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There are various ways to access airport lounges around the world. One way is to purchase an annual membership, which can cost between $550 and $850 for individual, non-elite status flyers. Another option is to pay for a one-time pass, which some airlines sell for single lounge access. Certain credit cards also offer complimentary lounge access to their cardholders, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, which provides access to a wide range of lounges. Additionally, military personnel may have access to specific lounges, and some airlines provide complimentary access to their lounges for these individuals. Priority Pass is another option, offering access to over 1700 lounges worldwide, regardless of the airline ticket.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of lounges | 1700+ |
| Lounge access providers | Priority Pass, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, oneworld, American Express |
| Lounge locations | Las Vegas, JFK, San Francisco, Atlanta, Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, Sydney, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Seoul-Incheon International Airport, etc. |
| Lounge facilities | Complimentary drinks and refreshments, pre-flight bites, charging points, free Wi-Fi, conference rooms, spa treatments |
| Lounge access eligibility | Members of airline lounge programs, alliance members, premium cardholders, military personnel, First and Business Class customers, Emerald and Sapphire tier travellers |
| Lounge access cost | Varies by provider, e.g. Alaska ($550), American ($850 or 85,000 miles), Delta ($695 or 69,500 miles), United ($750 or 94,000 miles) |
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What You'll Learn
Priority Pass membership
Priority Pass is the world's largest independent airport lounge access programme, with 1700+ lounges in over 600 cities and 145 countries worldwide. Priority Pass membership provides access to a wide range of premium lounges and airport experiences, regardless of the airline ticket. This includes lounges in popular locations such as Las Vegas, JFK, San Francisco, Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Dubai, Doha, Hong Kong, and Sydney.
As a member, you can enjoy complimentary drinks, refreshments, and pre-flight bites, as well as free Wi-Fi and charging points in most lounges. Some lounges also offer additional amenities like conference rooms and pre-flight spa treatments. You can also take advantage of in-airport dining, spa services, and other lounge alternatives. Priority Pass continuously adds new features to its app, making it a valuable travel companion.
The Priority Pass app provides access to your Digital Membership Card, airport maps, and other digital features to enhance your airport experience. You can also present a physical membership card for entry. Priority Pass membership allows you to bring guests, so you can invite family, friends, or colleagues to join you in the lounges.
With lounges and experiences being added every month, Priority Pass membership offers a convenient and enjoyable way to make the most of your time at the airport, whether you're travelling for business or pleasure.
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Airline status and partnerships
Airline partnerships and memberships are a great way to gain access to airport lounges. Each airline has its own rules and partnerships, so it's important to check the specific policies of the airline and lounge in question. Here are some examples of airline status and partnerships that can get you into airport lounges:
Oneworld Alliance:
Oneworld is an alliance of multiple airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Alaska Airlines. oneworld Emerald or Sapphire members can access lounges offered by any oneworld airline when departing on a flight marketed and operated by any oneworld member airline, regardless of cabin class. First and Business Class customers connecting to or from an international long-haul flight can also access lounges. Additionally, American Airlines AAdvantage members with elite status, such as Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Platinum, can access Admirals Clubs when travelling on qualifying international flights operated by American or Oneworld partners.
Priority Pass:
Priority Pass offers access to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide, including those operated by carriers like Air France, KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. Some premium credit cards, such as the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card, offer complimentary Priority Pass membership.
Airline Memberships:
Many airlines offer paid lounge memberships, such as United Club, Admirals Club, and Delta Sky Club. These memberships often provide access to the airline's lounges and select partner lounges worldwide, but may require travelling on a ticket operated by the airline or its partners.
Credit Cards:
Certain credit cards provide access to airport lounges, either through a membership program or directly through the card's benefits. For example, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers unlimited Admirals Club access for American Airlines flyers.
It's important to note that each lounge may have its own access rules and restrictions, so it's always a good idea to check the specific policies before planning to use an airport lounge.
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Credit cards and premium cards
When choosing a credit card that provides access to airport lounges, it is important to consider the benefits, terms, and conditions of the card to ensure it is a good fit for your needs. Some cards will offer access to airline-specific lounges, such as Delta Air Lines' Sky Clubs or American Airlines' Admirals Clubs, while others provide entry to curated collections of lounges worldwide, like Plaza Premium or Priority Pass Select membership.
For example, the Platinum Card from American Express offers access to more than 1,400 locations, including their own Centurion and International American Express lounges, as well as Delta Sky Clubs and lounges in the Priority Pass, Escape, Plaza Premium, and Air Space networks. The Sapphire Reserve is another premium reward card that offers elevated earning rates, statement credits, and a wide range of luxury benefits, making it a great choice for frequent travellers.
If you are looking for a card with a lower annual fee, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect card offers four complimentary visits to Priority Pass Select lounges annually without any annual fee, allowing you to try out lounge access without a high commitment cost.
Additionally, eligible Venture X cardholders can access 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounges and participating Priority Pass lounges, offering luxurious amenities, food, and beverages. This card also provides elevated travel rewards and travel credits, making it an attractive option for frequent travellers.
It is worth noting that some lounges may have guest privileges, so you can bring a companion, and certain cards may offer the ability to add authorised users with their own lounge access for an additional cost.
When deciding which credit card to choose for airport lounge access, consider your home airport and the lounges you would like to access. If your home airport has an issuer lounge, a premium card from that issuer with lounge access may be a good option. Additionally, if you frequently pass through airports with Priority Pass-affiliated restaurants, a card with this access can provide significant savings on your dining expenses.
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Military personnel
Since World War II, some of the most well-known military airport lounges have been operated by the USO. These lounges are open to currently serving military members and their families with unexpired ID cards. They feature internet access, sleeping areas, small libraries, mini-theatres, snacks, and other services that vary depending on location. However, these lounges are not open to all visitors. USO lounges are generally not open to retirees and veterans, as they prefer to use all available resources for those who are currently serving in uniform and their families.
In addition to the USO, certain travel cards provide lounge access. Six different AmEx cards will get you Centurion Lounge access, but access details vary. Only top-tier AmEx cards offer airport lounge access. The Platinum Card from American Express provides access to premium airport lounges, including Centurion Lounges, at a significantly reduced out-of-pocket cost.
Many airlines will allow active-duty military members in uniform on leave or R&R to enter their lounges, although policies differ. Military personnel travelling in uniform on a same-day flight operated by American Airlines can access their Admirals Club lounges domestically and internationally. Their immediate family or up to two guests are also allowed entry. United Clubs allow active-duty military members in uniform on leave or R&R entry as long as they are flying United the same day. Their family members can also enter. Alaska Airlines offers a day pass for $30 to all other service members, while Delta Airlines offers access to military members and sometimes their families.
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Pay-per-use
Paying for airport lounge access can be a great option if you don't travel often but still want to enjoy the benefits of a lounge. Lounge access can be purchased through a variety of methods, including day passes, travel cards, and airline status. Many lounges offer pay-per-use entry, which typically costs between $25 and $75 USD per visit, with some ranging from $35 to $60, or even up to $80 per person. Some lounges may also offer discounted rates or free access to military personnel.
One-time passes can often be purchased online or through a mobile app, and sometimes even at the front desk of the lounge. LoungeBuddy, Plaza Premium Lounge, and Dragon Pass are examples of lounges that offer this option. Creating a free account with Regus, an office space booking service, can also grant you a free DragonPass membership, reducing each lounge booking to a flat rate. Additionally, certain credit cards may provide complimentary day passes or lounge memberships.
It is important to note that lounge access policies vary by airline and airport. While some lounges may only be accessible to card members or premium cabin passengers, others may be more flexible. Some generic lounges, such as Plaza or The Club, typically allow pay-per-use entry. Specific airline clubs, such as United Clubs or Delta SkyClubs, may offer day passes for around $59 to $60. However, certain airlines like Delta Air Lines may restrict access to membership or credit card holders only.
Paying for lounge access can be a great option for travellers with long layovers or delays, providing a quiet and comfortable space with amenities like Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and sometimes even showers. When considering pay-per-use lounge access, it is advisable to check the duration allowed, which is often around 4 to 6 hours. Additionally, researching the specific policies and amenities offered by different lounges can help travellers make an informed decision about whether paying for lounge access is the right choice for their needs.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to access airport lounges. You can pay for a membership, such as Priority Pass, which offers access to 1700+ airport lounges worldwide. Alternatively, you can purchase a premium credit card that offers lounge access as a benefit. Some airlines also offer lounge access to certain elite status members or as a one-time pass. Finally, if you are flying first or business class, you may automatically be granted lounge access.
Airport lounges offer a range of benefits to make your travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable. These may include complimentary drinks and refreshments, pre-flight spa treatments, charging points, free Wi-Fi, conference rooms, and comfortable seating areas.
The cost of airport lounge access varies depending on the specific lounge and your method of access. Annual memberships can range from $550 to $850, while single-entry passes may be available for a lower cost. Some credit cards that offer lounge access may have high annual fees, such as $695 for the Platinum Card from American Express.
Yes, there are different types of airport lounges, often varying in terms of the amenities and level of luxury they offer. For example, there are business lounges, first-class lounges, and premium lounges. Some airlines also have their own branded lounges, such as the American Airlines Admirals Club and the United Club.
