How to Get into Airline Club Lounges Without Becoming a MemberI rarely fly Air Canada but I recently found myself wandering around their beautiful Terminal 1 in Toronto. My interest was piqued when I saw a sign for an airline club I hadn’t heard of before … the Plaza Premium Lounge. I decided to put my The Platinum Card® from American Express to the test (If you’re interested in signing up for American Express Platinum Card)  I’ve been very happy with this credit card, even though it comes with a hefty annual fee, because it gets me into all of Delta Air Lines’ clubs (I fly them often). The card also comes with a Priority Pass, which gets members into an additional 600+ airport lounges worldwide. Sure enough, when I arrived at the entrance my eyes opened wide with glee when I saw a big sign saying ‘By Invitation’, featuring enlarged logos of a variety of American Express cards and Priority Pass. Yes! I had found another place to kill time in.

How to Get into Airline Club Lounges Without Becoming a Member 2I went to the desk and showed the agent my ticket and my American Express Platinum Card. She was super friendly so I decided to ask her a few questions. The most important was whether or not I could bring a guest into the lounge with me. She said, ‘of course.’ This cards allows you to bring your spouse and either a third person or two children. ‘Sweet!’ I thought. Then I made a mental note not to have more than two kids.

The lounge was quite plush on the inside and it had a much stronger free wireless signal than the free Toronto Pearson Wi-Fi, computers to use, all kinds of free hot and cold food, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There was even a shower, which is perfect for freshening up before a long flight. The food looked good and I was bummed that I had just eaten a big dinner but I grabbed a cookie, sat in the corner, and made some Skype calls.

What’s also important to know is that the American Express Platinum Card (as of November 1, 2013) also gives you up to a $200 airline fee credit towards incidental fees such as checked bags, in-flight drinks, upgrades, and change fees. In addition, I love the fact that there are no international transaction fees, and when staying at some luxury hotels, the card can also get me a room upgrade, free breakfast, and a guaranteed 4 pm late check-out. As an added bonus, for those who don’t yet have Global Entry (I’m not sure what you’re waiting for since it’s the best thing to happen to international travel in a while—see my post), the Platinum Card will reimburse you for your Global Entry enrollment fee, which is $120.

If you don’t travel often, this card is not worth it but if you do, then I seriously don’t know what you’re waiting for. Being able to go into an airline club lounge before your trip or on a layover keeps most frequent travelers sane—especially when there are delays. If you think the $695 annual fee (See Rates & Fees) is too high, then keep in mind that a membership alone to Delta’s Sky Club is $695! And a membership for the Priority Pass’ unlimited lounge access is $469. Add it all up and throw in all the other American Express Platinum extras and you realize this is the best deal out there for frequent travelers. No wonder all my savvy road warrior friends have one.

I guess I shouldn’t be touting it so much because they just may raise the price!

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links but I would recommend this card regardless of whether they paid me a referral fee or not because it’s just that good. As always, thanks for your support!

 

 

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51 Comments On "Getting Into Airline Club Lounges Without Becoming a Member"
  1. Anonymous|

    costco amex platinum card works in the lounges….i always use it.

    1. Joanne|

      After March 22, 2014, American Airlines lounges will no longer accept the Platinum AMEX card for entry, unfortunately. I suspect the Costco AMEX Platinum will have the same restriction.

  2. WLE|

    I recently in Dec 2013 presented my Amex Platinum Card to the Priority Lounge in Vancouver and was turned away being told that it was no longer “accepted” – apparently changed in May 2013
    Have enjoyed their hospitality in the past

    1. Giovanna|

      I became a Platinum member about 5 months ago specifically to get into American Airlines’ lounges, as that is the airlines we fly most often. To my great disappointment, a week or so I get a notice from AMEX that my card will no longer allow me access to AA lounges. Does anyone know if they will prorate my $450 fee if I downsize and revert back to my gold card? Or am I stuck paying $450 for a service that ends in March? Any hope that AMEX will re-negotiate with AA? Thanks.

      1. Johnny Jet|

        I would call them.

  3. Nancy|

    Hi Johnny – I am considering the AMEX Platinum but wanted to ask if you are able to breeze through those security lineups at Pearson OK with this card? I’ve read mixed reviews on the Amex website about this benefit. Also have you used the Air Canada priority check in with this card. Any info greatly appreciated.. thanks! Nancy

    1. Johnny Jet|

      Hi Nancy, I love the AMEX Platinum card (https://johnnyjet.com/2013/08/getting-into-airline-club-lounges-without-becoming-a-member/) but I would only recommend it if you travel a lot. NEXUS and Global Entry is what speeds you through the boarder lines https://johnnyjet.com/2013/09/travel-tip-of-the-day-global-entry-nexus-sentri/. The American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum Card let’s you breeze through the line

      1. Nancy|

        Thanks for your reply! I’m based in Toronto and decided to give the card a try for frequent travel to US – hotel benefits sealed the deal for me. ps: also just ordered our first Scottevest, great product that you recommend. thanks for your great travel tips of the day. always enjoy.

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