Quick Points: This little-known Amex Platinum perk can get you through security faster at some international airports
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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.