American Express Platinum Card members can now share the luxury of the
Platinum Lounge Benefit with family and friends

TORONTO, July 8 /CNW/ - American Express is pleased to announce that the Platinum Lounge Benefit Platinum Card members enjoy is now being extended to family and friends. This enhancement will make travel for Platinum Card members and their guests an even more relaxing experience.

Platinum Card members can now share the luxury of the Platinum Lounge Benefit when travelling with a spouse or one travel companion, and up to two children under the age of 21. This offer extends to Platinum Lounge Benefit locations in major Canadian cities including Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Montreal and Quebec City in addition to many others worldwide.

"Whether for business or pleasure, we know that a large number of our Platinum Card members regularly travel with others," said Trevor Van Nest, Vice President of Consumer Card Marketing at American Express Canada. "We are pleased to extend the high levels of luxury and service our Platinum Card members have come to know and love about our lounge access to their family and friends."

Guests of Platinum Card members will also receive access to the American Express Lounge at Toronto's Pearson International Airport, operated by Plaza Premium Lounge Management Ltd. The Lounge, which was launched in April 2009, overlooks the Domestic wing of Terminal 1 and is conveniently located immediately to the right of the security gate.

Along with this enhanced benefit, Platinum Card members will continue to receive a number of travel related benefits including a robust travel insurance package, complimentary hotel upgrades through the Fine Hotels & Resorts Program, preferential status with Hotel Membership Programs, access to numerous airline lounges through the Airport Club Program, access to travel experts through Personalized Travel Services from Amex Canada Inc and travel rewards through the Membership Rewards program.

About American Express in Canada

American Express in Canada operates as Amex Bank of Canada and Amex Canada Inc. Both are wholly owned subsidiaries of the New York based American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc., the largest operating unit of the American Express Company. Amex Bank of Canada is the issuer of American Express Cards in Canada. Amex Canada Inc. operates the Corporate Travel, Travel Services Network and Travellers Cheques divisions in Canada. American Express opened its first offices in Toronto and Hamilton in 1853 and now employs 3,700 Canadians coast-to-coast.

For further information: Jessica Myers, American Express, Phone: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]