Most travelers would agree that the best way to travel is via cheap fares, whether cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms or cheap vacation packages. However, savvy travelers know that airport lounges make their wait times not only endurable, but sometimes even enjoyable.
Airport lounges usually offer amenities including free Internet, drinks, snacks, cushy armchairs, and magazines. They provided much needed sanctuary from the noise generated throughout the rest of most airports.
Admission to most lounges is free for First and Business Class passengers. The following are ways that coach passengers can gain access to airport lounger:
Purchase a day pass from one of several airlines selling such passes which allow travelers to enjoy comfort without an expensive long term commitment. Alaska Airlines sells a day pass for $45. American, Delta, United and US Airways offer day passes for their clubs usually for $50. Savings can be realized from some airlines by either purchasing the pass in advance or buying the pass at the time a ticket is purchased.
U.S. airline day passes are primarily limited to U.S. domestic lounges. An Internet company called LoungePass sells day passes to 150 lounges worldwide, including Londons Heathrow and Gatwick airports. These passes start at $22, but some of the lounges restrict the amount of time pass holders can spend there or only offer them to passengers flying within that country.
If you tend to fly a lot on the same airline, paying for airline lounge membership is worth considering, especially since such memberships often gives you access to alliance clubs. Cost tends to range from $250 to $400 for annual membership.
If you tend to fly on multiple airlines, a lounge membership from a third party may be desirable. PriorityPass offers access to 600 airport lounges around the world for an annual fee which varies depending on the membership level desired. $399 buys unlimited access to all of its member clubs. $249 pays for 10 free visits, while $99 membership gives you access to clubs for $27 per visit.
Another option is to pay a fee, usually ranging from $17.50 to $35, to spend part of a day in a public lounge where you can enjoy a comfortable chair, snacks, Internet access, small meals, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Earning elite frequent flier status usually brings lounge perks with benefits that extend through partner airlines.
Select credit cards offer airport lounge privileges, such as the American Express Platinum Card. An annual fee of $450 gives card holders free access to over 600 lounges in 100 countries through Priority Pass Select.
Some travelers have gained lounge access by standing outside the door and asking people going inside if they will bring them in as a guest.
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