in Germany a few months ago, so this isn’t an one-off initiative.
Well, good luck getting into a Priority Pass in Europe at least during summer. What a zoo!!! I tried in Rome and was told to leave my phone number that they would text me maybe between 2 and 3 hours when it would be my time to come in. No thanks. By that time I would be inside the plane.