Ben Mutzabaugh

USA TODAY

Access to the Escape frequent-flier lounges will become the latest perk for holders of the high-end American Express Platinum Card.

The partnership, which begins today, gives Platinum Card members complimentary access to Escape Lounge locations in the United States. Currently, Escape has three such airport locations: Hartford, Conn.; Minneapolis/St. Paul and Oakland airports.

While most airline lounges are tied to a specific carrier, the Escape lounges are part of a growing set of lounge operators that are not affiliated with any one airline. Instead, the lounges are open to fliers of any carrier, as long as they are willing to pay the entrance fee.

Entry to Escape’s lounges in the United States costs $40 if booked in advance or $45 at the door.

The lounges offer perks like free Wi-Fi, food and beverage options and dedicated space to relax or work. While snacks and lighter meals are free, heartier options are offered for a fee. Alcohol is complimentary, though there is a charge for some premium brands.

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Now, American Express Platinum Card holders can access Escape Lounge's U.S. locations by showing their Platinum Cards, IDs and airline boarding passes. Card members may bring in two guests at no charge.

The Escape Club partnership is just the latest perk for the American Express Platinum Card. The card comes with a hefty $550 annual fee, but also a number of travel-friendly benefits for its users.

Among those: a $200 annual Uber credit, five-times the points for airline purchases and a $200 annual credit for certain airline fees.

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The Platinum Card also gives holders access to a broad list of other airport lounges. They include a number of airline-specific lounges, as well as others like American Express’s own high-end Centurion Lounges.

“At American Express, we know our Platinum Card Members are passionate about travel, and we are focused on providing them with value, service and access for every step of the journey – from booking to boarding and beyond,” Joshua McKay, VP - Global Benefits & Services at American Express, says in a statement. “With the addition of access to U.S. Escape Lounges, we are continuing to expand the access we provide our Card Members through our Global Lounge Collection and further enhance the value of the Platinum Card as a passport to a premium travel experience.”

TWITTER: You can follow Today in the Sky editor Ben Mutzabaugh at twitter.com/TodayInTheSky

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