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Heads up, Ritz-Carlton credit card holders! If you've been loving the unlimited guest access to airport lounges, there's some news you need to know. Starting January 15, 2026, that sweet perk is going away. So, if you've been rolling deep into lounges with friends and family, those days are numbered.
Why does this matter? Well, for many, the Ritz-Carlton card's lounge access was a key reason for holding the card. It offered a way to relax and recharge during travel, plus treat your companions. Losing unlimited guest privileges means you'll either have to pay for guests to enter or look for alternative lounge access options – maybe it's time to explore other credit cards with great lounge benefits.
Basically, this change impacts the value proposition of the Ritz-Carlton card. If you heavily rely on this perk, you might want to start considering whether the card still makes sense for your travel style in the long run. Keep an eye out for potential changes in annual fees or other benefit adjustments that might soften the blow!
Why This Matters for Your Strategy
News in the points-and-miles world moves fast, and promotional changes often have a short window. If this announcement affects a card or program you hold, log into your awardtrail dashboard to check your current benefit usage, bonus progress, and whether a transfer or redemption makes sense right now — before terms change.
As a general rule: transfer points only when you have a specific redemption in mind — transfers are almost always one-way and non-reversible. If you're unsure of the value, check our redemption guides before acting.
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