Airport lounge access is one of the most enticing perks given by certain travel credit cards. Several cards are available for people who would prefer to spend their time before a flight in a comfortable lounge, enjoying complimentary refreshments. No foreign service charges, statement credits for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR application costs, and travel and purchase protections like trip cancellation insurance are some of the other perks that often come with cards that allow lounge access to travelers. Just having a card won't guarantee you entry to a lounge. There may be a membership requirement before you may use the lounge facilities. Check the back of your card for further information. Another requirement of most in-network lounges is that you be flying with an affiliated airline on the same day.
What exactly are airport lounges?
There is a high probability that you will pay costs typical to those charged to captive crowds at big sports stadiums and theaters if you dine or drink at any airport bar or restaurant. Beers cost $12, drinks cost $16 — hardly a bargain. However, lounges at airports often provide these for free. The majority of lounge networks provide a selection of first-class terminals at airports all around the globe. Lounges at airports are private rooms where passengers may unwind and get some work done before their journey. Typical features of such lounges include plush seats, high-speed Internet access, a bar, and various beverages. You may sometimes find showers, printing, and even business centers in airport lounges. Lounge access at airports is often only granted to passengers who have paid for membership or achieved a specific status level with their airline of choice.
Airline lounges
The majority of airlines instead manage their in-house lounge system. There may be only one or two lounges at a carrier's busiest airports, or there may be many. These lounges are often only accessible to business class passengers, first-class passengers, elite passengers, those who pay a substantial price, or those who use the airline's premium travel credit card. In the $450+ range, that's the annual fee you'll be looking at with this credit card. The term "airline lounge" refers to a private space at an airport that is solely accessible to customers of a certain airline. First-class passengers and elite frequent fliers are two examples of the types of passengers who are granted access to these lounges.
The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
American Express
Currently, some American Express cards provide lounge access as a perk. Delta SkyClubs and the opulent Centurion Lounges are available to select Priority Pass users on same-day Delta flights. There may be other conditions. More information about the card may be found on the back.
The American Express Platinum Card®
The American Express Platinum Card® (Subject to Qualifications). See rates & fees) boasts more lounge access locations worldwide than any other card we're aware of. Once registered, cardholders get access to American Express Centurion Lounges and the Global Lounge Collection's network of lounges in 140 countries. When using the card in conjunction with a flight on Delta or Lufthansa on the same day, cardholders are granted access to both airlines' lounges.
American Express Hilton Honors Surpass® Card*
When you have the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card*, you may enjoy ten free visits to any lounge inside the Priority Pass network per year. In subsequent visits, we charge per visit. The $95 annual fee on this card is modest compared to others. In addition, you may earn 12 Hilton Honors bonus points for every dollar spent at any of the hotels or resorts in the Hilton network, 6 points per dollar spent at restaurants, and supermarkets, including petrol stations in the United States, and 3 points per dollar spent on anything else. In addition, cardholders are automatically upgraded to Hilton Honors Gold at no further cost.
American Express Hilton Honors Aspire Card*
For a more valuable lounge perk, consider the Hilton Honors Aspire Card from American Express*, which grants you entry to any of the more than 1,300 lounges in the Priority Pass network globally. You may bring along two visitors at no extra cost when you use your card. The Aspire Card's $450 yearly charge is more than the $295 annual fee for something like the Surpass. If you fly often, you may rationalize the price by taking advantage of up to $250 yearly credits that cover incidental expenses like checked luggage on the eligible airline of your choosing.
Conclusion
Peace, quiet, and free beverages are what you'll find at a lounge. Access to airport lounges is a perk of many credit cards, making them ideal for travelers. The best perk of a travel credit card is access to airport lounges. Several cards provide access to a lounge with free food and drinks before your trip. Lounge access credit cards may include other perks, such as no foreign transaction fees, statement credits for applying for expedited travel programs like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR, as well as travel and purchase protections like trip cancellation insurance. Lounge access for cardholders is not guaranteed.
