Why do people use airport lounges?

A lounge can offer the perfect hideaway from the hectic nature of the airport. It's much quieter, and most lounges have comfortable, spacious seating — and plenty of it. You can also use the Wi-Fi and power outlets, so you're all charged up before boarding the plane.



People Also Ask

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

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

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

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

You can save money on food 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.

MORE DETAILS

You can get free access to an airline lounge by redeeming miles or opening a credit card with lounge benefits. Airline elite status also comes with lounge benefits. If you're a U.S. military member on active duty, you might qualify for free lounge access with select airlines.

MORE DETAILS

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.

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

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.

MORE DETAILS

Many lounges don't even require that you be flying their airline! Most of the lounges that sell day passes belong to U.S.-based airlines like Alaska Airlines (Alaska Lounge), American (Admirals Club), and United (United Club).

MORE DETAILS

Anyone can access airport lounges if you have a membership that allows access, a certain level of airline loyalty status or day pass. This means you can access thousands of lounges throughout the world, without necessarily having a first-class ticket. Today, anyone with lounge access can consider themselves a VIP.

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

Although food and snack items may vary within each lounge, there's usually a great selection of sandwiches, cakes and biscuits to choose from. Some lounges may even provide hot meals such as soup, bacon rolls etc.

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

How can I find out if my issuer provides me with complimentary lounge visits? 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

If your same-day outbound flight departs after the lounge closes for the day, we will admit you as early as 3 hours prior to the lounge closing, subject to available capacity. Select lounges may allow access to eligible Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival).

MORE DETAILS

There's no limit on how many Priority Pass lounges and restaurants you can visit in a day. So if there are three Priority Pass lounges in an airport, you can visit all three in one day at the airport.

MORE DETAILS