American Express Platinum Card members can now gain complimentary access to U.S. Escape Lounges when they travel, under an agreement the card company has inked with lounge operator MAG USA. Platinum Card members can visit current and future locations for free, including existing Escape Lounges at Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP), Oakland International (OAK) and Bradley International (BDL).
The arrangement includes access for up to two companions of the Platinum cardholder. Lounges offer an array of complimentary food and beverages, a relaxing environment with comfortable seating with adjacent power outlets in most seats, and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Rosemarie Andolino, CEO of MAG USA, says her firm expects a “meaningful increase in traffic” due to the agreement. “One of the reasons we chose to partner with American Express is that we feel the expected volume increase hits the sweet-spot of being large enough to have a positive impact on our business; but being restrained enough to consistently maintain the pleasant ambience of our growing U.S. lounge network,” she said.
Joshua McKay, vice president, global benefits and services, American Express, says lounge access continues to be one of the most popular benefits on the company’s Platinum Card. “Through our global lounge collections, we provide our platinum card members with access to not only our proprietary Centurion Lounges and International American Express Lounges, but also a number of partner lounges, including Delta Sky Clubs, Priority Pass Lounges, Airspace Lounges, and now U.S. Escapes Lounges, so that our card members have premium lounge spaces to unwind, relax and refresh when traveling across the globe.
Andolino notes that the American Express partnership is one of many that MAG USA has undertaken. The company has also partnered with British Airways, Norwegian Air and SATA at OAK, and with Aer Lingus at BDL. Travelers can also access Escape Lounges by prebooking or by paying a day rate at the door.
