airport lounges
Let’s face it, even if you’re lucky enough to score a first class flight you won’t have the entire first class travel experience unless you spend your pre-travel time in the exclusive airport lounge. Airport lounges may be the travel industry’s best-kept secret. These calm and secluded areas make traveling less torturous…and they’re not just for jet-setters or elite frequent flyers. Note that not all lounges are equal. Some are truly premium places complete with showers, spas, hair salons, pool tables, and even oxygen bars. Check out these tips on how to get into the airport lounge of your choice.
Get a credit card that offers lounge access. Several travel-oriented credit cards give you access to airline lounges. Annual fees are typically $150 to $450, but you’ll get other business- and travel-related perks with the credit card, so, in general, it’s a better value than airline lounge membership. American Express Platinum, for example, offers access to US Airways Club and Delta Sky Club for you and your immediate family or up to two guests, plus a $200 credit for airline fees; the annual fee for the card is $450. (Tip: The Chase Fairmont Visa has a $95 annual fee (none in the first year) and gives you two free lounge visits, plus two complimentary nights at a Fairmont hotel. The Amex Hilton HHonors Surpass and Chase Ink Bold are two others to consider.)
Become an elite flyer. If you have elite status with the airline (silver or gold, or the equivalent), you’ll get prized access to the lounges. Note, though, that programs do vary—including if you can use a lounge from a partner airline in the same alliance, whether or not you can bring a guest with you, where you get access, and how many points you need to get to elite status.
Buy your way in. You can get an airline lounge membership, but the annual fees are hefty, usually around $450 (Alaska Airlines, Delta Sky Club, and US Airways) or $500 (American Admirals Club and United Club). (Tip: Buy membership in an independent lounge program, such as Priority Pass, and save a couple of hundred bucks. Priority Pass operates 600 lounges in airports around the world and membership plans range from $99 to $399 a year (the lowest price plan requires a $27 fee for each visit as well as a $27 fee for a guest). Tip: United day passes are $11 cheaper if you buy before you’re at the lounge, and similarly US Airways day access is $29 versus $50 if you buy it with your ticket.)
What’s your favorite way to get the best travel lounge experience? Share your tips below.
