American Airlines opens lounges to American Express card holders

American Express card holders who use Platinum or Centurion cards now have access to American Airlines' Admirals Club lounges worldwide, including those at Mineta San Jose International Airport and San Francisco International.

The Airport Club Access Program means that fliers with those cards can use any of 44 American lounges while traveling. Amex Platinum or Centurion members already have access to several other airline lounges, including Continental, Delta and Northwest.

To use the lounges, card members must show their card, an ID (driver's license, passport) and ticket showing that they are traveling that day on the corresponding carrier. Spouse and children, or up to two traveling companions, can accompany the card member.

DOMESTIC COMPANION AIRFARE PROGRAM
To be eligible for the Domestic Companion Airfare Program, you must be an active U.S. American Express Business Platinum Card® member. In addition, one of the travelers must be 18 years of age or older. Complimentary ticket must have the same itinerary with departure and return on the same flights as the paid ticket, and is subject to all government fees, taxes, charges. During each calendar year, the Card member may purchase up to four domestic adult round-trip fares subject to the terms and conditions in this offer and receive one complimentary domestic companion fare for each such eligible adult roundtrip fare, published before taxes, passenger facility charges (on any of six major U.S. Carriers) of not less than $299.00 between most major airports within the continental United States; and $899.00 between most major airports and Honolulu, Hawaii or Anchorage, Alaska. Fares lower than $299.00 and $899.00, respectively, do not qualify for this offer. Fares between the following airports and Honolulu, Hawaii only shall have a minimum fare requirement of $699.00: LAX, LAS, PHX, SEA, SFO. Qualifying fares must be purchased with an American Express Card as specified above through Airlines Promotions South (API). Companion travel award limited to domestic coach class round-trip fares only. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and non-endorsable and will not be replaced if expired, lost, stolen, or destroyed. Reservations require a minimum seven (7) day advance purchase and a Saturday or two-night stay at your destination. Airline participation varies from market to market and is based on availability. Code share flights are not eligible. This travel award may not be combined with or applied to other offers. Frequent flyer mileage accrual may not be applicable. Schedules, terms, points of service and fares are subject to change without notice. Seasonal and holiday blackouts may apply and availability may be limited during certain peak times to certain destinations. This offer is issued by API who is responsible for its fulfillment. Information provided by American Express about you enables API, our trusted partner, to recognize you as an active Card member. THIS TRAVEL AWARD IS NOT VALID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. All federal, state, and local laws apply. CST 2056143-40 Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. Additional terms and conditions apply.

They also added another benefit for Platinum Holders that does appear to be worthwhile and helps to justify the cost of the card -

Please post how this works out for you. We've never found a cheaper flight using this feature, but I have read one or two success stories.