February 4, 2026
The Lounge Crackdown Continues: Amex Tightens Centurion Access For 2026
Toni Perkins-Southam
American Express is tightening access to its Centurion Lounge network once again. Starting July 8, 2026, Amex will introduce new limits on guests and lounge entry timing.
The changes arrive shortly after Capital One announced upcoming restrictions to its own lounge access. Together, the moves point to a clear trend: premium credit card lounges are getting harder to use.
New Guest Rules: Same Flight Required
Under the new policy, guests will only be allowed into Centurion Lounges if they are traveling on the same flight as the primary cardholder. Previously, Amex allowed cardmembers to bring guests even if they were flying separately, a flexibility that made Centurion Lounges popular gathering spots for families and groups coordinating travel.
Sadly, that flexibility is disappearing in 2026. If your guest is not on your flight, they will not be allowed inside the lounge.
Five-Hour Cap on Layover Access
Additionally, Amex is incorporating a five-hour entry window during layovers. Cardholders can only enter a Centurion Lounge within five hours of their departing flight.
Until now, Amex has not set a firm time limit for long connections. That made Centurion Lounges popular for travelers stuck with extended layovers. The new rule brings Amex closer to the policies of many airline-run lounges.
Which Cards and Lounges Are Affected
The new rules apply to cards that include Centurion Lounge access, including:
Personal cards:
Small-business and corporate cards:
Amex will enforce the changes across its Centurion Lounge network, including U.S. locations and select international lounges.
Enrollment required.
Lounge Access Is Tightening Across Issuers
Amex says the changes aim to protect the lounge experience. Still, paired with Capital One’s upcoming lounge restrictions, the message is clear. Issuers are tightening access as crowding continues.
For travelers who rely on lounge access—especially families and frequent connectors—these updates may change which premium cards deliver the most value heading into 2026.
Opinions, reviews, analyses, and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Terms apply.
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. American Express is a Travel Mom Squad advertiser, but we always show the best public offer even when we don’t earn a commission. Terms Apply.
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