Buzz
The excitement of PreCheck and priority boarding has worn off. These days, the most sought-after experience at airports is relaxing in the lounge. Once a sanctuary for business professionals and international travelers facing long waits, lounges are now becoming a go-to spot for those looking to cut down on pricey airport food and drinks.
With the growing popularity of airport lounges, airlines are scrambling to build more to meet demand, as highlighted in a recent New York Times article.
While access to lounges may be more available than ever, it doesn’t come without a price. Let’s explore the costs involved and the various ways to gain entry.
Your credit card could be the most affordable option
The most budget-friendly option is using a credit card that offers lounge access as one of its perks. However, this is typically limited to premium cards with significant annual fees.
Consider lounge access as an added bonus with these cards, rather than a primary reason to pay an annual fee of $450 or more. To justify that expense, you'd need to visit the lounge at least 10 times to make it comparable to buying a day pass. If you already hold one of these cards and find the other benefits worth the fee, feel free to enjoy every lounge you can access and stock up on snacks. Below are some top options in this category:
American Express Platinum cardholders enjoy access to Centurion lounges and other select locations, with the added bonus of bringing two guests for free. The card carries a $550 annual fee.
Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can access Priority Pass lounges, but must first enroll in Priority Pass and wait for the membership card to arrive. The card has a $450 annual fee.
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard holders can access over 50 Admirals Club lounges worldwide and bring along two guests. The card comes with a $450 annual fee.
Delta Reserve SkyMiles card provides entry to Delta Sky Club lounges, along with access for two guests for $29 each per visit. The card requires a $450 annual fee.
United Club Card grants membership to United Club lounges and Star Alliance lounges. The card has a $450 annual fee.
If you’re not keen on signing up for one of these credit cards, there are still other ways to access lounges.
Purchase a day pass
LoungeBuddy provides day passes for various airport lounges, with prices starting at $25. However, during my search across several major airports, I found options ranging from $39 to $69.
Minute Suites does not offer a membership, but instead allows access to its nap rooms by the hour, starting at $42 per hour.
The Club lounges offer day passes beginning at $40.
Airspace Lounge charges $20 for access, though it’s currently available only at Cleveland and San Francisco airports.
Before committing to Priority Pass or a credit card, you might want to try a few day passes to see if lounge access is worth the investment for you.
Interested in a membership? Consider Priority Pass
Priority Pass provides access to over 1200 lounges at airports worldwide.
For a $99 membership, you can visit a lounge for $32 each time. With a $299 membership, you get 10 free visits, then pay $32 per visit. For unlimited access, the $429 membership is required.
The $299 Standard Plus plan is the most cost-effective; it works out to $30 per visit for your first 10. If you plan to visit lounges more than 14 times in a year, the pricier Prestige plan might be worth considering.
However, having Priority Pass doesn’t guarantee lounge access. The company clearly lists lounges with limited hours or those that often reach full capacity during peak times.
On my last flight out of Boston, my flight was delayed by several hours, and when I reached the lounge, I had to add my name to the waiting list reserved for Priority Pass members. I was told there would be a 90-minute wait, but I managed to get in within an hour. (I have Priority Pass through the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.)
The company suggests checking its app before heading to the lounge with your roller bags in tow. Additionally, Priority Pass can be used to get a discount at certain airport restaurants, which is a nice perk if you can't access the lounge's complimentary salad bar.
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