How to Access Airport Lounges: Top Strategies for Travelers

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.

However, airport lounges provide a refuge for travelers, featuring complimentary craft cocktails, comfy armchairs, and gourmet food buffets. In more modern spaces, you can find tranquillity areas for meditating or napping, along with cycling and yoga rooms, and even shower suites for freshening up.

As the demand for lounge access increases, strategies to attain entry are evolving, often becoming more expensive and competitive as airlines and credit card companies seek to manage overcrowding in their lounge networks.

Fly in Premium Cabins

The most obvious way to gain entry into an airline lounge is to purchase a ticket in a premium cabin. Some airlines reserve access for business class or first-class passengers only, which helps maintain the exclusive ambiance of these lounges.

• For example, United Polaris lounges allow only those with long-haul business class tickets to enter.
• Exclusive lounges like British Airways’ Concorde Room and Air France’s La Premiere limit access to first class passengers or top-tier loyalty members.

Importantly, you don’t necessarily need to splurge on the priciest tickets; many airlines now offer lounge access to premium economy passengers. Airlines such as Scandinavian Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and LATAM welcome premium economy travelers into their lounges. Always verify with your airline regarding lounge access on your specific route before booking.

Premium Credit Cards

Holding the right travel credit card can be an effective strategy to ensure access to a plethora of airport lounges. Lounge access is now a standard perk on many premium reward cards, enticing members to utilize these offerings.

A well-regarded credit option for securing airport lounge access is The Platinum Card from American Express. This card provides complimentary access to prestigious Centurion Lounges worldwide, which are recognized for their upscale amenities, such as shower suites and relaxation areas.

As of now, there are 13 Centurion locations in the US and 14 internationally. However, due to the popularity of these lounges, recent changes to guest policies have been made, including fees for bringing guests to ensure a more manageable capacity.

Buy a Priority Pass Membership

If a premium travel card isn’t feasible for you, consider investing in a lounge membership with Priority Pass. This membership provides access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, allowing travelers to utilize the mobile app for easy access.

Membership options vary:

• Standard membership costs £69 annually but incurs a fee of £24 per lounge visit.
• Standard Plus includes 10 visits for £229 annually.
• Prestige tier, at £419 annually, offers unlimited visits.

Keep in mind that lounge capacity constraints are increasingly common, and Priority Pass members may sometimes be refused entry during peak times.

Day Passes

If you’re not flying in a premium cabin or don’t hold the right credit card or membership, purchasing a day pass may still grant you access to a lounge. Most major airports feature lounges that sell day passes for single visits.

For instance, Escape Lounges operate across the UK and US, providing access to comfortable seating, complimentary food, and drinks. Some airlines also provide day pass options for travelers flying with them, generally costing between $50 and $80. Due to overcrowding issues, many airlines are limiting day pass sales, so it’s wise to purchase in advance to secure your spot.

Finally, always check with the airport you’re departing from regarding pay-as-you-go lounge options. It’s crucial to stay informed about any changes in lounge accessibility as rules and offerings can shift frequently.