Amex Tightens Centurion Lounge Access Rules as Airport Crowding Grows

American Express has tightened entry rules at its Centurion Lounges, with two new restrictions now in effect: guests must be traveling on the same flight as the eligible cardmember, and layover access is capped at five hours before departure. The changes are aimed at curbing overcrowding that has become one of the most common complaints among premium cardholders.

The move fits a broader industry pattern this year. Capital One and Chase have both narrowed lounge access tied to their premium cards, limiting how many guests cardholders can bring and, in some cases, removing free access for authorized users. Priority Pass similarly ended unlimited free guest visits in January, capping complimentary guests at two per visit before additional fees apply.

Capital One has taken a similar path with its Venture X cards, requiring cardholders to spend $75,000 or more annually to retain complimentary guest access to Capital One Lounges and Landings locations. The common driver across issuers is congestion, as a growing pool of travelers gains lounge access through credit cards, airline elite status and airline partnerships simultaneously.

For travelers who rely on lounge access as a card perk, the practical takeaway is to check current guest and same-flight rules before a trip rather than assuming past visits set the standard. Issuers have signaled more capacity-driven adjustments are likely as premium travel cards continue to proliferate.

Sources: Upgraded Points, Newsweek