airport lounge visit

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

How to Access Airport Lounges (Without Flying First or Business Class)

James Larounis

Senior Content Contributor

557 Published Articles 1 Edited Article

Countries Visited: 30 U.S. States Visited: 35

Director of Operations & Compliance

6 Published Articles 1179 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 10 U.S. States Visited: 20

Table of Contents

Airport lounges: what’s the big deal, thousands of airport lounges worldwide, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Airport lounges — what’s so special about them anyway?

For starters, airport lounges are great for removing most of the stress of air travel and making it an all-around more pleasurable experience. Excellent food and cocktails in a comfortably sumptuous atmosphere will do that!

It’s also because most of them include not only snacks and premium drinks, but complimentary Wi-Fi and some exceptionally comfortable spaces that promote relaxation and/or productivity.

First, let’s go through the perks of a basic airline lounge to see if you find the benefits worth having:

• Personalized assistance with your itinerary
• Comfortable seating
• Complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Complimentary snacks
• Complimentary fax or phone services
• Conference seating
• Dedicated restrooms
• Complimentary newspapers and television

In more premium lounges, you will have upgraded amenities:

• Table service dining or buffet-style food
• Complimentary premium alcohol selection
• Showers and private cabanas available
• Complimentary massages or other spa services
• Direct gate access through private corridors
• Private transfer ability
• Partitioned sections for first or business class passengers

Hot Tip: One of the biggest differences between regular airport lounges and premium or first class lounges is the food selection — it’s often MUCH better in the higher end lounges.

There are thousands of lounges worldwide, and there are a number of ways to get into them without having to fly first class or business class .

While frequent flyers may have a lot more opportunities to get into airport lounges, the casual traveler can enjoy many of these airport sanctuaries too.

To that end, here are some of our best ways for accessing the airport lounge of your choice without having to fly first class.

Premium Credit Cards

There are several premium credit cards with lounge access :

The Platinum Card ® from American Express or Centurion ® Card from American Express give complimentary access to the Amex Centurion Lounge network. It’s worth noting that both of these cards come with large annual fees, so consider if a credit card is how you will get lounge access.

Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

If you have a Priority Pass Select Card, you’ll also gain access to additional lounges (though without free guest privileges).

Chase’s premier travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , comes complete with tons of travel benefits for a steep annual fee that also includes access to Priority Pass Select lounges .

And last but not least, a Diners Club card can give you access to hundreds of lounges worldwide for a $95 annual fee. Note that you may have to pay per visit after a certain threshold, which can get expensive depending on the card you have.

Bottom Line: Centurion Lounges are probably the nicest of these premium credit card offerings. They include a premium bar and buffet food, in addition to spa services at select airports. These lounges are typically very crowded due to their popularity.

Priority Pass

This is a third-party membership program that has a large network of more than 600 airport lounges worldwide. It offers 4 membership levels:

• Standard Plus

The Standard, Prestige, and Standard Plus passes allow access to all Priority Pass lounges. Each version carries an annual fee that is determined by the number of visits that are included:

• Standard : $99 per year — $27 per visit
• Standard Plus : $249 — 10 visits per year
• Prestige: $399 — unlimited access

Select membership requires having a premium credit card , such as the Amex Platinum Card or Amex Centurion Card. Your Select membership benefits are similar to those of the Prestige level, and all of the Priority Pass levels require payment of $27 for each guest.

Hot Tip: Although 600 lounges is a major network, we recommend checking to ensure that there’s a lounge in the terminal at the airport where you’ll be flying.

Elite Status

Having elite status with a specific airline is a popular way to access lounges for many frequent flyers.

Almost all airlines have several tiers of elite status, and they usually require that you meet or exceed their mid-tier elite status before getting lounge access when you fly their airline/alliance.

For example, American Airlines has 4 public elite statuses that are open to all flyers who meet the requirements:

• AAdvantage Gold
• AAdvantage Platinum (Oneworld Sapphire)
• AAdvantage Platinum Pro (Oneworld Emerald)
• AAdvantage Executive Platinum (Oneworld Emerald)

To access both the Admirals Clubs and the Oneworld business class lounges (such as SFO’s Cathay Pacific Lounge), you have to reach AAdvantage Platinum or better. And travelers must be AAdvantage Executive Platinum to use AA Flagship Lounges or Oneworld first class lounges (such as HKG’s Cathay Pacific the Pier First Class Lounge ).

Some U.S. carriers, like United and Delta Air Lines, are now requiring an international itinerary to access lounges even with elite status (in some cases, this excludes Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean). But many of them — including Oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam — will let you bring a guest for no additional charge.

On Star Alliance carriers , Star Alliance Gold members flying domestically can access any Star Alliance Lounge in the system, including in the continental U.S. (except domestic United Clubs, where you need a membership).

This is a terrific benefit, and it comes in handy at airports like Washington Dulles, where there is a United hub and also a Turkish Airlines lounge. (For you United flyers, you’d have Star Alliance Gold if you’re a United Gold, Platinum, 1K or Global Services.)

On SkyTeam carriers , you can access other SkyTeam lounges across the world, too – but if you’re a domestic Delta flyer, you won’t have access to these lounges within the United States .

SkyTeam uses the SkyTeam Elite Plus designation for those who are allowed access. On Delta, this would be for Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion , and Diamond Medallion members.

When it comes to elite status lounge access, I think there are 2 main favorites:

• Oneworld for access to first class lounges around the world , such as the famed Qantas First Lounge in Sydney
• Star Alliance for access to all Star Alliance Lounges in the domestic U.S. (with the exception of United Clubs)

Bottom Line: Oneworld has a great selection of first class lounges, while Star Alliance allows domestic U.S. lounge access.

Purchase an Annual Lounge Membership

This could be an excellent value if you fly a lot. The most popular annual lounge memberships are:

• Air New Zealand
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• United Airlines

Your annual membership fee allows access to any of the lounges that are operated by that airline, as well as a number of partner lounges (excluding some first class lounges). This access is regardless of whatever airline you may be flying that day .

That means you can purchase a United Club membership and access their lounge even if you’re flying on Southwest at the time. The majority of these lounge memberships will also allow you to bring your spouse, domestic partner, and/or children with you (or 2 other guests total).

Lounge memberships usually run between $350 and $500 annually, but they could quickly pay for themselves in comparison to day passes (or having to spend thousands on business or first class tickets).

If you have an Alaska Club membership or a Qantas Club membership, interestingly enough, you’re also allowed to access American Airlines Admirals Clubs across the globe.

(The reciprocal is true for Admirals Club holders who wish to access Alaska Lounges or Qantas Clubs too.)

These lounge memberships can be purchased outright with cash, you can use miles to buy them (usually a bad value!), or you can use the airline’s business program currency to negate the fee.

Typical benefits at a paid U.S. lounge include:

• Complimentary snacks, like cheese cubes or cookies
• Personalized assistance with reservations or ticketing
• Private bathrooms
• A bar stocked with well drinks and premium liquors

As you enter lounges internationally, you’ll experience much better benefits (even for a paid membership). Qantas Clubs in Australia, for example, include sandwiches you can make, a barista, and fresh salads.

Bottom Line: Everyone can access airline lounges with a paid membership. Sometimes these paid memberships allow you reciprocal access to other airline lounges, too.

This is the most accessible method for gaining lounge access: simply pay at the door. Many lounges don’t even require that you be flying their airline!

Most of the lounges that sell day passes belong to U.S.-based airlines like Alaska Airlines ( Alaska Lounge ), American ( Admirals Club ), and United ( United Club ). There are also numerous independent lounges worldwide that sell day passes, including:

• The Club Lounges
• No. 1 Lounges
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Servisair Lounges

Day passes generally run between $29 and $79 per entry. However, some airline-branded credit cards give you 2 free lounge passes for every year that you renew your card (like the United SM Explorer Card ).

These passes are a great way to enjoy airport lounges without paying for annual memberships, buying expensive first class tickets, or having to fly thousands of miles annually with a particular airline.

You can also inquire in the individual airline clubs directly regarding access, including the legacy carriers within the United States. Day passes are sold by United and American in an attempt to entice non-members to visit the lounge in advance of their flight, even if they aren’t flying business class.

Hot Tip: Day passes can get expensive, so if you think you’ll be using them often, you may want to consider an annual membership!

LoungeBuddy

LoungeBuddy is an airport lounge booking service that gives you the ability to purchase access to airport lounges anywhere regardless of your class of service, lounge memberships, or elite status. They currently have more than 280 worldwide lounge partners.

Besides seeing the lounges that you can access free of charge, you can also buy access to a lounge from the LoungeBuddy app. And if you add any of your elite statuses, LoungeBuddy will tell you all the lounges you can access, as well as how many complimentary guests you’re allowed to bring in.

Using LoungeBuddy, you can purchase access into lounges you don’t already have access to for a nominal fee (usually as low as $20). Once you buy access, you’ll be given a barcode you scan when you arrive at the lounge.

Super-Exclusive Lounge Access

There are a few very exclusive lounges where a first class ticket seems to be the only way to gain entry , including the Lufthansa First Class Terminal at the Frankfurt Airport and the British Airways Concorde Room at London’s Heathrow Airport.

However, there are exceptions even then if you’re an invitation-only elite status tier member, like British Airways Executive Club Premier or Lufthansa’s HON Circle.

For the most part, though, the majority of international first class tickets will let you access these lounges with the ability to bring 1 guest (who doesn’t need to be a first class ticket holder).

Now that you know a few of the best methods for accessing airline lounges when you travel, you can relax more and stress less.

No more waiting endlessly for a watered-down overpriced drink at the crowded airport bar. No more lousy airport food and crowded seating while you wait for your flight.

Instead, you can enjoy peace, tranquility, and everything else you thought only first-class passengers were entitled to!

The information regarding the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Centurion ® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.  The information for the Citi Prestige ® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees for The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass ® Card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest way to get airport lounge access.

The easiest way to get airport lounge access is through one of the many travel rewards cards that offer access to various lounge program, like Priority Pass .

Was this page helpful?

About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the  latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's  privacy policy   and  terms of service   apply.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Ways to Gain Airport Lounge Access

By Suzanne Rowan Kelleher , Jessica Puckett , and Blane Bachelor

There’s no denying it: Being in an airport terminal is draining. The crowds, the often subpar food options, and the lack of adequate seating make for a tedious and uncomfortable experience.

But fortunately, most airports have lounges, where travelers can ease these woes with complimentary craft cocktails, comfy armchairs, and buffets of gourmet food. In some of the more modern spaces, there are even tranquility areas for meditating or napping, cycling and yoga rooms, and shower suites for freshening up.

There are more ways than ever to access these sanctuaries amid the airport bedlam, but each tactic is becoming more expensive and competitive as airlines and credit card companies try to solve overcrowding issues across their lounge networks.

The most infamous example is probably the recent changes Delta made to lounge access rules as part of a larger redesign of its loyalty program. To the chagrin of fliers, the airline is capping the annual number of visits credit cardholders can have to its Sky Clubs in 2025. (It’s not clear yet how many visits each credit cardholder will be allotted per year—Delta is tweaking the numbers after severe backlash from customers.) Additionally, any passenger flying in basic economy won’t be allowed in the lounges beginning in 2024.

Suffice it to say that the lounge game is getting more cutthroat. But even with ever-growing restrictions, you should be able to find a way to score a coveted spot in one of these peaceful havens—as long as you plan ahead. Here are some useful strategies for accessing airport lounges around the world, no matter where you’re flying next.

• Fly in a premium cabin

Premium credit cards

• Priority Pass memberships
• Annual passes

Fly in premium cabins

The most obvious way to gain entry into an airline lounge is to buy a ticket in a premium cabin. Some airlines reserve spaces aside for business class or first class passengers only (and occasionally travelers in the upper echelons of their loyalty schemes), ensuring these lounges still feel exclusive and not overcrowded.

United Polaris lounges, for instance, only allow fliers with tickets in its long-haul business class cabin to enter the rarefied spaces, which are at six US airports and are some of the slickest lounges around. Other ultra-exclusive lounges include British Airways’ Concorde Room, Air France’s La Premiere, Cathay Pacific’s The Pier, which all limit access to first-class passengers or the very top-tier status members.

But you don’t necessarily need to splash out on the most expensive seats to enjoy a lounge: A growing number of airlines are offering access to passengers in their premium economy cabins . The perk helps further distinguish this popular fare class from the regular economy class. Scandinavian Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines , and LATAM all bestow complimentary lounge access to premium economy passengers across their networks of lounges. Be sure to check with your airline that you’ll have lounge access on your route before you book a premium economy ticket, as some carriers limit premium economy passengers to specific locations.

Holding the right travel credit card is a savvy way of ensuring you’ll have entry to a wide scope of airport lounges. Lounge access is now a standard—and beloved—perk on most premium reward cards, so much so that a growing number of credit card companies are launching their own concepts to entice cardmembers.

One of the best credit card options to secure airport lounge access is The Platinum Card from American Express (which carries a $695 annual fee, see rates and fee details ). This card will grant you complimentary access to the coveted Centurion Lounges, which are something of a gold standard. These high-end spaces offer travelers a glamorous respite from chaotic terminals, with many offering amenities like shower suites, spas, and tranquility areas for relaxing or napping.

There are currently 13 of these swanky lounges in the US and 14 locations in airports abroad, though the network is rapidly expanding, with new Centurions slated to open in busy hubs like Atlanta and Washington, DC (DCA), in coming months. AmEx also recently announced that a Centurion location will be opening in New Jersey’s Newark Airport Terminal A in 2026, complete with a jazz-era cocktail bar and a piano lounge with live music.

Centurion loyalists love the spaces for their focus on an upscale atmosphere and delectable food and craft cocktails that are inspired by the local cuisine. In fact, there are so many fans of the lounges that overcrowding has been a problem. To rectify the issue, AmEx tightened up the guest policy in Centurion lounges back in February 2023: Guests are now charged $50 per visit (kids two and under are $30, with proof of age); previously, cardholders were allowed to bring in two friends or family members for free. The only way to avoid those guest fees is to spend at least $75,000 on your card annually.

Platinum cardholders also have access to Delta Sky Clubs and thousands of other airport lounges through Priority Pass Select (enrollment required, terms apply). Additionally, the Platinum card comes with a raft of generous travel credits, including a $200 Uber credit (enrollment required, terms apply) and TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership credit.

By CNT Editors

By Madison Flager

By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

By Caitlin Morton

The bar inside London Heathrow's Centurion Lounge.

Another solid credit card option for lounge access is the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Chase has been launching its own network of lounges called Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club. So far, two of the spaces have debuted in Hong Kong and Boston. Similar to Centurions’ spaces, Chase’s lounges feature perks like specialty cocktail bars, local cuisine like dim sum, and “relaxation areas” for lounging. Six more locations are set to open soon at the Las Vegas airport, New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington-Dulles.

Aside from Sapphire Reserve cardholders, travelers with the J.P. Morgan Reserve card and The Ritz-Carlton Credit Card can also access the lounges. Priority Pass members get one free visit per year. Travelers with the Sapphire Reserve and J.P. Morgan Reserve cards can bring up to two guests for free, while those with the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card are allowed unlimited complimentary guests. No matter which card you have, make sure to activate your card’s complimentary Priority Pass membership in order to access the lounges.

Capital One has also been busy rolling out its own lounge products across airports. Starting in 2021, the company launched Capital One Lounge network, debuting the first location at Dallas Fort Worth. Most recently, a new location opened at Washington Dulles International Airport in September 2023. (A new Capital One Lounge at Denver International Airport is expected to open soon, but no date is available as of yet.)

Capital One says it designed the spaces to be a “modern airport oasis,” featuring luxe amenities like cycling and yoga rooms, shower suites, and a relaxation room. On the culinary side of things, there’s a focus on health-conscious cuisine that can be enjoyed on-site or taken to-go.

Access to the sleek spaces is complimentary for Capital One Venture X Rewards cardholders and up to two guests; Venture Rewards and Spark Miles for Business cardholders, meanwhile, receive a range of special entry offers.

Aside from its main lounge product, Capital One is also launching an additional culinary-focused concept called Capital One Landing. Through a partnership with celebrity chef José Andrés , the lounges will offer “top-notch food for travelers,” according to a release. Locations of the gourmet spaces are planned for LaGuardia’s Terminal B and Washington, DC’s Reagan National Airport. Specific lounge access details and entry fees will be released closer to the opening dates (which are also not yet released); however, travelers with certain Capital One cards, like the Venture Card , will be eligible for special entry rates.

And don’t forget about airline credit cards, too. They’re another sure way to score a spot in some exclusive lounges. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card , which has an annual fee of $550 per year ( see rates and fees ), has similar benefits to the Platinum card, plus complimentary access to Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (though it doesn’t offer Priority Pass membership). However, keep in mind the changes to lounge access Delta has been making recently; more on that below.

The Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, which comes with a $595 annual fee, bestows complimentary American Airlines Admirals Club access to the cardholder, their immediate family, or two guests.

Several other premium credit cards, including the Citi Prestige and the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express cards (both have an annual fee: $495 and $650, respectively), come with a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.

Buy a Priority Pass membership

If a premium travel card isn’t an option, consider buying a lounge membership directly with Priority Pass , which opens the door to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide that you can access through Priority Pass's mobile app. In the US, most participating lounges are independently operated. A handful of top business class airline lounges participate at select airports. Airlines with Priority Pass–accessible lounges in US airports include Korean Air, Air France, Lufthansa , Turkish Airlines, and British Airways.

There are three tiers of membership, and at the entry level (Priority Pass Standard) you’ll pay a $99 annual membership and then $35 per lounge visit (members can also bring a guest for $35). If you visit 10 or more lounges per year, then your sweet spot is Priority Pass Standard Plus, which has a $329 annual membership fee that includes 10 free lounge visits—translating to about $33 a pop. Beyond 10 visits, you pay $35 for each visit and $35 per guest, too. The top tier is Priority Pass Prestige, with a $469 annual fee that gets you unlimited lounge visits per year (but you’ll need to pay $35 for guest passes). This becomes a better deal than Standard Plus when you hit 14 or more lounge visits in one year.

One caveat: When lounges get very crowded, Priority Pass members can be turned away—which is a more common occurrence these days.

If you don’t have the right credit card or a Priority Pass and you’re not flying in a premium cabin, you may still be able to buy your way into a nice lounge. Nearly every large airport has spaces offering day passes that any traveler can purchase for a single visit.

Escape Lounges are a good example: They have a network of 23 lounges across the US and UK and offer day passes that cost $40 when booked 24 hours in advance, or $45 at the door. Entry fees cover food selections like Thai shrimp salad or braised short ribs with polenta, plus local craft brews, wine, and handcrafted cocktails. Expect plenty of seating and free Wi-Fi, too. AmEx Platinum and Centurion cardholders also get free entry to Escape Lounges (plus two guests), while AmEx Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card members get free access.

Another reliable option is Minute Suites , which offers small private rooms ideal for napping or working. Individual rooms are rented in 15-minute increments (with a one-hour minimum) and include a daybed, workstation, and television—in some locations, you can pay extra for a shower. Prices start at $48 for the first hour.

Some airlines also offer the opportunity to purchase day passes to some of their clubs, depending on capacity. Both United Club and Alaska Lounge accept walk-ins for day passes, as does American Airlines' Admirals Club. You must be flying with each respective airline or a carrier in their alliance—like Oneworld or Star Alliance—to buy access to their lounges. Prices generally range from $50 to $80. Many airlines are limiting the sale of lounge day passes due to overcrowding: Alaska no longer offers them at its Seattle or Anchorage hubs, and Delta discontinued the ability to purchase general day passes at its Sky Clubs several years ago. If you try to show up and buy one at the door, you could be denied if the space is filling up. Purchasing a day pass in advance of travel, rather than at the door, is highly recommended. That way your spot is secure when you land. Having that guarantee in the current travel landscape, where overcrowding is still a problem in many lounges, will provide added peace of mind when you show up at the airport.

Apps like LoungeBuddy sell advance day passes to lounges of all stripes—and also help to track whether you're eligible for entry based on factors like your airline or travel credit cards in your wallet. (In fact, a credit card is now one requirement to use LoungeBuddy's service: Since it was sold to American Express in 2019, you must be an AmEx cardholder to book through the site.)

Annual airline lounge passes

Let’s say you fly regularly on short-haul flights that don’t accrue a ton of miles. Or maybe you’ve racked up a lot of miles on Southwest or JetBlue, airlines that don’t have their own lounges. A branded airline pass provides access to the lounges of that carrier and its partners, regardless of which airline you’re flying on any given day. So you could, for instance, fly JetBlue but use American’s Admirals Club.

Be aware that airlines are continually making these memberships more expensive as they try to clamp down on the rampant overcrowding problems across most airport lounges. Average current rates range from $500 to $850 per year for an individual membership, depending on the airline and whether you have elite status. (The higher your status, the cheaper the membership becomes—Delta limits the ability to purchase memberships to Diamond, Platinum, Gold and Silver Medallion elite status fliers.)

Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas, and United all offer options to buy annual lounge memberships.

Whether or not such membership programs end up being a deal depends on your personal circumstances and how much you fly—you’ll have to crunch the numbers and assess accordingly. As an example, an annual pass with unlimited access to Alaska lounges (as well as partner airlines) costs $500. Since a day pass costs $60, you break even when you visit an Alaska lounge or partner lounge at least eight times per year.

See rates and fees for the American Express cards listed: Delta SkyMiles Reserve ; the Platinum Card ; the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

How to Get Airport Lounge Access: The Best Memberships to Sign Up For

Here are the best memberships—and credit cards—that will get you into airport lounges around the world..

• Copy Link copied

To enter the Plaza Premium Lounge at Orlando International Airport, you’ll need a Priority Pass membership.

Courtesy of Plaza Premium Group

AFAR partners with CreditCards.com and may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. Compensation may impact how an offer is presented. Our coverage is independent and objective, and has not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are entirely those of the AFAR editorial team.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Airports can be stressful to navigate, especially the busiest ones . The best way to find calm within the chaos—and generally enhance your preflight experience—is to seek refuge in an airport lounge. In addition to personal space, power outlets, and free Wi-Fi, airport lounges may offer amenities like full-service cocktail bars, gourmet food spreads, showers, micro-spas, design-forward relaxation areas, and dedicated work zones.

Once upon a time, airport lounge access was exclusive to those holding business- or first-class tickets. But times have changed. Nowadays, entry is granted by simply having the right credit card or buying your way in. To make your next preflight experience or layover an enjoyable one, here are the best airport lounge memberships and passes out there—and how to get them.

Best general airport lounge membership: Priority Pass

As the world’s largest independent airport lounge program, Priority Pass offers access to more than 1,400 lounges in more than 600 cities across 148 countries, making it the most worthwhile lounge membership. (The network’s app makes it easy to search for lounges by global airport code and terminals.)

Priority Pass does not actually own and operate airport lounges but rather consolidates them through a single membership program. Making things a bit complicated, about 100 of the Priority Pass lounges are part of another cohort called Plaza Premium Group (PPG) . PPG operates its own network of lounges plus numerous airline-branded lounges. PPG’s proprietary lounges are bundled into Priority Pass membership, but these lounges can also be accessed by purchasing day passes for those who don’t have a Priority Pass membership.

There are two main ways to become a member of Priority Pass . The first is buying a membership outright. There are three levels of membership—Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige—all of which have an annual membership fee and charge for guests.

The second—and more optimal—way of obtaining a Priority Pass membership is getting complimentary membership through a credit card. This second avenue is far more cost-effective. Why? The cost of Prestige membership is in the ballpark of the annual fee commanded by most premium credit cards (while credit card membership also allows two guests free of charge versus $35 apiece). In fact, many high-fee travel credit cards offer airport lounge access as a primary perk of being a cardholder. Lounge access varies by card, but at a minimum, most top-tier travel credit cards provide a form of Priority Pass Select membership that allows unlimited entry to the more than 1,400 airport lounges in the Priority Pass network globally. Entrance is granted on the flight date, regardless of airline or class flown, with up to two guests complimentary.

The credit cards include:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395 annual fee)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 annual fee)
• The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 annual fee—see rates and fees )

These three cards also grant access to their own proprietary branded lounges in addition to those in the Priority Pass network. So getting Priority Pass through one of these cards yields far greater worth than buying membership outright.

Best credit card lounge memberships

As previously mentioned, some credit cards include memberships to their own snazzy proprietary airport lounges like the ones Capital One, Chase, and American Express have invested heavily in over the past few years. These credit card–branded lounges are some of the world’s best and put a whole lot of glamour back into the airport experience—especially at domestic terminals.

Beyond Priority Pass and Plaza Premium lounges, those with the Platinum Card from American Express can enter Amex-branded Centurion Lounges free of charge as well as Amex-branded Escape Lounges, Delta Sky Club airline lounges, AirSpace lounges, and Lufthansa lounges. Holders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have access to Capital One’s growing network of amenity-rich branded lounges, which currently include outposts in Dallas , Denver , and Washington Dulles . Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders get unlimited entry to Chase’s lounges and terraces at airports in Austin, Boston , and Hong Kong.

Best airline lounge memberships

Legacy airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have their own lounge networks , which can be accessed through annual memberships. While pricing can vary based on elite status or being an active cardholder of a cobranded credit card, here are the starting annual membership fees for non-elite fliers:

• Alaska Airlines Alaska Lounge Membership: $650
• American Airlines Admirals Club Membership: $850
• Delta Sky Club Membership: $695
• United Airlines United Club Membership: $650

Note that while Alaska lounges allow members to enter when flying same-day ticketed air travel on any airline, the other legacy carriers require same-day ticketed air travel on their metal or their partner airlines.

It’s important to point out that the annual fees for lounge membership with American, United, and Delta are higher than the annual fees of their respective premium credit cards, all of which come with lounge membership. So, for frequent fliers of these three airlines considering a lounge membership, it’s worth getting a premium airline-specific credit card with lounge benefits. The United Club℠ Infinite Card ($525 annual fee), for example, comes with United Club membership while the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® ($595 annual fee) comes with access to Admirals Club lounges, and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($550 annual fee—see rates and fees ) provides entry to Delta Sky Clubs. (Starting February 1, 2025, Reserve cardholders will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club.) By getting lounge membership through a credit card versus purchasing it outright, you’ll save $125 with United, $145 with Delta, and $255 with American.

Best ways to get a day pass to an airport lounge

It’s possible to get airport lounge access by buying a day pass to select lounges within the Priority Pass network, all Plaza Premium lounges, and some airline-branded lounges.

One great way to find out which lounges offer day passes is by downloading the LoungeBuddy app or visiting the website. The app and website contain helpful information about almost every lounge worldwide and indicate which can be accessed for one-time use and for how much. At press time, due to overcrowding, far fewer lounges are available for day passes than in the past.

Type Boston Logan (BOS), for example, on LoungeBuddy, and the page will populate with details on each of the airport’s 13 lounges, including 2 that can be booked through LoungeBuddy: the Lufthansa Lounge in Terminal E for $49 per person and the Lounge BOS in Terminal 3 for $50 per person. Before booking, be sure to note your departure terminal and ensure that you can physically access the lounge via your terminal’s designated security checkpoints.

Although LoungeBuddy is a handy tool, it does not sell day passes to legacy airline lounges. Those seeking entrance to a United Club for one-time use can do so for $59 through the United app. American also sells day passes to its Admirals Club through its website for $79. Alaska Lounge day passes can be purchased directly at its Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York–JFK lounges for $60 per person. Delta does not sell day passes.

It’s also possible in select cases to get day passes as part of the perks package of low-fee credit cards. For example, the $95 per year Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card grants two complimentary visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network. Meanwhile, the United℠ Explorer Card (no intro annual fee the first year, then it’s $95) gives cardholders two, one-time passes to United Clubs each year.

Get airport lounge access by flying long-haul business or first class

Sometimes buying a membership or day pass isn’t necessary. In fact, a boarding pass for a long-haul international flight in business or first class can still be the ticket to some of the world’s best airport lounges—ones that aren’t accessible to credit card holders or Priority Pass members. For example, the only way into Air France’s La Première lounge is with a first-class ticket on Air France.

One of our favorite lounges on the planet, Qatar Airways’ spacious Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Doha Airport, is included for passengers flying Qatar Airways First Class and Business Class (Elite, Comfort & Classic) and oneworld First Class and Business Class passengers. However, those flying Business Class (Lite) and economy class on Qatar Airways can also prepurchase lounge entry (at press time the price fluctuates around $100).

However, keep in mind that in some cases, a business- or first-class ticket no longer guarantees lounge access. This rings true for domestic tickets within the United States as well as short-haul international flights from the United States to the likes of the Caribbean and Central America.

Get lounge access by achieving top elite status and flying internationally

In general, achieving top elite status no longer equates to complimentary airport lounge access. There are a few outliers, however. For example, those with Delta Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion Status are considered SkyTeam Elite Plus and have access to SkyTeam lounges for international flights, even on economy tickets. United Airlines’ MileagePlus Gold, Platinum, and 1K members (all of whom qualify for Star Alliance Gold Status) can enter United lounges with a same-day international United boarding pass, regardless of class flown, as well as Star Alliance partner lounges when flying Star Alliance member airlines outside the United States. These exceptions are nice, but the bottom line here is that if you’re chasing elite status in hopes of lounge entry, you’ll be disappointed in many circumstances.

It’s possible to get access to top airport lounges through either membership or day passes obtained through credit cards, lounge apps, or elite status. But the best—and most cost-effective—airport lounge memberships are obtained through the right credit card.

This article was originally published in 2022; it was updated on November 29, 2023, with current information.

While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they are subject to change at any time, and may have changed or may no longer be available.

• Work With Us

Airport Lounge Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Written by Becca

Updated on April 26th, 2024

Is lounge access worth it? Discover all the kinds of airport lounges, the best ways to get into airport lounges and the amenities and benefits of lounge access during travel.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Airport Lounge Guide

• Are there different types of airport lounges?
• How to get into an airport lounge
• How long can you stay in an airline lounge?
• What to wear to an airport lounge
• Do airport lounges have food?
• How to get into airline lounges for free

Airport lounges in the US vs international lounges

• What kind of amenities do airline lounges have?
• Is it worth paying for a lounge?

Airport lounges are something Dan and I look forward to. If we know we have a connecting flight in a new airport, we’ll go on a hunt to find out which lounges are available for hanging out in while we wait.

We also get excited about going back to airport lounges we really like, and trying multiple airport lounges in the same airport.

Are airport lounges worth it? I think so, personally. To see if airport lounges might be for you, read on to see my experience on how I learned about lounges so that you can enjoy one soon.

Are there different types of airport lounges?

Yes, airport lounges came in many forms. Some airport lounges exude luxury (most are outside the US) and some are basic.

Throughout our travels around the world, we’ve seen airport lounges that were ones we hardly wanted to leave, to ones in which we counted the minutes til our flight (still better than sitting in uncomfortable seats at the gate, though).

With our Priority Pass membership , we’ve been to airport lounges with unlimited buffet meals and massages, to “lounges” that were really just simple private rooms with a TV, chair, snacks for purchase and some outlets.

Next, there are some airport lounges owned by airlines. For example, we have been to the United Lounge in Newark Airport, the Alaskan Airlines lounge in LAX and the Avianca lounges in Medellin and Bogota, Colombia .

Then, some lounges are owned by private companies. Others might be owned by banks, or credit card companies, like the Capital One lounges that are popping up across the US. Lastly, some lounges may in fact be spas, or private rooms for hire like the Minute Suites Express at LGA in NYC.

How to get into an airport lounge

There are a few ways to get into an airport lounge. For starters, it depends on the type of lounge, and we recommend being familiar with what the lounge offers in terms of amenities.

Can you do a walk-in?

Yes, you can, for the most part; however, it will depend on if the lounge accepts passengers who don’t fall into the selected type of member. For example, United lounges may only accept passengers flying on United flights, or partner airlines from the Star Alliance group of airlines.

Most airport lounges have a check-in desk, and this is where personnel will check your boarding pass, membership type (whether Priority Pass , credit card membership or airline status card).

Less “elite” lounges allow walk-ins, so it’s worth checking in advance online, if you plan to rely on having lounge access during a layover or before a flight, if you need a nap, shower, WiFi or dedicated meeting space.

What are the fees like for walk-ins?

Fees for walk-in access to airport lounges may be anywhere between $25 to $75, depending on the type of lounge, location, country you’re in and the level of amenities the lounge has.

For us, with a third party membership to international airport lounge access like Priority Pass , a simple one-year fee covers access to all lounges in the Priority Pass network. We’ve never paid a fee for a walk-in. We use lounge networks instead, to save money while traveling .

How long can you stay in an airline lounge?

This is a great question because some lounges have time limits, whereas others do not keep tabs on how long you’re staying.

We typically use the Priority Pass website to look at the different stipulations for various lounges. Some may list a time limit per passenger of two hours, whereas some may not list any sort of time limit.

We’ve been in lounges when a flight was delayed, sometimes one, or two hours, and luckily, we’ve been able to hang around and keep eating, resting and enjoying WiFi and power outlets for charging our phones and electronics.

We’ve never been kicked out of an airport lounge (or, not yet). Luckily, most either do flight announcements (the one in Cancun does this) or will have a flight board showing departure times and updates.

What to wear to an airport lounge

I think that the days of dressing up for travel are somewhat gone (unless you are on a strict business trip ). Because of this, I personally love traveling in my favorite athleisure, which typically consists of any of my favorite travel pants for women , my Aviator merino wool hoodie , comfortable Birkenstock sandals and any travel T-shirt .

So, this is what I wind up wearing when I head into an airport lounge, and Dan is right alongside me in jeans, sneakers and a T-shirt.

Before I ever stepped foot in an airline lounge, I presumed they must be fancy places where everyone is in a suit or a blazer, sipping on wine or whiskey, and looking at laptops holding business meetings.

In reality, airport lounges are a place for every type of traveler. I’ve gone to airport lounges in my pajamas on overnight layovers , and I’ve certainly showed up with my full set of backpacker gear, like my handy and beat-up Quechua backpack .

In some instances, you may feel underdressed, especially if you’re an airport lounge that caters to business travelers and you are there on a weekday. On weekends though, when business travel kind of halts, you’ll see families, young travelers, solo travelers, couples and elderly folks.

Do airport lounges have food?

Yes, about 98% of the time. We’ve had some absolutely excellent food in airport lounges, like in Hong Kong , Guatemala City and more.

Buffet style

The airport lounges that stands out most in my mind are the various lounges at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). If you’ve ever flown through or around Asia, maybe you’ve even wound up there!

Thanks to our Priority Pass membership , we were able to research our lounge options ahead of time, according to our airline and terminal, and wound up being able to try two different lounges in HKG during our trip to Hong Kong and Sri Lanka .

The food at the lounges in Hong Kong Airport is top notch and should not be missed. Buffet-style is a common way to serve food at most lounges because it lowers costs, but they are not all like that!

Here’s what the food looks like at the United Lounge at Newark International Airport.

Here’s what it looks like at the United Lounge in Boston Logan:

Set meals from a menu

In Mexico City , Cancun and Guatemala City, most memorably, we received a menu upon arriving and were able to order a small (or large) meal, brought out by waitstaff to our seat in a few minutes.

Yes, this type of food is included in the flat fee cost of entering the lounge! And it’s pretty incredible.

Some lounges don’t have food

Some lounges do not have food. The Minute Suites Express at LaGuardia Airport in NYC is one of these, and I tried it for the first time a few months ago. Upon entering with my Priority Pass card in my Apple Wallet, the staff at the desk reminded me that there was no food, and all the lounge consisted of was a private room with a TV, desk and chair.

For my purposes, that was fine! I just needed some private space to rest and chill out, because it was 6:45 am!

How to get into airline lounges for free

“Free” is a tricky word, but we can tell you how to get into airport lounges for “almost free.”

Perks from credit cards for lounges

Over the years, we’ve learned more and more about perks from travel credit cards for airport lounge access.

United Mileage Plus

Right now, we have the United Mileage Plus credit card , so that gives each of us two United lounge passes to use within two years.

If we’re traveling together (and most of the time we do), we’ll get to use one of our two lounge passes together, on the same day.

The only time these don’t work is if a lounge is so packed full of people that they put a limit or a stop on people who want to use the one-time lounge passes. In those cases, you either have to wait, or you can’t go to the lounge.

Capital One Venture X

With our Capital One Venture X credit card, we can get access into a Capital One airport lounge (there are a few in the US as of now and we have yet to try one). Our friends Joel and Matt at How to Money recommend this card as well, in their guide to the best travel credit cards , saying it gets you into Capital One airport lounges with 2 guests, too.

Remember that cards like these are ideal if you want to get into travel hacking with credit cards .

Chase Sapphire Reserve

Lastly, with our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards, one of the best member benefit perks is the complimentary enrollment into the Priority Pass program .

With the Priority Pass membership as a “free” benefit of the credit card perks, this is where our enjoyment of lounges began. (Note: many credit cards offering Priority Pass as a benefit will have an annual fee, like $550 for the year as with Chase Sapphire Reserve).

American Express & Centurion Network

The Centurion Network is a lounge network of more than 40 lounge partners worldwide for eligible American Express card members. The network is complimentary access for the AmEx global Platinum Card, Delta Skymiles Reserve Card and Centurion Members.

The lounges in this network are exclusive to the holders of these AmEx credit cards. It’s the most luxe and exclusive offering yet from AmEx, so if you’re into these types of perks, check out opening one of the travel credit cards that would get you into Centurion.

Priority Pass

We’re pretty obsessed with Priority Pass . It’s what you could call a global lounge membership network, and by presenting our Priority Pass membership at partner lounges around the world, we get instant access to WiFi, snacks, drinks, outlets, desk space to work at and more.

We have used Priority Pass more times than we can count, and the more we fly during a single trip, the more lounges we’ll visit. We’ve sometimes stayed in airport lounges for three hours, making something like our Priority Pass memberhip an essential thing to have for long flight days .

When we flew from NYC to Hong Kong and then round-trip to Sri Lanka and back to Hong Kong (and home to NYC), we enjoyed lounge access during every layover and before every flight.

As mentioned above, we have always received Priority Pass as a member benefit for our travel credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Capital One Venture X , but it’s not to say you can’t sign up on your own: you totally can, and you can sign up for Priority Pass here.

Other worldwide lounge memberships

Other possible airport lounge memberships include DragonPass , a Chinese lounge network in East Asia that will help you out if you often travel there.

Another helpful tool that’s not a membership per se is the LoungeBuddy app, which can show you all possible lounges at the airport where you’ll be, with information on amenities, reviews, opening hours and how to get access.

In being very honest with you, we’ve found that lounges outside the US have rated better than lounges within the US. That’s just our opinion. Let us know if you feel otherwise. Of course, this isn’t a blanket statement, as the airport lounge in Ukraine International Airport had nothing on the luxury lounges of Hong Kong International.

What are the best airport lounges?

The best airport lounges are by far in East Asia. The lounges in Hong Kong are incredible, with never-ending buffets of delightful cuisine and desserts. In Beijing International Airport, you’ll have access to unlimited drinks, dessert carts and buns and dumplings.

Then, in Guatemala City, I went to an airport lounge that was more like a rum den, where my access with Priority Pass got me and one guest each a cocktail, a lunch meal and what seemed like unlimited time to spend in comfortable seats and tables.

(This photo here was taken at the lounge in Beijing International Airport, where the WiFi didn’t completely work, to my recollection.)

What kind of amenities do airline lounges have?

Airline lounges come in lots of shapes and sizes, so the list of amenities varies greatly.

As discussed above, some lounges have delicious buffets that change throughout the day (so it may pay to have your flight delayed, so you can keep eating!), to complimentary cocktails.

Some have very basic food (Ukraine airport) like cereal and chocolate. Some, like the minute suites in LGA, have no food at all, and they’re very clear about that.

Drinks is another aspect that has a lot of variety when it comes to lounges around the world. Lounges may offer unlimited alcohol (this is more common in Asia, from my experience), to one drink per person included (and the rest billable when you leave), to no alcohol or soft drinks at all.

Many lounges will have a bar, where you can order a drink and pay out of pocket, or get a complimentary beverage, depending on the stipulations of your lounge pass or membership.

Some airline lounges will have a set drink menu, showing you in a brief online menu what’s included in your pass, and what would be an extra charge.

You can use the Priority Pass app or website, or the LoungeBuddy app, to figure out these things in advance if you’d like to know.

Most lounges nowadays have WiFi. It’s one of the biggest draws to going into a lounge at all, especially if you wind up in an airport where the airport WiFi network a) is not free, b) does not work at all or c) requires a local domestic phone number to sign up for WiFi service.

The most memorable nap rooms were those in the airport lounge in Lisbon, Portugal . These come in really handy if you arrive at 3 am and your flight out isn’t until 11 am!

Some lounges have showers that you can use to freshen up during a long layover . The desk staff will typically be able to provide towels for you to use. We’ve rarely used these types of showers and used our travel towel because the desk didn’t have anything to use.

Outlets for charging

Most lounges nowadays have outlets for charging your phone or portable devices. We do recommend having adapters for the country to which you’re headed, in case the lounge does not have US-style plugs.

Outdoor space

Some lounges have outdoor space! The Sala Galdos lounge in Gran Canaria Las Palmas had an outdoor patio connected to the lounge, and it was so nice to be able to get some fresh air (with really loud sounds of airplanes) before our flight.

Family Suites & Meeting Rooms

Lounges in airports are always coming out with more ways to please passengers. Some of those include family rooms (rooms where you could let your children take a rest) and meeting rooms, which are designated small office-style rooms, great for if you need to take a meeting with a desk.

Is it worth paying for a lounge?

If you don’t have Priority Pass or access to a lounge with your credit card, is it worth paying? Ultimately, this depends on you and your budget.

If you had an endless budget, or are able to expense the price of the lounge if you’re traveling for work, then sure!

For us, rather than forking over $50 each, we’re frugal, and we’d rather sit in the general waiting area for a few hours than pay a high fee.

However, there are some exceptions when we might want to actually pay…

Long layovers

During long layovers, paying for a lounge might be worth it.

Let’s say you are stuck in an airport for more than 8 hours. Getting access to a lounge will mean you get several meals and drinks, a comfortable place to sit (and maybe nap) and access to plenty of outlets to charge your things.

Some airports aren’t designed to have the best waiting areas, and if you can find an all-star lounge where you’ll get comfort and peace of mind, then go for it.

It’s worth mentioning to do your research about the lounge before committing. We’ve been in some lounges that barely have food and are not fun to hang out in (lounges in JFK, Kuala Lumpur and Ukraine come to mind). We wouldn’t normally pay for these.

There are other lounges that have it all. Showers, lots of great food, nap pods, great natural light and outdoor space are perks that make it worth it to pay for a lounge if you want to elevate your travel experience.

We would totally pay for these types of lounges during long layovers .

Needing some quiet time to do work

There have been times when we’ve gotten to the airport several hours early, with the exact focus in mind of needing to get work done. Mostly, this happened during the year when we worked remotely and traveled , but it happens time and again these days as well, especially if we’re in the middle of working on this website .

If we need WiFi that doesn’t tap out after 30 min, and designated desk space, going to an airport lounge is well worth the short-term investment if it’ll let you work in peace and confidence.

You may also like

How to Make Great Coffee While Traveling

Traveling with coffee? You need tips for how to make coffee on the road and on the go. Here’s how to make coffee on a vacation and how to create a coffee travel kit.

Essential Packing Checklist for an International Trip with a Toddler

Ready for an international travel packing list for a toddler? Use this packing checklist for toddler essentials: what to pack, for overseas flights and long trips abroad.

18 Tips to Survive a Long-Distance Relationship (Make it Work)

Looking for ways to survive long distance relationships while traveling? Whether you're traveling as a digital nomad or studying abroad, use these tips to make your long distance relationship last.

Things to Know Before Planning a Trip as a Couple

Are you going on a trip with someone you just started dating? Here's a guide to our tips for how to survive your first trip or holiday together as a couple.

JFK, LGA or EWR: Which NYC Airport Is Best? (Local Tips)

Which NYC airport should you choose? Is there a best airport to use in New York? We detail the pros and cons of all the international airports in NYC: LGA vs. JFK vs. EWR.

How to Travel for Super Cheap If You Have No Money (Helpful Ideas)

There are lots of fun ways to take a trip if you are broke. Check out some ideas in this guide to traveling when you have no money, as cheap as possible.

Nǐ hǎo ! We’re Becca & Dan.

We created this blog to share some of the knowledge and experience that we have around travel , remote work , photography and beyond!

We're currently dreaming of far away places.

Join the club

You’ll get emails with our latest articles, tips, advice and so much more! You won't find this content anywhere else!

This website may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Among other programs, Half Half Travel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Accessing a Lounge

Bringing guests, lounge usage, priority pass a benefit.

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

6 Reasons You Should Be Using Airport Lounges

Chris is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in GQ, Esquire, The Village Voice and Fast Company.

Natasha is a freelance writer and frequent traveler. She writes about luxury travel, travel hacking and credit card rewards. Her goal is to encourage more people to experience the world around them.

Mary Flory leads NerdWallet's growing team of assigning editors at large. Before joining NerdWallet's content team, she had spent more than 12 years developing content strategies, managing newsrooms and mentoring writers and editors. Her previous experience includes being an executive editor at the American Marketing Association and an editor at news and feature syndicate Content That Works.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

What are lounges?

How do airport lounges work, why you should use airport lounges, how to score airport lounge access, if you’re thinking of visiting an airport lounge.

Exploring new destinations is usually fun and exciting, but the actual traveling part can sometimes feel like a chore. Airports typically involve long lines, crowded spaces and a lot of waiting. Thankfully, air travelers can get some relief by taking advantage of airport lounges.

Have you been thinking about visiting one but aren't sure if you'll like it? Airport lounges can make long layovers easier and perhaps make traveling more enjoyable overall. Here are a few reasons why you should be using airport lounges.

Simply put, lounges are designated areas within an airport where certain travelers can enjoy benefits and comforts the exceed a typical airport terminal.

Most airport lounges fall into one of the following categories:

Airline-affiliated, such as American Airlines' Admirals Club or United Polaris Club .

Credit card-affiliated, such as Centurion Lounges by American Express, Capital One lounges or Chase lounges .

Alliance-affiliated, such as Star Alliance lounges .

Independent, such as Priority Pass .

Lounges give access to passengers with specific premium flight tickets (i.e. business or first class), status levels (i.e. Star Alliance Gold ) or for having certain credit cards in their wallet, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express . You can also sometimes purchase access for a year or even just a day. Terms apply.

At the airport, you simply must show your qualifying material to the attendant in order to be given lounge access.

Keep your eye on your watch when hanging out in a lounge. You won't benefit from casually hearing the overhead announcements and boarding calls that you would at your gate.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

1. It’s a calm in the middle of the storm

While traveling can be fun, most people don't love being in an airport. They're jam-packed with people, are noisy and often have limited seating. A lounge can offer the perfect hideaway from the hectic nature of the airport.

It's much quieter, and most lounges have comfortable, spacious seating — and plenty of it. You can also use the Wi-Fi and power outlets, so you're all charged up before boarding the plane. Some airport lounges even have showers, which can be great if you have a layover between long flights.

Think of airport lounges as your ticket to sanity. An airport is jam-packed with annoyed people paying too much for a bottle of water. There's commotion everywhere you turn.

» Learn More: Awesome credit cards with airport lounge access

2. You can save money on food

Most airport eateries charge high prices, so it can be cost-prohibitive to have a drink or a meal before your flight. If you have lounge access, it's a different story.

Lounges typically set food up in a way where you can help yourself as needed. They often offer free snacks and other food choices, plus drinks, including alcoholic beverages. These food and drink offerings come at no extra cost to you.

An airport lounge is a good stop if you're feeling hungry before boarding the plane and don't want to overpay for a meal.

» Learn more: When is an airport lounge day pass worth the splurge?

UNLOCK AIRPORT LOUNGES WITH THE RIGHT CARD

Major U.S. airlines operate airport lounges for high-priority customers, as do some credit card issuers, most notably American Express. A number of airports also have independently operated lounges that are accessible through networks like Priority Pass. Several credit cards provide airport lounge access, although no single card gets you into every lounge. Among cards with lounge access:

on American Express' website

on Citibank's application

on Chase's website

Access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide, including:

• The issuer's own Centurion Lounges and International American Express lounges.

• Delta Sky Clubs , when flying Delta.

• Priority Pass Select lounges (enrollment required).

• Lounges in the Plaza Premium , Escape and Airspace networks.

Terms apply.

Complimentary Admirals Club membership, plus access to partner lounges with which American Airlines has a reciprocal agreement.

Access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges worldwide.

For occasional United travelers, a different card, the United℠ Explorer Card , gives you two one-time passes to the United Club each year. That card has an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95 . Read our review of that card .

• Access to Delta Sky Club when traveling with Delta, plus two one-time passes each year for guests. (Note that limits on lounge visits are scheduled to take effect in 2025. Read more about that here .)

• Access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta.

• Priority Pass Select membership, with access to over 1,000 airport lounges internationally and meal credits at select airport restaurants and bars.

• Access to Chase's own Sapphire Lounges , though there are currently only a couple of locations.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page .

3. You can work while on the go

If you need to get work done before your flight, a lounge workspace can make it easier.

Most airport lounges offer a variety of seating options. In addition to comfortable chairs, they may have workstations for you to sit at and work from your laptop. You can also connect to the free Wi-Fi. Some even have printers and other business equipment for you to use.

This is a nice perk if you're traveling for work or are a freelancer or self-employed worker. It’s usually easier to be productive in an airport lounge than in a loud, crowded terminal.

» Learn more: 5 tips for long airport layovers

4. It’s a family-friendly place to be

Traveling with kids takes effort, and the busy gate area can be stressful for parents and children alike. Instead of hanging out there, you can head to an airport lounge with your family.

Lounges aren’t only for adults. These spaces are kid-friendly, and may even have kids' rooms or other amenities available. Some lounges may admit children under a certain age for free.

Like you, your kids may feel calmer in a quiet, less hectic environment.

» Learn More: How to fly with young children

5. Your travel experience may be greatly improved

Being able to enjoy airport lounge perks can change your day and improve your entire travel experience. Knowing that you'll have a comfortable and relaxing place to go after the stress of airport security may change how you feel about your trip.

For many travelers, an airport lounge experience helps to reduce anxiety and makes spending time at the airport more enjoyable — which helps to start their trip off right.

6. There are a variety of options around the globe

Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, the airport you're flying out of may have a lounge for you to use. Most major airports have several lounges.

You also have options when it comes to the type of lounges that you use. If you're loyal to a particular airline, it may make sense to use their lounges. Another option is to get a membership through a company that offers a network of lounges — like Priority Pass .

» Learn more: The best Priority Pass lounges in the United States

Are you ready to experience the airport lounge life?

Get a day pass. Some lounges offer a daily pass that you can purchase at the check-in desk. Alternatively, you can use a mobile app like LoungeBuddy to buy a day pass while on the go.

Show proof of membership . You can purchase lounge access for an airline lounge through your airline of choice. Some offer a yearly membership to access a network of lounges, like Priority Pass. This company has multiple membership options available for purchase.

Earn elite status or fly in a premium class. You may also be able to get access by being an elite status member or by flying with an eligible first class or business class ticket.

Carry the right card. If you have a travel credit card , it may include lounge access as a benefit. While most credit cards with this perk require you to pay an annual fee, they offer an easy way to access lounges while traveling.

» Learn more: Credit Card Lounge Pass Showdown: Priority Pass vs. LoungeBuddy

There are many reasons to use airport lounges. If you value comfort, fewer crowds and like to have time to relax before your flight, you may want to visit an airport lounge the next time you fly.

Be sure to check out the airports you’re traveling through and find out which lounges are available to you. Whether you have access through your credit card, elite status with an airline or just opt to purchase a day pass to find out what it’s like, visiting an airport lounge is likely easier than you might think.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.

100,000 For a limited time, earn 100,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $10,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Can I Use a Priority Pass Lounge on Arrival Instead of Departure?

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

"Reader Questions" are answered twice a week — Mondays and Fridays — by TPG Senior Writer Julian Mark Kheel.

Priority Pass has grown significantly in recent years, making it one of the largest lounge networks in the world . But can you only use Priority Pass lounges before you fly? That's the question TPG reader Riley asked us in an email...

[pullquote source="TPG Reader Riley"]After I arrive from a flight, can I still use a Priority Pass lounge or do I need to have another flight?[/pullquote]

A complimentary Priority Pass Select membership is included as a travel benefit on several popular premium credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve, the Platinum Card from American Express and the Citi Prestige, just to name a few. And the Priority Pass network has improved significantly in recent months, adding Minute Suites in several cities and incorporating a number of actual restaurants into its roster, including the Corona Beach House in Miami (MIA) and three different food establishments in Portland (PDX).

So what's the word on stopping by a Priority Pass lounge after you land, essentially treating it as an arrival lounge? Well, actually, according to the Priority Pass terms and conditions , it depends on where you're flying...

Admittance to lounges is strictly subject to cardholders and any guests, if permitted, being in possession of a valid flight ticket and travel documents for the same day of travel. Airline, airport and other travel industry employees traveling on reduced-rate tickets may not be eligible for access. Outside the US, flight tickets must be accompanied by a valid boarding pass for a departing flight, i.e. outbound passengers only.

Interesting, isn't it? If you're within the US, the terms and conditions indicate all you need is a same-day ticket, which means you should be able to enter a domestic Priority Pass lounge after you land , even if it's your final destination for the day. However, outside the US, you need a boarding pass for a departing flight, which means you cannot use non-US Priority Pass lounges upon arrival unless you have a same-day connecting flight from that airport.

Now, while this is what the terms and conditions say, in practice you'll find that a number of international Priority Pass lounges don't really mind if you come by after your flight. This definitely isn't true of all Priority Pass lounges — some will not allow you to use them as an arrivals lounge. But there are plenty of reports of other lounges not requiring a departing boarding pass even at foreign airports, and in some cases it might even depend on the discretion of the agent sitting at the lounge check-in desk at that moment. There are also some specific international arrivals lounges included in Priority Pass membership, such as the Plaza Premium Arrivals lounges at London Heathrow (LHR) in Terminals 2 and 4. So consider it a case of "your mileage may vary."

If you want to be 100% certain that you'll have a lounge available when you land and no specific Priority Pass arrivals lounge is listed at prioritypass.com for your international destination, you might be able to qualify for your airline's own arrival lounge. For example, American maintains an Arrivals Lounge at London Heathrow (LHR) but you must arrive in London on an AA flight or a few select partners and be either flying in first or business, or have Executive Platinum, Concierge Key or Oneworld Emerald elite status to use it. Other airlines often have arrivals lounges in their key hub cities — SWISS Arrival in Zurich (ZRH) , Etihad's Arrivals Lounge in Abu Dhabi (AUH) , Cathay Pacific's The Arrival in Hong Kong (HKG) and United's Arrivals Lounge in San Francisco (SFO) are just a few examples, but in most cases you'll need to be flying in a premium cabin or have high-level elite status to use them.

So, Riley, on domestic trips you should be good to go, and if you're flying outside the US, you can do a little advance research to know what to expect at your destination. Thanks for the question, and if you're a TPG reader who'd like us to answer a question of your own, tweet us at @thepointsguy , message us on Facebook or email us at [email protected] .