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You'll soon have 2 new, high-end lounge options while traveling domestically

Jan. 28, 2020
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3 min read
SAN Primeclass lounge3
You'll soon have 2 new, high-end lounge options while traveling domestically
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The Primeclass Lounge network continues to grow across the country.

Within the last year, Primeclass has opened three new U.S. lounges -- two at JFK and one in Palm Beach. And later this year, the network will open its fifth location in Birmingham, Alabama (BHM), followed sometime soon by San Diego, California (SAN).

When it opens in the fourth quarter of 2020, the Primeclass outpost in Birmingham will be the airport's first lounge.

Located in Concourse B, the space will be accessible to all passengers flying through the state's busiest airport. At 1,151 square feet, the lounge will only have seating for 56 people, which is roughly the same size as the PBI location.

Due to the small size, amenities here will be more limited. Expect to find an open buffet, full bar, workspaces and complimentary Wi-Fi.

The San Diego location will be much larger and have lots more on offer. At 11,713 square feet and with a maximum capacity of 194 passengers, overcrowding shouldn't be an issue.

It'll be located in Terminal 2, serving Air Canada, Alaska, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Edelweiss, Hawaiian, JAL, Lufthansa, United and WestJet.

The lounge will be designed with a West Coast flare and feature an open buffet and bar. It'll also feature a conference room, luggage room, private bathrooms and showers, kids' zone, sleeping area and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Perhaps most excitingly, the lounge will have an 1,548 square foot on-site fitness center. The gym will be operated by Roam Fitness, which currently counts Baltimore, Maryland (BWI) as its sole location.

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Though a lease hasn't been executed for the San Diego location, Primeclass is already advertising the lounge as one of its future locations. However, it's unclear when exactly this one will open.

Like the other Primeclass lounges, these locations plan to welcome members of Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, and Lounge Buddy, as well as those looking to purchase day passes. Fortunately, getting a free Priority Pass membership is as simple as holding the right credit card.

RELATED: The complete guide to credit cards that offer Priority Pass memberships

Overall, it's great to see Primeclass expanding its network by 50%. I'm personally excited to see another airport get a gym, and can't wait to check out the new locations.

Renderings provided by Birmingham and San Diego Airports.

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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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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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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.