The Democratization of Airport Lounges

When it’s time to get to the airport early, Chicago communications professor Anne-Marie Mitchell will spend hours in the airport lounge herself by using a free pass from an airline credit card or paying for day use. To treat. cost.

“Bars, clean bathrooms, light meals are available and not crowded,” she said. “Travel will be more enjoyable.”

Airline lounges, a civilized fortress at the airport terminal, now full of frustrated passengers due to flight delays and cancellations, fly frequently, forward-class ticket holders and expensive credit cards It was a hideout for those who have.

Leisure travelers are now leading the recovery of the aviation industry due to slow business traffic, making it easier for some clubs to claim pre-departure benefits with relatively infrequent leaflets. I am. rule You cannot enter the club more than 3 hours before your scheduled flight.

The expanding world of clubs

Historically, legacy carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines in the United States have operated lounges for first-class and business-class passengers and frequent flyer services for membership. Their offering is a standard club ( United club More exclusive (at United) and for forward-class flyers on long-haul international flightsUnited Polaris).

Another class of clubs welcomes members who fly any career.These include: Priority PassProvides access to more than 1,300 lounges in more than 600 cities (membership plan includes 10 visits for $ 299 per year).

In this case, the lounge could be a real airline club, such as Hawaiian Airlines’ Plumeria lounge, which Priority Pass members can access in Honolulu. Public airport restaurants that offer food credits, including Stephanie’s restaurant at Boston Logan International Airport. Other club brands such as Minute Suites, a private room at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Alternatively, at airport facilities such as Be Relax Spa at Los Angeles International Airport, members can earn credit for chair massage.

Increasingly, lounge users are not airline enthusiasts, but expensive credit card owners.

Gary Lev, an airline blog writer, said: View from the wings.. “This is a way to sell cards and retain members.”

American Express platinum Cardholders have access to many airline lounges as well as company lounges. Centurion LoungeFound in 13 cities in the United States, the new cities arrived in 2023 at Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta and Reagan National in Washington, with a total of more than 1,400 lounges worldwide. This card costs $ 695 a year and has up to $ 400 credits per year for hotels and airlines.

Other banks are now entering lounge games, including Capital One, which made its first opening. Lounge — With fixed cycling room, shower and craft cocktails — Follow-up to Denver and Dulles outside Washington DC is planned for November in Dallas Fort Worth.Admission is restricted to bank owners Venture X Card, $ 395 / year, and its guests. Card benefits include up to $ 300 credit for travel purchases.

JPMorgan Chase has announced that it will open its own brand. Chase Sapphire Lounge by ClubStarting next year, there are six global locations, including LaGuardia Airport in Boston, Phoenix and New York. Chase sapphire reserve Card ($ 300 credit for travel purchases and $ 550 per year with benefits including Priority Pass membership).

How sane is the price?

During these times of airline turmoil, many travelers are willing to buy themselves from airport hell to get closer to the only electrical outlet available in the concourse.

The Plaza Premium Group, which has restaurants, lounges and hotels at more than 70 airports around the world, has recently become a member of the Plaza Premium Group. PPL Pass Americas, Most of them cost $ 59 for two visits within a year Lounge In North, Central and South America. This pass gives you access to the standalone Plaza Premium Lounge and the lounges of airlines operated by Virgin Atlantic, Avianca, Air France and more. With six eligible lounges in the United States and a new location in Orlando, Florida, it will open later this year.

Jonathan Song, director of global business development for the company, said: “The remaining 85% are in economy class, and we see the rise of affordable luxury goods, regardless of airline. People want to enjoy VIP services in business first, but that amount. You may not want to use it for your ticket. “

Currently affiliated with American Express. Escape loungeAlso known as Centurion Studios, located in 14 locations, including Minneapolis, CA and Sacramento, offers a pay-as-you-go plan of $ 40 per visit and $ 45 at the door if booked online 24 hours in advance. (Platinum card holders can enter for free)). Access offers free internet access, standard perks such as food and drink, and new locations are planned for later this year at the airports in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Columbus, Ohio.

Another option, clubThere are 16 locations in the United States, including New Orleans and Seattle, and 2 locations in London. It does not sell membership and is strictly pay-as-you-go for $ 45 per visit (free for Priority Pass owners).

For one-stop shopping, websites and apps Lounge buddy Airport lounge passes start at $ 25. For example, among similar facilities in London Heathrow (such as Wi-Fi and free food and drink), the site offers a $ 39 pass for the Plaza Premium Lounge and a $ 74 pass for the Lufthansa Business Lounge. increase. In Barbados, the pass costs $ 27.

United offers a one-day pass United club $ 59 for that app. Annual membership fees are $ 650 or 85,000 miles for the most frequent mileage members.American Airlines also sells 1-day passes Admirals Club $ 59 or 5,900 miles. Delta does not offer paid access.

Given the high prices of airport concessions — LaGuardia vendors have recently $ 27 beer — Hungry travelers may find it worthwhile to enter.

“In the one-time case, long connections can make math work better, depending on how much you spend in other ways,” Lev said. “You can eat and drink money. It’s less crowded and you might be able to connect a power port.”

Besides the free gin and tonic, booking jam flyers may feel worth paying in the airline lounge for prompt airline assistance.

“If your flight is canceled and you wait two hours to talk to someone, paying a club fee of $ 50 will give you access to the most experienced agents who can do great things to get you where you need them. . Website founder Brian Kelly said Point guyCovers loyalty rewards.

There is no room in the club

Depending on when you fly, it may not even be a problem to enter these days, as passholders have been denied due to capacity congestion.

“The Centurion Lounge is like going to TGI Friday’s. When you check in, they make you crazy about the open space,” Kelly said. “As we’ve seen on this summer’s trip, people have rarely been to the last few years and have missed a premium experience, so they’re scattered when traveling.”

The congestion problem is not necessarily new, but several new factors, including airport staff shortages, are exacerbating it.

“Before the pandemic, there were lots of better lounges,” Lev said. “Now people are arriving early due to security line uncertainty and then realize that they have extra time to kill.”

“Now there’s a line outside the lounge, which I’ve never met in the pre-Covid travel era,” said Harris Stabridis, owner of a London public relations agency. I wrote in an email. “The lounge should be your safe haven, but it’s a problem now.”

Some clubs are responding to the surge, including the new 3-hour rule Delta Sky Club. The San Francisco Centurion Lounge will almost double in size and triple the Seattle club’s footprint this year, but American Express will start next year with guests (adults, 50) unless users spend more than $ 75,000 a year. Start billing the cardholder (dollars). card.

Clubs may be victims of their own success, but accessing them may be the cheapest upgrade per perk you can get when you are flying today.

Patrick Lolo of Providence, Rhode Island, says he travels frequently for work in the real estate industry. “So everyone goes to the lounge.”

Helene Grusac writes a column for frugal travelers. Follow her on her Instagram @eglusac..