How to get into the airport lounge: tips and rules

Staying in an airport terminal can be unbearable and sometimes downright uncomfortable due to the lack of amenities while waiting for a flight. There may not be a seat available for you, so you'll have to wander the halls to find something to do.

However, most airports still have special lounges where travelers can take a break, enjoy a tasty meal, freshen up, and even find activities to help them pass the time more comfortably. Conde Nast Traveler has explained how to gain access to the lounge space and what strategies to follow to make the most of this service.

Fly in premium class cabins

It's quite common for airlines to reserve lounge access only for passengers who have purchased business or first-class tickets. Airlines such as British Airways, Air France, or Cathay Pacific operate on this principle.

However, if your tickets are not for the premium class, it doesn't necessarily mean that you are not allowed to enter the lounge area. Before booking your tickets, you should inquire and find out if the airline restricts access to lounges. For example, airlines like Scandinavian Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, and LATAM provide free lounge access for passengers with tickets of any class through their own lounge network.

Premium credit cards

Lounge access is a benefit included in the vast majority of credit cards designed for travel. Each of these cards has different rates and its own concept that encourages customers to use this service.

For example, the Platinum Card from American Express provides free access to the "gold standard" - Centurion lounges. These are upscale spaces that offer amenities such as showers, spas, and quiet sleeping areas. However, due to the high demand for such lounges, in February 2023, American Express tightened its policy towards Centurion guests and increased the fees for visiting them. More details can be found on the airline's official website here.

Additionally, another American banking holding company, Capital One, has launched its own Capital One Lounge network, offering guests a "modern oasis" with luxurious amenities such as cycling and yoga rooms, showers, lounges, and healthy cuisine.

Cards that can be issued for access to the lounge area:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve (has its own lounge network called Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club);
• Sapphire Reserve (up to 2 guests);
• JP Morgan Reserve (up to 2 guests);
• The Ritz-Carlton (free for an unlimited number of guests);
• Venture Card (special entrance fees apply);
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express (provides free access to Centurion Lounge and Delta Sky Clubs);
• Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard (provides free access to the American Airlines Admirals Club for the cardholder, immediate family, or two guests);
• Citi Prestige and Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express (include a free Priority Pass Select membership).

Purchase a Priority Pass membership

The Priority Pass card allows you to access over 1400 airport lounges worldwide. You can access them through the Priority Pass mobile application. Airlines with Priority Pass lounges include Korean Air, Air France, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and British Airways.

It should be noted that the card offers three membership levels:

• Priority Pass Standard - $99 for an annual membership and $35 for each lounge visit (members can also bring a guest for $35);
• Priority Pass Standard Plus - $329 for an annual membership, which includes 10 free visits, and the cost for exceeding the 10-visit limit is $35 for each guest;
• Priority Pass Prestige - $469 for an annual membership with unlimited visits to the lounges for a year (but you will have to pay $35 for guest passes).

Day pass

Any traveler can purchase a one-day pass directly at the airport. This offer is valid at large airports where they can meet the needs of travelers. For example, a pass to Escape Lounges costs $40 for 24 hours, or $45 at the door. It offers plenty of seating, a varied menu, and free Wi-Fi, while the Minute Suites lounge costs from $48 for the first hour of stay. It offers small private rooms for sleeping or working, with TV and shower available for an extra fee.

Annual passes

If you fly frequently throughout the year, this is the option for you. A branded pass grants you access to the lounges of the airline and their partners, regardless of which airline you are flying with. For example, you can fly JetBlue but use American Airlines' Admirals Club. However, keep in mind that airlines are constantly adjusting their fares in an effort to manage overcrowding in airport lounges.