Are lounges at airport worth it?

Knowing that you'll have a comfortable and relaxing place to go after the stress of airport security may change how you feel about your trip. For many travelers, an airport lounge experience helps to reduce anxiety and makes spending time at the airport more enjoyable — which helps to start their trip off right.



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The biggest downside with airport lounges, especially in recent years, is the crowds. Lounges are far from exclusive, since so many credit cards offer access. There are several ways this can dampen the lounge experience: There can be long lines to check in to popular lounges.

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Travelers are flocking to airport lounges in search of complimentary food, drinks and perhaps most importantly, a chance to relax away from the hordes of travelers at the gate.

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What do lounges offer?
  • Peace & Quiet.
  • Free Food.
  • Beer & Wine.
  • Showers.
  • Cushy Chairs.
  • Free Cocktails.
  • Fast WiFi.
  • Newspapers.


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Prices vary depending on the airline and lounge location but typically cost around $25 to $60 per person. Most domestic and international airlines sell day passes at club lounges and online.

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Some lounges don't allow you to take food and beverages from the lounge. However, some won't mind if you take a couple of sealed items like bags of crisps, a yogurt or bottled soft drinks for your onward journey.

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Airport lounge access requires a membership, day pass or qualifying airline ticket. Business and first-class passengers often get free access to airline lounges, as do elite members and some U.S. military personnel. The access policy varies by airline.

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In our airport guides, we include lounges that economy-class travellers can access by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or joining a lounge membership program.

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Yes, it's possible to get Priority Pass for “free, but this kind of membership comes through a credit card with an annual fee.

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Most major airlines sell annual memberships that provide unlimited access to their lounge networks, even if you're not flying in a premium cabin. The cost varies depending on whether you have elite status and whether you're buying a new membership or renewing.

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This year, airport lounges got very crowded, and many business-class travelers or those with airport lounge passes were unable to use lounges due to overcrowding, Andrea Miliani writes for travel website TravelOffPath.

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In most airport lounges, you're allowed to stay for 2-3 hours before departure or after landing. Some also offer extended stays for upwards of 5 hours.

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All we do ask is that customers dress in a smart casual fashion so that we maintain a nice environment for all customers to enjoy.

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You can't usually access international lounges on arrival because most airline departure lounges are located in a different area from arrivals.

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Airport Lounges - 10% extra NHS discount Jet off feeling fully relaxed and ready to enjoy your break away while saving money at the same time!

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The British Airways first class lounge in London Heathrow offers a surprisingly good experience — particularly for how many passengers stream through it. Travelers have a wide variety of hot and cold dining options, many alcoholic and nonalcoholic drink options, access to showers and even sleeping pods.

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For travellers who sporadically dabble in the world of private lounges, paying for entry at the door is often the most inexpensive and efficient way to indulge. When you reach the peak of boredom in the terminal, wander over to the lounge and pay the rate (usually in 2-5 hour packages).

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You can stay overnight and sleep at 24-hour airport lounges, as long as they don't have any rules on how long you stay. Many airport lounges close at night or limit access to just a few hours before your flight. Go to your airport lounge program's website to review hours and rules at the lounge you want to visit.

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Day passes for lounges that belong to specific airlines can be purchased in person at the lounge, but you can be denied entry if the lounge is full. Check to see whether the airline offers lounge day passes through its app or website. Are you traveling with others? Before booking, research the lounge's guest policy.

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