Lois Larson
There are several ways to gain access to an airport lounge. One way is to purchase an annual membership, which can provide unlimited access to lounge networks, even if you're not a premium cabin customer. The cost of these memberships varies depending on the airline and your status as a new or existing member. Alternatively, you can purchase day passes, either online or at the airport, which typically cost around $25 to $80 per person. Certain credit cards also offer complimentary lounge access as a benefit, such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® and The Platinum Card® from American Express. Additionally, some airlines provide free access to U.S. military personnel and their families. Finally, achieving elite status with an airline alliance can grant you free airport lounge access when flying with a member airline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Membership cards | Priority Pass, Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, The New United Club Card, The Platinum Card from American Express |
| Annual memberships | Alaska ($550), American ($850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles), Delta ($695 or 69,500 SkyMiles), United ($750 or 94,000 MileagePlus miles) |
| Day passes | United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines |
| Military access | USO airport lounges, Admirals Clubs, United |
| Credit cards | The Platinum Card from American Express, premium credit cards |
| Lounge networks | Airspace Lounge, Lufthansa Business Lounge, Lufthansa Senator Lounge, Plaza Premium Lounge, Priority Pass Select, Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, Escape Lounge |
| Lounge locations | Las Vegas, JFK, San Francisco, Atlanta, Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, Sydney, and many more |
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What You'll Learn
Buying an annual membership
If you're a frequent flyer, buying an annual lounge membership can be more cost-effective than buying day passes for each visit. There are several options for purchasing an annual membership to airport lounges.
Airline-specific memberships
You can buy annual memberships directly from some airlines. For example, Alaska Airlines offers an annual membership for $550, while American Airlines charges $850 or 85,000 AAdvantage miles. Delta offers annual membership for $695 or 69,500 SkyMiles, and United charges $750 or 94,000 MileagePlus miles. These memberships typically provide access to the respective airline's lounges and partner lounges worldwide.
Credit card memberships
Many premium credit cards offer airport lounge access as a perk. For example, the United Club℠ Infinite Card has an annual fee of $525 and includes United Club membership. The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® provides access to Admirals Club lounges for a $595 annual fee. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers entry to Delta Sky Clubs for $650 per year. In addition, some credit cards offer Priority Pass memberships, which provide access to a network of airport lounges worldwide.
Priority Pass memberships
Priority Pass is a membership program that provides access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally. They offer three levels of membership: Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige. All membership levels have an annual fee and charge for guests. Priority Pass memberships can also be obtained through certain credit cards, which often include complimentary guest access.
When purchasing an annual membership, it's important to consider your travel habits and the lounges you wish to access. Compare the features and benefits of each membership option to find the one that best suits your needs.
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One-time passes
There are several ways to obtain one-time passes to airport lounges. Firstly, some airlines sell single-entry passes to their lounges. For example, United Airlines offers one-time passes to its United Club lounges, Alaska Airlines sells single-entry passes to its Alaska Lounges, and American Airlines offers 24-hour day passes that allow access to multiple Admirals Clubs. These passes typically range from $59 to $79, or 7,900 AAdvantage miles. It's important to note that some airlines, like Delta Air Lines, may not offer single-visit passes, and instead require membership or specific credit cards for lounge access.
Additionally, certain credit cards provide complimentary lounge access or discounted rates. For instance, the Citi Strata Elite Card offers access to Priority Pass lounges and American Airlines Admirals Clubs. Similarly, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card provides access to Priority Pass Select benefits, granting entry to over 1,500 lounges worldwide. In some cases, specific credit cards may offer free Priority Pass membership, which provides access to a vast network of lounges and experiences in over 600 cities and 145 countries.
Another option is to purchase a one-time pass directly from the lounge. Lounges such as Plaza and The Club often allow guests to pay a fee for entry. Prices can vary depending on the lounge and location, ranging from $15 in a domestic lounge in Vietnam to $165 in Al Safwa, Qatar. It's always a good idea to check the lounge's website or contact them directly to understand their specific entry requirements and fees.
When considering purchasing a one-time pass, it's essential to evaluate the cost-effectiveness. If you plan to use the lounge for a short time, it may not be worth the entry fee, which can range from $24 to $60. However, for longer layovers, the amenities offered by airport lounges, such as food, drinks, showers, and a quiet environment, can make the experience more relaxing and potentially more affordable than restaurants in the main airport.
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Military personnel access
Military personnel can gain access to airport lounges through a variety of means. Firstly, United Service Organizations (USO) lounges are available for active-duty military personnel and their families. These lounges are found in airports worldwide and provide amenities such as complimentary food and drinks, charging stations, tabletop and video games, children's play areas, and showers. To access a USO lounge, military personnel must present a valid boarding pass or proof of same-day travel. It is important to note that USO lounges are primarily for currently serving military members, and retirees and veterans are generally not permitted entry.
Additionally, certain airlines offer airport lounge access to military personnel. For example, United Airlines allows active-duty military members in uniform or on leave/R&R to access their United Clubs when flying United on the same day. Military ID, boarding pass, and a copy of orders or leave chit are required for entry. Similarly, American Airlines provides access to their Admirals Club lounges for U.S. military personnel in uniform travelling on a same-day American Airlines flight. Again, military ID and a boarding pass are required, and immediate family or up to two guests are also permitted. Alaska Airlines also offers airport lounge access to military members, although their policies are reportedly more restrictive than those of United and American.
Furthermore, military personnel can leverage their government travel charge cards or obtain premium travel credit cards that offer airport lounge access as a perk. For instance, the Centurion Lounge, operated by American Express, grants access to Amex Platinum Cardholders. However, it is important to note that simply holding an AmEx card does not guarantee entry, and specific card types and conditions may apply.
It is always recommended to check with the relevant organizations, such as specific airlines or credit card companies, to confirm the most up-to-date policies and requirements for military personnel to access airport lounges.
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Credit card benefits
Credit cards that offer airport lounge access as a benefit typically fall into the category of premium travel credit cards. These cards can provide a great deal of value to cardholders who frequently travel, as they can elevate the airport experience and make travelling a more enjoyable process.
One example of a credit card that offers airport lounge access is the Venture X card by Capital One. Cardholders can get access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounges and participating Priority Pass lounges. The Venture X card also offers elevated travel rewards, travel credits, and bonus miles.
Another option is the U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card, which provides complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, granting access to more than 1,500 lounges worldwide.
The American Express Platinum Card® is also notable for its lounge access benefits. Card Members can access The Global Lounge Collection®, which includes Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club visits when flying eligible Delta flights, Priority Pass Select lounges, and other select partner lounges, totalling over 1,550 airport lounges.
When choosing a credit card with airport lounge access, it is important to consider the various benefits, terms, and conditions to decide if it aligns with your needs and preferences. Some cards may offer unlimited free access for cardholders and their companions, while others provide discounts or additional perks. It is also worth noting that some credit card issuers have their own airport lounges, and certain airlines sell day passes or annual memberships for their lounges. Understanding how and where you travel can help determine which card will provide the most value in terms of lounge access and other travel benefits.
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Priority Pass membership
Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program with over 1,700 lounges and experiences worldwide in over 600 cities and 145 countries. Lounges are quiet, connected spaces where you can relax or work, with pre-flight bites, drinks, and other added perks.
There are different ways to access Priority Pass lounges. Some credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, offer a Priority Pass Select membership with unlimited lounge access for the cardholder and up to two guests. Crypto.com also offers Priority Pass access to its Level Up Private and Pro users. American Express Platinum Cardholders are also entitled to a complimentary membership.
You can also purchase a Priority Pass membership directly. The Standard Plus membership costs $299 annually and includes 10 free lounge visits, after which each visit costs $35 per person. The Prestige membership costs $429 per year and includes unlimited lounge visits, with each guest costing $35.
To access a Priority Pass lounge, you will need to present your Digital Membership Card or physical membership card, along with your boarding pass. You can download the Priority Pass app to access your Digital Membership Card, find lounges, and access other digital features.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to get access to an airport lounge. You can purchase a day pass, either online or at the airport, which typically costs around $25 to $80 per person. Alternatively, you can buy an annual membership, which provides unlimited access to an airline's lounge network. Prices vary depending on the airline and your status, but they generally range from $550 to $750. You can also gain access by achieving elite status with a specific airline or alliance, or by redeeming credit card points or miles. Some credit cards also offer complimentary Priority Pass membership, which grants access to over 1,500 airport lounges worldwide.
A Priority Pass membership can be purchased for as little as $99 per year. However, the standard membership also includes a $35 member visit fee and a $35 fee for each guest.
Yes, several credit cards offer airport lounge access as a benefit. For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® offers free Admirals Club membership, while The New United Club℠ Card provides access to United lounges. The Platinum Card® from American Express is another option, offering comprehensive lounge access, including Priority Pass membership and access to the Centurion Lounge network.
