Amex Platinum or Delta Skymiles Reserve Amex and Airport Lounges

[2rebecca]

Hubby and I are debating whether to get an Amex Platinum or Delta Skymiles Reserve Amex. Does anyone have personal experience with either of these cards and how they work with the Airport Lounge access? Does the card really get you in or are they "full" all the time? I'm trying to decide if it matters which of us applies for the card. I read the T&C, but I'm still fuzzy on who gets in for free. If we both get cards on the same account, do we both get access to the Lounge or just the primary account holder? It looks like with either card, there is a fee ($175-195) for additional cards. I've never been charged for getting a 2nd card so I would assume that buys you something. My husband has status with Delta, so he already gets in for free. I was planning on getting a card in my name, but hubby flies more and would build miles faster with the Delta card. Either way, it looks like we will have to pay $30 per kid to bring them inside a lounge. Does that sound right? I'd love to hear your personal experience with either card.

 

[rickandcindy23]

What airport is nearest/ used most often?

 

[2rebecca]

Good question! We fly out of small airports (Asheville or Tri cities) and connect through Atlanta (ATL) 90% of the time. The others would be Charlotte (CLT) or LaGuardia (LGA). The kids are getting older so we are venturing out more. Our upcoming trips will include Seattle, Las Vegas and St Paul ( MSP).

What airport is nearest/ used most often?

 

[magmue]

Which lounges are you most interested in? Centurion? Or Delta?

I have an AMEX platinum card and that gives me access to Centurion. It also gives me access to the Delta lounges as long as I am flying Delta, even if I’m in economy. I have seen rumors that Delta will be cutting back on that before too long, so don’t count on it.

We pay $175/year for DH to be authorized user, and therefore have same access I do. At one time, you could add up to 3 authorized users for that one annual fee - DD and DSIL got that perk, but the next year Amex started throttling lounge access by making it $175 pp.

 

[tahoe]

Cheat sheet for AMEX Platinum:

Complete guide to authorized users on the Amex Platinum Card - The Points Guy

A look at how much value you can get by adding additional cardmembers on the Amex Platinum card, including lounge access, Global Entry, elite status and more.

thepointsguy.com

 

[bnoble]

The Amex Plat includes Priority Pass, delta SkyClubs, and the AmEx branded Centurion lounges. That is in rough order of quality from low to high; SkyClubs are closer to Centurion than most Prioirty Pass lounges; the latter are highly variable.

SkyClub access is limited. You must be flying Delta that day. You get ten “visits” (one continuous 24 hour period) after which visits are $50 per; you can also bring in a guest for $50. As mentioned, authorized users get their own "bucket" of 10 visits, at $195 per person, per year. (I think it has gone up to $195 from $175; I am not sure). I don't think there is any reason you could not get cards for your kids.

If you fly Delta moderately often, this is a good deal compared to their Executive membership.

 

[2rebecca]

Which lounges are you most interested in? Centurion? Or Delta?

I have an AMEX platinum card and that gives me access to Centurion. It also gives me access to the Delta lounges as long as I am flying Delta, even if I’m in economy. I have seen rumors that Delta will be cutting back on that before too long, so don’t count on it.

We pay $175/year for DH to be authorized user, and therefore have same access I do. At one time, you could add up to 3 authorized users for that one annual fee - DD and DSIL got that perk, but the next year Amex started throttling lounge access by making it $175 pp.

We fly Delta 95% of the time, so probably Delta Lounges. I've never been inside a Centurion Lounge. I was leaning toward the Platinum Card so we would have access regardless of who we fly, but it would be less ideal if the rumors are true and Delta stops letting Platinum Card holders into their lounges.

 

[2rebecca]

The Amex Plat includes Priority Pass, delta SkyClubs, and the AmEx branded Centurion lounges. That is in rough order of quality from low to high; SkyClubs are closer to Centurion than most Prioirty Pass lounges; the latter are highly variable.

SkyClub access is limited. You must be flying Delta that day. You get ten “visits” (one continuous 24 hour period) after which visits are $50 per; you can also bring in a guest for $50. As mentioned, authorized users get their own "bucket" of 10 visits, at $195 per person, per year. (I think it has gone up to $195 from $175; I am not sure). I don't think there is any reason you could not get cards for your kids.

If you fly Delta moderately often, this is a good deal compared to their Executive membership.

Thank you for the info! You're correct, the authorized user fee on the platinum card is $195. It is $175 on the Delta Skymiles Reserve AMEX, which we are also considering. The latter gives the cardholder 15 visits and comes with 4 one-time guest passes for the Sky Club lounges, but it doesn't come with all the "everyday" perks of the Platinum.

 

[bnoble]

I have the Delta Plat instead of Delta Reserve. I could probably justify upgrading to the Reserve, but haven't done so yet. I want to see how much extra I spend on lounge visits first to see if the difference is worth it. I don't think it will be, but time will tell. I definitely do not need three preimum cards and I already have the Chase Sapphire Reserve in addition to the Amex Plat. And I don't want to ditch the Plat, because I use several of the hotel/rental car status perks, though hotel ones probably don't matter anymore. If I get rid of one, it will probably be the Chase card. I have to spend down my UR balance first.

 

[bnoble]

it would be less ideal if the rumors are true and Delta stops letting Platinum Card holders into their lounges.

I have not heard this. Given that the 10 visits/year just happened for this card, it seems unlikely that they'd ditch it entirley. But, if they did that would be enough to get me to drop it.

 

[magmue]

Re: restricting Delta lounge access with Amex Platinum

if they did that would be enough to get me to drop it.

I knew I had read it somewhere, and went looking. It turns out they actually did do it in January 2024, but the only folks affected were Basic Economy travelers, which is where I draw the line, so I didn't notice.

Delta's New Sky Club Entry Rules: Tips for American Express Cardholders - Business Traveler USA

Find out all the details behind Delta's new Sky Club policy, including access limits for the airline's premium credit card holders.

businesstravelerusa.com

 

[Moparman42]

I guess it really depends on if the MQD bonus and companion ticket are worth more to you than the hotel and rental car status with the amex platinum. I have the amex platinum, but I keep the delta gold card in order to get the 15%off on mile purchases. The other Delta perks aren't as valuable to me on the west coast, as I only fly delta once or twice per year. read the fine print, add up how much the perks are worth to you and decide which card best fits your needs..

 

[TolmiePeak]

Why are they allowing any credit card holders into these lounges? The Delta SkyClub always has a line out front every time I go by one. I like the Alaska lounges. No credit card or priority pass members allowed. Keeps crowding in check.

 

[TolmiePeak]

duplicate post

 

[LisaRex]

Here's a nice comparison from ThePointsGuy:

https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/showdown-amex-platinum-vs-delta-reserve/

Test run a few itineraries to the places you're traveling to in the future to help you decide. Unless Delta offers the most convenient, and cheapest, flights to a majority of your and your husband's destinations, I'd select the Amex cc to give me freedom to choose the airline that offered the best itinerary. Ideally, you'll find a direct flight, or a layover with just enough time to go to make your next flight, negating the need for a lounge altogether.

Years ago, we started traveling extensively to the Caribbean and I did zero research before paying $$$ for a Delta platinum cc. Too late I realized that USAir had the best AND cheapest flights from my location. Since that costly mistake, I've switched to Chase Sapphire Reserve card rather than being committed to one airline.

The last few years, we've traveled extensively to Europe and always fly biz class, which includes lounge access, so I have a bit of experience using them. Honestly, I only find them truly valuable for long layovers, or if my flight is delayed extensively. If I am fortunate enough to book a direct flight, I don't use them at all:

1) If your airport has them, they're often off the beaten path, hard to find, and not necessarily close to your gate.
2) Even if I dutifully arrive 2 hours before my domestic flight, after getting through TSA, I'm lucky if I have enough time to sit down at all, let alone make my way to the lounge to score a free bagel before the flight starts boarding 30-45 minutes before departure time.
3 Even if I dutifully arrive 3 hours before my international flight, the lounges at my airport close at 7pm, before I have a chance to use it.
4) They can get crowded, esp in the middle of peak travel times.

That being said, for long layovers or delays, it is nice to have a more comfortable place to spend for a few hours and grab a bite to eat. How much is that worth? Only you can answer that.

To answer your specific questions: Usually the secondary cardholder gets lounge access for a fee, or free if they are traveling with the primary cardholder only.

If your husband flies more than you, definitely put the card in his name and make yourself the companion. Of course, if it helps him bump up a status, only he will be eligible for upgrades to First Class. Then you can test your marriage!

If it matters to you, AMEX is not widely accepted in Europe.

Hope this helps. Happy travels!

 

[n42]

I fly a ton, both domestically and internationally. Occasionally I'll make use of an airport lounge, especially if I need to get some work done in a quieter environment.

I've considered getting the Amex Platinum, but I have a hard time justifying the annual fee. I visit airport lounges less than a dozen times per year, and I can get access to lounges for $30 through my free DragonPass membership.

Recently I read that the Chase Sapphire Reserve gets access to the Air Canada lounges. There is also a rumor that the annual fee is about to increase to $795. Amex plat will probably follow suit.

 

[2rebecca]

Thanks for all the advice! My husband still has an Individual Sky Club membership that will cover our upcoming trip, so we're hitting pause on the new cards for now. We will spend a little more time weighing our options and might reconsider for next year.

 

[2rebecca]

The last few years, we've traveled extensively to Europe and always fly biz class, which includes lounge access, so I have a bit of experience using them. Honestly, I only find them truly valuable for long layovers, or if my flight is delayed extensively. If I am fortunate enough to book a direct flight, I don't use them at all:

1) If your airport has them, they're often off the beaten path, hard to find, and not necessarily close to your gate.
2) Even if I dutifully arrive 2 hours before my domestic flight, after getting through TSA, I'm lucky if I have enough time to sit down at all, let alone make my way to the lounge to score a free bagel before the flight starts boarding 30-45 minutes before departure time.
3 Even if I dutifully arrive 3 hours before my international flight, the lounges at my airport close at 7pm, before I have a chance to use it.
4) They can get crowded, esp in the middle of peak travel times.

That being said, for long layovers or delays, it is nice to have a more comfortable place to spend for a few hours and grab a bite to eat. How much is that worth? Only you can answer that.

To answer your specific questions: Usually the secondary cardholder gets lounge access for a fee, or free if they are traveling with the primary cardholder only.

If your husband flies more than you, definitely put the card in his name and make yourself the companion. Of course, if it helps him bump up a status, only he will be eligible for upgrades to First Class. Then you can test your marriage!

If it matters to you, AMEX is not widely accepted in Europe.

Hope this helps. Happy travels!

This is why I was asking the question. We had to wait a while to get into the lounge last year and my husband has a Sky Club Membership. I wasn't sure if there was a pecking order where credit card holders get put to the back of the line when there is a wait. We fly out of small airports, so we only use the lounge during layovers. We try to get short layovers, but sometimes longer ones are unavoidable.

Oh, and my husband was able to get one First Class upgrade last year when all 5 of us were traveling. They let him give me the First Class seat, and he sat in the back with our kids.

 

[jmhpsu93]

Here's the AMEX lounge search tool.

Explore Amex Global Lounge Collection® | Amex US

Browse the American Express Global Lounge Collection® Exclusive for Platinum Card® Members. Find an Airport Lounge in Your City or Destination Here.

www.americanexpress.com

In our travels, it has been about 50/50 whether there's a lounge. Our home base is BWI, usually flying Southwest, and those terminals don't have a lounge (which is nuts as the smallest terminal - Terminal D - does). We've had success at Heathrow, CUN, MCO (though watch your travel path across terminals to stay flight-side of security) BDL (where my company is, so nice perk when flying home), PHX. No luck in anything dominated by United. Yes, there can be a line sometimes and crowds.