The Guide to the American Express Global Lounge Collection

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the Centurion Card from American Express, you probably already know some American Express Lounges, most famously the Centurion Lounges — a small but luxurious network of airport lounges you can access as a cardmember.

But what you may not know is that you also have access to more than 1,200 lounges around the world via the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Terms apply.

Here's what you need to know.

What is the American Express Global Lounge Collection?

The American Express Global Lounge Collection includes several lounge products — like the Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges — but also airline-operated lounges, like Delta Sky Clubs and some Lufthansa lounges, too. Encompassing over 1,200 lounge locations, according to American Express, its cards offer members more lounge access than any other credit card. All of the participating American Express Global Lounge locations are available via an online search tool.

How long can you stay in an American Express Global Lounge? The hours vary by location, so be sure to ask when arriving.

» Learn more: How to maximize your Priority Pass Select membership

Types of American Express Global Lounges

The Centurion Lounge

Centurion Lounges are available in a growing number of airports around the world. They offer perks like a hot and cold buffet with local chef-influenced menus, complimentary bar service, shower or spa facilities at some locations, and plentiful work space.

Cardmembers have to pay a $50 guest fee ($30 for children ages 2 to 17). The exception is for cardmembers who have spent $75,000 on their card in the prior calendar year; these members will maintain complimentary guest access.

Priority Pass Lounges

Priority Pass Select is an excellent perk of these credit cards. This membership gets you access to over 1,000 lounges around the world, although the American Express-issued membership to Priority Pass Select excludes non-lounge facilities, like restaurants. Still, this card offers access to traditional airport lounges, where all you need to do is swipe your membership card. Cardholders can bring one additional guest into most lounges without charge.

» Learn more: How to maximize your Priority Pass Select membership

Delta Sky Club

When flying Delta and presenting a same-day boarding pass, cardholders can access Delta’s lounges up to three hours before their departing flight (or longer if they have a layover). Delta Sky Clubs offer a selection of hot and cold food, a complimentary bar with the ability to purchase premium drinks with cash or SkyMiles, ample workspace, and in some locations, showers.

You can’t bring a guest for free, but cardholders can purchase guest access for a spouse or domestic partner plus a child under 21, or up to two other traveling companions, for $39 per person.

» Learn more: Which credit cards can get into the Delta Sky Club?

Escape Lounges

Access to any Escape Lounge in the U.S. is another nice benefit of these cards. These lounges feature excellent dining, often from local chefs, and an open bar with regionally inspired craft cocktails, among other selections.

Cardholders can bring two guests into the lounge free of charge, and they can buy a day pass for $45 (or $40 in advance on the Escape Lounges website) for any additional guests.

Aspire Lounge

For now, this lounge network has just one U.S. location, in San Diego, where cardholders can swipe their AmEx card to gain access. The lounge has complimentary light snacks, a full bar and shower facilities.

Cardholders can bring two guests into the lounge with them for free.

Lufthansa Lounges

The AmEx Global Lounge Collection includes access to lounges for those flying Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Austrian Airlines) from Frankfurt or Munich. They can visit a Lufthansa Business Lounge (even when flying in economy) or a Lufthansa Senator Lounge when flying business class.

Air Dolomiti and Edelweiss flights are also included in the partnership. Participating lounges are in the Satellite area of T2 at Munich Airport and in T1 Concourse B at Frankfurt Airport.

Plaza Premium Airport Lounges

With 50 locations around the world, these lounges offer complimentary hot and cold food, an open bar, plentiful workspace and, in some locations, showers. Cardholders can bring two guests into the lounge without charge.

» Learn more: AmEx Membership Rewards: How to earn and use them

International American Express Lounges

Branded as American Express lounges or “Centurion Clubs,” among others, these AmEx lounges are also part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection. A same-day boarding pass is required, and cardholders can bring one guest with them for free. The amenities in each lounge vary, but many include complimentary food and drinks including alcoholic beverages (others charge for them, however).

Credit cards with American Express Global Lounge Collection access

While holders of other credit cards can access some of the lounges within the American Express Global Lounge Collection (many credit cards offer Priority Pass Select membership, for example), access to this full lounge collection is only available via the following cards:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

• The Centurion Card from American Express.

Terms apply.

Final thoughts on American Express Lounges

The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and Centurion Card from American Express offer more than just access to the Centurion Lounge. With the American Express Global Lounge Collection, you can access more than 1,200 airport lounge doors around the world. Terms apply.