benefits of airport lounge access

7 Important Benefits of Airport Lounge Access

Have you ever experienced a long layover at an airport? Alternatively, have you ever had a short airport layover turn into a not-so-short airport layover, like several hours? If so, airport lounge access is a veritable oasis in the desert – or at least in the airport. We’ve detailed seven essential benefits of airport lounge access.

1. Free Food and Beverages

Airport food is notoriously expensive. That fast food meal you pay $15 for anywhere in America is easily $25 – $35 in an airport. In some airports, and at various times of the day (mostly at night), restaurants are closed.

This is one of the most significant benefits of airport lounge access. You’ll find a selection of free food and beverages and sometimes even complete meals. Since the food is available all day, it won’t matter what time your appetite starts poking at you; a meal is available. There is nothing worse than being hangry in an airport when your flight is delayed.

2. Family-friendly Environment

Airports tend to be chaotic, especially at peak travel times. If you’re traveling with children, you’re well acquainted with the anxiety of keeping your brood close in a crowded airport. The problem is magnified by long layovers, which inevitably result in bored youngsters looking for an outlet for excess energy.

Airport lounges allow you to assemble your family in a single, enclosed space. Your kids can roam free within the four walls and be entertained by TV and video games. Should anyone get hungry along the way, as we mentioned above, there’s usually free food.

Airport lounges address another important consideration when traveling by air. If you are on an extended layover, you may need to charge your cell phone. Places to charge your cell phone are hard to come by in open areas of airports, even more so if you have several cell phones for each of your family members. An airport lounge can offer you greater access to recharge.

3. Comfort and Relaxation

Speaking of recharging, finding a comfortable spot in an airport is problematic. Not only are the chairs uncomfortable, but there are safety concerns with luggage and the constant din of noise from crowds and the PA system.

An airport lounge offers a quieter, comfortable place to relax. The seating is more comfortable than standard airport waiting room furniture, even enough to nap. Since there are fewer people and less chaos, it’s quieter and there’s less concern about the safety of your luggage.

Traveling by air is stressful by itself. Having a quiet space to relax and get comfortable is a significant advantage in the middle of a sea of activity.

4. A Superior Place to Wait Out Flight Delays

Airport lounges are worth having just for the comfortable seats and food to nibble on. But many have additional amenities that make the stay even more pleasant. These can include various forms of entertainment, including TV, free Wi-Fi access, and other media.

Some Priority Pass airport lounges offer their Game Space, where you can participate in gaming for all ages and experience levels. That can be a valuable way to relax if you are experiencing an extended flight delay.

5. Work or Be Productive While Waiting in Airports

Free Wi-Fi access and workspaces are standard amenities of airport lounges. If your airport layover will last several hours, you can use those facilities to work. If nothing else, you can connect with your office home base if you are preparing for an important meeting or sales presentation. Space to work is especially important if your trip is sprung on you suddenly, leaving you with little time for preparation.

6. Airport Lounges are Located in Most Major Airports Around the World

As you’ll see later in this article, many airport lounge services are available at well over 1,000 airports worldwide. That includes abundant international locations. It can be a comfort to know there’s an airport lounge waiting for you in a strange city in an airport you’ve never been to.

Airport lounge access becomes even more beneficial if your flight itinerary includes multiple stopovers. Knowing you can take advantage of airport lounges along the way can be a significant stress reliever.

7. Concierge Services

Many airport lounges have personnel on staff who can help you with your travel needs. This is especially important if you are traveling internationally. If you’ve never been to a certain foreign country and you don’t speak the language, getting access to local services from a friendly person is a significant advantage.

The number and type of concierge services vary by airport lounge providers and by the specific lounge. For example, Priority Pass allows you to book private airport transfers at more than 1,100 airports worldwide and gives you access to more than 50,000 car rental locations.

How Much Does Airport Lounge Access Cost?

There are two ways to gain access to airport lounges. The first is by participating directly in a membership with an airport lounge provider. The second is to sign up for a credit card that provides such access as a card benefit.

If you choose to go the direct route, you can sign up with a provider known as Priority Pass. It operates more than 1,600 airport lounges worldwide. You can purchase Standard Access (for the occasional traveler) for an annual fee of $99. Standard Plus is available for regular travelers for $329. Finally, Prestige is designed for frequent travelers and is available for an annual fee of $469. There may be additional fees at select locations if you pre-book.

Credit Cards With Airport Lounge Access

The other alternative is to sign up for a credit card that offers airport lounge access. You can check out our list of the Best Credit Cards with Unlimited Airport Lounge Access to find credit cards with airport lounge access. Not surprisingly, each card comes with an annual fee – usually several hundred dollars.

The table below provides a sample of those cards:

Credit CardLounge networkNumber of loungesAnnual fee
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressAmerican Express Global Lounge Collection
(Terms Apply)
1,400+$695
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One Lounges, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium Lounges1,300+$395
Chase Sapphire Reserve®Priority Pass Select1,300+$550
Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite Credit Card Priority Pass Select1,300+$550
Mastercard® Black Card™Priority Pass Select1,300+$495

Accessing credit card-related airport lounges is also possible if you don’t have one of the credit cards listed above. For example, Capital One makes their lounges available to Capital One Venture and Spark Miles cardholders for $45 for the main traveler and their guests. However, even non-cardholders can gain access for $90.

A significant number of travel-specific credit cards also offer airport lounge access. Examples include:

  1. Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
  2. United Club℠ Infinite Card
  3. Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®
  4. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
  5. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it worth paying for an airport lounge?

Given all the benefits provided by airport lounges, including free food and beverages, Wi-Fi access, and work and relaxation spaces, it’s worth paying for if you are a frequent traveler or even an occasional traveler experiencing an extended flight delay.

Is everything free in airport lounges?

No. While most standard amenities are free, certain services may incur upcharges. For example, you may be charged for alcoholic beverages consumed beyond a specific number. Various lounges may also offer special services, such as showers or spas, which may require an upcharge.

What does lounge access get you?

Airport lounge access can be like spending time at a high-end luxury hotel, if only for a few hours. They commonly provide a comfortable place to relax or work, regular airport flight activity updates, concierge services to help you book transfers and other services, free Wi-Fi, and even free food and beverages.

Why do people pay for airport lounges?

The answer varies based on the individual and the circumstances surrounding his or her flight. For example, if your travel involves a long layover at an airport, you may be more than willing to pay for access to an airport lounge. You’ll be able to relax or be productive when you would otherwise sit around the airport waiting for your flight. Let’s face it – the seating in typical airport waiting areas is uncomfortable.

Final Thoughts on Airport Lounge Access

Airport lounge access can be a significant benefit if you are a frequent traveler. However, it may not be a perk you want to pursue if you are not. The credit cards offering airport lounge access are essentially premium. That means they charge annual fees of several hundred dollars.

Airport lounge access should not be the primary reason for selecting a credit card if you travel only occasionally or don’t specifically use airport lounges when you do. Any credit card benefit must be weighed against the cost of the card that provides it.