American Express reopens Sydney, Melbourne lounges

Are you a proud Card Member of American Express? There’s a reason to be even happier, as Amex finally reopens its Sydney and Melbourne international lounges from today.

Both spaces are open for most of the day, every day of the week for your pre-flight lounging needs. The Sydney lounge welcomes guests from 6 am to 10 pm, while in Melbourne, you can get in from 6 am to 11 pm.

While both lounges are earmarked to be transformed to Centurion Lounges down the track, American Express tells us this rebranding won’t happen until later in 2022.

Who gets access to Amex Lounges?

American Express has a veritable guest list for entry into its salubrious lounges. If you hold a top-tier Centurion or Platinum Card, then you’ll enjoy unlimited access before international flights.

And for all other popular Amex cards, such as the Qantas Ultimate, Amex Explorer and Velocity Platinum, you’ll get two lounge entries a year. If you didn’t use your 2021 lounge visits, American Express has renewed these to 30 June 2022. So be sure to plan a trip in the next few months!

What can I expect in the American Express lounges?

For more details on the spaces themselves, check out our pre-COVID reviews of the new Sydney and the Melbourne Amex lounges. As for the experience now, expect:

• Capacity limits and evidence of COVID vaccination (Melbourne only).
• Wearing a face covering is required when not eating or drinking.
• Food offerings are available from a serviced buffet. Pre-portioned plates are also offered.

Summing up

In another sign that we’re moving on from the pandemic, American Express lounges in Sydney and Melbourne are back to business as usual. Lounge access is one of the best perks of Amex’s mid and top-tier cards, especially if you’re not travelling in Business or First Class. It doesn’t matter what airline you’re flying – your Amex card will get you in.