The American Express Platinum and Centurion cards offer a valuable but often overlooked perk: access to Lufthansa Lounges worldwide. This guide details how to leverage this benefit, including eligibility requirements, participating locations, and recent expansions in access rules.
The Amex-Lufthansa Partnership Explained
American Express (Amex) has a direct partnership with Lufthansa, granting Platinum and Centurion cardholders entry to select Lufthansa Lounges. Access levels vary based on the card held and the class of travel. This benefit is separate from other Amex lounge programs like Priority Pass, offering unique advantages for frequent travelers.
Which Lounges Can You Access?
Currently, Amex Platinum and Centurion members can access Lufthansa Lounges in the following cities:
- Berlin (BER)
- Boston (BOS)
- Detroit (DTW)
- Dubai (DXB)
- Dusseldorf (DUS)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Hamburg (HAM)
- Hanover (HAJ)
- London (LHR)
- Milan (MXP)
- Munich (MUC)
- Newark (EWR)
- New York (JFK)
- Paris (CDG)
- Washington (IAD)
Note: This list is subject to change. Always confirm current locations via the Amex Platinum lounge website.
Eligibility Rules: Flying Lufthansa Group
Unlike other Amex lounge benefits, Lufthansa Lounge access requires a same-day boarding pass for a Lufthansa Group airline flight. This includes:
- Lufthansa
- SWISS
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Air Dolomiti
- Discover Airlines
- Edelweiss Air
- Eurowings
- Lufthansa City Airlines
Previously, access was limited to Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian flights, but the rules have been relaxed. Codeshare flights do not qualify (e.g., a Lufthansa-marketed flight operated by United will not grant access).
Access Levels by Card and Class
The lounge tier you can access depends on your Amex card and ticket class:
- Amex Platinum:
- Economy: Lufthansa Business Lounge
- Business Class: Lufthansa Senator Lounge
- Amex Centurion: Lufthansa First Lounge (regardless of travel class). First Lounges are available only in Frankfurt and Munich. The First Class Terminal is excluded.
Guests are not permitted free of charge, but some lounges may allow paid access for a fee. Both primary cardholders and authorized users are eligible.
Priority Pass as an Alternative
Select Lufthansa Lounges are also accessible through Priority Pass, which may allow complimentary guest access and does not require a Lufthansa Group flight.
This partnership between American Express and Lufthansa provides significant value for eligible cardholders. By understanding the rules and participating locations, you can elevate your travel experience with premium lounge access.
