Quick Points: This little-known Amex Platinum perk can get you through security faster at some international airports
Editor's Note
Even though airport security can be time-consuming, I can usually access a shorter line using my TSA PreCheck and Clear memberships. However, both programs only help me when traveling domestically. As such, I usually don't have a way to decrease my wait time when clearing security in international airports.
As I discovered on a trip to Stockholm in 2022, though, there is an option for getting through security faster while overseas, thanks to The Platinum Card® from American Express — and it comes at no additional cost.
With the Amex Platinum, you'll enjoy access to fast-track security lanes when departing from select international airports.
While I've yet to find a list of airports offering fast-track security lanes you can access for free as an Amex Platinum cardmember, you'll generally find this perk stated on regional Amex webpages. For example, this Swedish page on Amex's website indicates that fast-track security is a Platinum cardmember perk at several Nordic airports.
Related: How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card
I was also able to find several other international airports where Amex Platinum cardholders get access to a special security line, including:
- Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) in Canada (only for cardmembers with cards issued in Canada)
- Brussels Airport (BRU) in Belgium
- Vienna Airport (VIE) in Austria
- Select Spanish airports (only for cardmembers with cards issued in Spain)
- Select Italian airports, including Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO), Milan Linate Airport (LIN), Naples International Airport (NAP), Torino Airport (TRN), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Terminal 1, Palermo Airport (PMO), Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) and Catania—Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
I recently took a flight departing from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and noticed signage indicating Amex Platinum cardmembers could use fast-track security. I had fast-track security access via my airline elite status, but my husband gained access to the fast-track security lane by showing his boarding pass and Amex Platinum card to the security attendant. The attendant didn't ask where his card was issued or examine the card to determine the issuing country even though — as I later discovered — the online terms state only Amex Platinum cardmembers with cards issued in Spain can use fast-track lanes at this airport.
Related: Who should (and shouldn't) get the American Express Platinum?
At some airports, you may not be able to use fast-track security unless your Amex Platinum was issued in the region or by a particular bank. So, you may be turned away from some fast-track security lines, even if you see a sign indicating that Amex Platinum cardholders get access.
On a similar note, Ben Smithson, a senior writer at TPG, recently saw a sign at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) noting that select Visa cardholders could use the priority security lane. However, when I looked this perk up while writing this story, I found it is only offered through Sept. 30 to Visa Platinum, Visa Signature, Visa Infinite, Visa Platinum Business and Visa Signature Business cardholders with cards issued by Ukrainian banks. Ben didn't try to use the priority lane, so it's unclear whether he would have been given access despite not having a Ukrainian-issued Visa card.
Related: 10 ways to get through airport security faster
Bottom line
It's worth checking whether your departure airport offers a fast-track security lane and whether your Amex Platinum gives you access to this lane to avoid unnecessarily standing in long security lines.
Of course, not all airports offer fast-track security to Amex Platinum cardholders. However, as Amex continues to expand in select international markets, I expect we'll see more Amex Platinum perks when traveling abroad — they just might not always be accessible to cardholders with cards issued in other markets.
TPG Tip: If you want to try Clear and sign up using TPG's special offer, you can save $50 on the first year's membership.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.