Priority Pass - Change to exclude restaurants

[kpro]

There's been talk on various US sites around the Amex Platinum Priority Pass benefits changing. From 1 August, the Priority Pass membership for Amex Platinum cards issued in USA and Hong Kong will no longer include restaurants.

Starting August 1 U.S. American Express-Issued Priority Pass Cards Will No Longer Give Airport Restaurant Credit

American Express has confirmed to me that U.S.-based cards offering Priority Pass will no longer provide credit in participating airport restaurants going forward. Effective August 1 "the Priority Pass Membership benefit offered on American Express Platinum and Centurion Cards and Hilton...

viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com

Will American Express Eliminate Priority Pass Restaurant Access? They're Doing it in Hong Kong

We’re seeing what may be the beginning of the next big restriction on bank-provided Priority Pass cards: American Express has notified Hong Kong cardmembers that effective August 1 Priority Pass cards that come with their Centurion, Platinum, Peninsula Platinum, and Cathay Pacific Elite credit...

viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com

Any news on equivalent changes for Australia? I rarely use the restuarant benefit, but it's useful to have and definately devalues the membership if it's not available.

 

[jasonfungsing]

In Australia(at least in SYD), there are no PP lounges. The only benefit for PP is the restaurants. Personally, I don't think AMEX AU will remove this until PP has lounges in Australia, otherwise, there is no value for PP domestic flyers.

 

[pangwen]

In Australia(at least in SYD), there are no PP lounges. The only benefit for PP is the restaurants. Personally, I don't think AMEX AU will remove this until PP has lounges in Australia, otherwise, there is no value for PP domestic flyers.

There is still the Rex lounge, but I agree , it would be a massive reduction in value.

 

[lilkid28]

As it is currently, with the Amex AU Platinum card, if travelling overseas to Asia, Europe, etc, one can use the card for the restaurant credits? or just at Aus airports?

 

[jasonfungsing]

Since AU card holders didn't not receive any formal letter regarding the exclusion, should be still able to access restaurants/bars anywhere

 

[SeaWolf]

Since AU card holders didn't not receive any formal letter regarding the exclusion, should be still able to access restaurants/bars anywhere

I don't think the USA cardholders have gotten the formal letter yet either, just the media announcements with the formal letter to follow. Like when they devalued the points here...

 

[Daver6]

This would be another devaluation for the Plat Charge card if it does happen.

How would PP differentiate those who have paid PP and those who have it via a credit card?

 

[featheast]

I've been using this feature of PP card in both Melbourne and Sydney airport numerous times now. It's particularly great when traveling with young toddlers and families we can all (2 cards + 4 guests) dine at a restaurant without paying a cent (well guess I paid the platinum card fee..).

 

[liuyz]

I think this may related to AMEX recent acquisition of LoungeBuddy. To keep cost down, they may provide some LoungeBuddy visit pass instead of the Eateries? Any thoughts?

 

[theoracle30]

Does anyone know if this retrospectively affects all existing USA/HK AMEX PP memberships, or only new enrolments and re-enrolments after August 1?

 

[StochasticFlyer]

As it is currently, with the Amex AU Platinum card, if travelling overseas to Asia, Europe, etc, one can use the card for the restaurant credits? or just at Aus airports?

You can definitely use it on restaurants around the world now. But it is hard to tell whether AU Amex card would implement the same rules soon.

 

[jasonfungsing]

Does anyone know if this retrospectively affects all existing USA/HK AMEX PP memberships, or only new enrolments and re-enrolments after August 1?

I got a US AMEX with PP included, haven't received anything formally yet, will update here once got an update from AMEX.

 

[hossein_au]

How would PP differentiate those who have paid PP and those who have it via a credit card?

Easy: PP charges the card issuer regardless. The card issuer either absorbs the cost or passes on as a purchase on your card. As far as I know this is what has always happened (and that is how those cards with limited complimentary visits are managed). Now AmEX has decided to pass those costs on to the customer in HKG and USA. They most probably assess each market and will decide accordingly.

I am on the fence with my AmEx Plat; if/when this eventuates in AU, I will cancel mine and will probably get a US Plat at a cost of US$550 (instead of AU$1,200).

 

[muppet]

One point of difference I've noticed is that our cards are not "Priority Pass Select" ours are the same as regular PP cards.

 

[Quattro]

I think I'm very confused regarding the PP perk. I used it in KL and a lounge in Manilla.

Whats the restaurant side? I ate the food that there was, with bringing one guest with me.

Would they be able to tell if my PP didn't allow food consumption, and is that what they are removing on the US cards?

 

[theoracle30]

Whats the restaurant side? I ate the food that there was, with bringing one guest with me.

It's regarding a specific perk where you can redeem one lounge visit for AUD $36 in food and drinks credit off a participating restaurant's menu. If you have a plan with free guest allowances, they also get the $36 AUD credit.

Entering normal lounges and eating the provided buffet food s fine. This new rule only applies to stand-alone restaurants where you would normally order off the menu as a paying customer.

 

[Quattro]

It's regarding a specific perk where you can redeem one lounge visit for AUD $36 in food and drinks credit off a participating restaurant's menu. If you have a plan with free guest allowances, they also get the $36 AUD credit.

Entering normal lounges and eating the provided buffet food s fine. This new rule only applies to stand-alone restaurants where you would normally order off the menu as a paying customer.

Thanks for the quick reply. I did not know this...
How do you know what's a participating restaurant that accepts the PP card for the $36 credit?

 

[theoracle30]

How do you know what's a participating restaurant that accepts the PP card for the $36 credit?

Look up lounges in Priority Pass as usual. In the description, it will say 'one visit will give you a $36 credit'. Look up SYD airport for example - there are heaps there.

 

[SeaWolf]

I've noticed that the American Express Lounge Finder has now removed the restaurants, which were definitely there a few days ago. It's a global tool but it does take into account which region your card was issued in. Doesn't bode well for the future inclusion of restaurants, though still no official word.

American Express Global Lounge Collection® Programs & Partners | Amex US

global.americanexpress.com

 

[liuyz]

I've noticed that the American Express Lounge Finder has now removed the restaurants, which were definitely there a few days ago. It's a global tool but it does take into account which region your card was issued in. Doesn't bode well for the future inclusion of restaurants, though still no official word.

American Express Global Lounge Collection® Programs & Partners | Amex US

global.americanexpress.com

Noticed this as well. Not a good sign here.