American Express has announced that Platinum Card Members will no longer have access to Lufthansa Lounges from 1 October 2026.
According to the latest update, eligible Platinum Card Members can continue to enjoy complimentary access to participating Lufthansa Lounges through 30 September 2026. However, this benefit will be discontinued beginning 1 October 2026.
This can be considered a major setback for cardholders, as benefits continue to be trimmed one after another. To make matters worse, new applications for several cards have remained paused for a prolonged period.
What Is Changing?
- Lufthansa Lounge access remains available until 30 September 2026.
- From 1 October 2026, eligible Platinum Card Members will no longer have access to any Lufthansa Lounges.
No replacement benefit has been announced as part of this update.
Bottom Line
American Express has announced yet another reduction to its premium travel benefits. First came the closure of the Mumbai Centurion Lounge from 1 July 2026, followed by the removal of Etihad Guest as a Membership Rewards transfer partner, changes to Centurion Lounge guest access, and now the discontinuation of Lufthansa Lounge access from 1 October 2026.
Viewed individually, each change may seem manageable. However, together they paint a concerning picture for Indian cardholders. At a time when competing issuers such as HSBC and others are expanding their premium travel offerings, American Express appears to be trimming several of the very benefits that helped differentiate its Platinum Cards.
To be fair, some of these decisions, such as the Mumbai Centurion Lounge closure, were influenced by factors outside American Express’ direct control. Even so, the overall direction is difficult to ignore. With most consumer card applications still paused, fewer transfer partners, and a shrinking list of premium lounge benefits, many cardholders are beginning to question whether American Express is gradually losing its edge in India.
The brand still enjoys exceptional customer loyalty and one of the strongest rewards ecosystems in the country. But if these changes continue without meaningful additions or replacements, maintaining that premium positioning may become increasingly difficult.