“While outside of America, I have found the lounges to be super low cost for daily use,” said Ravi Roth, host of “ The Gaycation Travel Show.” “In my most recent layover in Nairobi, Kenya, the lounge at Jomo Kenyatta Airport was only $30 for the day. You also may find very reasonable prices depending on the airport. Still, it’s worth weighing the costs and benefits when you’re dealing with a long layover or big delay, especially if you’re planning to eat during that time. “Note that these are subject to capacity restrictions and can creep up to $100 or more,” Griff said. You just have to be traveling with that particular airline and willing to pay a fee. Many airlines offer one-day passes for their lounges. “While its $695 annual fee is high, the lounge access, 5x points earned on flights, $200 yearly Uber Cash, and a variety of other travel-related credits more than cover the cost.” Purchase a one-time pass “I can justify the cost because I get the maximum value from my American Express Platinum Card,” said Phil Dengler, co-founder of The Vacationer.
Keep in mind these cards tend to come with pretty hefty annual fees, so you’ll want to take those into account as well. To determine the best travel reward card for you, review the various benefits you’ll get in addition to lounge access.
“And the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard includes an Admirals Club membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you.” “The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited access to all-inclusive amenities at the Capital One Lounge and at 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges worldwide,” noted budgeting expert Andrea Woroch. The Centurion Lounge at Miami International Airport. “I am an owner of the Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, which gives me a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, giving me access to over 1,300 airport lounges around the world,” said travel blogger Sean Lau. Still others, as Griff noted, prefer non-airline-specific travel reward cards that grant access to additional lounge options, like Centurion Lounges. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card and various Delta SkyMiles cards are popular examples. Many travelers opt for airline-branded credit cards, which offer complimentary or discounted access to those specific airlines’ lounges (in addition to other benefits like extra miles). “American Express has a collection of lounges, some branded as Centurion Lounges, and others as affiliates, such as the Escape Lounge network and Delta Sky Clubs, that allow travelers access into these spaces with no additional payment.” “Certain premium credit cards can get you into the lounge, with no requirement to pay for an annual lounge membership,” Griff said. Indeed, you don’t have to splurge on an annual lounge membership or expensive premium cabin ticket to experience the comfort and amenities of an airport lounge. Below, Griff and other travel experts share their tips for getting into the lounge without stretching your budget. “While historically these outposts were reserved for members paying annual dues, most lounges are now accessible to a variety of travelers.” “Airport lounges can be a great oasis from the hustle and bustle of the terminal,” Zach Griff, senior reporter at The Points Guy, told HuffPost. Many of these exclusive spaces have become destinations in their own right, like the buzzy new Delta Sky Club at Los Angeles International Airport and United Club at Newark Liberty International Airport. To make the air travel experience a little less hectic and stressful, many travelers flock to airport lounges for a beverage, bite or moment of rest before takeoff. Spending time in the airport is hardly anyone’s idea of a relaxing vacation, but it is nonetheless a necessity if you want to reach many far-off travel destinations.