Amex Platinum’s Expanded Lufthansa Lounge Access: What It Really Means for Your 2026 Europe Trips

Picture this: You’re connecting through Frankfurt on a Eurowings economy ticket to Barcelona, and instead of camping at a crowded gate, you walk into a Lufthansa Business lounge for a proper meal and workspace—all because you carry an American Express Platinum Card. That scenario was impossible just weeks ago. As of February 5, 2026, American Express dramatically expanded Amex Platinum Lufthansa lounge access across all nine Lufthansa Group airlines, fundamentally changing the value proposition for anyone flying through Europe.

This isn’t a minor tweak. For intermediate points and miles users who already understand the basics of transferable points and credit card perks, this expansion represents one of the most traveler-friendly lounge policy changes in recent memory—especially as the broader industry continues restricting access. The question isn’t whether this matters; it’s how to extract maximum value from it on your next Europe trip.

Key Takeaways

• Nine airlines now qualify: Amex Platinum lounge access now covers all Lufthansa Group carriers (Lufthansa, Austrian, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Discover Airlines, Edelweiss, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines)—up from just three carriers previously.
• Economy flyers get Business lounges: Even in economy class, Platinum cardholders access Lufthansa Business lounges when flying any eligible carrier.
• Geographic reach expanded: Access extends across all Lufthansa lounges throughout Germany and select international hubs, not just Frankfurt and Munich.
• Centurion cardholders keep First Class access: Centurion members access First Class lounges in any cabin (except Frankfurt’s First Class Terminal)
• ITA Airways excluded: Despite being part of Lufthansa’s commercial network, ITA is not currently included in the lounge access benefit.

What Changed in February 2026: The Amex Platinum Lufthansa Lounge Access Expansion

The February 5, 2026 policy update represents the most significant enhancement to the American Express-Lufthansa partnership since its inception roughly seven years ago.[1] Understanding what changed—and why—helps frame the practical value for your travel planning.

The Old Rules (Pre-February 2026)

Before this expansion, Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders could only access Lufthansa lounges when flying on three specific carriers:

• Lufthansa
• Austrian Airlines
• SWISS

This limitation created frustrating gaps. Lufthansa Group has increasingly shifted routes to sister airlines, such as Eurowings (its low-cost carrier) and Discover Airlines (its new long-haul leisure brand). Passengers on these tickets—often the most affordable options—were locked out of lounges despite flying on Lufthansa Group metal.

The geographic scope was also narrower, with access primarily focused on Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) hubs.

The New Rules (February 2026 Forward)

The expanded Amex Platinum Lufthansa lounge access now includes nine Lufthansa Group airlines:

1. Lufthansa (mainline carrier)
2. Austrian Airlines (Vienna hub)
3. SWISS (Zurich hub)
4. Brussels Airlines (Brussels hub)
5. Eurowings (low-cost carrier)
6. Discover Airlines (long-haul leisure)
7. Edelweiss Air (Swiss leisure carrier)
8. Air Dolomiti (Italian regional)
9. Lufthansa City Airlines (regional operations)

Geographic expansion now covers all Lufthansa lounges throughout Germany and select international locations across the group’s network.

Why This Matters: Network Reality Meets Benefit Design

Lufthansa Group’s network evolution drove this change. As the group consolidated operations and shifted more passengers to cost-efficient brands like Eurowings and Discover, the old three-carrier restriction became increasingly disconnected from how travelers actually fly the network.

For example, a typical U.S.-to-Europe itinerary might involve:

• Outbound: United to Frankfurt, connecting on Eurowings to Prague
• Return: Brussels Airlines from Prague to Brussels, connecting on United home

Under old rules, you’d have zero Lufthansa lounge access. Under the new rules, you can access Business lounges on both European segments.

This expansion also positions Amex competitively as other premium cards—like the Capital One Venture X—have recently tightened lounge guest policies and restricted access.

Which Lufthansa Group Airlines and Lounges Now Qualify (With Key Exclusions)

Understanding exactly which airlines trigger access—and which lounges you can enter—is critical for trip planning. The rules vary by your Amex card type and the cabin you’re flying.

Eligible Airlines: The Complete List

All nine Lufthansa Group airlines now qualify for lounge access:

The ITA Airways Exception

ITA Airways is explicitly excluded from this benefit, despite Lufthansa Group’s significant stake in the Italian carrier. This matters for travelers connecting through Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP) on combined Lufthansa-ITA itineraries.

If your ticket includes an ITA segment, you will not receive Lufthansa lounge access for that portion—even if it’s part of a single booking with a Lufthansa Group carrier. This may reflect ongoing integration challenges or could signal a future expansion once ITA is more fully integrated into the Lufthansa Group structure.

Lounge Types and Access Tiers

Lufthansa operates three distinct lounge tiers across its network:

Business Class Lounges (Most common)

• Standard Lufthansa Group lounges at most airports
• Hot and cold buffet, beverages, WiFi, workspaces
• Accessible to Platinum cardholders in economy class

Senator Lounges (Premium tier)

• Enhanced food and beverage selection
• Quieter environment, premium spirits
• Accessible to Platinum cardholders in business class

First Class Lounges (Ultra-premium)

• À la carte dining, premium champagne, private seating
• Shower suites, concierge services
• Accessible only to Centurion cardholders in any cabin
• Exception: Frankfurt First Class Terminal remains excluded even for Centurion members

The Frankfurt First Class Terminal is Lufthansa’s flagship facility, offering drive-up service, private security, and dedicated transportation to aircraft. Its exclusion from Amex benefits reflects its status as a true First Class ticketed passenger amenity.

Economy vs Business vs Centurion: Who Gets Which Lufthansa Lounges

The lounge tier you can access depends on two factors: your Amex card type and your booked cabin class. This matrix clarifies exactly what you can expect.

Access Matrix by Card and Cabin

*Except Frankfurt First Class Terminal

Platinum Card Access Details

Both the consumer American Express Platinum Card and the Business Platinum Card receive identical lounge access benefits under this program.

When flying economy class on any of the nine eligible Lufthansa Group airlines, you access Business Class Lounges. This is the headline benefit—economy passengers rarely receive complimentary lounge access without elite status, making this a significant value-add.

When flying Business Class on eligible carriers, you step up to Senator Lounges, which offer enhanced amenities, quieter spaces, and premium beverage selections.

When flying first class on eligible carriers, you still access Senator Lounges (not First Class Lounges). First Class Lounge access remains reserved for Centurion cardholders.

Centurion Card Privileges

Centurion cardholders have access to First Class Lounges regardless of cabin class. This means even on an economy ticket, Centurion members can use First Class facilities—a rare perk that significantly differentiates the invitation-only card.

The sole exception is the Frankfurt First Class Terminal, which remains restricted to passengers holding First Class tickets on Lufthansa or partner airlines.

Access Requirements Checklist

To enter any Lufthansa lounge using your Amex card, you must present:

✅ Valid American Express Platinum, Business Platinum, or Centurion Card
✅ Government-issued photo ID
✅ Same-day departure boarding pass showing confirmed reservation
✅ Boarding pass must show one of the nine eligible Lufthansa Group airlines

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Arriving with a codeshare boarding pass showing a non-eligible carrier (even if operated by Lufthansa Group)
• Attempting access on arrival rather than departure
• Presenting a boarding pass for a next-day flight

The boarding pass requirement is strict: it must show a confirmed, same-day departure on an eligible airline. Standby passengers and those connecting from inbound flights without a same-day outbound segment will be denied.

How to Combine Amex Platinum’s Lufthansa Access with Priority Pass and Other Lounges

The real strategic value emerges when you layer Amex Platinum Lufthansa lounge access with the card’s other lounge benefits. The Platinum Card includes multiple overlapping access programs, and understanding how to stack them creates a comprehensive Europe lounge strategy.

Amex Platinum’s Complete Lounge Access Portfolio

The Platinum Card provides access to five distinct lounge networks:

1. Lufthansa Lounges (new expanded access, detailed above)
2. Centurion Lounges (Amex’s proprietary network)
3. Priority Pass Select (1,500+ lounges worldwide)
4. Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta same-day)
5. Escape Lounges, Airspace Lounges, and select other U.S. locations

For Europe travel specifically, Lufthansa and Priority Pass networks matter most, since Centurion Lounge presence in Europe is limited.

The Europe Lounge Decision Tree

When connecting through European airports, use this framework to choose the best lounge:

Step 1: Are you flying a Lufthansa Group airline today?

• Yes → Use Lufthansa Business/Senator lounge (typically superior to Priority Pass options)
• No → Proceed to Step 2

Step 2: Is there a Centurion Lounge at this airport?

• Yes → Use Centurion Lounge (currently none in Europe, but check for future openings)
• No → Proceed to Step 3

Step 3: Check Priority Pass options

• Use Priority Pass Select for independent lounges
• Note: Many European airports have limited or crowded Priority Pass options

Priority Pass vs Lufthansa Lounges: Quality Comparison

In most European hubs where both options exist, Lufthansa lounges significantly outperform Priority Pass alternatives in several key dimensions:

Food quality: Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges offer hot meals, fresh salads, and quality snacks. Many Priority Pass lounges in Europe provide only packaged snacks and basic beverages.

Space and crowding: Lufthansa lounges are generally more spacious and less crowded than Priority Pass facilities, which often suffer from overcrowding due to multiple card programs sharing access.

Amenities: Lufthansa lounges include proper workspaces, reliable WiFi, and comfortable seating. Priority Pass quality varies dramatically by location.

Operating hours: Lufthansa lounges align with the airline’s flight schedule. Priority Pass lounges may close during off-peak hours.

Strategic Lounge Routing for Europe Trips

Consider lounge access when choosing connection points for award bookings. For example, if booking a U.S. to Mediterranean destination using transferable points:

Scenario A: Via London (LHR)

• No Lufthansa Group connection
• Limited Priority Pass options (often crowded)
• Long walks between terminals

Scenario B: Via Frankfurt (FRA)

• Multiple Lufthansa lounges across terminals
• Business or Senator lounge access on Lufthansa Group connection
• Efficient connections within same terminal complex

The lounge access difference might tip your routing decision, especially on longer connections.

For more strategies on maximizing credit card lounge benefits across different scenarios, see our guide on airport lounge access policy changes and workarounds.

Stacking Benefits on Multi-Segment Itineraries

On complex Europe itineraries, you may access multiple lounge types in a single trip:

Example: New York → Frankfurt → Athens → Rome → Zurich → New York

• JFK departure: Centurion Lounge (flying Lufthansa)
• FRA connection: Lufthansa Business Lounge (Lufthansa to Athens, economy)
• ATH return: Priority Pass lounge (no Lufthansa Group flight)
• FCO connection: Priority Pass lounge (ITA segment excluded)
• ZRH connection: Lufthansa Senator Lounge (SWISS business class to JFK)
• JFK arrival: No lounge access (arriving flight)

This demonstrates how the expanded Lufthansa benefit fills critical gaps in Europe lounge coverage, particularly on Lufthansa Group connections where Priority Pass options may be limited.

Sample Europe Itineraries: Which Lounge You Can Use on Real Routes

Theory matters less than practice. These realistic itineraries show exactly which lounges you can access with Amex Platinum Lufthansa lounge access on common Europe routes.

Itinerary 1: U.S. to Germany (Direct)

Route: Newark (EWR) → Frankfurt (FRA)
Airline: Lufthansa
Cabin: Economy (using points or paid ticket)

Value: Access to Centurion Lounge at EWR (worth ~$75) plus Lufthansa Business Lounge at FRA if connecting same-day (worth ~$60). Total value: ~$135 for one direction.

Guest policy: Platinum cardholders can bring two guests into Centurion Lounges, but cannot bring guests into Lufthansa lounges under this benefit.

Itinerary 2: Intra-Europe Budget Carrier Positioning

Route: Berlin (BER) → Palma de Mallorca (PMI)
Airline: Eurowings
Cabin: Economy

Value: Access to Lufthansa Business Lounge at BER (worth ~$50). This transforms a budget Eurowings ticket into a premium experience at departure.

Key insight: This is where the expansion shines. Eurowings tickets are often the most affordable way to fly within Europe, and adding lounge access without elite status or business class fares changes the value equation significantly.

Itinerary 3: Multi-City European Tour

Route: Chicago (ORD) → Munich (MUC) → Vienna (VIE) → Brussels (BRU) → Chicago (ORD)
Airlines: Lufthansa (ORD-MUC, BRU-ORD), Austrian Airlines (MUC-VIE), Brussels Airlines (VIE-BRU)
Cabin: Business class on long-haul, Economy on intra-Europe

Value: Five lounge visits across the trip. Estimated total value: ~$300-400 if purchased separately.

Strategic note: Booking long-haul in business class and intra-Europe in economy is a common strategy when using points. The expanded Lufthansa access ensures lounge access on every segment despite economy cabins within Europe.

Itinerary 4: The Centurion Card Advantage

Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Frankfurt (FRA) → Athens (ATH)
Airlines: Lufthansa (LAX-FRA), Lufthansa (FRA-ATH)
Cabin: Economy throughout
Card: Centurion Card

Centurion advantage: Access to First Class Lounges in economy cabin—a $200+ value per lounge visit. This demonstrates the significant step-up from Platinum to Centurion for frequent Europe travelers.

Itinerary 5: The ITA Airways Exclusion

Route: New York (JFK) → Munich (MUC) → Rome (FCO) → New York (JFK)
Airlines: Lufthansa (JFK-MUC), ITA Airways (MUC-FCO), ITA Airways (FCO-JFK)
Cabin: Economy throughout

Key lesson: Even though ITA is part of Lufthansa Group’s network, it’s excluded from this benefit. Plan accordingly and don’t assume all Lufthansa Group codeshares qualify.

For more guidance on planning complex Europe itineraries with points, see our 2026 aspirational trip planning guide.

Value Math: How Much This Perk Is Worth Per Europe Trip

Understanding the concrete dollar value of Amex Platinum Lufthansa lounge access helps justify the Platinum Card’s $695 annual fee and informs decisions about which credit card to carry for Europe travel.

Baseline Lounge Access Value

Industry benchmarks for lounge day passes provide a reference point:

• Lufthansa Business Lounge day pass: €40-50 (~$43-54 USD) when available for purchase
• Senator Lounge day pass: €60-70 (~$65-76 USD) when available
• First Class Lounge: Not sold separately; estimated value $150-200 based on amenities

Many Lufthansa lounges don’t sell day passes at all, making the access genuinely exclusive to eligible passengers.

Single Europe Trip Value Calculation

Conservative scenario (one roundtrip to Europe):

• Outbound connection through Frankfurt: 1 Business Lounge visit = $50
• Return connection through Munich: 1 Business Lounge visit = $50
• Total lounge value: $100

Moderate scenario (one roundtrip with intra-Europe positioning):

• U.S. to Frankfurt: 1 Senator Lounge visit (business class) = $70
• Frankfurt to Barcelona (Eurowings economy): 1 Business Lounge visit = $50
• Barcelona return to Frankfurt (Eurowings economy): 1 Business Lounge visit = $50
• Frankfurt to U.S. (business class): 1 Senator Lounge visit = $70
• Total lounge value: $240

Aggressive scenario (multi-city Europe tour with multiple connections):

• 6-8 lounge visits across various Lufthansa Group hubs = $300-450

Annual Value for Regular Europe Travelers

For travelers making 2-3 Europe trips annually:

• 2 trips/year: $200-480 in lounge value
• 3 trips/year: $300-720 in lounge value

This lounge benefit alone covers 29-104% of the Platinum Card’s $695 annual fee for travelers making 2-3 Europe trips yearly—before considering the card’s other benefits (hotel status, statement credits, Centurion Lounges, etc.).

Comparative Value: Amex Platinum vs Other Premium Cards

How does this stack up against competing premium travel cards?

The Lufthansa benefit is exclusive to Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards. No other U.S.-issued credit card offers comparable access to Lufthansa Group lounges without elite status or business class tickets.

Breakeven Analysis for the Platinum Card

The Amex Platinum Card’s effective annual fee after credits:

• Gross annual fee: $695
• Minus Uber Cash: -$200 (if fully used)
• Minus airline fee credit: -$200 (if fully used)
• Minus hotel credit: -$200 (if fully used)
• Net effective fee: $95

If you value and use the card’s statement credits, the Lufthansa lounge access becomes nearly pure upside. Even a single Europe trip with 2-3 lounge visits ($100-150 value) exceeds the net effective annual fee.

For a detailed breakdown of maximizing all Platinum Card benefits, see our Amex Platinum value guide and 2025 Platinum refresh analysis.

Intangible Value: Comfort and Productivity

Beyond dollar values, lounge access provides:

• Time efficiency: Productive workspace for remote work during connections
• Comfort: Proper meals, comfortable seating, and showers on long-haul itineraries
• Stress reduction: Quiet space away from crowded gates, especially valuable with families
• Flexibility: Ability to arrive earlier at airports without sacrificing comfort

For business travelers billing hourly rates, the productivity value of a quiet workspace with reliable WiFi can exceed the lounge’s nominal value.

Strategy Tips: Positioning Flights, Airport Choice, and When This Card Wins for Europe

The expanded Amex Platinum Lufthansa lounge access changes optimal booking strategies for Europe travel. These tactical recommendations help maximize the benefit’s value.

Airport Selection: Favor Lufthansa Group Hubs

When flexibility exists in routing, prioritize Lufthansa Group hubs:

Tier 1 hubs (extensive lounge facilities, frequent connections):

• Frankfurt (FRA): Lufthansa’s primary hub, multiple Business and Senator lounges across terminals
• Munich (MUC): Secondary hub, excellent lounge facilities, often less crowded than Frankfurt
• Zurich (ZRH): SWISS hub, premium lounges, efficient connections

Tier 2 hubs (solid lounge options, regional focus):

• Vienna (VIE): Austrian Airlines hub, good connections to Eastern Europe
• Brussels (BRU): Brussels Airlines hub, convenient for Belgium and connecting to Africa

Tier 3 airports (lounge access available but fewer facilities):

• Various German cities (Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, etc.) with Lufthansa/Eurowings service

Positioning Flight Strategy

Positioning flights are short flights taken to reach a better departure point for your main journey. The Lufthansa expansion makes certain positioning strategies newly attractive.

Example: Instead of flying direct from New York to Athens, consider:

1. Position from New York to Frankfurt on Lufthansa
2. Connect Frankfurt to Athens on Lufthansa or Aegean
3. Access Lufthansa Business Lounge at FRA during connection

This adds a connection but provides lounge access, potentially better award availability, and often lower point costs through partner programs.

When positioning makes sense:

• Award availability is better through Lufthansa Group hubs
• You value the lounge experience on long connections (3+ hours)
• Point costs are equal or lower via connection vs. direct
• You’re already making a connection (choosing between hub options)

When to skip positioning:

• Direct flights available at similar point costs
• Short connections (under 2 hours) don’t justify lounge time
• You’re traveling with young children (simplicity > lounges)

Cabin Class Strategy: Economy on Intra-Europe Segments

Lufthansa Group’s intra-Europe business class offers minimal differentiation from economy—typically the same seats with a blocked middle seat. The expanded lounge access changes the value calculation:

Old strategy: Book business class intra-Europe for lounge access
New strategy: Book economy intra-Europe, access lounges via Platinum Card, save points

Example: Frankfurt to Barcelona

• Business class award: 25,000 miles + $50 fees
• Economy award: 15,000 miles + $40 fees
• Savings: 10,000 miles ($150-200 value)
• Lounge access: Identical via Platinum Card

This strategy works best when:

• You hold Amex Platinum or Business Platinum
• The intra-Europe segment is under 3 hours
• Point costs differ significantly between cabins
• You don’t need the business class flexibility benefits (changes, cancellations)

Maximizing Value on Multi-City European Tours

Multi-city Europe itineraries create multiple lounge access opportunities:

Strategic routing example:

• Hub-and-spoke pattern: Use a Lufthansa Group hub (Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich) as your base, taking spoke flights to other cities
• Benefit: Multiple lounge visits on each return to hub

Linear routing example:

• City-to-city: New York → Frankfurt → Vienna → Athens → Rome → Zurich → New York
• Benefit: Lounge access at each connection point where flying Lufthansa Group

Booking tip: When using transferable points to book Star Alliance awards through programs like Avianca LifeMiles or Air Canada Aeroplan, you can often build complex routings at the same point cost as simple ones. Structure itineraries to maximize Lufthansa Group segments and connection points.

For more on booking Star Alliance awards strategically, see our Star Alliance business class booking guide.

When Amex Platinum Now “Wins” for Europe vs. Other Cards

The Lufthansa expansion shifts the competitive landscape for Europe-focused travelers:

Amex Platinum is now optimal when:

• You fly Lufthansa Group airlines 2+ times per year
• You connect through German, Austrian, or Swiss hubs regularly
• You value lounge access on economy tickets
• You already use other Platinum benefits (hotel status, Uber credits, etc.)

Other cards may be better when:

• You primarily fly non-Lufthansa carriers to Europe (British Airways, Air France, etc.)
• You hold airline elite status providing lounge access independently
• Your Europe travel is infrequent (under once yearly)
• You prefer cashback over travel perks

Stacking strategy: Many sophisticated travelers hold both Amex Platinum (for Lufthansa/lounge access) and Chase Sapphire Reserve (for broader travel protections and 1.5x redemption flexibility). The cards serve complementary roles rather than competing.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Assuming all Lufthansa Group flights qualify

• Reality: ITA Airways is excluded despite Lufthansa’s stake
• Fix: Verify your specific airline before assuming lounge access

Mistake 2: Arriving at lounges without required documentation

• Reality: You need card, ID, and same-day boarding pass
• Fix: Check in early and have boarding pass ready

Mistake 3: Expecting guest privileges

• Reality: Lufthansa lounge access does not include guests (unlike Centurion Lounges)
• Fix: If traveling with companions, consider if they have their own access or if Priority Pass is better

Mistake 4: Overlooking Priority Pass when it’s superior

• Reality: Some airports have better Priority Pass options than Lufthansa lounges
• Fix: Research lounge quality at your specific airport before assuming Lufthansa is best

Mistake 5: Forgetting about connection time

• Reality: Lounges require time; short connections may not allow visits
• Fix: Build 2+ hour connections when lounge access is a priority

Integration with Broader Points Strategy

The Lufthansa benefit integrates with your overall points and miles strategy:

Amex Membership Rewards transfer partners for Lufthansa Group flights:

• Avianca LifeMiles: Often lowest point costs for Lufthansa Group awards, including transfer bonuses
• Air Canada Aeroplan: Competitive pricing, good for complex routings
• ANA Mileage Club: Excellent for roundtrip awards on Star Alliance

Strategy: Transfer Amex points to these partners to book Lufthansa Group flights, then use your Amex Platinum Card for lounge access—maximizing value from both the points and the card perks.

For comprehensive guidance on Amex transfer partners, see our Amex Membership Rewards guide.

Common Questions About Amex Platinum Lufthansa Lounge Access

Can I bring guests into Lufthansa lounges with my Platinum Card?

No. Unlike Centurion Lounges (where Platinum cardholders can bring two guests), the Lufthansa lounge benefit does not include guest privileges. Each person entering must have their own eligible Amex card and boarding pass.

If traveling with companions, they would need:

• Their own Amex Platinum/Business Platinum/Centurion Card, or
• Eligible elite status with Lufthansa/Star Alliance, or
• A business/first class ticket on their own merit

This is a significant limitation compared to other Platinum Card lounge benefits and worth noting when traveling with family or colleagues.

Does this work on codeshare flights?

The boarding pass must display one of the nine eligible Lufthansa Group airlines as the operating carrier. Codeshare situations can be tricky:

Scenario 1: United flight number, operated by Lufthansa

• Boarding pass shows: United flight number, “operated by Lufthansa”
• Access: May be denied—lounge agents check the flight number shown
• Recommendation: Check in with Lufthansa directly to get a Lufthansa-branded boarding pass

Scenario 2: Lufthansa flight number, operated by United

• Boarding pass shows: Lufthansa flight number, “operated by United”
• Access: Denied—United is not an eligible carrier

Best practice: When booking Star Alliance awards involving Lufthansa Group carriers, try to ensure your boarding pass displays the actual Lufthansa Group airline for segments where you want lounge access.

Can I access lounges on arrival?

No. The benefit requires a same-day departure boarding pass. You cannot access lounges upon arrival at your destination, even if you are flying on an eligible Lufthansa Group airline.

This is standard for most airline lounge access programs and reflects the benefit’s purpose: providing amenities before your flight, not after arrival.

What if I have a long layover overnight?

The same-day departure requirement means you can only access lounges on the day of your departing flight. If you have an overnight connection:

• Day 1 (arrival): No lounge access
• Day 2 (departure): Lounge access available once you have your boarding pass

For overnight connections, consider:

• Booking an airport hotel (many offer lounge-like amenities)
• Using Priority Pass lounges if they have extended hours
• Arriving at the airport early on departure day to maximize lounge time

Does the Business Platinum Card get the same access?

Yes. The American Express Business Platinum Card offers the same Lufthansa lounge access benefits as the consumer Platinum Card.[2] This includes:

• Access on all nine Lufthansa Group airlines
• Business Lounge access in economy
• Senator Lounge access in business class
• Same documentation requirements

For business owners and self-employed travelers, the Business Platinum may be preferable for its additional business-focused benefits, while maintaining the same lounge access.

How does this compare to airline elite status?

Lufthansa and Star Alliance elite status provides lounge access through a different mechanism:

Star Alliance Gold status (e.g., United Gold, Lufthansa Senator):

• Access to Star Alliance lounges when flying any Star Alliance carrier
• Guest privileges included (typically one guest)
• Access on arrival and departure
• Broader network (all Star Alliance airlines, not just Lufthansa Group)

Amex Platinum Lufthansa access:

• Access only when flying Lufthansa Group airlines
• No guest privileges
• Departure only
• No status required

Complementary value: If you hold Star Alliance Gold status, you already have lounge access covered. The Amex benefit becomes redundant for lounge access but the Platinum Card’s other benefits (hotel status, statement credits, Centurion Lounges) may still justify the annual fee.

If you don’t hold elite status, the Amex benefit provides lounge access without the flight volume requirements to earn status.

Conclusion: Making the Expanded Benefit Work for Your 2026 Europe Travel

The February 2026 expansion of Amex Platinum Lufthansa lounge access represents a meaningful enhancement for intermediate points and miles users who fly through Europe regularly. By extending coverage to all nine Lufthansa Group airlines—including budget carriers like Eurowings and new long-haul brands like Discover Airlines—American Express has aligned the benefit with how travelers actually fly the Lufthansa network.

The practical value is substantial: economy passengers now access Business lounges, business class passengers step up to Senator lounges, and Centurion members enjoy First Class facilities regardless of cabin. For travelers making 2-3 Europe trips annually, this benefit alone can justify a significant portion of the Platinum Card’s $895 annual fee.

Key strategic takeaways:

✅ Favor Lufthansa Group hubs (Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels) when routing flexibility exists
✅ Book economy on intra-Europe segments and use your Platinum Card for lounge access instead of paying for business class
✅ Stack with Priority Pass to ensure lounge coverage across your entire itinerary
✅ Verify your boarding pass shows an eligible Lufthansa Group airline, not a codeshare partner
✅ Remember, ITA Airways is excluded despite Lufthansa Group’s ownership stake

Next Steps

If you currently hold the Amex Platinum Card:

1. Review your upcoming European travel to identify opportunities to use Lufthansa Group airlines
2. Consider repositioning through Lufthansa hubs for better lounge access
3. Download the Lufthansa app to locate lounges at your connection airports
4. Save this guide for reference when planning future trips

If you’re considering the Amex Platinum Card:

1. Calculate your expected annual Europe travel frequency
2. Estimate lounge visit value based on your typical routing
3. Factor in the card’s other benefits (hotel status, statement credits, Centurion Lounges)
4. Compare against competing premium cards for your specific travel patterns

If you’re booking Europe travel with points:

1. Search award availability on Lufthansa Group carriers through transfer partners like Avianca LifeMiles or Air Canada Aeroplan
2. Build itineraries that maximize connections through Lufthansa hubs
3. Consider the total value package: point cost + lounge access + routing convenience
4. Review our guide to booking business class with points for optimal redemption strategies

The expansion arrives at an opportune moment, as airport lounge access continues tightening industry-wide. While other premium cards restrict guest policies and reduce access, American Express has moved in the opposite direction—expanding coverage precisely where intermediate travelers need it most.

For Europe-focused travelers who value lounge access and regularly fly Lufthansa Group carriers, the Amex Platinum Card’s value proposition has meaningfully strengthened in 2026. Combined with strategic routing and smart points redemptions, this benefit transforms budget economy tickets into premium experiences—exactly the kind of practical value that makes points and miles worthwhile.

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