Update: American Express provided The Points Guy with the following statement:
We continuously consider various ways to manage capacity in our Centurion Lounges, like the idea that one day you could potentially use your mobile app to check lounge availability or space (not reserve a spot). This was mentioned in discussion as an example potential improvements we consider, but there are no actual plans to implement this so at this time or in the near future.
In a recent article in Business Traveler article regarding American Express Lounge Access Josh McKay, vice president and general manager of global benefits and services for American Express stated that in the coming months American Express members will be able to book lounge visits with the Amex app and that this will allow American Express to manage lounge demand in real time. It isn’t clear exactly how booking a lounge visit will work and if it will be necessary to access a lounge.
American Express has had overcrowding issues at Centurion lounges almost as soon as they launched. They’ve been trying to open larger lounges in new markets and expand the footprints of existing lounges, but it’s a persistent problem. In some cases they have limited access based on the following:
- Access is limited to 2 hours prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight
- Inbound boarding passes are not accepted for entry
One of the solutions I recommended is to limit the number of guaranteed entries a cardholder receives each year. It’s possible American Express is considering something like this via the new app booking platform (e.g if you book you’re guaranteed entry but it uses up one of your guaranteed entries. Everybody else can still visit but entry will vary based on demand). We will have to wait and see what American Express’ plan is when more details are released.
Hat tip to pfdpfd
