Ruth Haines
Airport lounges offer desirable amenities such as complimentary food and drinks, shower facilities, and comfortable seating areas. Access to these lounges can be gained through elite status with a loyalty program, a specific airline's membership, or certain credit cards. While some lounges allow guests, others do not, and there may be additional fees or restrictions based on the specific lounge and membership type. For example, Star Alliance Gold customers can bring one guest travelling on the same Star Alliance flight, while Alaska Airlines lounge members can bring immediate family or up to two guests. Understanding guest policies is essential to avoid surprises when entering airport lounges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Guest access | Depends on the airline and membership type |
| Number of guests | Usually 1-2 guests are allowed |
| Guest fees | $27-35 per guest |
| Guest restrictions | Guests must be on the same flight or departing from the same airport on the same day |
| Lounge amenities | Complimentary food and drink, shower facilities, seating areas |
| Access methods | Elite status, credit card perks, membership, loyalty programs |
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What You'll Learn
- Guest policies for airport lounges vary by airline and lounge membership
- Star Alliance Gold customers can bring one guest on the same flight
- United Premier Gold members can bring one guest on the same flight
- Alaska Airlines lounge members can bring two guests or immediate family
- Centurion Lounge members can bring two guests for a per-visit fee
Guest policies for airport lounges vary by airline and lounge membership
Priority Pass members can access 1,700+ airport lounges worldwide and are allowed to bring guests, although there is an additional guest fee that ranges between $27 and $35. American Express Platinum Cardmembers can also enjoy exclusive lounge benefits with their Card when they book through their Platinum Travel service. However, Amex's policy for lounge access changed in February 2023, and now charges $50 per adult guest unless the cardholder spends $75,000 or more in purchases per calendar year on their card.
Some airlines, such as United, have relatively straightforward guest policies. United Club members may bring one adult and dependent children under 21 or up to two guests. Additional guests will incur fees. For those with United Premier Gold status or higher, guests must be on the same flight as the member.
Alaska Airlines lounge members can bring immediate family members (partners and children under 21) or up to two guests when entering an Alaska lounge. Similarly, Venture X cardholders can add multiple free authorized users to their card, and each person can bring two guests into the lounge.
It is important to note that guest policies for airport lounges can vary and some lounges may have different restrictions or requirements for entry. It is always a good idea to check the specific policies of the airline or lounge before assuming that guests are allowed.
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Star Alliance Gold customers can bring one guest on the same flight
Airport lounges offer a range of desirable amenities, such as complimentary food and drink, shower facilities, and seating areas, making the experience of flying more enjoyable. Lounge access policies vary, and there is often confusion about who can enter and how many guests customers are allowed to bring.
Star Alliance Gold is the top status for Star Alliance customers, offering a range of benefits to "sweeten" their journey. Star Alliance Gold customers can bring one guest on the same flight. This applies to both Revenue and Non-Revenue customers. The guest must be travelling on a Star Alliance flight departing from the same local airport. To access the lounge, the Star Alliance Gold customer must present their boarding pass for a Star Alliance member airline-operated flight, departing on the same day as their visit or the next day by 5:00 a.m. at the latest. The lounge will display the Star Alliance Gold logo at the entrance.
It is important to note that there are some restrictions for Star Alliance Gold customers travelling on United Airlines in the United States. If you are a United MileagePlus Star Alliance Gold customer, you can only access United Clubs within the U.S. when departing on an international Star Alliance flight, not on a domestic flight.
In addition to lounge access, Star Alliance Gold customers can enjoy benefits such as priority airport check-in, extra baggage allowance, priority security clearance (Gold Track), and priority on the waitlist and standby list if their desired class of service is unavailable or their travel plans change.
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United Premier Gold members can bring one guest on the same flight
United Premier Gold members can bring one guest with them to the airport lounge, as long as that guest is on the same flight. This is one of the benefits of United Gold status, which is also Star Alliance Gold status. This means that United Premier Gold members can access lounges operated by Star Alliance member airlines when departing on a Star Alliance flight, regardless of the class of service travelled.
United Premier Gold members can also bring one travel companion to enjoy lounge access on international itineraries, even when flying in economy class. This is a significant advantage, as it allows members and their companions to experience the comforts of the lounge, such as complimentary food and drinks, shower facilities, and seating areas, regardless of their flight class.
To achieve Premier Gold status, members must earn at least 10,000 Premier Qualifying Points (PQPs) and take 30 Premier Qualifying Flights (PQFs) within a calendar year. Alternatively, they can simply earn 12,000 PQPs. For either option, flying at least four qualifying segments on United is required. United Premier Gold members also have access to other benefits, such as bonus earnings on flights, complimentary upgrades, increased weight allowances for checked baggage, and waived same-day flight change fees.
It is worth noting that the guest policy for airport lounges can vary depending on the airline and lounge programme. Some programmes allow members to bring up to two guests, while others may have restrictions on bringing guests. It is always a good idea to check the specific policies of the airline and lounge before assuming that a guest will be permitted.
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Alaska Airlines lounge members can bring two guests or immediate family
If you are an Alaska Airlines Lounge member, you can bring two guests or immediate family members when entering an Alaska Lounge. Immediate family is defined as a partner and children under 21 years old. Minors are permitted with an eligible adult accompanying them for their entire visit. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times and must behave in a manner conducive to the quiet atmosphere of the Alaska Lounge. The staff reserves the right to ask the accompanying adult to take a child out of the room if the child becomes unruly or disruptive to other guests.
Alaska Airlines also reserves the right to terminate a guest's membership in the Alaska Lounge program and ban a guest from future participation in the Alaska Lounge program for engaging in abusive conduct. Guests whose access to the Alaska Lounge is revoked or whose membership in the Alaska Lounge program is terminated due to abusive conduct will not receive a refund.
Alaska Airlines lounge members and their guests can enjoy amenities such as complimentary food and drinks, seating areas, and shower facilities. Lounge passes can be purchased in-person at select lounge locations or online. Single-entry lounge passes are $65 USD per person, and passes are sold when space is available. Day passes are complimentary for U.S. military personnel traveling on official government-sponsored travel, and all other active-duty military personnel may purchase a day pass at a discounted rate of $35.
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Centurion Lounge members can bring two guests for a per-visit fee
Centurion Lounges are exclusive airport lounges that can be accessed by Centurion Card Members. Centurion Card Members can bring up to two guests into any Centurion Lounge location at no additional charge. However, since February 1, 2023, Centurion Lounges have changed their guest policy. Now, cardholders must spend a minimum of $75,000 per calendar year to bring in two guests for free. If this requirement is not met, cardholders will have to pay a per-visit fee of $50 for each adult guest and $30 for children aged 2 to 17. This fee can be paid using any physical American Express card.
The Centurion Lounges are known for their luxurious offerings, such as complimentary food and drinks, shower facilities, and comfortable seating areas. The lounges provide a relaxing environment for travellers to unwind before their flights. Centurion Card Members can take advantage of these perks and share the experience with their guests.
The ability to bring guests into the Centurion Lounges is a valuable perk for cardholders. Previously, cardholders could bring up to two guests without any additional costs. However, with the introduction of the minimum spending requirement, cardholders may need to reconsider their usage of the lounges, especially if they frequently travelled with companions. For those who regularly bring guests, the new policy may impact the overall value proposition of the Centurion Card.
Despite the change in guest policy, the Centurion Lounges remain a desirable amenity for travellers. The lounges offer a range of benefits that enhance the airport experience. Cardholders who meet the minimum spending requirement can continue to enjoy access for themselves and their guests. For those who travel with companions, the ability to bring guests remains an important factor in their decision to hold the Centurion Card.
In addition to the Centurion Lounges, there are other airport lounges with varying guest policies. Some lounges allow guests to enter free of charge, while others charge a fee per guest. It is important for travellers to understand the specific policies of each lounge to ensure a smooth and enjoyable airport experience. By being aware of the guest policies, travellers can make informed decisions and maximise the benefits of their lounge access.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airline and your membership status. For example, Star Alliance Gold customers can bring one guest travelling on the same Star Alliance flight, whereas United Premier Gold members can bring one guest, but they must be on the same flight as the member. Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines lounge members can bring up to two guests or their immediate family.
Some lounges, such as the Centurion Lounge, charge a per-visit rate for guests, which can be around $50 per person. Other lounges, such as those with Priority Pass, charge an additional fee per guest, which can range from $27 to $35.
You can gain access to airport lounges through membership or elite status with an airline's loyalty program. For example, American Express ICC Platinum Cardmembers can access lounges with their card when booking through their Platinum Travel service. Alternatively, you can purchase a membership to programs such as Priority Pass, which provides access to airport lounges and business suites.
