Traveling is one of life's greatest pleasures and while air travel has become an essential way for us to get around, it can be a stressful and exhausting experience. There is baggage check, long security lines, gate changes and sometimes flight delays to contend with. Air travel can be a hassle but don’t despair, airport lounges are also there. One potential haven away from all the hustle and bustle are the airport lounges; they offer exclusive benefits and a place to relax away from the chaos of the airport.  Whether you are a frequent traveler or have a long layover, a visit to the airport lounges should be included in your travel plans. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of lounge access and how you can secure yours. 

What are airport lounges?

 Airport lounges are private areas in airports where travelers can relax and unwind before their flights. They offer a wide range of amenities, from comfortable seating to complimentary food and drinks. These lounges are usually available to frequent flyers or those traveling in business or first class. However, some lounges may also be accessible to passengers with a particular credit card or membership.

What do airport lounges offer?

 Airport lounges offer a variety of benefits and amenities to make your time at the airport more comfortable, enjoyable, and cost effective. Here are some of the reasons I endorse them:

Peaceful & Quiet Atmosphere: The exclusivity associated with most lounges provides an escape, via a quiet and peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds and noise of the airport. This makes it easier for travelers to work or rest, especially if they are on a long layover. Lounge areas provide comfortable seating, which is a welcome relief after hours of standing or walking around in the airport. Also, some lounges have designated quiet areas where you can relax and unwind in peace. I have personally fallen asleep in lounges before. 

Amenities and Services: Lounges typically offer amenities and services that are not available in the regular airport terminal. These amenities usually include complimentary food and drinks.  Most airport lounges offer free snacks, drinks, and sometimes even full meals. These can include hot and cold beverages, adult beverages, light refreshments, and even hot meals. Lounges usually provide free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected to the internet and charging ports to devices charged up before your flight. Some airport lounges offer showers and restrooms, so you can freshen up before or after your flight. Additionally, many lounges provide business facilities such as fax machines, printers, and copiers, which can be helpful for business travelers. And some lounges offer entertainment options such as magazines, newspapers, TVs, and even games.

Exclusivity and Status: Airport lounges provide a sense of exclusivity and status. Many lounges are only accessible to members or passengers flying in business or first class. This creates a sense of exclusivity and luxury that is appealing to many travelers. Also, some airport lounges offer priority services such as dedicated check-in and security lines, which can help travelers save time and avoid long lines.

Cost Savings: Airport lounges can also offer cost savings for frequent travelers. Many airlines offer lounge memberships or access as part of their frequent flyer programs. This means that frequent travelers can enjoy the amenities and services of airport lounges without having to pay extra for them. Have you purchased a beer or drink at the airport bar and looked at your tab? Now think about having a lounge access with complimentary drinks :-).

How to access airport lounges?

 Access to airport lounges varies depending on the lounge and the airline. Some lounges are accessible only to passengers flying in business or first class, while others may be accessible to frequent flyers or passengers with specific credit cards or memberships. You can usually check the lounge access policy on your airline's website or by contacting their customer service. Also, you may want to check you active credit cares to see if they give your lounge access membership.

There are several major airport lounge memberships available to travelers, including: 

1. Priority Pass: This is one of the largest independent lounge access programs, offering access to over 1,300 lounges in more than 600 cities worldwide.

2. LoungeKey: This program is offered through select credit cards and offers access to over 1,000 lounges in more than 500 cities worldwide.

3. American Express Global Lounge Collection: This program is offered to select American Express cardholders and provides access to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries.

4. Delta Sky Club: This membership is offered to Delta Air Lines frequent flyers and provides access to over 30 Delta Sky Club lounges worldwide.

5. United Club: This membership is offered to United Airlines frequent flyers and provides access to over 45 United Club lounges worldwide.

6. Airline-specific memberships: Many airlines have their own lounge programs that provide access to their own lounges and partner lounges. For example, the British Airways Executive Club provides access to British Airways and partner lounges worldwide.

Important Note: These memberships typically come with an annual fee and some restrictions may apply, such as lounge access being limited to specific airports or lounges.

As for credit cards, many offer airport lounge memberships as a perk. Here are some of the best credit cards that offer this benefit. 

Chase Sapphire Reserve: This premium credit card offers a Priority Pass Select membership, which provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. Cardholders also receive a $300 annual travel credit, which can be used to offset the cost of lounge access or other travel expenses.

The Platinum Card from American Express: This card offers access to the exclusive Centurion Lounges, which are known for their high-end amenities and services. Cardholders also receive a Priority Pass Select membership, as well as access to Delta Sky Club lounges and other partner lounges.

Citi Prestige: This card offers a Priority Pass Select membership, as well as access to the American Airlines Admirals Club and other partner lounges. Cardholders also receive a $250 annual travel credit, which can be used to offset the cost of lounge access or other travel expenses.

United Explorer Card: This card offers two United Club passes per year, which provide access to over 45 United Club lounges worldwide. Cardholders also receive priority boarding, free checked bags, and other travel perks.

Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express: This card offers a Priority Pass Select membership, as well as access to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card Lounge Collection. Cardholders also receive automatic Hilton Diamond status, which provides additional travel benefits and perks.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: This card offers access to Delta Sky Club lounges, as well as a Priority Pass Select membership. Cardholders also receive free checked bags, priority boarding, and other travel benefits.

Important Note: When considering a credit card with airport lounge access, be sure to weigh the annual fee and other benefits against the cost of paying for lounge access directly.

When planning your next air trip, whether for business or pleasure…Don’t Forget The Lounge! Airport lounges provide a much-needed respite from the chaos of the airport. Overall, visiting an airport lounge can offer travelers a range of benefits that will help make their travel experience more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable. If you are a frequent traveler or have a long layover, it is worth checking out the airport lounges available to you. Who knows, you the loyalty programs you are enrolled in or the credits cards you are using may already grant you access.

I Think; Therefore I am…about the lounge life.