Airport lounges have long been seen as a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. They offer travellers a comfortable and relaxing environment to rest and unwind before their flight, with comfortable seating, free food and drinks, and even spas and showers.
In recent years, however, more and more people are discovering that they can access airport lounges without flying first class or business class. With a little research, anyone can find the right credit card or membership program that offers airport lounge access.
What is an airport Lounge and what’s on offer?
Airport lounges are exclusive areas within the airport available to travellers with a specific membership or credit card. Inside, you’ll find comfortable furnishings, free food and drinks, high-speed Wi-Fi, showers and sometimes even spas. Depending on the lounge, there may be complimentary drinks, newspapers and magazines as well as TVs with international channels.
What’s the Difference Between Airport Lounges and Airline Lounges?
Most airport lounges are available to anyone with the right credit card or membership program. For example, American Express Platinum Card holders have access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world.
On the other hand, an airline lounge is exclusive to members of that particular airline loyalty program. Airline lounge membership usually offers more comprehensive services such as free meals and drinks, priority check-in, and a comfortable place to relax.
If you’re looking for ways to make your next trip more comfortable, convenient and enjoyable, airport lounge access can be a great option. From free snacks and drinks to comfortable seating, Wi-Fi and even showers in some cases, lounges offer amenities that will make your travel experience much more pleasant.
How Do I Get Access to Airport Lounges?
The easiest way to get access to an airport lounge is with a credit card. Most major credit cards offer special benefits such as complimentary access to airport lounges around the world.
Some of the most popular cards offering this perk are American Express Platinum Card, Barclaycard Avios Plus Credit Card, and the Premier World Elite Mastercard from HSBC U.K.
You can also get access to airport lounges through a membership program such as Priority Pass or LoungeKey. These programs offer access to over 1,000 airport lounges in more than 500 cities around the world.
Credit Cards with Lounge Access
One of the easiest ways to access airport lounges is by getting a credit card that offers lounge access as a perk.
According to Points Guy, there are a number of credit cards that offer lounge access as a benefit of simply having the card. These credit cards often offer lounge access at a wide variety of airports, so travellers can enjoy the comfort of an airport lounge no matter where they fly.
Some popular credit cards with lounge access include the Platinum Card from American Express, Barclaycard Avios Plus Credit Card, and the Premier World Elite Mastercard from HSBC U.K.
These cards often offer other travel-related perks as well, such as travel credits, bonus miles, and discounts on travel purchases. With a credit card that offers lounge access, travellers can enjoy the comfort of an airport lounge without having to fly first class or business class.
Packaged Bank Accounts
Another way to access airport lounges is through a packaged bank account. Many banks offer bundled accounts that include a variety of perks, such as travel insurance and mobile phone insurance and breakdown cover.
These accounts often come with lounge access as well, so travellers can take advantage of the comfort and convenience of an airport lounge without having to fly first class or business class. In the U.K., both the Barclays Travel Plus Pack and the NatWest Reward Black Account offer lounge access as part of their packages.
Additionally, many banks partner with airport lounges to provide additional benefits to their customers. For example, the NatWest Reward Black Account comes with two free visits per year to over 400 Priority Pass lounges around the world.
This means that travellers can enjoy the comfort and amenities of an airport lounge without having to pay the full price.
Flying Business or First Class
Another way to access airport lounges is by flying business or first class. Some airlines, such as Virgin Atlantic and British Airways, offer lounge access to their business and first-class passengers.
Other airlines, such as those in the Oneworld alliance, offer lounge access to their premium passengers as well.
While flying business or first class can be expensive, it can also be a great way to access airport lounges. These lounges are typically more luxurious than general-access lounges, with unique amenities such as spas, private dining areas, and cigar lounges.
For travellers who frequently fly business or first class, the investment can be well worth it for the added comfort and convenience of airport lounge access.
Membership Programs
Planning ahead can help make your travel experience even more comfortable and rewarding. Why not join a lounge membership program like Priority Pass or DragonPass to unlock access to various international lounge rooms?
Membership fees for these programs start at £268 per year, which is much lower than the cost of day passes that range from £220+. With such deals on offer, as well as benefits included in the value package, it’s worth considering before you fly – just double-check if there are any lounges available at airports with smaller terminals before booking!
What other schemes offer airport lounge access? Other lounge membership programs include LoungeBuddy, which offers access to over 500 lounges worldwide, and LoungeKey, which has access to more than 900 lounges in 85 countries.
How to find lounges – and what they offer
Finding airport lounges is easy with online directories such as LoungeBuddy or Priority Pass. Both of these websites provide detailed information on airport lounges around the world, including amenities offered, opening hours, and access requirements.
The amenities offered at airport lounges can vary greatly depending on the lounge itself. Some of the most common amenities include complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi access, comfortable seating areas, business centres, newspapers and magazines, and showers.
In addition, some lounges may offer additional amenities such as spas, private meeting rooms, cigar lounges, and concierge services. In some cases, travellers can purchase airport lounge access ahead of time or during their flight. Websites like Loungebuddy can be very helpful in providing details of airport lounges and what they offer.
The cost of airport lounge access will vary depending on the lounge and the airline, but in many cases, it can be a cost-effective way to enjoy the comfort of an airport lounge without having to fly first class or business class.
The World’s Best First-Class Lounges
If you want the best airport lounge experience, flying first class is the way to go. First-class lounges are usually more luxurious than business-class lounges, with special features like spas, private dining areas, and cigar lounges.
Some of the world’s best first-class lounges include Emirates’ First-Class Lounge in Dubai, Cathay Pacific’s The Cabin in Hong Kong, and Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge in Doha. These lounges offer travellers a truly luxurious experience, with amenities such as private meeting rooms, dedicated butlers, and premium food and drinks.
