Travel – Eat – Sleep

If you’ve ever sat through a 6-hour weather delay, you know why you’d like an airline lounge membership.  Lounges shelter us from the lines, noise, and chaos of the airport.  Even the worst, most crowded lounge is usually more comfortable than the average airport waiting area.

I used to think airline lounges were only for the wealthy, or the lucky executives whose companies footed the bill.  Not so.  Here’s how the “in the know” travelers get their airline lounge memberships.

1.  Even new travelers know the first option:  buying loung membership at full price, straight from a single airline.  If you have several hundred dollars you could go this route.  I don’t personally recommend it.

2.  Instead of buying full access to an airline’s club, you can consider a day pass with that airline.  Prices run from $25 to $75 and are only good for the single day.  If you only travel a couple times a year this might be the right option.

3.  If you’re offered an American Express Platinum card take a few minutes to consider the services it brings.  The annual fee is pricy ($450 least I checked) but it does give access to many airline lounges.  I recommend this approach if you plan to make use ALL of the frequent flyer cards services.

4.  Similarly, if you have a Diners Club card you have access to their network of lounges.  This benefit isn’t particularly useful in the United States.  If you travel internationally it’s a good option with a relatively low annual fee.

5.  Frequent travelers loyal to a single airline have more options.  Those with frequent flyer status usually get a discount on the airline’s membership fee (possibly even free if your status is high enough).  You might also be able to use your mileage points to pay for the remaining cost.  This is a terrific option if you travel one airline (or airline partnership) regularly.

6.  If you’ve made it this far down the list without finding an answer, don’t despair.  You still have Priority Pass membership to look forward to, and it’s a great option.  My Priority Pass membership gives me access to over 500 lounges in more than 275 cities.  They have access in the U.S. airports I frequent, and a nice range of membership fees.  You can start as low as $99 plus $27 per visit.