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

In 2026, the ability to use an airport lounge upon arrival depends heavily on the specific lounge's policy and your location. Most standard departure lounges—especially those accessed via Priority Pass or credit cards—are located "airside" (after security but before passport control). Once you pass through immigration and baggage claim, you generally cannot re-enter the secure area to use them. However, major international hubs like London Heathrow, Dubai, and Singapore offer dedicated Arrivals Lounges located in the public "landside" area. These are designed specifically for long-haul travelers to shower, eat breakfast, and freshen up before heading into the city. Additionally, some elite airline status tiers or First Class tickets grant access to these exclusive arrivals facilities. If you are flying domestically in the U.S., you can sometimes use a lounge in your arrival terminal if you don't have checked bags and stay within the secure area, but many clubs (like Delta Sky Club) now require a "same-day departure" boarding pass for entry, effectively ending the practice of "arrival lounging" for most passengers.