Lois Larson
Airport lounges are no longer exclusive spaces reserved only for VIPs. They are quiet areas inside the terminal where passengers can relax before a flight or during a layover, eat snacks, work using the lounge's Wi-Fi network, and sometimes even shower. There are multiple ways to access airport lounges, including purchasing a membership, flying first or business class, or obtaining a complimentary membership through a credit card. Some airlines also sell day passes or single-entry passes, while frequent flyers can gain access through airline loyalty programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ways to access | Membership, certain level of airline loyalty status, day pass, flying first or business class, certain credit cards, military ID |
| Amenities | Quiet spaces, complimentary drinks and snacks, Wi-Fi, charging points, showers |
| Cost of day passes | $25 to $80 per person, depending on the airline and lounge location |
| Cost of annual membership | Alaska: $550, American: $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles, Delta: $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles, United: $750 or 94,000 MileagePlus miles |
| Lounge networks | Priority Pass, Centurion Lounge, Admirals Club, United Club |
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What You'll Learn
Paying for a day pass
- Alaska Airlines: $60 per pass
- American Airlines: $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles
- United Airlines: $59 per pass
It's important to note that Delta Air Lines no longer sells single-visit passes to Delta Sky Clubs. Annual membership is available only to Medallion members, and general SkyMiles members must hold certain credit cards to access Delta lounges.
In addition to airline-specific day passes, there are also independent lounge networks such as Priority Pass that offer access to a wide range of lounges worldwide. A Priority Pass membership can be purchased for as little as $99 per year, and day passes for guests can be added for an additional fee.
When purchasing a day pass, it's important to remember that access may be subject to space availability, and pre-booking may be required at select locations for an additional fee. It's always a good idea to check the specific rules and requirements for the lounge you plan to visit.
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Buying a membership
One way to access airport VIP lounges is to buy a membership. There are several companies that offer lounge access at a range of airports worldwide.
Priority Pass
Priority Pass offers access to over 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences in more than 600 cities and 145 countries. As a Priority Pass member, you can enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites, as well as charging points and free Wi-Fi in most lounges. Some lounges also offer conference rooms and spa treatments. Priority Pass has a mobile app to help you find and access lounges, navigate airports, and manage your account.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines sells single-entry passes to its lounges for $60. They also offer an annual membership for $550.
American Airlines
American Airlines offers day passes that are valid for 24 hours and allow access to multiple Admirals Clubs within that period for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles. They also offer an annual membership for $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles.
United Airlines
United Airlines sells one-time passes to its United Clubs for $59. They also offer an annual membership for $750 or 94,000 MileagePlus miles. Additionally, the New United Club℠ Card is a premium co-branded United card that includes an individual membership, allowing cardholders to bring one adult guest and dependents under 18.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers annual memberships for $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles. However, annual memberships are only available to Medallion members, so holding certain credit cards is the only way to access Delta lounges for general SkyMiles members.
Credit Cards
Some premium credit cards offer lounge access to cardmembers. For example, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers complimentary entry to many airport lounges, while the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides access to Capital One Lounges and Landings, as well as Priority Pass Select lounges.
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Flying first or business class
One of the most reliable ways to gain access to an airport lounge is to fly first or business class. This usually applies to international routes and select transcontinental flights. Even if you purchase your ticket with airline miles, you can still gain entry to the lounge, either for the carrier or one of its partners.
If you are a frequent flyer, you may be rewarded for your loyalty. For example, if you fly enough with one carrier or multiple carriers in the same alliance, you can enter airline lounges when flying on select routes. American Airlines' Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Platinum elite members can enter an Admirals Club on qualifying international flights operated by American or Oneworld partners, even if they fly economy. They can also bring one guest.
If you are flying first or business class with a Oneworld member airline, you can gain access to the equivalent class of lounge, regardless of your frequent flyer status. First Class passengers may use a Business Class or frequent flyer lounge if a First Class lounge is not available, and they may also invite one guest. This access is available on the day of travel or before 6 am the following day.
Connecting passengers flying First or Business Class on a Oneworld international long-haul flight (scheduled flight time longer than 5 hours) can access the lounge when travelling between this flight and an international short-haul or domestic flight. They must show their boarding pass for the international long-haul flight to access the lounge.
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Earning airline loyalty status
One of the most reliable ways to gain access to VIP airport lounges is by earning airline loyalty status. Here are some ways to earn airline loyalty status and access exclusive airport lounges:
Flying in First or Business Class
If you fly in first or business class, you will typically have access to airport lounges, either with your carrier or one of its partners. This is usually offered on international routes and select transcontinental flights.
Frequent Flyer Programs
Frequent flyer programs reward passengers for their loyalty to a specific airline or alliance. By accumulating loyalty points or miles, you can earn elite status and access airline lounges on select routes. For example, American Airlines' AAdvantage program offers lounge access to Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Platinum elite members on qualifying international flights, even if they are flying economy.
Airline Credit Cards
Using co-branded airline credit cards is another way to earn loyalty status. Spending on these cards can earn you loyalty points or miles, which contribute to achieving elite status. For instance, the American Airlines AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® offers one loyalty point for every dollar spent. Additionally, some cards provide benefits equivalent to gold status, and higher-tier cards may offer lounge access as a perk.
Partner Shopping and Services
Airlines often have partnerships with various companies, allowing you to earn loyalty points or miles through everyday spending. This includes transactions through their shopping portals, linked cards for specific purchases, rental cars, hotels, and cruises booked through the airline or its partners. Some airlines also offer dining programs and surveys that reward you with loyalty points.
Alliance Status
By earning status with an airline alliance, you can gain access to member airlines' lounges. This usually involves accumulating loyalty points or miles with a specific airline within the alliance. For example, Delta's SkyTeam alliance offers Sky Club® memberships to Medallion elite status members.
Special Programs and Promotions
Keep an eye out for special promotions or programs offered by airlines. For instance, Alaska Airlines simplified its MVP status tiers, allowing qualification based solely on elite-qualifying miles (EQMs). Additionally, some airlines may offer status matches or provide opportunities to earn miles through multiple cards to achieve elite status.
While earning airline loyalty status can be challenging, especially for occasional travellers, the benefits of lounge access and other perks can enhance your overall travel experience.
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Using a credit card with lounge benefits
While airport lounges used to be exclusive spaces open only to "VIPs" with first-class tickets, they are now accessible to casual travellers as well. One way to access airport lounges is by using a credit card with lounge benefits.
Many premium cards offer some kind of lounge access to cardholders. Premium co-branded airline cards typically offer access to the respective airline's lounges, while bank cards usually offer access to their own lounges and to lounges in the
Some travel rewards credit cards come with Priority Pass membership as one of their benefits. Once approved for the credit card, cardholders can register for their Priority Pass membership and start taking advantage of it immediately. The associated rewards, discounts, and annual fees will vary from card to card, but many cardholders find that the welcome bonus and travel benefits are worth the annual fee.
It is important to note that access to airport lounges may be restricted due to space constraints, especially during peak seasonal activity. Therefore, it is recommended to pre-book at select locations for a small fee to ensure entry.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to access an airport VIP lounge. You can purchase a membership, buy a day pass, or fly first or business class. Some credit cards also offer complimentary access to certain lounges.
Airport VIP lounges are quiet spaces where passengers can relax before a flight or during a layover. They often include complimentary drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, and charging points. Some lounges may also offer additional amenities such as showers.
The cost of airport VIP lounge access varies depending on the airline and lounge location. Day passes typically range from $25 to $80, while annual memberships can cost several hundred dollars. Some airlines may also offer discounted rates for elite status members or military personnel.
