American Express is implementing new restrictions for access to its Centurion Lounges, aiming to curb crowding issues that have been exacerbated in recent years. The updated policy will require that guests be on the same flight as the cardholder, regardless of whether they qualify for free access based on spending thresholds or are paying for entry. Additionally, the rules will limit connecting passengers from entering the lounge more than five hours before their departure time. While Capital One and Chase have already established a three-hour prior rule for lounge access, American Express has extended its previous three-hour policy to connections, now applying a stricter five-hour rule.
Despite these changes, critics argue that the new measures are unlikely to alleviate overcrowding given the significant number of cardholders with lounge privileges versus the actual lounge capacity. This issue has escalated since the pandemic, driven by a rise in leisure travel alongside an increase in the availability of premium credit cards that grant lounge access. Long wait times at airports have also led travelers to arrive earlier, further straining lounge resources.
Historically, overcrowding in lounges, such as those managed by Delta, has resulted in mitigative actions that often fall short of their aims. The long lines at Delta Sky Clubs, particularly at key locations like New York’s JFK, led to the airline providing refreshments to those waiting for entry. Various efforts to manage access, from limiting guests to requiring minimum spending thresholds, have also proven ineffective in improving the lounge experience.
American Express’s latest restrictions are set to take effect in mid-2026, but the sentiment among industry observers is skeptical that they will bring about meaningful change. Overcrowding is primarily caused by the sheer number of cards offering lounge access, compounded by a relatively small group of frequent users who take advantage of these benefits. To address these issues adequately, it has been suggested that credit card issuers might consider limiting the number of entries per cardholder, offering exclusive access to high spenders, or even allowing cardholders to redeem points for additional lounge visits.
Ultimately, the expectation remains that without considerate re-evaluation of access policies, the luxury of a peaceful lounge experience will remain compromised, leaving travelers to navigate long waits and crowded spaces. The hope is that with ongoing commentary and feedback from users and industry experts alike, the lounge experience can be restored to its intended premium status.