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.

There are nine (9) terminals in Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Terminals 1 to 9 and Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT). Not all LAX terminals have airside connections (i.e., you will need to go through security from TBIT to Terminal 1).

The American Express Centurion Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is located in Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT), which is the main terminal with many international airlines. TBIT has also been recently expanded to include a set of West Gates. The AMEX Centurion Lounge is located on the south side of the TBIT right after TSA Pre-Check. For those who do not have TSA Pre, Clear is also located at the same checkpoint. If you do not have TSA Pre, you will need to go through security at the other end of TBIT.

If you are departing from Terminals 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 and want to access the American Express Centurion Lounge before your flight, we recommend you go through security at TBIT. Below is a chart of estimated walk times to get to your terminals and gates. Allocate more time if you are traveling with children or a slow walker as there are escalators (more walking if they are out of service) that connects these terminals.

The Tom Bradley Terminal (TBIT) is NOT connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. This means you will need to go through security at TBIT to access the Amex lounge and go through security at your terminal again for your flights going out of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. As of 2022, LAX Terminal 1 is mostly Southwest flights and Terminals 2 and 3 are Delta flights and its codeshare partners like Virgin. If you’re an American Express Platinum member, you can go to the Delta lounges as an alternative.

As a New Yorker, I tried Uber for the first time today and found the issues it must address to be successful in New York City (NYC):

1. Uber must be transparent with its fares. When I enter my current location (home) and a destination, I was given a range as a fare ($40 to $53). When the driver picked me up, he couldn’t give a set price or a rate for my trip. After the driver dropped me off, I received an email with a $50 fare. Furthermore, Uber’s rates are cryptic to the average person. I could have gotten a bill for $85 if there was traffic.

Uber’s competition in NYC are NYC taxis, limousine companies, and local car service firms. When I enter a NYC taxi, I see the rate I am expected to pay and can see traffic patterns to know when I should be dropped off before my destination if I chose to walk. Limousine and local car service companies provide a fixed fee once I provide an origin and destination.

Uber needs to be transparent with its NYC customers or stand to lose them.

2. Despite its marketing materials, Uber is not competitive on price. For the record, Uber X was cheaper than a limousine, but not by much. Uber X was about the same price as a NYC taxi. However I couldn’t really compare because I don’t know Uber’s rates (is it by miles, is it by wait time, etc.?). For sure, Uber X was a lot more expensive than my local car service company.

3. Uber’s route is not always right. When my driver picked me up, he was given a route by the Uber system. When I suggested an alternative route with less traffic to my driver, he said he must follow the Uber route. Uber and its drivers need to take local knowledge into account.  I have been living in my neighborhood and commuted to the city for 20+ years. I believe I know the quickest way to the destination compared to any computer.

I am open to consulting Uber on its way to better compete in NYC.