Tired of pushing through overcrowded terminals, paying big bucks for airport food and having nowhere to relax while you wait for your flight? Airport lounges will change your lifestyle and the right credit card will allow you to become a member for free.
If you haven’t entered the lounge before, but have seen the signs as you pass through the terminal, you’re probably wondering how it all works. For the most part, airport lounges are facilities run by airlines or other companies that offer an escape from the chaos found elsewhere. They give you a comfortable place to sit and recharge – both yourself and your phone, tablet or laptop. Airport lounges also offer free food and drink, and who doesn’t want that?
It is important to note that there are different types of airport lounges and membership programs and included access may vary.
For example, Priority Pass Select is the most popular credit card-based airport lounge program that allows members to access more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Most Priority Pass Select memberships offer unlimited visits, while some credit cards provide a pass for a certain number of visits per year (usually 10).
At the same time, there is also a program called LoungeBuddy that allows you to visit similar airport lounges. However, credit cards that offer this benefit typically limit your lounge visits each year. There’s also LoungeKey, which gives you access to 1,000 airport lounges around the world.
Finally, there are airport lounges offered through special frequent flyer or credit card programs.
This diagram provides a general overview of airport lounge membership options and how they work:
| Airline specific lounges | Airline specific airport lounges are usually more numerous at the hub airports associated with each airline (eg Delta Sky Clubs, American Admirals Clubs, etc.). Members can usually only access when they are flying with an airline or one of its partners.
Some airline credit cards offer this membership, although you can also pay for the membership right away. |
| Credit card lounges at the airport | Some airport lounge memberships are associated with credit card programs. For example, American Express offers its own network of Centurion lounges, while Capital One offers its own branded lounges.
You can only access this type of lounge network with a valid credit card. |
| LoungeBuddy Lounges | LoungeBuddy allows you to access over 2,000 airport lounges around the world.
You can pay for day passes through the LoungeBuddy app and receive membership credits with a suitable credit card. |
| LoungeKey lounges | Visit over 1,000 airport lounges, no matter which airline you fly with.
You can access this membership with a suitable travel credit card. |
| Priority Pass Lounges | This membership allows you access to over 1,300 airport lounges around the world, no matter which airline you fly with.
You can secure this membership with a wide selection of travel credit cards. |
How to get to airport lounges
There are several ways to get into an airport lounge, including buying an airport lounge membership or a day pass, or getting free admission when flying international First or Business Class. Some elite frequent flyers can also access lounges at airports if they are flying on an eligible route.
However, the easiest way to get into the airport lounge is to have a suitable travel credit card. However, you must choose your cards carefully to ensure that the membership you receive is in the locations you travel, including your home airport.
Here is a summary of the major travel credit cards that offer airport lounge membership benefits:
As we have noted, many airport lounges offer admission fees for everyone or for customers with certain credit card issuers. Conversely, in many cases, but not all, you can also purchase an airport lounge membership right away.
For example, Priority Pass offers three membership tiers, priced between $99 and $429, although the top-tier Prestige membership is the only one that allows unlimited visits.
The lounges at Capital One Airport allow anyone to enter for $65 per visit. In addition, those with a Capital One Venture Rewards credit card or Capital One Spark Business Miles can access lounges at a reduced per-visit fee of $45.
Privileges and functions of the airport lounge
One of the main benefits of visiting airport lounges is free food and drinks. You can help yourself with a spread that often includes cheese cubes, crackers, chips, hummus, vegetables and dips, soups and salads. Some airport lounges also offer a lot more dining options, including a selection of food that is enough for a full meal.
And there’s usually also a bar that serves up their own brand of wine, beer, and spirits for free, which can be a huge relief when you’re struggling to get through a tough day on the road.
In addition to catering to keep weary travelers going, airport lounges also offer other perks that may include:
- Free WiFi: When you enter the living room, you will receive a code so that you can surf the web, watch a movie, or do some work.
- souls: lounges at hubs and international airports often have showers where you can clean up and freshen up.
- Working areas: You will find tables and a printer in many living rooms.
- Spa services: Some beauty salons even offer free facials, massages and manicures, while others offer spa services for an additional fee.
But airport lounges also have their downsides. First, these places can get very crowded because many travelers get access with credit cards. During busy travel times, you may even find that visiting some airport lounges is not worth it due to lack of extra space. In others, you may find that the lounges restrict entry based on capacity. In other words, they won’t let you in because they are really full.
The quality of lounge areas can also vary greatly, which you will quickly notice if you use multiple lounge areas throughout the year.
For example, Priority Pass has lounge areas that offer little more than a cup of old coffee, a handful of soft drinks and snacks, and free internet access. However, the nicer Priority Pass lounges can feel like an airport palace, with comfy seating and a full smorgasbord of premium food.
How to get the most out of airport lounges
Nervous about stepping into an airport lounge for the first time? Here are five tips on how to get the most out of your lounge like a pro, even if you’re new to lounges:
1. Not sure if you can get into the airport lounge? just ask
If you are unsure of your lounge access, you may contact your airline or credit card issuer prior to travel. If you are already at the airport, simply go to the lounge entrance and ask if you are eligible to enter.
If yes, please note that you will need to present your access credentials (such as the credit card that grants access or Priority Pass card), photo ID and boarding pass.
2. Check out lounge deals before you go
You may have only one lounge choice, or even none, or there may be times when the only lounge available to you is in the wrong terminal.
On the other hand, if you have a lot of options, it can help you estimate what’s available beforehand. You can use the Priority Pass app or the LoungeBuddy app to quickly find available lounges at your gate or compare offers in terms of food and availability.
3. Consider Lounge Availability When Booking Flights
By making sure you have time to unwind in your living room, you will be able to arrive at your destination rested and relaxed. To be as prepared as possible, look for connecting flights where you know there is a solid lounge.
On the other hand, you should also make sure that your home airport has at least one lounge that you don’t mind visiting.
4. Seek assistance from the lounge staff to smooth out travel issues.
Break rooms help you get where you’re going faster. For example, if your flight is canceled or delayed, your customer service agent in the airport lounge can help or give you advice.
This is especially true for airline-specific airport lounges, as customer service representatives can log in to view your specific itinerary and on-site options.
5. Not traveling alone? Perhaps you can bring guests
Some credit cards that offer free lounge access also allow you to bring multiple guests for free. Otherwise, your companions must pay.
For example, the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers authorized users free access to the Admirals Club. Meanwhile, most credit cards that offer Priority Pass Select membership allow you to invite two guests for free.
Check your card benefits to see if your fellow travelers can access and for what fee.
bottom line
Airport lounges can give you a place to escape when you’re stuck killing time at the airport, and you don’t even have to pay for a membership if you don’t want to. Many credit cards offer free access as well as rewards for your spending and other perks you’ll enjoy.
But don’t take our word for it. Compare the best credit cards with airport lounge access and all they have to offer, and you’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet between flights in no time.
* All information about the American Express Green Card, Citi Prestige Card, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, HSBC Elite Credit Card, United Club Infinite Card and US Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card has been independently collected by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
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