Airport Lounge Guide
Priority Pass, credit cards, day passes, and airline lounges. When lounges are worth it and when they're not.
Airport lounges are one of the few travel upgrades that meaningfully change your day. But not every lounge is worth the price and not every credit card benefit is what it seems.
Ways to get in
Business or first class ticket, elite status with the airline or its alliance, Priority Pass membership (about 429 dollars a year for unlimited), credit card benefits, or paying at the door.
Credit cards like the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X include lounge networks and are the cheapest route for regular travellers.
What to expect
Standard lounges offer light food, drinks, wifi, and quiet seating. Premium lounges - Qantas First at Sydney, Cathay The Wing at HKG, Turkish CIP at Istanbul - offer full restaurants, showers, spa services, and nap rooms.
US lounges from Delta Sky Club, United Club, and American Admirals Club are generally more crowded and less impressive than international carrier lounges.
When to skip
On a 1 hour connection with a short-haul flight, lounge time is minimal. On budget carriers where nearby cafes offer similar food for less.
Some Priority Pass lounges are overcrowded to the point of no seating - check reviews on LoungeBuddy before making the trip.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring guests?
Priority Pass typically allows two guests, often at extra cost. Credit card benefits vary widely.
Do children count as guests?
Yes, though some networks exempt young children. Read the specific card or membership terms.
In summary
If you take one thing from this guide, it's this: the more prepared you are before you travel, the fewer decisions you have to make when you're tired and jet-lagged. Bookmark this page and check the update date before your next trip.
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