Lois Larson
Airport lounges are a great way to escape the crowds and chaos of the terminal, offering a quiet and comfortable space to relax, work, or enjoy a meal before a flight. While traditionally, only passengers flying first or business class or holding elite status could access airport lounges, nowadays, there are several ways to gain entry without booking. From purchasing a day pass to signing up for a membership program like Priority Pass, travellers can enjoy the perks of an airport lounge without breaking the bank. Certain credit cards also offer complimentary lounge access as a cardholder benefit, and some airlines provide annual memberships for purchase. With a variety of options available, travellers can choose the best method for their needs and budget to enhance their travel experience.
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What You'll Learn
Priority Pass membership
Priority Pass is a network of over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide. Priority Pass membership can be purchased directly or is sometimes included as a benefit with certain premium credit cards.
Priority Pass members can enjoy quiet, connected spaces to relax or work in, with pre-flight bites, drinks, and other added perks. Most lounges offer complimentary alcohol and free Wi-Fi.
Credit cards that include Priority Pass membership as a benefit include:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
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Credit cards with lounge access
Airport lounges can be a welcome respite from the chaos of busy terminals, offering complimentary food, enhanced Wi-Fi, and a tranquil environment. While some lounges are exclusive to first-class or business-class passengers, there are ways to access lounges without flying first class. One of the easiest ways to gain entry to a variety of airport lounges is by using a credit card that grants lounge access.
When choosing a credit card with airport lounge access, it's important to consider your travel habits and preferences. If you tend to fly with a specific airline, you may benefit from a co-branded credit card that offers lounge access with that airline. On the other hand, if you fly with multiple airlines, a general travel credit card with lounge access to various airlines' lounges or a third-party lounge network like Priority Pass may be a better option.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card offers comprehensive lounge benefits, including access to the issuer's own Centurion and International American Express lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and lounges in the Priority Pass, Escape, Plaza Premium, and Air Space networks. It has a steep annual fee of $695, but it provides access to more than 1,400 lounge locations worldwide.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: This card is best for frequent American Airlines flyers, offering lounge access through the American Airlines Admirals Club membership.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: If you frequently fly with Delta Air Lines, this card provides lounge access through the Delta Sky Club.
- The New United Club℠ Card: This card is ideal for frequent United Airlines flyers, offering unlimited access to United airline's airport lounges for an annual fee of $695.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card provides complimentary Priority Pass Select Membership lounge access to 1,300+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide. It also includes access to Chase's own lounges. However, it comes with an annual fee.
- The New United℠ Explorer Card: This card is a good option if you want a taste of the lounge life, offering two complimentary United Club passes per year.
- Capital One Venture X: This card provides access to Capital One lounges and has credits that offset the price of the card.
When considering a credit card with lounge access, it's important to weigh the benefits against the annual fees and other costs associated with the card. Additionally, keep in mind that lounge access policies and networks may vary, so it's always a good idea to check the specific details of each credit card and its lounge access program.
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Buying a day pass
If you don't travel often but still want to experience the comfort of an airport lounge, you can buy a day pass. Most airlines allow you to purchase a day pass online or at the airport on the day of your travel. The cost of a day pass varies depending on the airline and lounge location, but it typically costs around $25 to $80 per person.
Lounge access can be a great way to make your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Airport lounges offer a respite from the crowds and hustle-bustle of the airport, providing amenities like complimentary food, drinks, enhanced Wi-Fi, and a tranquil environment.
You can purchase a day pass in advance online or through various mobile apps. Alternatively, you can walk up to the front desk of any lounge and inquire about availability for that day. Some lounges may allow you to pre-book for a small fee. Visit limits vary by lounge; some may offer access for up to 6 hours, while others may have no time limit as long as it's within the same day.
If you're interested in lounge access, it's worth checking out Priority Pass, a network of over 1,300 to 1,700 lounges worldwide. While Priority Pass is complimentary with some premium credit cards, you can also buy a membership for as low as $99 per year. With Priority Pass, you can access participating lounges regardless of your airline or ticket class.
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Earning elite status
While airport lounges are typically reserved for passengers of a certain airline or airline alliance, there are several ways to gain elite status and access these exclusive spaces.
Firstly, frequent flyers are often rewarded for their loyalty. If you fly often with one carrier or multiple carriers in the same alliance, you may be able to access airline lounges on select routes. For example, American Airlines' Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Platinum elite members can enter an Admirals Club lounge on qualifying international flights, even if they're flying economy. Similarly, Star Alliance Gold members can access any Star Alliance Lounge when flying domestically, excluding domestic United Clubs.
Another way to earn elite status is through credit cards. Some premium credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access as a perk. For example, the Platinum Card from American Express provides access to the Amex Centurion Lounge network, while the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard grants access to Admirals Club lounges worldwide. However, these cards often come with large annual fees and may not have preset spending limits, so it's important to consider the overall cost and benefits before applying.
Additionally, some credit cards allow you to earn points toward elite status. For instance, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers the opportunity to earn points and provides four one-time guest passes to Delta's lounges annually.
Lastly, purchasing an airline lounge membership can grant you elite status benefits. Most major airlines sell annual memberships that provide unlimited access to their lounge networks, and the cost varies depending on your status and whether you're buying a new membership or renewing. For example, an Alaska Lounge+ membership provides access to Alaska-operated lounges and partner lounges for $650 to $750 annually.
By utilizing these methods, such as earning rewards through frequent flying, choosing the right credit cards, or purchasing memberships, travelers can gain elite status and enjoy the perks of airport lounges worldwide.
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Frequent flyer programs
There are several ways to gain access to airport lounges without having to book or be a frequent flyer. Many premium credit cards offer complimentary lounge access as a cardholder benefit, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, which provides access to the Amex Centurion Lounge network. The annual fees for these cards can be high, so it is important to consider the cost before choosing this option. Alternatively, you can purchase a Priority Pass membership, which grants access to over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide. Some credit cards that include Priority Pass membership have no annual fee, such as the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, which offers four free visits per year.
For those who don't travel often but still want occasional lounge access, buying a day pass is an option. Most airlines sell day passes online or at the airport on the day of travel, typically costing $25 to $80 per person. Additionally, some airlines offer annual memberships that provide unlimited access to their lounge networks, even for those not flying in premium cabins.
Now, for those who are frequent flyers, there are several benefits and options available to access airport lounges. Firstly, if you have elite status or are a member of a frequent flyer program, you may be able to access lounges for free. For example, Star Alliance Gold members can access any Star Alliance Lounge, including those in the continental US, when flying domestically. Similarly, on SkyTeam carriers, SkyTeam Elite Plus members can access SkyTeam lounges worldwide, excluding Delta lounges within the United States. Oneworld also offers exclusive access to premium airport lounges worldwide with their Emerald or Sapphire frequent flyer tier status. With this status, members can access First Class, Business Class, or frequent flyer lounges, depending on their tier, and are allowed to invite one guest.
Additionally, for those who frequently fly with a particular airline, purchasing a membership specific to that airline could be a good option. For example, an Alaska Lounge+ membership provides access to Alaska-operated lounges and nearly 90 partner lounges. This can be a cost-effective way to ensure lounge access if you often fly through one airline's hub.
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Frequently asked questions
Priority Pass is a membership-based programme, but you can buy a day pass from most airlines.
Priority Pass offers access to over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide, irrespective of your flight class or airline. You can access lounges without a physical card by using the Priority Pass app.
You can buy a Priority Pass membership for as little as $99 per year. The Standard Plus membership costs $329 and offers 10 free visits, while the Prestige membership costs $469 and offers unlimited visits.
Yes, several premium credit cards offer lounge access, including the Platinum Card from American Express and the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard.
