"Holders of the most exclusive American Express cards get a new perk starting today – free access to American Airlines Inc.'s airport clubs worldwide.

American Express Co. and American will announce today that Platinum and Centurion cardholders can get into American's Admirals Clubs on days that they travel on American.

Holders of those American Express cards already get access to a number of other airlines' airport clubs, but until now, about the only way they could get into an Admirals Club was to buy their way in.

Simon Kahn, vice president of Platinum and Centurion marketing for American Express, said its cardholders let American Express know what they wanted.

"We talk to our card members all the time," he said. "One of the things we hear from them is that they want access to American Airlines lounges. In research study after research study, American Airlines has come out as one of the most popular carriers for our base. We just think this is a terrific additional benefit for those cardholders."

The Platinum and Centurion cardholders – whether consumer, business or corporate members – tend to spend a lot of money. American Airlines spokesman Charley Wilson said the relationship will work to American's benefit as well.

"It provides American Express' Platinum and Centurion cardholders access to our clubs, and it also provides American Airlines an opportunity to talk to them and expose our products and services to them," he said.

To gain access to an Admirals Club, a traveler must show an American Express Platinum or Centurion card and an itinerary showing that he is flying on American that day. The cardholder can bring two guests.

Normally, American charges $50 for a one-day pass or $300 to $450 to join for one year, depending on frequent-flier status, with renewal costs of $250 to $400 a year. Its AAdvantage frequent-flier club members can also trade in miles for Admirals Club memberships.

Of course, getting in through an American Express card won't be free, either. Holders of the Platinum card pay a $450 annual fee, and the more exclusive Centurion card reportedly costs $2,500 a year.

The free access applies only to the cards issued directly by American Express, not to cards issued by bank partners such as Citibank." [Via Dallas News.com]

The Pointswizard.com Spin:
It's good to see an expansion of benefits for Amex's two most expensive cards. Delta, Continental and Northwest Airlines also have this benefit already.

Labels: american Airlines, american Express, Amex, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines