The Amex Platinum is becoming even more useful for travelers

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American Express

One of the best perks that comes with the Platinum Card from American Express is that you can access a ton of airport lounges.
The best are Amex’s own proprietary Centurion Lounges, available at nine major airports.
Today, American Express is announcing its 10th Centurion Lounge will open at JFK Airport by early 2019.

This morning, American Express is announcing an exciting expansion of one of the Platinum Card’s best perks.

Although 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 lounge you can access as a cardholder, Amex’s proprietary Centurion Lounges are widely considered the best. Only accessible to Platinum cardholders (and holders of the rare, invite-only “Black Card”) and their guests, these lounges feature comfortable seating, complimentary cocktails and food created by award-winning mixologists and chefs, respectively, and other amenities like shower suites or spa treatment areas. These lounges generally surpass “comfortable” and fall into the category of downright luxurious.

There are locations at eight major airports in the US — and one in Hong Kong — and today, American Express announced an upcoming new location. Opening by early 2019, the new lounge will be in New York City’s JFK International Airport, located past security in Terminal 4.

The new lounge will span more than 15,000 square feet and will have two levels, making it the biggest Centurion Lounge location. While details are still fairly scant, American Express is teasing “special new features” which will be announced closer to the lounge opening, as well as the amenities typical of Centurion Lounge like a custom bar and premium food menu.

Something Amex emphasized in the announcement is that, in addition to being expansive, the new lounge will feature “spectacular views of the airfield” and tons of natural light. While the company hasn’t shared many details about the layout or interior design of the lounge, it did share renderings of the exterior, which certainly does suggest some great views of the runway and sky.

American Express

In addition to Centurion Lounges, Platinum Card members can access a number of other airport lounges, including Delta’s Sky Clubs whenever flying with the airline. When flying on Delta with companions, cardholders can also purchase guest passes for a discounted $ 29 each.

Finally, cardholders receive a complimentary membership to Priority Pass, a network of more than 1,000 airport lounges around the world. With that membership, the cardholder and two guests can access any location (as long as there’s room) to enjoy free snacks, drinks, newspapers and magazines, showers, and more, all separate from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal.

It will be interesting to learn more details about this new Centurion Lounge as it gets closer to completion. One of the busiest terminals in the United States, JFK’s Terminal 4 sees more than 21 million annual passengers, according to JFKIAT, the company that owns the terminal. In fact, it accounts for one-third of all traffic at the airport.

Regardless of whether or not you’re based in New York, the Platinum Card from American Express offers access to a huge network of lounges, as well as a wide range of other perks and benefits which more than outweigh the card’s annual fee.