Ruth Haines
There are several ways to gain access to an airport lounge, with the easiest being to pay for a day pass or an annual membership. Most airlines sell day passes, which can be purchased online or at the airport, with prices ranging from $25 to $80 per person. Annual memberships are also available, with prices varying depending on the airline and your status. For example, Alaska Airlines charges $550 for an annual membership, while American Airlines charges $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles. Alternatively, you can gain access to airport lounges through credit card memberships, elite status, or lounge passes. Many premium credit cards offer complimentary lounge memberships, such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, which offers cardholders free Admirals Club membership. Additionally, some airlines offer free lounge access to U.S. military personnel, either as a benefit of their service or when travelling in uniform. LoungePair and Lounge Pass also offer paid access to airport lounges, with prices starting at £13.50.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ways to get access | Membership, day pass, qualifying airline ticket, elite status, credit card with lounge benefits, redeeming miles |
| Priority Pass membership cost | $99 per year |
| Priority Pass membership benefits | Access to 1700+ airport lounges, complimentary drinks, refreshments, pre-flight bites, charging points, free Wi-Fi, conference rooms, spa treatments |
| Credit cards with Priority Pass membership | The Platinum Card from American Express, U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card |
| Airlines with single-entry passes | United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Airlines with lounges for International First Class Customers | Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines |
| Airlines with lounges for International Business Class Customers | Star Alliance member carriers |
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What You'll Learn
Priority Pass membership
Priority Pass is the largest and most prestigious airport lounge access program, with over 1,700 lounges and travel experiences in more than 600 cities and 145 countries worldwide. It offers a quiet and comfortable space to relax or work, with complimentary pre-flight bites, drinks, and other added perks.
There are different ways to obtain Priority Pass membership. Some premium credit cards offer it as a complimentary benefit, while others provide a certain number of free visits per year. For example, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card offers four free visits to Priority Pass lounges annually, while the Platinum Card from American Express provides Priority Pass membership with enrolment and access to the exclusive Centurion Lounge network.
If you don't have a credit card that includes Priority Pass, you can buy a membership directly. The standard membership costs $99 per year, with a $35 member visit fee plus $35 for each guest. There are also higher tiers of membership, such as Standard Plus and Prestige, which offer more benefits, such as a certain number of free visits and lower guest fees.
Priority Pass is continuously adding new lounges and benefits to enhance your travel experience. With their app, you can access your Digital Membership Card, airport maps, and other features to make your journey more enjoyable and seamless.
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Credit card access
Airport lounges are exclusive spaces reserved for passengers of a specific airline or airline alliance. Access is usually limited to elite members and first-class or business-class passengers. However, credit cardholders can also gain access to airport lounges through specific cards.
Credit cards with airport lounge access are typically premium travel credit cards. Several banks offer credit cards with airport lounge access, including American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citibank, and U.S. Bank. For example, the United Club℠ Infinite Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offer lounge access. Additionally, Mastercard has partnered with LoungeKey to provide eligible Mastercard cardholders with access to over 1,600 lounges in over 400 airports worldwide.
Priority Pass is another popular option for credit cardholders seeking airport lounge access. Priority Pass is an independent network of over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide, and membership is often included as a benefit with premium credit cards. Cardholders can activate their Priority Pass Select membership to access these lounges, and some cards allow up to two guests to enter for free.
It is important to note that lounge access granted by credit cards may have certain limitations or restrictions. Cardholders should carefully review the terms and conditions of their credit card to understand the specific lounges they can access and any other applicable benefits or limitations. Additionally, some lounges may charge extra for additional guests beyond the cardholder.
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Day passes
Many airlines allow you to purchase a day pass to their airport lounges. These can be bought either online or at the airport on the day of travel. Prices vary depending on the airline and lounge location, but they typically cost around $25 to $80 per person. Some airlines that offer day passes include:
- United Airlines: $59 for a one-time pass.
- Alaska Airlines: $60 for a single-entry pass.
- American Airlines: $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles for a day pass valid for 24 hours and multiple lounge entries.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta no longer sells single-visit passes to Delta Sky Clubs. Annual membership is available to Medallion members only, meaning holding certain credit cards is the only way to access Delta lounges for general SkyMiles members.
Some credit cards include Priority Pass as a cardholder benefit, providing access to a network of over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide. The Platinum Card from American Express offers the most comprehensive lounge benefits, including Priority Pass membership, access to select airline lounges, and the Centurion Lounge network for eligible cardholders. However, with a $695 annual fee, it is not the most budget-friendly option. Other credit cards that include Priority Pass membership and their annual fees are:
- U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card ($0 annual fee): Offers four free visits to Priority Pass lounges per year.
- The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card ($650 annual fee): Offers 15 passes to Delta Sky Clubs per year.
If you frequently travel, buying an annual lounge membership instead of repeatedly buying day passes can make sense. Additionally, some lounges offer extras like beds to sleep in, showers, massages, and more.
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Military/elite status
Military personnel and their families can gain access to exclusive lounges at airports worldwide. These lounges are operated by the United Service Organizations (USO), a nonprofit charity organisation that has been supporting active-duty military service members and their families since 1941. USO lounges are typically staffed by volunteers and offer free food, comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, televisions, video game systems, and a quiet space away from crowded airport halls. Some USO lounges may also offer free major league baseball tickets, shuttle services, and sleep pods.
To access a USO lounge, military personnel must present an unexpired, active military ID card. Some USO lounges may also require a boarding pass and a copy of orders or leave chits. It is important to note that USO lounges are not open to retirees and veterans, prioritising those currently serving in uniform and their families.
In addition to USO lounges, some airlines offer complimentary access to their lounges for military personnel. For example, American Airlines allows U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on a same-day flight to access their Admirals Club lounges, with the exception of a few locations. Similarly, United Airlines offers lounge access to military personnel in uniform or those who can present leave orders and rest and recuperation papers for the same-day United-operated flight. Military personnel can also gain access to United Clubs by purchasing a discounted day pass for $30, or for free if traveling on official government-sponsored travel booked through SATO.
It is important to note that lounge access policies for military personnel may vary across airlines and are subject to change. While some airlines have clear policies listed online, others may have ambiguous or unenforced policies, leaving it to the discretion of lounge agents. Therefore, it is advisable for military personnel to check the latest policies and requirements before planning to utilise lounge access.
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Lounge membership programs
Airport lounge membership programs offer access to a network of lounges in airports around the world. Traditionally, airport lounges were exclusive to first-class or business-class ticket holders, but nowadays, entry can be gained through membership programs, credit cards, or day passes.
Some credit cards include lounge membership as a benefit, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, which offers access to the Centurion Lounge network for eligible cardholders. The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card also offers four free visits to Priority Pass lounges per year, with no annual fee.
When considering a lounge membership, it is important to evaluate how often you will use it and the amenities offered. Some memberships may include guest access, while others charge a fee per guest, so it is worth reviewing the policies. Lounge amenities can vary, with some offering family-oriented areas and quiet spaces, making it important to choose a membership that aligns with your needs and preferences.
In addition to membership programs, many airlines sell annual memberships that provide unlimited access to their lounge networks, even for those not flying in premium cabins. Day passes are also typically available for purchase online or at the airport, with prices ranging from $25 to $80 per person.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to get access to an airport lounge. You can buy a day pass, either online or at the airport, which typically costs $25 to $80 per person. Alternatively, you can gain access by flying first or business class, or by purchasing an annual membership, which can be worthwhile if you frequently travel with the same airline. Many credit cards also include Priority Pass as a cardholder benefit, giving you access to over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide.
Airport lounges are quiet areas inside the terminal where passengers can relax before a flight or during a layover. They often include complimentary food and drinks, improved Wi-Fi, charging points, and sometimes even showers.
Priority Pass offers several membership types, including Standard ($99), Standard Plus ($329), and Prestige ($469). The Standard membership includes a $35 member visit fee plus $35 per guest, while the Standard Plus membership includes 10 free visits and then $35 plus $35 per guest. The Prestige membership includes unlimited free visits plus a $35 guest fee.
