American Express Restricts Priority Pass Lounge Access For Platinum Cardholders…In Spain

American Express is limiting Priority Pass lounge access to its Platinum cardholders in Spain, a sign of what may roll out across Europe and, eventually, the United States.

Sign Of What Is To Come To US? American Express Restricts Priority Pass Access In Spain For Platinum Cardholders

American Express offers Platinum cardholders access to its Global Lounge Collection as a cardholder benefit. The Global Lounge Collection includes its network of Centurion Lounges as well as Plaza Premium Lounges, Delta SkyClubs, and Priority Pass lounges.

As noted by Loyalty Lobby, Platinum cardholders in Spain have received notice that their Priority Pass access will be limited starting later this month. Starting October 24, 2024, Priority Pass access will be capped at:

20 visits per calendar year for the primary Platinum cardholder
10 visits per calendar year for supplementary Platinum cardholders

Unlimited access to other lounges in the Global Lounge Collection will remain in force.

These 20 visits can be used through the end of 2024, then the number reset and only 20 visits will be offered per calendar year, starting January 1, 2024. Additional visits beyond the annual allotment will cost €30.

Here’s the language that went out to cardholders in Spain:

Might We See The Same Across Europe And In The USA?

It seems to me that AMEX is testing the waters here. Will cardholders revolt? Will they complain at all?

I tend to think this is a small “problem” in that most Platinum cardholders do not approach 20 Priority Pass visits per year. But there are certainly road warriors who might extinguish their allotment every month and this greatly diminishes the value of the card.

If you are in Spain and impacted by this change, I recommend you reach out and voice your dissatisfaction to American Express.

Would this change be enough for you to cancel your American Express Platinum Card?

image: American Express