In the cutthroat competition for credit-card travel perks, the
US Airways-American Airlines merger has dealt a blow to American
Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders.  The day after the
merger was approved, creating the world's largest airline,
American announced that AmEx Platinum and Centurion cards would
no longer provide free entry to US Airways and American's
airport lounges, effective March 22.  Only Citibank's Citi
Executive AAdvantage "world elite" MasterCard will carry
complimentary access to American Admirals and US Airways club
lounges.  Airport lounges are coveted by business travelers and
frequent fliers as quiet places to work and relax while waiting
for flights. The announcement angered elite AmEx cardholders,
who pay a $450 annual fee for the Platinum card and $2,500 for
the invitation-only Centurion black card.  "The reality is there
are two very simple ways to solve this problem: You can buy
lounge access, or you can get a different card that would
provide you with access," author Brett