How To Get Into An Airport Lounge

Airline lounges are private spaces reserved for passengers of a certain airline or airline alliance. Access is restricted to elite members and those flying in business or first class. Some airline lounges sell day passes and memberships, while others are accessible through networks like Priority Pass.

Airline lounges often feature comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and drinks. Some lounges offer premium amenities like showers, private rooms, office spaces and spas. Visiting an airline lounge can make your trip much more enjoyable, especially during long layovers or delays. The best part is that there are several ways you can get into airline lounges without paying for the privilege or flying in a premium cabin.

You don’t have to splurge on day passes, memberships or expensive premium-cabin tickets to get airline lounge access. There are many ways you can get in for free. Plenty of credit cards offer complimentary day passes or lounge memberships, while elite members and active-duty military personnel (and their families) can also get free access. Here’s a breakdown of each option:

Credit Cards

The easiest way to get into an airline lounge for free is by signing up for a credit card. Many premium credit cards offer complimentary lounge network memberships. For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®* offers cardholders free Admirals Club membership, valued at up to $850 per year. Similarly, the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers United Club membership, which grants the primary member and up to two travel companions access to United lounges.

But what if you’re not regularly flying the same airline or a particular airline’s lounge is always packed? You want versatility and backup options, which is where a Priority Pass membership can come in handy. Plenty of credit cards include Priority Pass as a cardholder benefit, which is a network of over 1,500 airline lounges and airport restaurants worldwide.

The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees) offers the most comprehensive lounge benefits, including Priority Pass membership, access to select airline lounges and the exclusive Centurion Lounge network. However, with a $695 annual fee it’s not the most budget-friendly credit card nor is it your only option. Here are some other credit cards that include Priority Pass membership and their annual fees:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($695) (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550)
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* ($400): Up to eight visits per year at participating Priority Pass lounges.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395) (rates & fees)
• United℠ Explorer Card ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95): Two annual day passes.

Redeem Miles

Some airlines allow you to redeem miles for either day passes or lounge memberships. While airline tickets are the best use of miles, some people might find value in redeeming their miles this way. Here’s a list of airline lounge redemption options you can take advantage of:

American Airlines

• Day passes: 7,900 AAdvantage miles
• New individual membership: 75,000 to 85,000 miles depending on elite status
• Individual membership renewal: 70,000 to 80,000 miles depending on elite status
• New household membership: 155,000 to 165,000 miles depending on elite status
• Household membership renewal: 150,000 to 160,000 miles depending on elite status

United Airlines

• United Club membership: 75,000 to 85,000 miles depending on elite status.

Access Through Elite Status

If you have elite status with an airline, you may be eligible for free access to its lounges as well.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers complimentary lounge access to Alaska MVP Gold, Gold 75K and Gold 100K members. Access is only granted when traveling on Oneworld member airlines outside of the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

American Airlines

American Airlines grants complimentary lounge access to AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members. Access is valid on international flights operated by American, Oneworld airlines between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, New Zealand and South America. Qualifying travelers can bring one guest free of charge.

Delta Air Lines

Delta extends complimentary Sky Club access to Delta Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion members when they are flying Delta Premium Select or Delta One internationally, or the equivalent cabin on partner flights. Qualifying elite members get complimentary access for themselves and one guest.

United Airlines

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.

Free Access for U.S. Military Members

U.S. military personnel can qualify for free airport lounge access in select cities. Aside from the well-known USO lounges operating at select airports, several airlines offer free lounge access to U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform. The requirements vary by airline. Here’s a list of lounge access policies for domestic carriers:

Alaska Airlines

U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on Alaska Airlines can access the lounge free of charge. Access is granted up to three hours before departure. Active duty military personnel not traveling in uniform can purchase a day pass for $30.

American Airlines

Uniformed U.S. military personnel traveling on an American Airlines flight get complimentary lounge access, including up to two family members. Guests must present a military ID to gain access. This policy applies to all domestic and international lounges, except for the Airspace Lounge in San Diego and the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge in Honolulu.

United Airlines

United Airlines offers complimentary lounge access to active duty military members with leave orders, rest and recuperation papers or wearing a uniform. This benefit extends to family members on the same United flight and requires a valid military ID.

If you can’t qualify for free airline lounge access, you can pay to get in. Most airlines sell day passes or unlimited lounge memberships for a fee. The cost will vary by airline, with discounts extended to elite status and U.S. military members. Here’s a look at all the ways you can pay for airline lounge access:

Buy Day Passes

If you don’t travel often but want to treat yourself to the occasional airline lounge visit, you can buy a day pass. 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 $35 to $79 per person.

Most domestic and international airlines sell day passes at club lounges and online. American Express cardholders may also buy passes through LoungeBuddy. Simply download the app, enter your airport and you’ll see a list of lounges and their corresponding day pass rates.

Priority Pass

While Priority Pass is complimentary with premium credit cards, you can also buy a membership for as little as $99 per year. Here’s a list of membership types, annual costs and access policies:

• Standard ($99): $35 member visit fee plus $35 per guest
• Standard Plus ($329): 10 free visits, then $35 plus $35 per guest
• Prestige ($469): Unlimited free visits plus a $35 guest fee

Buy an Airline Lounge Membership

Buying an airline lounge membership might be worthwhile if you frequently travel through one airline’s hub and want to unwind. Most major airlines sell annual memberships that provide unlimited access to their lounge networks, even if you’re not flying in a premium cabin. The cost varies depending on whether you have elite status and whether you’re buying a new membership or renewing.

Here’s a breakdown of domestic airline lounge membership fees:

Alaska Airlines

• $450 to $550 for a standard Alaska Lounge membership with entry to nine Alaska Airlines Lounges.
• $650 to $750 for an Alaska Lounge+ membership with access to Alaska-operated lounges and nearly 90 partner lounges.

American Airlines

• $750 to $850 for an individual membership
• $700 to $800 for individual membership renewal
• $1,550 to $1,650 for household memberships
• $1,500 to $1,600 for household membership renewal

Delta Air Lines

• $695 or 69,500 miles for an individual membership
• $1,495 or 149,500 miles for an Executive membership

United Airlines

• $550 to $650 or 75,000 to 85,000 miles

Navigating through a busy airport can be an arduous experience. However, airline lounges offer a welcome respite, providing amenities like complimentary food, enhanced Wi-Fi and a tranquil environment. The best part is there are both free and discounted options available for travelers to enjoy these privileges and make their journey more comfortable.

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.