Roberta Aguirre
There are multiple ways to access an airport lounge. Some of the most common methods include purchasing a day pass, buying an annual membership, or obtaining a credit card with lounge benefits. Certain airlines also provide complimentary access to U.S. military personnel and their families, as well as to premium-cabin passengers. Additionally, some airport lounges can be accessed by purchasing a membership program or using a qualifying credit or membership card. Lounge access may also depend on factors such as flight ticket, class of travel, and frequent flyer status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Free access | Redeem miles, use a credit card with lounge benefits, or gain elite status |
| Credit cards with lounge benefits | Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, The Platinum Card® from American Express, The New United Club℠ Card |
| Military personnel | May qualify for free or discounted access with select airlines |
| Pay for access | Day passes, annual memberships, or one-time passes |
| Airlines with lounges | American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines |
| Lounge networks | Priority Pass, Centurion Lounge, Star Alliance |
| Amenities | Complimentary food and drinks, duty-free shops, designer boutiques, spas, enhanced Wi-Fi |
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What You'll Learn
Buying a membership
If you're a frequent traveller, buying an annual lounge membership can be a good idea. Most major airlines sell annual memberships that provide unlimited access to their lounge networks, even if you're not flying in a premium cabin. The cost varies depending on your elite status and whether you are buying a new membership or renewing. For example, an annual membership for Alaska Airlines costs $550, while for American Airlines, it is $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles. United Airlines offers membership for $750 or 94,000 MileagePlus miles.
Credit cards are another way to gain access to airport lounges. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers cardholders free Admirals Club membership, valued at up to $850 per year. The New United Club℠ Card offers United Club membership, which grants the primary member, one adult guest, and dependent children access to United lounges. The Platinum Card® from American Express is considered the best travel card for frequent travellers as it offers complimentary entry to the most airport lounges of all premium cards. It has an annual fee of $695.
The Priority Pass is another option, with access to over 1,500 lounges worldwide. You can buy a membership for as little as $99 per year, with a $35 member visit fee and $35 per guest. To access a lounge, you need to present your Priority Pass Digital Membership Card or physical membership card, along with your boarding pass. The Priority Pass app can be used for on-the-go access.
If you don't travel often but want to visit 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 travel. Prices vary depending on the airline and lounge location but typically cost around $25 to $80 per person.
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One-time passes
Availability and Pricing:
Lounge Amenities:
Airport lounges provide a quiet and comfortable space inside the terminal. They typically offer a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience, such as complimentary snacks, drinks, and pre-flight bites. Some lounges may also provide shower facilities, charging points, and access to Wi-Fi.
Purchase Options:
You can purchase one-time passes online or at select airport locations. When buying a pass, you may need to provide your flight details and ensure that the lounge has availability. Some lounges may offer pre-booking for a small fee to secure your spot.
Lounge Access Requirements:
Keep in mind that lounge access may be limited based on capacity. Priority is often given to annual members or passengers flying in business or first class. Additionally, some lounges may require you to present a boarding pass for a same-day eligible flight and a government-issued photo ID.
Alternative Options:
If you're a frequent traveller, consider the benefits of Priority Pass membership, which provides access to over 1,700 lounges worldwide, including locations in Las Vegas, JFK, San Francisco, Atlanta, Heathrow, and more. Priority Pass membership can be especially valuable for international travel, offering access to premium lounges in Asia and the Middle East.
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Credit cards with lounge benefits
The Platinum Card from American Express
The Platinum Card from American Express is considered one of the best cards for lounge access. It offers access to more than 1,400 lounges worldwide, including the issuer's own Centurion and International American Express lounges, as well as Delta Sky Clubs and lounges in the Priority Pass, Escape, Plaza Premium, and Airspace networks. This card also provides elite status perks with hotels and rental cars, as well as valuable travel rewards. However, it comes with a hefty annual fee of $695.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select. Cardholders can also access Chase's own branded lounges, such as the Sapphire Lounges. This card has a high annual fee of $795, but it offers a $300 travel credit and other benefits like high rewards on travel spending and primary rental car coverage.
Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
If you frequently fly with American Airlines, this card could be a good option. It offers access to the Admirals Club lounges, where members can enjoy snacks, drinks, and personalized travel assistance. This card has an annual fee of $595, and any authorized users on the card also get lounge access.
Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite
This card provides access to Alaska Lounges, with eight lounge passes per year (two per quarter). It also offers other unique perks like an annual Global Companion Award and checked bag benefits. The annual fee is lower than many other cards on this list, but it is still a significant cost.
The New United Club Card
This is a premium co-branded United card that offers individual membership, allowing cardholders to bring one adult guest and dependents under 18 to United Clubs. If certain spending requirements are met, cardholders can also bring two adult guests and access Star Alliance lounges. To access United Clubs, you must be flying United or a Star Alliance partner.
In addition to these cards, there are often premium co-branded airline cards that offer access to the respective airlines' lounges, and bank cards that provide access to their own lounges and lounges in the Priority Pass network. It's important to consider your travel habits and the benefits that align with your needs when choosing a credit card with lounge access.
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Elite status
For example, Delta SkyMiles members with elite status can purchase a lounge membership with their miles. Similarly, American Airlines' AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and Platinum members can access Admirals Club lounges with qualifying international flights. This also applies to Oneworld and Star Alliance, where elite status with a member airline can grant access to alliance lounges.
It's important to note that the specific benefits of elite status can vary depending on the airline or alliance, and there may be additional requirements such as qualifying international flights or specific types of itineraries.
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Military personnel
In addition to USO lounges, some airlines offer military personnel access to their own airport lounges. For example, United Clubs allow active-duty military members in uniform or on leave/R&R to enter if they are flying United the same day, and American Airlines allows U.S. military personnel in uniform to enter their Admirals Club lounges if they are flying a same-day flight operated by American. It is important to note that these policies are subject to change, so it is recommended to check with the airline prior to travel.
Furthermore, military relief programs and certain credit cards may provide discounted access to premium airport lounges for military personnel. The Platinum Card, for instance, offers access to Centurion Lounges at a significantly reduced cost. Similarly, the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers cardholders free Admirals Club membership.
Lastly, military personnel can also gain access to airport lounges by purchasing day passes or memberships directly from the airline. While this may not be the most cost-effective option, it provides flexibility for those who do not travel frequently. Overall, there are a variety of ways for military personnel to access airport lounges, each with its own unique benefits and requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
There are multiple ways to access an airport lounge, including:
- Buying a membership: Most major airlines sell annual memberships that provide unlimited access to their lounges.
- Buying a day pass: If you don't travel often, you can buy a day pass either online or at the airport.
- Using a credit card: Some credit cards include access to airport lounges as a cardholder benefit.
- Qualifying airline ticket: Business and first-class passengers often get free access to airport lounges.
- Military service: Some airport lounges offer free or discounted access to members of the military and their families.
The cost of an annual airline lounge membership varies depending on the airline and your status. For example, an Alaska Lounge+ membership costs $650 to $750, while an American Airlines membership costs $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles.
Some examples of credit cards that give you access to airport lounges include:
- The Platinum Card from American Express
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
- The New United Club℠ Card
Yes, most airport lounges allow guests, but the guest policy varies depending on the airline, membership status, and type of lounge. Some lounges allow guests at no additional cost, while others charge a fee.
Yes, you can usually buy a day pass at the airport on the day of travel. However, it is recommended to research the specific lounge's policy in advance, as lounges may have limited capacity and deny entry if they are too crowded.
