TRAVELThe Airport Lounge Perk That Keeps High Rollers Hooked on Amex4 min read

Which Cards Actually Get You In

The primary access cards are The Platinum Card from American Express and The Business Platinum Card from American Express. Centurion cardmembers (the invite-only black card) also get in, with more generous terms across the board. Corporate Platinum cardmembers have access too. Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Reserve Business cardmembers get a more restricted version of access — they can only enter when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight booked with a U.S.-issued Amex card.

The welcome offers on these cards change frequently, so it’s worth checking current bonuses if you’re weighing which one to get.

What Happens at the Front Desk

The check-in process is straightforward but firm. You’ll need your eligible Amex card, a government-issued ID, and a boarding pass showing a confirmed seat or zone assignment for a same-day departing flight. All three names must match. Standby passengers and nonrevenue travelers are turned away. So are airline and airport employees who show up in uniform or with visible company ID badges.

Timing matters too. At U.S., Hong Kong, and London locations, you generally can’t enter more than three hours before your departure. Some international locations are more flexible, admitting cardmembers with confirmed reservations for same-day travel including arrivals. There are exceptions for layovers and connecting flights — and if your outbound flight departs after the lounge closes, you may be admitted up to three hours before closing. Centurion cardmembers operate under a separate set of rules; check your account for specifics.