Is it worth it to buy lounge access?

Airport lounges are generally worth the effort to get in, whether as provided by your airline ticket, credit card or elite status. The benefits are truly there, from the basics like Wi-Fi, clean restrooms, beverages and a place to sit, to sit down meals and premium beverages.



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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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Airport lounges are exclusive locations within airports where travelers can access benefits such as free food, Wi-Fi, and in some cases even showers. Airport lounges fall into three categories.

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Centurion Lounges are definitely a worthwhile benefit if you're able to use them three or four times per year. I'd estimate that visiting the Centurion Lounges in both Dallas and Denver saved me $180+ on food and alcohol.

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Complimentary or discounted access Travelers with The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express or the Centurion® Card from American Express receive complimentary access to any outpost within the Centurion Lounge network.

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It's how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts' opinions aren't influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. 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.

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Lounges typically set food up in a way where you can help yourself as needed. They often offer free snacks and other food choices, plus drinks, including alcoholic beverages. These food and drink offerings come at no extra cost to you.

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6) Be a guest of somebody with lounge access Guest policies vary greatly depending on the airline, the membership status and the type of lounge. Some let guests in for free while others charge a fee which typically ranges between $25 and $65 per person.

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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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Lounges often offer a quiet space to escape the hectic environment of the rest of the airport. You'll find comfortable, spacious seating and less crowded restrooms. Relax while you recharge your devices at your very own charging station.

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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.

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Yes, there is no limit to how many Priority Pass-affiliated lounges, restaurants or other services you can use in a single day. If you have a limited amount of visits included with your membership without a fee, then that may be something you want to be aware of, but otherwise, there are no limitations.

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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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In other words, smart-casual is a good rule of thumb to follow when deciding what to wear in an airport lounge. This means being neat and presentable without being too formal. However, you will find that there are several airport lounges that don't care what you wear as long as you're not offending anyone.

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Usually it is absolutely fine and many people do this. Most airports will close down between 0000-0430 on average when there are no passenger flights scheduled. But you will likely see many other longhaul passengers around the terminal building, sleeping in lounges and waiting areas.

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As of Feb. 1, 2023, the ability to bring in two guests at no additional cost went away for most cardholders. Now, unless you spend $75,000 or more each calendar year on your card, you'll need to pay $50 to bring an adult guest ($30 for children ages 2 through 17) into the Centurion Lounge. Terms apply.

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Effective February 1, 2023 U.S. Amex Platinum cardholders are no longer to take guests into Centurion lounges unless they hit an annual spend volume of $75,000 on the Platinum card.

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