The Ultimate Guide to Airport Lounges

The airport experience has become increasingly frustrating and complex in recent years. Long security lines, overworked employees, and frustrated travelers can take all the fun out of traveling. Thankfully, there are still ways to not only make that experience manageable but even enjoyable. Airport lounges in particular offer a quiet escape from the madness of the surrounding terminals. They are not just a place to relax and recharge but also offer an array of perks and services that most travelers never get to experience. The best part is that airport lounges are no longer just for business and first-class passengers but can be accessed by savvy digital nomads for free.

Like expedited check-in, fast-track security, and priority boarding, gaining access to airport lounges is a key element in making the whole airport experience more comfortable. Below we describe everything you need to know about these VIP lounges, including how to access them and what services you can expect. When done right, the airport lounge experience can be so enjoyable that it may even inspire you to arrive at the airport early!

Airline

Airline lounges, such as the Delta Sky Lounge or Lufthansa Lounge, are associated with a specific airline. Not every airline has lounges, but larger airlines will typically have one or more lounges in key transfer airports. As a result, almost every international airport has several airline-specific lounges.

Most major airlines have multiple tiers of lounges, such as one dedicated to business class passengers and another exclusively for first-class passengers or top-tier elite frequent flyers. Major airlines also have one or more ‘Flagship’ airport lounges, which are typically located at an airline’s main hub airport and offer enhanced services such as a la carte dining, spa treatments, showers, and overnight rooms.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass is a membership program that provides access to over 1,300 airport experiences around the world, regardless of what airline you are flying or what kind of ticket you hold (i.e., economy, premium, business, or first class). Membership benefits also extend beyond airport lounge access to airport dining, retail, and spa credits and discounts. Guests accompanying a member (up to two per visit) are typically allowed for free or for a fee, depending on the membership tier.

Credit Card

Credit card lounges, such as those by Capital One or American Express, are provided as a benefit to holders of specific credit cards. These cardholders typically get unlimited access for themselves and up to two guests per visit.

It wasn’t until recently that credit card companies began opening their own airport lounges. To date, there are fewer than 50 credit card lounges worldwide, the majority of which are located at major airports in the United States.

LoungeBuddy

LoungeBuddy is a website and mobile app that sells single-use passes to more than 2,000 participating airport lounges worldwide. Payment can be made directly through the website or app and on the day of travel for instant access.

LoungeBuddy was recently purchased by American Express. As a result, lounge booking services are now exclusively available to American Express card members.

LoungeKey

LoungeKey partners with credit card companies to provide unlimited access to participating airport lounges for cardholders. LoungeKey’s main partnership is with World Elite Mastercard.

The LoungeKey network currently offers access to over 1,000 global airport lounges, regardless of what airline you are flying or what kind of ticket you hold. In most cases, one complementary guest is allowed per visit, but we recommend checking the specific lounge guest policy ahead of time for any limitations or additional costs.

Military

There are approximately 200 USO lounges worldwide for active U.S. servicemembers and their families. These lounges feature internet access, sleeping areas, snacks, and other services depending on the location.

Additionally, the following airline and credit card lounges also have policies that may allow for complimentary access to military members and their families:

• American Airlines Admirals Club
• American Express Centurion Lounges
• Delta Sky Club
• Priority Pass Lounges

In most cases, these policies require that a person has a day-of boarding pass (with that airline, if it is an airline lounge) and be in uniform.

Priority Pass Membership

A Priority Pass membership is often provided as an added benefit with certain premium travel credit cards. Here are the top ten credit cards that come with a complimentary Priority Pass membership:

• American Express Business Platinum Card
• American Express Platinum Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
• Citi Prestige Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card
• HSBC Elite Credit Card
• Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card
• US Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card

Travel credit cards are by far the best way to obtain a Priority Pass membership. First, credit card companies will pay the annual membership fee ($400+) on your behalf. Secondly, it is also the only way to secure the Priority Pass Select membership tier, giving you unlimited free lounge access and up to two complementary guest passes per visit (which are normally only available at a fee). Finally, if you add any authorized users to your credit card account, those authorized users will also get their own Priority Pass membership.

If you don’t have one of the above credit cards, the following three tiers of membership can be purchased directly through the Priority Pass website:

Official Referral Links:

Capital One Venture X Rewards – 75,000 bonus points

Chase Sapphire Reserve Card – 60,000 bonus points

Marriot Bonvoy Brilliant Card – 150,000 bonus points

Frequent Flyer Program Elite Status

As you probably know, each airline has its own loyalty program that allows travelers to earn and redeem points. These frequent flyer programs are free to join and have different tiers of elite status that members can achieve based on the number of miles flown or money spent with the airline in a calendar year.

Most airlines are grouped into one of three alliances (e.g. One World, Sky Team, and Star Alliance). This allows a traveler to fly with any airline of an alliance, but still earn points with the frequent flyer program of their choice. Additionally, once a traveler achieves elite status with a given airline, that elite status is also typically recognized when traveling with any of the other airlines within that alliance.

Complimentary lounge access is often a benefit provided to members once they reach a certain elite tier (this varies by frequent flyer program). For example, United Airlines Mileage Plus members who reach Premier Gold status receive complimentary lounge access at United Airlines Clubs, as well as any other airline lounges that are a part of the Star Alliance network. Similarly, Lufthansa’s Miles and More members who reach Senator or HON Circle status receive complimentary lounge access to dedicated Senator and HON Circle lounges, as well as other (though not all) lounges within the Star Alliance network. It should be noted that in some cases, depending on the available lounges, airlines may also require that you are flying on a business or first-class ticket regardless of status, so be sure to check with your frequent flyer program before traveling.

Related Post: How to Travel For Free – Miles and Points

International Business or First-Class Ticket

Traveling on an international business or first-class ticket will also typically provide travelers with complimentary lounge access with their airline or any other airline within the same alliance. If you are flying on a domestic U.S. business or first-class ticket, however, most airlines will not provide complimentary lounge access.

Travel Rewards Credit Card

To access Capital One Lounges and American Express Lounges, travelers must hold specific credit cards with those companies. The Capital One Venture X card provides unlimited access to Capital One Lounges for the cardholder plus two guests per visit. The Capital One Venture and Spark Miles cards come with two free lounge visits per year, then a reduced price of $45 per visit after that. To access American Express’s Centurion lounge, travelers must present either their American Express Platinum Card or American Express Business Platinum. Further, American Express Platinum cardholders also get complimentary access to Delta Sky Lounges when flying Delta.

These travel rewards credit cards also offer some form of lounge access:

Related Post: How to Earn 1 Million Miles and Points Per Year

Single-Entry Pass

Many worldwide lounges are now selling single-visit passes to generate additional revenue. This allows travelers, who may not otherwise qualify for entry, to pay a daily rate for access. This can be done through third-party apps such as LoungeBuddy (for American Express card members) or physically at the lounge check-in. The daily rates can vary between $25 and $150 per visit and give visitors full access to the lounge, assuming it is not overcrowded.

The atmosphere in an airport lounge can range from that of a Michelin-star restaurant to an employee break room. Size, quality, and services all vary by location. Most lounges, however, will have at least a self-service dining area and bar, comfortable seating, and free Wi-Fi.

Airline lounges specifically for first-class passengers can mimic a high-end private club with a la carte dining, fine wines, spa services, cigar rooms, overnight rooms, and even private car service to your flight.

Most airline and credit card lounges are not quite as fancy, but still offer a comfortable retreat with free food and drinks, including open bar, designated workspaces for traveling professionals, and select areas for families and children.

At the low end of the spectrum, smaller lounges may offer just a few basic snacks, be understaffed, and in some cases may not allow entry due to overcrowding. It is rare, however, that the setting of an airport lounge is not superior to the options in the departure hall.

In most cases, lounges are a welcomed quiet space to recharge (yourself and your devices) and enjoy a bite to eat or drink while waiting for your flight. Moreover, when compared to inflated airport prices, long lines, and limited dining options in the main terminal, free lounge access is almost always a better option.

Research Lounge Options Ahead of Time

Confirm which lounges are available in the terminal you are departing from and which you have access to with your current frequent flyer status, ticket, and credit cards. Additionally, if you have a preferred lounge, you may want to factor that in when deciding which airport or airline to book your flight with.

Download Airport Lounge Access Mobile Apps

The Priority Pass and Lounge Buddy mobile apps provide a full list of participating lounges by the airport, directions, reviews, hours of operation, and requirements for entry. These are great to have handy when navigating an airport before or between flights to maximize your time in a lounge.

Bottom Line

Gaining access to airport lounges can dramatically improve the airport experience. These lounges are quiet spaces where travelers can recharge, enjoy free food and drinks, work in peace, and, in some cases, even shower or receive spa services. With many premier travel credit cards offering complimentary access as a benefit, there is no reason to not take advantage of airport lounges while traveling.