Priority Pass™ is a global network of independently owned airport lounges. These lounges are available in approximately 1,300 locations in more than 600 airports in 148 countries. With that kind of footprint, you may be flying through an airport with a lounge participating in Priority Pass. Each lounge is slightly different in layout and features, but usually includes amenities such as free food, Wi-Fi and comfortable places to relax.
This is the easiest way to gain free, unlimited access to the largest possible number of airport lounges around the world, plus several other benefits that every traveler should have. Having the right card can be the difference between sitting in Starbucks on a 5-hour layover, or indulging in bottomless champagne before boarding for your next trip. However, availability varies from lounge to lounge, and peak travel times may be restricted. However, some airline-branded credit cards give you 2 free lounge passes for every year that you renew your card (like the UnitedSM Explorer Card). These lounge memberships can be purchased outright with cash, you can use miles to buy them (usually a bad value!), or you can use the airline’s business program currency to negate the fee.
Be a guest of somebody with lounge access
It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. However, if you are flying on United, you will have access to Priority Pass lounges with a Priority Pass membership. You can access Priority Pass lounges regardless of the airline or class of service you are flying. Now that you know a few of the best methods for accessing airline lounges when you travel, you can relax more and stress less. To access both the Admirals Clubs and the Oneworld business class lounges (such as SFO’s Cathay Pacific Lounge), you have to reach AAdvantage Platinum or better.
However, before we get into that, let’s first look at what an airline lounge is and why you might want to use it before your flight or during a layover. No longer can you show up minutes before your flight and board the aircraft. However, that option is still available to people flying on private jets.
How To Pay for Airline Lounge Access
If you don’t travel often but still want to treat yourself to the occasional airline lounge visit, you can buy a day pass. The exact cost will vary by airline and could be worthwhile, depending on the lounge and length of stay. Most airlines allow you to purchase a day pass either online or at the airport on the day of travel. Prices vary depending on the airline and lounge location but typically cost around $25 to $60 per person. For example, the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard offers complimentary Admirals Club access to authorized users.
Opinions expressed therein are solely those of the reviewer and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, presented in the review is accurate as of the date of the review. Check the data at the top of this page and the bank’s website for the most current information. If your flight gets canceled or delayed, for example, your airport lounge customer service agent may be able to help or give you advice. Another reliable option is Minute Suites, which offers small private rooms ideal for napping or working.
Not traveling solo? You may be able to bring guests
Lounge memberships usually run between $350 and $500 annually, but they could quickly pay for themselves in comparison to day passes (or having to spend thousands on business or first class tickets). Earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® on everyday purchases and redeem for travel, cash back and more. See all our rewards credit cards and choose one that’s right for you. Explore the world and earn premium rewards with Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred®. Most airport lounges offer free or discounted access to members of the military and their families. Depending on the lounge, the requirements for entry may vary such as having to be in uniform or be on active orders.
- However, if you are flying on United, you will have access to Priority Pass lounges with a Priority Pass membership.
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- However, the availability of airline lounges offers a welcome respite from these challenges, providing amenities like complimentary food, enhanced Wi-Fi and a tranquil environment.
- For example, Priority Pass has lounges that offer little more than a pot of old coffee, a handful of soft drinks and snacks and free internet access.
- With tools like CardMatch™ and in-depth advice from our editors, we present you with digestible information so you can make informed financial decisions.
No more waiting endlessly for a watered-down overpriced drink at the crowded airport bar. No more lousy airport food and crowded seating while you wait for your flight. If you have an Alaska Club membership or a Qantas Club membership, interestingly enough, you’re also allowed to access American Airlines Admirals Clubs across the globe. It’s also because most of them include not only snacks and premium drinks, but complimentary Wi-Fi and some exceptionally comfortable spaces that promote relaxation and/or productivity.
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ways to get airport lounge access
To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page. To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page. A third Chase lounge is set to open in the Las Vegas airport, followed by locations in New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and Washington-Dulles. Once completed, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with your membership ID and password.
United Airlines offers free United Club access to United Premier Gold, Platinum and 1K members. To qualify, members must be traveling on an international Star Alliance flight and can bring a complimentary guest traveling on the same reservation. Today we will look at the different ways you can gain access to an airline lounge.
Qualifying elite members get complimentary access for themselves and one guest. If you have elite status with an airline, you may be eligible for free access to its lounges as well. Airlines also have lounge membership programs that allow passengers to use their lounges for a yearly fee. For the rest of us, flying involves getting to the airport sometimes as much as three hours before the flight departs if we travel overseas. Long lines and security checks have turned what used to be a fun and exciting experience into something we would rather not have to deal with.
Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Once you buy access, you’ll be given a barcode you scan when you arrive at the lounge. Power its potential with one of our business credit cards, like Ink Business Preferred℠, Ink Business Unlimited℠ or Ink Business Cash℠. Some airlines offer reciprocal access to their alliance or partner clubs, such as Star Alliance, which has 26 member airlines in its international network. Delta extends complimentary Sky Club access to Delta Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion members. Access is valid on international flights operated by SkyTeam carriers or domestic flights connecting to same-day international flights.
Anyone can use an airline lounge, provided they pay for it one way or another. Since 2004, CreditCards.com has worked to break down the barriers that stand between you and your perfect credit card. Our team is made up of diverse individuals with a wide range of expertise and complementary backgrounds. From industry experts to data analysts and, of course, credit card users, we’re well-positioned to give you the best advice and up-to-date information about the credit card universe. CreditCards.com credit ranges are derived from FICO® Score 8, which is one of many different types of credit scores. If you apply for a credit card, the lender may use a different credit score when considering your application for credit.
For example, Priority Pass Select is the most popular airport lounge pass offered through credit cards, and it enables members to visit more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world. Most Priority Pass Select memberships offer unlimited visits, while some credit cards provide passes for a certain number of visits per year (typically 10). LoungeBuddy is an airport lounge booking service that gives you the ability to purchase access to airport lounges anywhere regardless of your class of service, lounge memberships, or elite status.
