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Amex rolls out online waitlist to more Centurion Lounges — save yourself time by checking in early

Nov. 15, 2024
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4 min read
American Express Amex Centurion Lounge Denver Zach Griff - 48
Amex rolls out online waitlist to more Centurion Lounges — save yourself time by checking in early
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You pay hundreds of dollars annually for a card that offers you lounge access — and then you get to the airport only to face a long line at the lounge entrance.

Many TPG readers and staffers have experienced this as the number of those receiving access to issuer-branded lounges has swelled over the past few years.

people look for seats in a crowded airport lounge
A crowded Centurion Lounge at the San Francisco airport. ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

Luckily, American Express has some good news: As View From the Wing first reported, Amex has rolled out its online waitlist feature to all Centurion Lounges in the U.S.

This wider reach comes after Amex trialed it at select locations over the past few years. (Amex's competitor Capital One rolled this app feature out for its lounges in February.)

While the feature doesn't guarantee access without a wait, it's useful in your travel toolbox. Here's how it works.

How to get into an Amex Centurion Lounge quickly

Open the American Express app when arriving at the airport or getting off a connecting flight. You should do this when you're 10 minutes or less from the lounge.

Log in and select the card that gives you lounge access — most likely The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

Then, click on the "Membership" tab at the bottom of the screen.

Scroll down to "Airport Lounge Access," and the airport you're at should automatically appear (if not, search for it in the top-right corner). Select "The Centurion Lounge."

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If the lounge isn't full, you'll click "Get Eligibility Code"; if it is full, you'll click "Join Waitlist."

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Next, you'll confirm entry requirements and additional guest information.

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If the lounge isn't full, you'll get a QR code then and there to show at the entrance. It's valid for 10 minutes and means you won't have to show your physical Amex card.

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If there is a waitlist, you can elect to receive a text message or email notification when it's your turn to enter. Unfortunately, this notification won't give you an estimate of the wait time.

When it's your turn, you have 10 minutes to enter with the QR code provided.

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However, it remains to be seen whether each lounge will have separate lines for those who have and don't have a QR code for entry.

TPG senior travel editor Lyndsey Matthews did the right thing by getting a QR code when flying out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) this week, but there was no way for her to get to the front of the line to actually enter the lounge.

Hopefully, Amex will rectify this issue promptly, as it negates the value of this option if there is no "express" lane.

Bottom line

Lounge overcrowding has become a major issue and a common complaint among travelers who have premium credit cards. Issuers need to do a better job of managing capacity by providing live wait times, reservation systems and express lanes.

Luckily, this is a step in the right direction by Amex. However, the issuer needs to ensure that those who join the waitlist and are granted entry get priority access over those who simply join the line.

Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight

Featured image by ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.