How to Get Access to Airport Lounges (With or Without a Premium Ticket)

The idea of relaxing in an airport seems like a strange concept.

Navigating your way through hordes of other travelers, bombarded by the heavy scents of the duty-free section, stuck between overpriced food and long queues, all while trying to hear your call for boarding, sounds like anything but relaxing.

However, beyond the chaos of the main terminal exists a nirvana, the object of every traveler’s dreams: the airport lounge.

While elite airline status or a first-class ticket is one way to get airport lounge access, there still are other paths to solace.

Let’s take a look at how airport lounges work and how to get airport lounge access.

What Are Airport Lounges?

Airport lounges provide a private place for you to relax on your journey, allowing you to exchange the hustle and bustle of the main terminal for peace, quiet and luxury amenities.

Most airport lounges offer spacious, comfortable seating, in addition to charging outlets, complimentary snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi. Certain lounges also offer additional amenities, including workspaces, spa services, showers, private rooms and places to sleep.

Some lounges go as far as to offer à la carte dining, seasonal cocktails, gyms, aromatherapy, saunas and complimentary massages and facials.

Types of Airport Lounges

While the basics of an airport lounge stay the same from one lounge to the next, the type of airport lounge and its quality can vary. Generally, there are four types of airport lounges:

• Airline-operated airport lounges
• Airline alliance airport lounges
• Independent lounge network airport lounges
• Credit card issuer-operated airport lounges

Airline-operated lounges are run by major airlines, such as British Airways or United Airlines. Most major airlines have their own airport lounges at their hub airports as well as at popular airports abroad. To get airline lounge access, you typically must fly with the airline or one of its partners on the same day, with either a premium ticket, paid membership or credit card-conferred access (more on that later).

Airline alliance airport lounges are those run by airline alliances, such as Oneworld, SkyTeam and Star Alliance. These lounges often offer reciprocal access, meaning that if you have a certain level of elite status with a member airline, you can access its alliance lounges (subject to the individual lounge’s rules).

Independent lounge network airport lounges are operated by companies such as Plaza Premium Group and Priority Pass^TM. These networks aren’t typically affiliated with any airline or alliance and instead offer annual lounge memberships that anyone can pay for and use.

Independent network-operated lounges can be great for those without airline status or premium airfare, wishing to gain access to an airport lounge. They also don’t require you to be flying with any specific airline, giving you more flexibility.

Lastly, credit card issuer-operated lounges are run by major card issuers such as Capital One, American Express and Chase. Some examples include Centurion Lounges from American Express and Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club. These lounges are typically available for certain cardholders with the respective card issuing network only and are some of the most luxurious lounges on offer.

How to Get Airport Lounge Access

Let’s cover the different ways you can get airport lounge access.

Accessing Airport Lounges with Premium Tickets

The typical way to access an airport lounge is with a premium international airfare. That could be either an international business class or first-class ticket.

International business and first class passengers are normally given complimentary access to the airline’s airport lounges. In some cases, premium economy passengers can gain lounge access with Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways at certain airports on an international ticket. However, this is the exception, not the rule.

Depending on the airline’s policy, you may be able to bring up to two guests free of charge with you into the lounge.

Domestic business and first class passengers may also be entitled to lounge access, although this can vary depending on the airline and the size of the airport.

In some cases, business and first class travelers may have access to a range of different airport lounges at a single airport, depending on its size and the airline’s partners. In other cases, airports may have separate business and first class lounges—such as the Emirates business and first class lounges in Dubai.

Getting free airport lounge access through a premium ticket is an easy option, insofar as you don’t need elite frequent flyer status. However, business and first-class tickets tend to cost more in miles or dollars, making it a less suitable option for frequent travelers.

Remember that some of the best airport lounges are accessible through premium tickets or frequent flyer status only.

Accessing Airport Lounges Without Premium Tickets

Just because you’re without a premium ticket, it doesn’t exclude you from accessing the airport lounge of your dreams.

Apply for a Premium Travel Rewards Credit Card

Opening the right travel rewards credit card is the easiest way to get airport lounge access.

Many credit card issuers partner with airlines and independent lounge networks to offer complimentary lounge access. In some cases, holding the right credit card can also gain access to the card issuer’s lounge network.

The best credit cards will typically offer free airport lounge access for a specific airline’s lounge network, an independent lounge network or a certain number of complimentary visits per year. Free airport lounge access perks often extend to authorized users and include several complimentary guest invites, making them particularly lucrative.

Some examples of the best airline credit cards and cards for lounge access include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express. You can access 1,400+ lounges across 650 cities in 140 countries in The American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Lufthansa, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass Select, Escape and Centurion lounges.

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Card. You’ll receive unlimited complimentary access for you and up to two guests for all Plaza Premium Group, Priority Pass Select and Capital One lounges.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®. You’ll get unlimited complimentary access for you and up to two guests for every Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge by The Club and all Priority Pass Select lounges.

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. You’ll receive complimentary Admirals Club® membership, worth up to $850 in your first year of card membership

• United Club^SM Infinite Card. You’ll get a complimentary United Club® membership, worth up to $650.

• U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card. You’ll get a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership.

• United^SM Explorer Card. You’ll get two annual one-time entry passes to United Club lounges.

To use these free airport lounge access perks, you may need to enroll in the lounge network scheme and receive a separate lounge access card. Once you reach a lounge, you’ll typically need to present your boarding pass as well as your credit card and ID.

For credit card-conferred free airport lounge access, keep in mind that there’s usually a maximum time limit you can stay in each lounge—for instance, a maximum of three hours before your departure time.

Likewise, certain cards may grant you access to airport lounges on specific terms only. For example, effective from Feb. 1, 2025, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders will be limited to a maximum of 15 complimentary visits per year. To gain unlimited access, they’ll need to charge at least $75,000 to their card within the previous calendar year.

Leverage Airline Elite Status

If you have elite status with an airline, you may be able to get airport lounge access.

Suppose you have Alaska MVP Gold, Gold 75K or Gold 100K status. In that case, you can enjoy free airport lounge access at Alaska Airlines Lounges, as long as you’re traveling on a Oneworld alliance flight with a destination outside of Canada, Mexico or the U.S.

If you have American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro or Executive Platinum, you can get complimentary airport lounge access for you and one guest. You need to be on a qualifying departing or arriving flight marketed or operated by American Airlines or operated by another Oneworld airline. Qualifying international flights include the following arrival and departure destinations:

• Asia
• Australia
• Canada
• Caribbean
• Central America
• Europe
• Mexico
• Middle East
• New Zealand
• South America

You can gain complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club as a Delta Gold, Platinum or Diamond Medallion member, if you’re flying internationally in Delta Premium Select, Delta One or the equivalent class on a Delta partner-operated flight. You can bring up to one guest in the lounge with you, free of charge, as long as they’re also flying in the Delta One or Delta Premium Select cabin.

These are just a few examples of how to get airport lounge access for free by leveraging airline elite status.

Redeem Frequent Flyer Miles

Your hard-earned frequent flyer miles are usually best used for award bookings.

However, if you have some extra miles to splurge and want to gain airport lounge access, some airlines allow you to redeem your miles for airline lounge memberships and day passes.

For example, depending on your level of elite status, you can redeem between 75,000 and 85,000 United MileagePlus miles for a one-year United Club membership.

For American Airlines Admiral Club membership, you need the following number of miles, depending on your status:

• New individual membership: Between 75,000 and 85,000 miles
• Renewal of individual membership: Between 70,000 and 80,000 miles
• New household membership: Between 155,000 and 165,000 miles
• Renewal of household membership: Between 150,000 and 160,000 miles

Unlike other airlines, Delta Air Lines allows Medallion Members only to purchase Delta Sky Club membership. For Individual membership, you’ll need to redeem 69,500 miles while for Executive membership you’ll need 149,500 miles.

Keep in mind that not all airlines allow you to redeem miles for the price of an airline lounge membership, while others may offer such deals for a limited time only.

Buy an Airline Lounge Membership or a Day Pass

If you don’t want to give up your precious miles for a lounge membership or the airline doesn’t offer this as an option, you could consider buying an airline lounge membership.

While this option is more costly compared to getting lounge access through a credit card or elite status, it might be worth it if you travel frequently. Likewise, bought membership sometimes offers more benefits compared to membership conferred through a travel rewards credit card.

For example, Priority Pass Select membership offered as a perk with any American Express card, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card or the Capital One Venture X Rewards card, excludes access to non-lounge amenities including spas, suites and restaurants.

To work out if buying an airport lounge membership is worth it, consider how many times you plan on visiting an airport lounge within a year and how much this would cost you in day passes. If a membership could save you more money compared to buying a certain number of separate day passes, you’ll then need to do the math to consider which level of membership is most cost-effective for your goals.

For example, if you visit Priority Pass lounges no more than six times within a year, its Standard membership plan would be the most cost-beneficial plan. This would work out to a total cost of $309 ($99 + 6 x $35), which is $20 cheaper than the Standard Plus plan.

However, if you visit Priority Pass lounges more than six times a year but less than 14 times, then the Standard Plus membership would be the most cost-effective option. For instance, the 10 complimentary visits included in the Standard Plus plan would cost you $449 on the Standard Plan, making the Standard Plus plan far cheaper.

In the end, you need to do the math for your prospective airport lounge of choice. For the infrequent traveler, one or two one-day passes per year will likely be cheaper than paying for a membership plan.

Most airlines and independent network lounges sell one-day passes for under $100. Prices are typically between $30 and $80 per visit.

You can also take advantage of the LoungeBuddy app to search for the best prices of one-day airport lounge passes at your airport of choice.

Enjoy Free Airport Lounge Access as an Active Duty Military Member

If you’re an active duty military member, you can enjoy free airport lounge access when flying with certain airlines.

Most legacy carriers in the U.S are generous when accommodating active-duty military personnel. However, keep in mind that you usually need to meet specific requirements, such as traveling on orders, in uniform or with rest and recuperation papers.

Active duty military personnel on official government-sponsored travel booked through SATO and ticketed to fly on an Alaska Airlines flight departing within 3 hours receive free airport lounge access in the form of a day pass.

For all other active duty military personnel with valid military ID, can buy a day pass for a discounted rate of $30 when traveling with Alaska Airlines.

American Airlines allows active duty military personnel in uniform traveling on a same-day AA flight the opportunity to use their airport lounges free of charge. This includes complimentary access for your immediate family members and up to two guests. You’ll need to present your military ID plus your boarding card to gain entry.

Keep in mind that Airspace Lounge in San Diego (SAN) and JAL Sakura Lounge in Honolulu (HNL) are excluded from this policy.

United Airlines offers free airport lounge access to active duty military personnel dressed in uniform, with orders or with rest and recuperation papers. You’ll need to provide your military ID and same-day United- or United Express-operated flight boarding pass to access the lounge. Immediate family members will also enjoy complimentary access, subject to seating availability.

While this is a neat way to get airport lounge access, the advantage is limited to the airline’s policy as well as your need to meet the eligibility requirements.

How to Find Airport Lounges

When booking your flight, be sure to check out the airport lounges available at your airport of departure.

Airport maps can help you once you’re in the airport to locate the lounge. You can also take advantage of LoungeBuddy to scroll through the day pass prices of lounges at your given airport.

Best Ways to Get Airport Lounge Access

While a first-class ticket or elite frequent flyer status can get you complimentary airport lounge access, it’s not the most practical option for the majority of travelers.

Business and first-class tickets come at a high cost while elite status often requires loyalty with the specific airline.

For these reasons, one of the best ways to get airport lounge access is through a travel rewards credit card.

Travel rewards credit cards can offer significant value, as free airport lounge access typically comes alongside a slew of other cardholder perks. Travel rewards cards may also be co-branded with a specific airline, unlocking even more perks, from companion certificates to free checked bags, with the ability to earn miles on every purchase.

This multi-purpose function of a travel rewards credit card makes lounge access gained through it even more valuable and can even offset the entire annual fee of the card if you use the perk often enough.

If you want access to a specific lounge network, purchasing a membership with miles or cash could be worth it. However, you’ll need to do the math to work out whether individually purchased day passes would be more cost-effective than a membership.

Lounge Etiquette and Tips

We all want to escape the chaos of the airport and retreat to the tranquility of a private lounge. With this shared goal in mind, there are some etiquette tips to be mindful of when it comes to making everyone’s airport lounge experiences as smooth as possible.

Firstly, keep the volume low. That applies to whatever video you’re watching, music you’re listening to or conversation you’re having. Take advantage of headphones and private meeting rooms when it comes to business calls or family FaceTime sessions.

On the topic of volume, be mindful of what your children are doing. Airports are a great place for children to play and get energy out of their system before a flight. Nevertheless, just make sure they’re not running laps around the lounge or disturbing the peace of others.

Since space in airport lounges is limited, you’ll want to ensure you keep your belongings tidy and not spread them out over multiple chairs. That way, more people can enjoy the airport lounge experience. The same goes for charging points. There’s a limited supply of charging points in airport lounges, so ensure not to hog them for the entire duration of your stay.

Make sure you’re dressed comfortably but also respectably. That doesn’t mean you need a three-piece suit to enter an airport lounge, but smart-casual is likely the best compromise between respectability and comfort.

On the flip side, don’t forget to leave ample time before your flight to enjoy your lounge experience. Take note of how early you’re allowed to enter the lounge before your flight and when check-in begins for your flight. That way, you can maximize the value of your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I access airport lounges as a first class traveler if I booked using miles?

Yes. Whether you’re on an award booking or a revenue ticket, first and business class travelers have equal access to the airline’s airport lounges.

What Should I do if the Lounge is Full?

If the airport lounge you wanted to use is full, ask if you can join the waitlist. In the meantime, see if there are other airport lounges in the airport that you have complimentary access to. If you’re dying to get into a lounge at all costs, you could also consider buying a day pass for another lounge in the airport.

Are Children Allowed in Airport Lounges?

Children are always allowed access to airport lounges and some lounges even offer child play areas. Children up to the age of 12 years old are often allowed entry free of charge, although this policy varies between lounges—in some cases, the cut-off is two years old while in other cases the age restriction is higher.

How Long Can You Stay in an Airport Lounge?

How long you can stay in an airport lounge varies between lounge networks and individual lounges. However, you can typically expect to be allowed to stay for a minimum of two to three hours in an airport lounge. In some cases, there may be no maximum time limit.

Can Economy Passengers Access an Airport Lounge?

Yes. Economy passengers can buy a day pass, annual membership or gain airport lounge access as the complimentary guest of another eligible lounge member.

Elevate Your Travel Experience with Airport Lounge Access

If you play your cards right, you can forget the stress of the main terminal and stretch your legs out in an airport lounge, with a complimentary drink to hand.

Whether you have a first-class ticket, elite status, annual lounge membership, credit card-conferred access or simply a one-time use day pass, it’s easy to gain airport lounge access.

Depending on how often you fly, where and with whom, one method of lounge access may be more beneficial than the other.

So when you’re planning another one of your weekend getaways, consider the best way to get airport lounge access to travel in style, free of stress.