American Express is known its network of Centurion Lounges, which are open to those with select premium credit cards. Well, the card issuer has just eliminated a popular amenity from some of these lounges, as reported by Zach Griff.
Continue reading: Amex Closes Centurion Lounge Spas, Replaces Them With Seating
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
AmEx should really start charging for children and babies at double the normal rate or simply not allow anyone in under the age of 6. It's so disgusting and trashy to see a bunch of screaming kids running around like its a Chuck-E-Cheese, and there's nowhere a toddler needs to be.
Many places the seating is not very space efficient. AmEx could have added more capacity but adjusting the seating. I suspect this has to do to the cost of the SPA as well.
While I'm sure the utilization rate of the spa was super high, the percentage of visitors that are actually able to use the spa is probably under 1%.
Value of marketing halo vs. cost of service vs. rate of cardholders that can benefit.
Is the Equinox Body Lab at the JFK Centurion Lounge also closed? Over the years its availability was always spotty.
Yes, and some people would probably never use the spa even if they had several hours in the lounge (I don't really have a desire for a massage or a facial in a crowded airport lounge?). Seems like a positive step for the median lounge user.
While they're at it, why not eliminate the kitchen, bar, and buffet for more seating.
Heck why not even replace the whole lounge with slimline seats, splash your pants 737MAX restroom, and remove the Centurion area to 4 seats separated by a 6 inch curtain.
Gosh, so many improvements that Amex could have done but didn't yet. Why stop at just the spa.
I would actually go as far as calling them Walmart lounges.
Costco is still somewhat respectful!
One thing I noticed at the SEA Centurion lounge is that nowadays it always says “Full” if you check the app. Maybe that is a way of reducing overcrowding (people see that, think its not worth it and go to the Sky Club). Even last Saturday evening (generally not a busy travel time), it said “Full.” I went in, and maybe 50% of the tables were occupied.
Not surprised and honestly these lounges leave a bad customer experience since no one ever gets in... Wondering what will happen with the one in JFK.
I agree wholeheartedly. Also, so tired on entitled parents acting like the people having to deal with their misbehaving "angels" need to "stay at home" or "fly private". Their has to be a happy medium between a Centurion lounge becoming a diaper laden chuck e. cheese playground OR a hipster library where no one can make noise, unless it's clinking your "copper" Moscow mule cups. I'm not anti-children or anti-family. But I am anti-non parenting. Control your spawn and we'll all be better for it.
I'm pretty much over centurion lounges and Amex Platinum in general, overcrowded, the food is mediocre and you have to wait in line for a drink.
But don't they charge $50 for guests or do they let kids in for free?
The one at Mex was pretty nice when I went there a could years ago but more like a restaurant than a lounge. Much better than the Aeromexico lounges for sure.
I just wanted tuna tartare and ended up with a three course meal. Service was good and a left a nice tip. But not great if you are in a hurry.
I had a facial at the LGA Chase lounge last week and it was very pleasant. I was there in the morning; the lounge was crowded but not full and I was able to make an appointment within 45 minutes.
"Most cardmembers can only access three lounges in advance..."
You mean "access lounges three hours in advance" I presume, based on the rest of the paragraph, LOL.
It's funny - I've actually never had an issue with kids in lounges. The issues I have had are business people taking calls at 100% volume... had a guy next to me who was talking so loud I couldn't hear my own music in my noise cancelling headphones.
@DiogenesTheCynic - back in the day when you could actually waltz in and grab a spot, it was honestly a really nice perk. I am not a massage guy, but I loved it because the back massage felt like taking an extremely relaxing nap before a flight.
Had a great neck/back massage at the DFW Centurion Lounge a couple of weeks ago and will miss it. Long time Amex customer (member since 1986) but this seems petty and cheap
I was there two days ago and it certainly is closed and is under construction.
6?! I say charge for 17 and under. An airport lounge is no place for a child and everyone else should not have to suffer due to your personal decision to have offspring.
Most lounges have “kiddy” lounges for families that help with noise control and the running all over! We have used them for our 5 ( under 8 years old) grandchildren. The TV with cartoons helps too. Maybe they need more than one of these family areas when they redecorate the Spa areas!
Percentage of lounge visits during which I've needed a spa treatment: 0
Percentage of lounge visits during which I've needed a seat: 100
Good change from my perspective.