Is it worth paying for 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.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

If your issuer provides complimentary lounge visits, there will be a “Complimentary Visit” section under My Information on the app and under My Account on the web. If you do not have any complimentary visits, this section will not display.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Premium credit cards have proliferated significantly in the U.S. since 2016. More people buying lounge access in more ways means more people with access. And in general clubs are better, more attractive places to spend time than they used to be. American Express put pressure on airlines to up their game.

MORE DETAILS

Do I need a special card to enter Lounge Key business lounges? No. A Visa Platinum/Visa Signature/Visa Infinite card is enough to enter.

MORE DETAILS

No. The only person who can access the lounge is the person named on the eligible Mastercard payment card. For security reasons, the lounge will verify the name of the cardholder against their boarding pass and their identification card / passport.

MORE DETAILS

This card offers 4 free visits per year. After the fifth visit, access to the lounges is always offered and therefore the cardholder pays $32 US per person, per visit. These entries are valid for the card and accompanying persons. Each lounge has a different policy for children.

MORE DETAILS

Best Credit Cards With Lounge Access
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Best Card With Lounge Access for Families.
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best Card With Lounge Access.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best Delta Card With Lounge Access.


MORE DETAILS