Update 2/1/23: These new rules are now in place.
Update 2/24/22: Once you hit the $75,000 spend, you receive an e-mail stating you can now bring in two complimentary guests until 01/31/2024. It also states that any platinum authorized user or employee cards on the same account can also bring in two guests. Hat tip to Parts_Unknown-
Update 1/15/22: There is now a spend tracker showing your progress toward the $75,000 spend threshold for guest access. Hat tip to Parts_Unknown-
Update 7/1/21: Cardholders will be able to bring two guests aged 2 through 17 for $30 per person, rather than the previously announced $50.
Update 4/9/21: American Express has officially confirmed this, not sure it was needed considering the terms were updated on their own site (now removed) but good to know for sure.
Original post: American Express has updated the terms for Centurion lounges and beginning February 1, 2023 you’ll no longer get to guests access for free (terms have now been updated again and don’t show these terms, but you can view a screenshot below). Instead a fee of $50 will be charged per guest. If cardholders spend $75,000 within the prior calendar year (or current calendar year) the $50 fee will be waived.
This is an interesting change as for some people it’ll actually be a positive as it should help to reduce overcrowding. For others this will be a huge negative as Centurion Lounge access with guest access is the main perk of the card. This seems to favor business travelers rather than leisure travelers. This was also one of the rumors surrounding the annual fee increase on the personal Platinum card.
