Owais Crawford
Airport lounges offer a welcome respite from the crowds, noise, and general chaos of busy airports. They provide a range of amenities, including complimentary food and drinks, improved Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a tranquil environment. The best part is that airport lounges are not exclusively accessible to first-class or business-class travellers. There are various ways to gain entry to these lounges, including purchasing a day pass, owning certain credit cards, redeeming miles, or purchasing a membership. Lounge Pass, for example, offers access to airport lounges starting at £13.50, while Priority Pass provides access to over 1,700 lounges worldwide with memberships starting at $99 per year. So, whether you're looking to unwind or be productive before your flight, booking an airport lounge may be a worthwhile option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ways to get access | Sign up for a credit card, buy a day pass, or purchase an annual membership |
| Credit cards with lounge access | Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve® card |
| Annual membership fees | Alaska — $550, American — $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles, Delta — $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles, United — $750 or 94,000 MileagePlus miles |
| Day pass prices | Typically $25 to $80 per person |
| Lounge benefits | Free food, improved Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, tranquil environment, exclusive services, complimentary access for guests |
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What You'll Learn
Lounge access with a credit card
Lounge access is one of the most sought-after credit card benefits, and many premium credit cards offer complimentary lounge access. The main lounge networks used by credit cards are Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, and Plaza Premium.
Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport lounge access programme, with over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide. It has gone digital since January 2021, and the application and renewal process must be done via the Priority Pass app or website. Cards like DBS Altitude Card and Citibank PremierMiles Card grant free membership to the Priority Pass programme and two complimentary passes during the one-year membership period. The HSBC Visa Infinite Card also provides unlimited access to over 1,100 airport lounges for cardholders and supplementary cardholders. However, bringing a guest may use up one of your complimentary visits, and policies regarding children vary by lounge.
DragonPass is a China-based lounge programme with more than 1,300 lounges, including some at railway stations in China. It offers three membership tiers: Classic, Preferential, and Prestige, all of which include free lounge visits, dining discounts, preferential rates on premium airport transfers, and access to global meet-and-greet services.
Plaza Premium is a global brand of airport lounges known for its comfortable and well-equipped spaces. It has a smaller network of 200+ lounges worldwide, but their lounges are often of higher quality than average. Cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express can access Plaza Premium Lounges as part of the Global Lounge Collection.
LoungeKey is owned by the same company as Priority Pass and offers the largest lounge network globally.
Credit cards that offer lounge access include the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, which offers free Admirals Club membership, and The New United Club Card, which grants access to United lounges. The Platinum Card from American Express provides the most comprehensive lounge benefits, including Priority Pass membership.
It is important to note that lounge access benefits and guest privileges may be subject to change, and it is advisable to check the latest terms and conditions with the respective credit card issuers.
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Buying a day pass
If you're a less frequent traveller, buying a day pass is a more economical option than purchasing a full lounge membership. Day passes are typically available for purchase online, through apps, or at the airport on the day of travel. They usually cost around $25 to $80 per person, depending on the airline and lounge location. Some lounges may offer discounts for elite status or U.S. military members.
Lounge Pass is an example of an online airport lounge booking service that offers day passes from £13.50. It allows travellers to reserve a spot at airport lounges worldwide, regardless of the airline or ticket class. Pre-booking guarantees access to VIP lounges, where you can enjoy complimentary refreshments, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and more.
Another option is Priority Pass, which provides access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. While it typically comes complimentary with premium credit cards, you can also purchase a membership. The standard membership costs $99 annually, plus a $35 member visit fee and an additional $35 per guest.
Some airlines also sell day passes or unlimited lounge memberships for a fee. If you frequently travel through a particular airline's hub, buying an annual membership might be worthwhile. These memberships often provide unlimited access to their lounge networks, even if you're not flying in a premium cabin. However, the cost varies depending on your elite status and whether you're buying a new membership or renewing.
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Annual memberships
Airport lounge memberships are a great way to unwind and relax amidst the chaos and stress of a busy airport. They offer a range of amenities, from complimentary food and beverages to improved Wi-Fi and a tranquil environment.
Some credit cards also offer complimentary lounge memberships or include Priority Pass as a cardholder benefit. For instance, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers cardholders free Admirals Club membership, valued at up to $850 per year. The Platinum Card® from American Express also provides comprehensive lounge benefits, including Priority Pass membership.
When considering an annual membership, it's important to evaluate the cost, the amenities offered, and how often you plan to use the lounge access. If you only have one upcoming flight in a year, a single-use pass might be more cost-effective.
Additionally, some lounges, such as The Club, offer bookable spaces in their lounges, which can be changed up to 6 hours before your flight.
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Lounge amenities
In addition to the basics, airport lounges may also provide enhanced amenities for an even more comfortable and convenient travel experience. These can include clean and spacious bathrooms, entertainment options, and direct boarding access from the lounge to the flight. Some lounges also offer exclusive benefits for elite status members or premium credit cardholders, such as complimentary memberships, guest privileges, and discounted access.
For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers cardholders free Admirals Club membership, valued at up to $850 per year. The Platinum Card® from American Express, on the other hand, provides access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including their own Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs®, and more. This card also offers statement credits, elite status perks, and extensive lounge benefits.
If you're not a frequent flyer or don't have a premium credit card, you can still access airport lounges by purchasing a day pass. These are usually available for around $25 to $80 per person, depending on the airline and lounge location. Priority Pass, the world's largest independent airport lounge access program, offers annual memberships starting at $99, with a $35 member visit fee and an additional $35 per guest.
Overall, airport lounges provide a range of amenities designed to enhance the travel experience, offering comfort, convenience, and a tranquil environment to unwind or stay productive while waiting for your flight.
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Lounge locations
Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport lounge programme, with access to 1700+ lounges worldwide. Some of the participating airports include:
- Aberdeen International
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Atlanta GA International
- Belfast George Best City
- Belfast International
- Birmingham
- Boston MA Logan International
- Bristol International
- Buffalo NY Niagara International
- Cancun International
- Cardiff
- Charleston SC International
- Charlotte NC Douglas International
- Chicago IL Midway International
- Chicago IL O Hare International
- Dubai International
- Edinburgh International
- Exeter
- Glasgow International
- Heathrow, London
- Manchester International
- And many more
Lounge Pass is another programme that offers access to airport lounges from £13.50. However, the website does not specify the participating lounges and airports.
Additionally, oneworld offers branded lounges in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN). Their lounges are also available for top-tier travellers, with 600+ lounges around the world.
Furthermore, credit cards can also provide complimentary lounge access. For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers cardholders free Admirals Club membership. Similarly, The New United Club℠ Card offers United Club membership, granting access to United lounges.
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Frequently asked questions
You can gain access to an airport lounge by purchasing a membership or day pass, or by signing up for a credit card that offers complimentary lounge access.
Airport lounges offer a quieter and more comfortable space with complimentary food, improved Wi-Fi, and exclusive services.
The cost varies depending on the lounge and your membership status. Day passes typically cost around $25 to $80 per person, while annual memberships can range from $550 to $850.
Yes, discounts are often available for elite status members, U.S. military members, and through certain credit card programmes.
You can book access to an airport lounge online or at the airport on the day of travel. Some lounges may also require enrolment or registration in advance.
