Roberta Aguirre
Airport lounges can be a great way to unwind and relax after a long flight. While most airport lounges are departure lounges, many airports around the world feature arrivals lounges, which offer travellers a place to freshen up after a flight. These lounges are typically smaller and have stricter access requirements, often reserved for business and first-class passengers. However, there are ways to access airport lounges without flying first or business class, such as through elite airline status, premium credit cards, Priority Pass membership, or purchasing a day pass. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to access airport lounges and the benefits they offer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a place of respite after a long flight |
| Amenities | Showers, refreshments, free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, etc. |
| Access | Reserved for business class and first-class passengers; some lounges are open to the general public for a fee |
| Location | Typically smaller than departure lounges and found after customs near arrivals |
| Timing | Hours of operation vary depending on the airport and its flight schedule; generally open to service passengers coming in on long-haul flights |
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What You'll Learn
Accessing airport lounges without flying first or business class
There are several ways to access an airport lounge without flying first or business class. Firstly, you can gain entry by purchasing a membership or day pass. Most major airlines sell annual memberships that provide unlimited access to their lounge networks, even if you're not flying in a premium cabin. For example, United Airlines sells one-time passes that allow entry to a United Club, either before your flight or on a layover.
Another option is to obtain elite status with a specific airline. Almost all airlines have several tiers of elite status, and they usually require that you meet or exceed their mid-tier elite status before granting lounge access when flying their airline or alliance. For instance, American Airlines offers access to its Admirals Clubs and Oneworld business class lounges to AAdvantage Platinum members or higher.
Credit cards are another way to gain access to airport lounges. Cards such as The Platinum Card from American Express or the Centurion Card from American Express provide complimentary access to the Amex Centurion Lounge network. The Business Platinum Card from American Express also offers access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Priority Pass and Amex Centurion lounges. Certain Capital One cardholders, such as those with the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, are eligible for a discounted entry fee of $45 per person per visit to Capital One lounges.
Lastly, you can gain access to airport lounges by redeeming travel points or frequent flyer miles. For example, you can upgrade to United Polaris business class using MileagePlus miles or PlusPoints.
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How to get into a United Polaris Lounge
United Polaris Lounges are exclusive to passengers travelling in Polaris business class on long-haul international United flights (or business or first class on a Star Alliance partner airline). These lounges offer dining, drinks, showers, and quiet suites with daybeds. They are located in large international airports in the US, including Newark, San Francisco, and Washington-Dulles.
- Fly United Polaris Business Class: If you are flying on a United Polaris business class ticket, you are granted complimentary access to the United Polaris Lounges before departure, during connections, and upon arrival.
- Fly Star Alliance Business or First Class: Passengers flying internationally in business or first class on a Star Alliance partner airline can access United Polaris Lounges at the departure airport of their international flight.
- Upgrade to United Polaris Business Class: If you didn't book a United Polaris ticket, you may be able to upgrade to Polaris business class using MileagePlus miles or PlusPoints. You can request an upgrade during the booking process on the United website by selecting the "MileagePlus Upgrade Awards" upgrade type.
- Reach Platinum or 1K Status: Once you reach Platinum or 1K status, you will receive PlusPoints, which can be used to upgrade your ticket to Polaris business class. The number of PlusPoints required depends on the cabin and destination.
It's important to note that United Polaris Lounges do not offer day passes, and credit cards cannot be used to gain entry. Access is primarily granted to passengers travelling in Polaris business class or equivalent.
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Capital One airport lounges
Locations
Capital One Lounges can be found at the following airports:
- Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Denver International Airport (DEN)
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
- Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)
The Capital One Landing experience is currently available at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), with another location in the works at New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA), set to open in 2025.
Access
While anyone can gain entry to the Capital One lounges, the cost varies depending on which credit cards you hold. The most effective approach is through the company's Venture X or Venture X Business cards, which offer unlimited complimentary access to cardholders. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business cardholders can purchase passes for $45 for themselves and each of their guests, or $25 for those aged 17 and under. Children aged 2 and under can enter for free. All other cardholders and non-customers can enter at the standard rate of $90.
All visitors must present a boarding pass for a same-day departing or connecting flight, and you can visit a Capital One lounge or Capital One Landing up to three hours before departure (based on availability).
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American Express Centurion Lounges
Centurion Lounges offer a luxurious experience with curated menus, craft cocktails, and other premium amenities. The lounges feature food and drink from award-winning chefs and top mixologists, with some locations even offering custom drinks created by a nationally renowned mixologist. These lounges also provide semi-private workspaces, with some featuring shower suites, a spa, and a wine-tasting area.
To access Centurion Lounges, eligible cards include The Platinum Card from American Express, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, the Centurion Card from American Express, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card. Cardholders of these premium cards can enjoy the perks of Centurion Lounges, which are considered the swankiest within the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
The Centurion Lounge Network is expanding, with new lounges at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Additionally, three more lounges are scheduled to open at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND), Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
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Priority Pass Lounges
Priority Pass is one of the largest lounge networks in the world, providing access to 1700+ premium lounges and airport experiences worldwide. This includes lounges in the US, UK, Middle East, and beyond.
As a Priority Pass member, you can elevate your journey with exclusive access to airport lounges globally. To access a Priority Pass lounge, you will need a boarding pass for same-day travel and your Priority Pass membership card. This can be a physical card or a digital version, which can be found in the Priority Pass app.
While the terms and conditions state that admittance is subject to possession of a valid flight ticket and travel documents for the same day of travel, in practice, some international Priority Pass lounges do not mind if you visit after your flight. This is not true of all lounges, and some will not allow you to use them as arrival lounges. However, there are reports of lounges not requiring a departing boarding pass, and some specific international arrival lounges are included in the membership, such as the Plaza Premium Arrivals lounges at London Heathrow Terminals 2 and 4.
It is recommended to check the lounge listing on the Priority Pass app or website for more information, as access policies may vary. Generally, members can enjoy access 2-3 hours before their flight, and lounges are typically located within the secure area of the airport terminal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, many airports around the world have arrival lounges that offer travellers a place to rest and freshen up after a flight.
Access to arrival lounges varies. Some are exclusive to business class and first-class passengers, while others can be accessed by purchasing a membership or day pass.
Airport lounges typically offer showers, refreshments, free Wi-Fi, and a place to relax or work. Some lounges also offer additional services, such as ironing your clothes or providing a conference room.
