Triangle Trip

Effective on Feb 1, 2023, American Express Centurion Lounge will be charging $50 for each guest ($30 for those under 18). Under 2 years old is still free. This is a big win for business flyers who don’t want to be disturbed by kids running around in the lounge. This is a big loss for family members who bring their families or friends along with them when they travel. Amex does not allow kids under 13 years old to sign up as additional card members so can’t get around that either. Check out the article here.

Will you be keeping your American Express Platinum?

Here’s a related article on why you should add cardholders to your account.

1. Pre-Clear at departing airport. We left SJC on Sunday morning. Everyones got TSA-Pre nowadays and they only have one x-ray line but two for normal security that TSA is slower. Across from your gate, you will be able to get a pre clear wristband for Hawaii. Just show them your QR code from Hawaii Safe Travels, COVID vaccine card and your picture ID. Another tip kids 5 and under cannot get a wristband.
2. Arriving at HNL you’ll be split into two lines, wrists bands or not. Follow the signs closely, if you got a wristband, you don’t need to show your QR code.
3. Take pictures of your Vaccination Card on your phone so you don’t need to carry the physical ones. Most restaurants will take the pictures as proof + picture ID.
4. Masks are still required indoor and people here strictly follow.

Update – March 26, 2022 No pre clearing requirements to enter Hawaii! Great news.

For residents in the Bay Area looking to rent a car at San Jose Airport (SJC), you may wonder where do you drop off and pick up a person.  Of course you can walk over to the arrivals/departures area in Terminal B but there is a passenger pick-up area for car rentals.

When driving, follow the car rental return signs which wraps around the building but as soon as you start entering the building structure, you’ll have a sign that points you to go up to car rental return to the left or continue and veer right back outside to wait for passengers.  The best thing there is no traffic cop enforcement so you can wait around for your friend to finish returning his car.