Amex launches Sidecar to help avoid queues at bigger lounges

American Express is expanding its premium travel perks with the launch of a tiny airport lounge called Sidecar, which it says is a “speakeasy-inspired” concept, at the Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport.

Designed for efficiency, the lounge targets travellers who spend 60 minutes or less in transit.

What does it offer?
It is open from 8 am to 10 pm, and unlike traditional lounges, Sidecar features a digital-first service model where guests order small plates via QR codes for rapid delivery.

To maintain the express nature of the space, access is strictly limited to eligible cardholders with a departing flight within a 90-minute window.

The high-end lounge arrives amid a challenging climate for credit card issuers. Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve raised annual fees to $895 and $795, respectively.

Experts note that card companies are under pressure to justify costs, and providing a high-end alternative to the notorious long lines at traditional clubs could be viewed positively.

Small airport lounges are in
JetBlue Airways recently opened its first-ever airport lounge at the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). It is limited to up to 140 people, a strategy to attract high-end leisure travelers and boost profitability.