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Editorial Note: We’re the Million Mile Secrets team. And we’re proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader’s comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! 🙂
Are Airport Lounges Worth It?
September 29, 2015 By Meghan Hunter
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Update: One or more card offers in this post are no longer available. Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers.Airport loungescansave you money and time with convenient features like Wi-Fi, showers, snacks (or even full meals!), and much more. Nearly every major or mid-sized airport has a lounge.
But are they worth the price?
Airport Lounges, Like the Centurion Studio in Las Vegas, Are a Great Place to Unwind, Eat, and Catch up on Work. But Who Gets the Most Value From Them?
I’ll explain who’ll get the most use from airport lounges. And which cards offer complimentary access!
Why Airport Lounges?
Most airport lounges offer amenities targeted toward business travelers and frequent flyers, like:
Complimentary beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor
Snacks, and sometimes full meals
Wi-Fi
Showers to refresh before or after a long flight
Magazines
Business stations to print documents or make phone calls
Fax services
If you only travel once or twice a year, you probably won’t get much use from an airport lounge membership.
But some folks integrate them into their travel plans to catch up on work and refresh, like:
Business travelers
Frequent travelers
Folks who travel internationally
Families who want a place to regroup
Anyone who has a long layover
If you need to catch up on work, make business calls, or refresh after a long flight, airport lounges are a quiet place to spend time and unwind.
Grab a Bourbon on the Rocks, a Shower, or Relax on a Long Layover
Folks who visit often can get more than their money’s worth over the course of a year!
Priority Pass is an independent lounge network with over 700 locations around the world.
The benefit of Priority Pass lounges is that you can fly on any airline and access them on the day you fly.
Priority Pass Has Over 700 Lounges in Airports All Over the World
You’ll find Priority Pass lounges in most major airports. Features and benefits vary by location, but you can expect most of them to have Wi-Fi, snacks, and drinks at a minimum. Certain locations have expanded food options, showers, business centers, and more.
Access can come in handy when you have a long layover. Or when you’re traveling on an airline whose own lounges you can’t get into.
A Comparable Membership to Priority Pass Would Cost $399 a Year If You Paid Out-of-Pocket!
Cards that come with a Priority Pass membership included are:
With theAMEX Platinum cards, it’s free for the cardmember to enter, but $27 per person for all guests.
And with Citi Prestige, you can bring 2 guests or immediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18 years of age) for no extra charge.
Centurion Lounges Feature Lots of Premium Amenities That Business Travelers Will Appreciate
Centurion lounges have high-end amenities like craft cocktails, fast Wi-Fi, shower suites, and seasonal meals. So each time you visit, you can get a full breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with drinks. That’s easily worth $50 or more!
AirSpace lounges are clean, modern spaces that offer unlimited soft drinks and snacks, a full bar, access to their shower facility, and several other perks.
Relax, Unwind With a Drink, or Grab a Shower at 1 of 4 AirSpace Lounges
So far, AirSpace lounges are in 4 cities:
Baltimore
Cleveland
New York – JFK
San Diego
Enjoy Lots of Conveniences at AirSpace Lounges
You can bring 2 guests with you each time you visit.
American Airlines has ~50 Admirals Club locations globally.Emily and I Visited the Admirals Club in Kansas City, Which You Can Access With Your Citi AAdvantage Executive Card or Citi Prestige!
If you fly American Airlines a lot, or if this is the only lounge option in your city, Admirals Clubs are great places to unwind, grab a drink, and catch up on some work.
Admirals Club Memberships Start at $500 for Individuals Without American Airlines Elite Status, but You Can Get Access With the Right Credit Card!
There are 2 credit cards that include access to Admirals Clubs as perks:
Most Delta Sky Clubs are in Delta hub airports, like Atlanta, Detroit, or Minneapolis, but you’ll find other locations at major airports. Membership prices start at $450 for individuals.
The AMEX Delta Reserve Card and AMEX Platinum Card Gets You Access to Delta Sky Clubs!
Delta Sky Clubs are a great way to relax before or after you fly!
Folks who might want access to airport lounges include:
Business travelers
Frequent travelers
Folks who travel internationally
Families
And anyone who wants a quiet place before or after their flight!
Airport lounges usually feature Wi-Fi, drinks, snacks, showers, and a place to catch up on work.
Many credit cards will get you access to certain lounges. And if you are loyal to American Airlines, Delta, or United Airlines, each 1 has a credit card that comes with a lounge membership subscription.
Do you use airport lounges? Do you have 1 that you’d recommend in particular?
Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
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