Owais Crawford
Airport lounges are quiet areas inside terminals where passengers can relax before a flight or during a layover. They can also be used upon landing at certain airports. Access to airport lounges is typically exclusive to paying members, business or first-class passengers, or cardholders of certain travel cards. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as the ability to purchase single-entry passes for specific dates and times. Lounge access policies vary across airlines and airports, so it is recommended to check before arrival.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you go in and out of airport lounges? | It depends on the airport and the lounge. Some lounges are located before security control, so you can access them without a departing flight. |
| Lounge access on arrival | Some lounges are designed to be enjoyed upon arrival, but most lounges are located within the secure departure area, so you may not be able to access them after landing. |
| Lounge access requirements | Typically, you need a valid boarding pass and a membership card or proof of membership on the lounge app. Some lounges may also require you to have a specific class of travel, such as business or first class. |
| Membership options | Lounge access is often included as a benefit for certain credit card holders or as a paid membership program. Some examples include Priority Pass, Lounge Pass, and Star Alliance. |
| Lounge amenities | Lounges typically offer a quiet space with complimentary drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, charging points, and sometimes even showers or play areas for children. |
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What You'll Learn
Lounge access requirements
Location and Availability:
Most airport lounges are located within the secure zone of the airport, typically after security checks. Some lounges are located before security, allowing access to inbound passengers as well. It is important to check the location of the lounge and any specific entry requirements.
Boarding Pass and Membership:
To access airport lounges, a valid boarding pass for same-day travel is usually required. Some lounges may also accept boarding passes for a flight arriving at the airport. Along with the boarding pass, a membership card or proof of membership may be necessary. For example, Priority Pass members need to present their Priority Pass Digital Membership Card or physical membership card.
Payment and Membership Cards:
Many airport lounges offer access to paying members or cardholders of specific travel credit cards. Certain banks, such as American Express, Capital One, Chase, Citibank, and U.S. Bank, provide credit cards with lounge access as a benefit. These cards often include complimentary guest visits, with varying numbers of guests allowed. Additionally, some lounges offer single-entry passes that can be pre-booked for a specific date and time.
Lounge Membership Programs:
Priority Pass is a popular membership program that provides access to a large network of lounges worldwide. Members can enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites, as well as charging points and free Wi-Fi. Lounge Pass is another program that offers single-entry passes.
Lounge-Specific Rules:
Some lounges have specific rules regarding access. For example, Star Alliance lounges have conditions that must be met, such as presenting a boarding pass for a specific class of travel on a Star Alliance member airline-operated flight. Additionally, certain lounges may restrict access for domestic flights, as is the case with United's Club lounges for Domestic First Class and Business Class passengers.
It is always recommended to check the specific requirements of the lounge and airport before assuming access. Availability may also play a factor, as lounges can reach capacity and restrict entry.
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Lounge amenities
Airport lounges provide a convenient escape from the busy departure terminal. They offer a range of amenities that can transform your time at the airport, making it a moment of indulgence.
Access to Lounges
Priority Pass is a membership-based programme that provides affordable lounge access. It offers access to 1,700+ airport lounges worldwide, allowing you to enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites. You can fly with any airline and in any class to take advantage of this service. To enter, simply present your valid boarding pass and Priority Pass membership card or use the digital version through their app.
Some credit card providers also offer Priority Pass memberships as a benefit to their cardholders. Additionally, Lounge Pass offers single-entry passes that must be pre-booked for a specific date and time.
Airport lounges offer a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience:
- Clean and Comfortable Spaces: Lounges provide a relatively quiet and comfortable place to sit and relax. They are generally less crowded than terminals, and their restrooms are often cleaner and more spacious, with real walls and doors for added privacy.
- Food and Beverages: Lounges offer a variety of complimentary drinks, refreshments, and snacks. The quality of food can vary, but it is usually better than what is available on board the plane or in airport food courts. Some lounges are known for their unique culinary offerings, like fresh sushi, noodle bars, and guacamole.
- Shower Facilities: Many lounges feature luxurious shower facilities with premium bath products, providing a great opportunity to freshen up during long trips or before heading to your next destination.
- Charging Points and Wi-Fi: Most lounges provide charging points and free high-quality Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected and ensure your devices are fully charged before your flight.
- Additional Services: Some lounges offer extra amenities like dental products, combs, and shoe polishing stations. They may also have unique features like traditional coffee ceremonies or signature dining experiences to make your layover memorable.
These amenities elevate the airport lounge experience, providing travellers with a calm and comfortable space to relax, refresh, and access essential conveniences while waiting for their flights.
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Lounge locations
Lounge access is a desirable feature for many travellers, and there are several programmes that provide access to lounges in airports around the world.
Priority Pass is a membership-based programme that provides access to over 1700 airport lounges and travel experiences worldwide. With Priority Pass, you can enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites, as well as charging points and free Wi-Fi in most lounges. To access a Priority Pass lounge, you need to present a valid boarding pass for same-day travel, along with your Priority Pass membership card or the digital version available through their app. Priority Pass lounges are available in most airports, including Fiumicino Airport in Rome, San Francisco International Airport, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Another option for lounge access is through oneworld, which offers branded lounges in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and Seoul-Incheon International Airport (ICN). oneworld also provides access to the Alaska Lounge at Harvey Milk Terminal 1 in San Francisco, which is one of 600+ lounges worldwide available for top-tier travellers. oneworld Emerald or Sapphire tier members can access lounges when travelling on any flight marketed and operated by a oneworld member airline, and they may also invite one guest to join them.
Credit card providers may also offer Priority Pass memberships as a benefit to their cardholders. For example, some types of American Express cards include Priority Pass memberships as a perk. It's always a good idea to check with your card issuer to see if lounge access is included with your credit card.
Additionally, some airlines provide lounge access to their premium passengers. For instance, British Airways offers Concorde lounges, and First Class passengers on any oneworld member airline may receive lounge access, along with the ability to invite one guest who is also travelling with a oneworld airline.
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Lounge entry with children
Lounge entry policies vary across different airports and airlines. While some lounges allow children to enter for free, others charge a fee for children above the age of 2.
For example, Delta Airlines considers anyone over the age of 2 as a guest, and children under 2 can enter for free. Similarly, children under 2 can enter Alaska Airlines lounges for free, while those between the ages of 2 and 17 are charged a $30 guest fee. However, children up to 21 years old can gain entry as family members on categories of admission that allow for guest entry for immediate family members.
Some lounges, such as the Centurion Lounge, allow guests to bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate, which can be useful for families. Plaza Premium Lounges also offer entry to children, with prices ranging from $35 to $65 for a day pass.
It's important to note that most lounges are located within the secure departure area of the airport, which may require clearing security and may not be accessible upon arrival at your destination. Therefore, it's recommended to check the specific policies of the lounge and airport before planning to use a lounge with children.
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Lounge entry with guests
Lounge access rules vary across airports and lounges, so it's always best to check with the specific airport or lounge you're interested in. That being said, here is some general information about lounge entry with guests.
Priority Pass Lounges
Priority Pass is a membership-based program that provides access to a network of lounges worldwide. Some Priority Pass memberships include complimentary guest visits, with the number of complimentary guests varying depending on the specific membership. To access a lounge, members must present their valid boarding pass, Priority Pass membership card, or digital membership card via the Priority Pass app.
Alaska Lounges
Alaska Lounges allow members with elite status in the Mileage Plan or a Oneworld partner loyalty program to bring immediate family members (partners and children under 21) or up to two guests. Members may purchase additional guest passes at a discounted rate of $30 per person.
Admirals Club Lounges
Admirals Club members can bring their immediate family (spouse, domestic partner, and children up to 18) or up to two guests with a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight. There is no additional charge for guests, but members must pay an annual membership fee of $850.
Delta One Lounges
Eligible Delta 360° members traveling in Delta One or Delta First Class may bring their immediate family (spouse/domestic partner and children under 21) or up to two companion guests for an entry fee of $100 or 10,000 miles per person. Children under 2 may accompany eligible Delta One Lounge customers at no charge.
Chase Sapphire Lounges
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers and authorized users can access Chase Sapphire Lounges and over 1,300 Priority Pass lounges with up to two guests free of charge. To enter, cardmembers must show their Sapphire Reserve card, their eligible departing same-day boarding pass, and a boarding pass for each guest. Additional guests can be added for a fee of $59 USD/CAD/GBP/EUR each.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport and the lounge. Some lounges are located before security control, meaning you can access them without a departing flight. However, most lounges are located within the departure terminal, requiring a departing flight for access. Some lounges also have time limits for visitors.
Typically, you need a valid boarding pass and a membership card or proof of membership on an app. Some lounges are exclusive to first or business class passengers or members of specific credit card programmes.
While food and drinks are often complimentary, it is important to eat and drink in moderation. Overindulging may cause discomfort during your flight or lead to you being denied boarding. It is also important to supervise any children in your care and ensure they do not disturb other guests.
Guest policies vary depending on the lounge. Some lounges allow guests as long as they are travelling on the same flight, while others do not permit guests at all. Certain membership programmes may include complimentary guest visits.
