Understanding Costs and Access at the Amex Centurion Lounge in Terminal 2, Mexico City Airport for Business Platinum Cardholders

Lounge Review: Salon Beyond Citibanamex Mexico City Airport (MEX ...

If you hold the Business Platinum Card from American Express and are traveling through Terminal 2 of Mexico City Airport (MEX), you can access the American Express Centurion Lounge. However, it's essential to understand the costs, rules, and benefits associated with this access.

Membership Fees

The Business Platinum Card from American Express carries a substantial annual fee, currently set at $695. This fee is a prerequisite for the card's benefits, including Centurion Lounge access, but it is not a direct fee for lounge access itself. Additional fees may apply for authorized users or other services associated with the card.

Access Rules for Business Platinum Cardholders

As a Business Platinum Cardholder, you have complimentary access to the American Express Centurion Lounges, including the one in Terminal 2 of Mexico City Airport. However, certain rules govern this access:

Departure Requirement

You can only access the lounge on the day of your departure. Access is not permitted upon arrival. You must present proof of a departing flight to gain entry. If you have a layover or connecting flight, you can still access the lounge with proof of the connecting flight.
Time Restrictions

Access is granted no more than three hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
Entry Requirements

To enter the lounge, you must present:
- A valid physical Business Platinum Card
- A government-issued photo ID
- A confirmed same-day boarding pass

Guest Policy and Associated Costs

The guest policy for Business Platinum Cardholders differs from that of personal Platinum Cardholders:

Guest Fees

You will be charged $50 for each guest aged 18 and above, and $30 for children aged 2 through 17. Guests below the age of 2 are admitted free with proof of age. These fees apply unless you have spent $75,000 or more on eligible purchases on your card in the prior calendar year.
Complimentary Guest Access

If you spend $75,000 or more in eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card in a calendar year, you qualify for Complimentary Guest Access for up to two guests per visit. This benefit, once unlocked, remains effective for the remainder of the calendar year in which it was attained, the following calendar year, and until January 31 of the next calendar year.
Companion Access Rules (Mexico-Specific)

In Mexico, Business Platinum Cardholders can bring up to two companions over age 18 free of charge. Additional companions beyond the first two will be charged $70 USD (or the equivalent in Mexican Pesos) per person per visit, with a maximum of three additional paid companions allowed per visit. All companions must present valid ID and a same-day boarding pass.

Food and Beverage

Unlike some Centurion Lounges in the U.S., the Mexico City location may have a different policy regarding food and beverages:

Food Charges

Most food choices at the Mexico City Centurion Lounge are not complimentary and carry a charge. This is a departure from the complimentary buffet typically offered at U.S. locations.
Complimentary Beverages

Drinks, including soft drinks, beer, wine, and standard mixed drinks, remain complimentary.

Additional Services and Costs

The Centurion Lounge in Mexico City offers additional services, some of which may incur costs:

Spa Services

Spa services are not complimentary for Business Platinum Cardholders. While personal Platinum and Centurion cardholders may receive a complimentary 15-minute massage, Business Platinum Cardholders must pay for spa treatments and styling services at the in-lounge hair salon. Prices for these services can vary, so it's advisable to inquire at the lounge for current pricing.

Other Benefits and Credits of the Business Platinum Card

The Business Platinum Card offers several benefits and credits that can help offset the annual fee:

Statement Credits

Cardmembers can receive up to $400 in statement credits for Dell purchases, $360 for Indeed purchases, $150 for qualifying Adobe purchases, and $120 toward wireless telephone purchases.
Airline Fee Credit

The card includes an airline fee credit, which can help offset fees associated with air travel.

Comparisons with Other Lounge Access Options

Personal Platinum Card

The Personal Platinum Card offers similar lounge access benefits but with a different guest policy. Until January 31, 2023, personal Platinum Cardholders could bring two guests free of charge. After this date, they must either meet the $75,000 annual spending requirement or pay a $50 fee per guest (or $30 for children aged 2-17).

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Cards

Delta SkyMiles Reserve and Delta SkyMiles Business Reserve cardmembers can access Centurion Lounges when flying on Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flights and paying with a U.S.-issued American Express card. They typically have to pay $50 per guest and can bring up to two guests.

Other Lounges at MEX

Mexico City Airport offers other lounge options, such as the AeroMexico lounge and lounges accessible through Priority Pass. Access to these lounges may require different cards or memberships. The AeroMexico lounge, for instance, offers additional food options and may be a viable alternative for those eligible. Priority Pass, which can be obtained through various credit cards or purchased directly, provides access to a network of lounges worldwide, including some at MEX. However, the specific lounges accessible through Priority Pass at MEX may not include the Centurion Lounge, and additional fees may apply for certain lounges.

Accessing the Centurion Lounge in Mexico City Terminal 2

Location

The lounge is located airside, on the third floor of the terminal. After clearing security, follow the signs for the VIP Lounges, take the elevator or escalator to the second floor (mezzanine level), make a right-hand turn, and walk down the hallway until you reach the lounge on your right-hand side, above the HSBC Lounge.
Hours of Operation

The lounge is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Additional Costs and Considerations

Travel and Transportation

Consider the cost of transportation to and from the airport. Mexico City Airport is serviced by various transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. Costs can vary significantly depending on the mode of transport and distance.
Parking

If driving to the airport, parking fees at MEX can add to the overall cost. The airport offers various parking options, including short-term and long-term parking, with rates that vary based on duration.
Flight and Travel Insurance

While not directly related to lounge access, consider the cost of flight and travel insurance. Some credit cards, including the Business Platinum Card, offer travel insurance benefits that can help mitigate these costs.
Currency Conversion

For international travelers, currency conversion fees may apply when paying for guest access or additional services in the lounge. Be aware of any fees your bank or credit card issuer may charge for transactions in foreign currency.

Conclusion

As a Business Platinum Cardholder, you can enjoy complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge in Terminal 2 of Mexico City Airport. However, you should expect to pay for most food items and spa services within the lounge. Guest access fees are $50 per adult and $30 per child aged 2-17, unless you meet the $75,000 annual spending threshold for complimentary guest access. In Mexico, you can bring up to two companions free of charge, with additional companions costing $70 USD each, up to a maximum of three paid companions.

While the annual fee of $695 for the Business Platinum Card is significant, the various benefits and credits, including statement credits and airline fee credits, can help offset this cost, especially for frequent travelers who value lounge access and other travel-related perks. It's essential to weigh these benefits against the costs and compare them with other lounge access options available through different American Express cards or other programs like Priority Pass.

For the most current information and detailed terms, always refer to the official American Express Centurion Lounge website and the specific terms and conditions of your Business Platinum Card. You can also contact American Express Platinum Lifestyle Services at 800 716 1103 for 24/7 assistance.

By understanding these factors, you can maximize your benefits and enjoy a comfortable and relaxing experience at the Centurion Lounge in Mexico City Airport.

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