In life, many instances will test your patience to its peak; endless and uncomfortable waiting in airport terminals, especially with a crowd, is one such crucial instance. With overcrowding, limited and uncomfortable seating, noise, connectivity issues, limited food options, health and hygiene concerns, security stress, and, last but not least, boredom, waiting in airport terminals can be a real pain. And the worst-case scenario is flight delays or cancellations.
1. Premium Cabin Travel
The most obvious and reliable way to get airport lounge access is to buy a ticket and travel in a premium cabin – be it business class, first class, or premium economy. You get extra legroom on the flight and a comfortable lounge in the airport while waiting for your next flight.
Some airlines even set aside areas exclusively for business class or first class passsengers, ensuring these lounges remain exclusive and not overcrowded.
Before booking a premium economy ticket, confirm with your airline that you’ll have lounge access on your route, as some carriers restrict premium economy passengers to specific locations.
3. Premium Credit Cards
The right credit card can get you lounge access. The easiest way to ensure you can access an airport lounge is using a credit card that includes this perk. Several credit cards offer lounge access as a benefit just for being a cardholder.
Finder UK states that the following credit cards will give you airport lounge access:
The Platinum Card® by American Express is often considered among the best credit cards for frequent travellers.
To maximise the benefits of your credit card offering complimentary airport lounge access, it’s essential to compare the features of each option. This includes assessing factors such as the annual fee, rates, the number of lounges available for access, the rewards program or affiliated airline, lounge facilities, and any additional perks offered.
3. Priority Pass Membership
If you believe a credit card’s annual fee is not worth it for the benefits, consider purchasing a standalone lounge membership. Priority Pass provides access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, allowing travellers to buy a membership directly through its app.
Here are the three basic Priority Pass membership plans:
- If you believe a credit card’s annual fee is not worth it for the benefits, consider purchasing a standalone lounge membership. Priority Pass provides access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, allowing travellers to buy a membership directly through its app.
Here are the three basic Priority Pass membership plans:
- Standard: For the occasional traveller. $99 per year allows you to access lounges for $32 per visit
- Standard Plus: For the regular traveller. $329 anually grants you ten free visits each year and costs $35 for each visit afterward
- Prestige: For the frequent traveller. $469 per year, which offers you unlimited free visits each year.
Yet, there are instances where even Priority Pass members can be turned away when the lounges get crowded, which is to be expected. If none of the options, like premium cabin travel, a premium credit card, or a Priority Pass, are feasible, you can still access a nice lounge by purchasing a day pass. These passes are available for any traveller to buy for a single visit.
Most airlines offer the option to purchase a day pass online or at the airport on the day of travel. Prices vary by airline and lounge location but usually range from $35 to $79 per person. To ensure you make the best choice, always do your research beforehand. Apps like Lounge Buddy can help you find available lounges in your chosen airports, providing details such as:
- Available amenities
- Policies
- Instructions
- Directions
- Booking options
- Customer reviews
Worry no more if you are planning a long journey with pit stops at airports and hours of waiting. You can easily access an airport lounge through the various options mentioned above. Say goodbye to the patience-testing process while you travel!
Conclusion - From Chaos to Comfort
Getting exclusive access to airport lounges can make the usually boring and stressful airport experience much more comfortable and relaxing. Whether you want to avoid the noise, find a good seat, or enjoy free amenities, lounges offer a peaceful escape from the busy airport environment.
