Platinum AmEx- perks?

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We have used the Starwood for years but I just got the platinum for free access to the airport lounges. Are there other good perks? Also, do you see any benefit to the centurion above the platinum? Other than the private travel agent (which I already have) I can't see the point, but that isn't to say I would refuse one if offered.

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The airport lounge access perk can only be utilized if you get the extra card. I think it's called Priority Pass. As I recall, the card/ program are free, but you need to sign up for it separately after you get the platinum amex. That's all I've got. We rarely use ours anymore. The airport lounges they have these days aren't very useful, ever since Continental merged with United. I don't see any real benefits to the centurian over the platinum if you already have your own private travel agent.

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The centurion gives you priority status on a number of airlines...Delta, United, US Airways. That's the part I've found most useful since I like to board early and use special security lanes. Other than that, not a ton. They have a concierge service you can use to get reservations at hotels and restaurants but I don't live somewhere where those are hard to get.

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Jun 29, 2013 10:40:08 GMT -5 @weeble said:

The airport lounge access perk can only be utilized if you get the extra card. I think it's called Priority Pass. As I recall, the card/ program are free, but you need to sign up for it separately after you get the platinum amex. That's all I've got. We rarely use ours anymore. The airport lounges they have these days aren't very useful, ever since Continental merged with United. I don't see any real benefits to the centurian over the platinum if you already have your own private travel agent.

I do use the airport lounges, for the wifi, charging area, and desk space when working, so I think that part will be valuable. Even when they are not great I end up needing them for workspace. Have you used the "free" tickets? Are they actually accessible or a bait and switch?

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Jun 29, 2013 10:50:53 GMT -5 @thereigninglorelai said:

The centurion gives you priority status on a number of airlines...Delta, United, US Airways. That's the part I've found most useful since I like to board early and use special security lanes. Other than that, not a ton. They have a concierge service you can use to get reservations at hotels and restaurants but I don't live somewhere where those are hard to get.

Is it the same priority you get when flying first or business? Or a different perk?

[redheadk]

We haven't traveled since we got our Platinum card but when we went to Europe in November 2011, our good friend used the free ticket for his girlfriend. No issues and he said it was really easy.

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Jun 29, 2013 11:04:55 GMT -5 elle said:

Jun 29, 2013 10:50:53 GMT -5 @thereigninglorelai said:

The centurion gives you priority status on a number of airlines...Delta, United, US Airways. That's the part I've found most useful since I like to board early and use special security lanes. Other than that, not a ton. They have a concierge service you can use to get reservations at hotels and restaurants but I don't live somewhere where those are hard to get.

Is it the same priority you get when flying first or business? Or a different perk?

Same, although flying out of Dulles once we were in a special pre-approved lane where we didn't have to remove shoes/sweaters/laptops. I'd never seen that before.

I think most of their benefits are comparable to the platinum, but there's a substantial annual fee to hold it. Maybe I just haven't explored enough of its options.