The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network.
- One of the best perks of the Platinum Card from American Express is that you get access to a ton of airport lounges.
- The best lounges are AmEx's proprietary Centurion Lounges, at several major airports throughout the US (and Hong Kong).
- On Tuesday, American Express announced that its 12th Centurion Lounge would open at Los Angeles International Airport in 2019.
- So far, AmEx has announced three Centurion Lounge openings for 2019: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Denver International Airport, and LAX.
American Express announced on Tuesday that it's opening a new Centurion Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport, something long anticipated by cardmembers based near LAX or who transit through the airport en route to destinations across the Pacific.
Josh McKay, the vice president and general manager of global benefits and services at American Express, said Los Angeles is "the #2 US airport our Platinum Card members travel through," adding: "We're excited to soon offer our Platinum Card members a place to relax, reboot, and refresh in the most highly trafficked terminal at LAX."
Though the Platinum Card from American Express has a higher annual fee than most other credit or charge cards, it carries enough perks, benefits, and rewards to more than make up for it. If you travel with any regularity — even just a few times a year — one of the most compelling perks is that the card gets you access to a ton of airport lounges.
Of the three types of lounges you can access as a cardholder, AmEx's proprietary Centurion Lounges are widely considered the best. Accessible only to Platinum cardholders — and holders of the rare, invite-only Centurion (Black) Card — and their guests, these lounges feature comfortable seating, complimentary cocktails and food created by award-winning mixologists and chefs, and other amenities like shower suites or spa treatment areas. The lounges generally surpass comfortable and fall into the category of downright luxurious.
The Centurion Lounge at LAX will be the 12th location, and it's scheduled to open in 2019. It will span nearly 14,000 square feet and be located past security at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, also accessible to Terminals 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
AmEx said the LAX location would feature, in addition to the amenities found in every Centurion Lounge, a unique "enhanced tranquility area" offering several quiet areas with bright or dim lighting to help travelers adjust to jet lag.
The new lounge is the latest in an aggressive push by American Express to expand its network of lounges and list of Platinum Card benefits.
Last year, AmEx opened Centurion Lounges at Philadelphia International Airport and Hong Kong International Airport and announced expansions of the lounges in Miami and Dallas-Fort Worth. Earlier this year, the company announced additional new lounges at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and Denver International Airport.
In addition to the Centurion Lounges, American Express operates 11 International American Express Lounges at foreign airports, including in Mumbai, Delhi, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Sydney, and, most recently announced, Melbourne.
Aside from the American Express-branded lounges, AmEx Platinum cardholders can access Delta SkyClub lounges at 33 airports when flying with Delta and more than 1,000 additional lounges through the Priority Pass network.
Access to the Centurion Lounge is complimentary for AmEx Platinum and Centurion Card members with up to two guests. Cardmembers can purchase access for additional guests.
According to McKay, the LAX lounge announcement won't be the end of the AmEx Platinum benefits expansion.
"We will have more exciting announcements coming down the pipeline, but cannot share additional plans at this time," he said.
Learn more about the AmEx Platinum Card from Insider Picks' partner The Points Guy »
SEE ALSO: You can access more than 1,000 airport lounges with this credit card — here are the best ones