There are several, with some offering access to multiple spaces thanks to airline partnerships.
Frequent flyer or not, airport lounges are appealing to any traveler. With passenger traffic reaching the highest levels ever seen in some markets, lounge memberships have become increasingly popular. For years, airlines have marketed their lounges along with frequent flyer benefits, but today, there are several opportunities to access the airport’s most coveted spaces through credit card ownership or annual memberships.
However, there are still ways to enter lounges if credit cards are not of interest or if a traveler does not have a recurring status with any particular airline. Some carriers offer day passes for purchase, but they can be limited depending on capacity. Third-party membership programs, such as Priority Pass, are an additional alternative to gaining access to an airport lounge. Regardless of how a traveler may be able to enter a lounge, it will come at a cost.
What’s so special about lounges?
Airport lounges have become a prime spot for passengers who wish to escape from the hustle and bustle of travel. The often spacious spaces have comfortable seating and an inviting ambiance. Several also have complimentary food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and WiFi, while more recent lounges have been fitted with quiet rooms, and showers. Established by well-known carriers, credit card companies have now opened up their own lounges, such as American Express’ Centurion Lounge Collection and Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club.
Some of the most popular airline lounge annual memberships are with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The annual membership gives the purchasing traveler access to any of the lounges that the airline operates, in addition to lounges operated by the carrier’s partners.
Premium benefits, albeit at a cost
Those with elite status may be eligible to access more premium lounges, such as American’s Flagship Lounges, the Qantas First Lounge, or oneworld Alliance‘s first class lounges. While they could save costs on an annual membership, access may depend on an international itinerary, meaning domestic flyers may be unable to enter.
Elite travelers on Star Alliance carriers, such as United, can access any Star Alliance lounge in the network, which includes United’s Polaris lounges and Turkish Airlines’ Smiles & Miles lounges. Within the SkyTeam Alliance, travelers can enter their lounges, but they must have the SkyTeam Elite Plus, which is equivalent to Delta SkyMiles Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, and Diamond Medallion passengers.
Annual memberships can be priced from around $450 to as much as $1,500, so depending on the flyer, the membership may be worth it, especially considering some airline partnerships. Since Alaska is a oneworld airline, membership to the airline’s lounge also grants access to the likes of Qantas’ lounges or American’s Admirals Clubs. A standard Alaska Lounge Membership provides access to Alaska’s nine lounges and starts at $450 for elites and $550 for non-elites. Travelers who purchase an Alaska Lounge+ membership will expand their access to all of the carrier’s lounges and nearly 90 lounges operated by its partner airlines, but it will cost a bit more – $650 per year. Single-entry day lounge passes are available for $60 per person and are offered when space is available.
