How To Get Frequent Flyer Airport Lounge Access
Airport lounges provide a quiet environment away from busy crowds and can offer comfortable seating, free drinks / snacks, internet access (often WiFi) and other office facilities. If you are a regular air traveller, here a few tips to help you get into the lounge before or after your flight: |
1. Fly First or Business Class. By booking flight tickets in the 'upper-class' cabins, most airlines will allow you to gain free one-time access to a frequent flyer lounge - either their own or that of an alliance partner. Get to the airport early to make full use of the facilities. Some major airlines also offer arrival lounges where you can freshen up after your flight.
2. Become an Elite Member Frequent Flyer. Many airlines offer free lounge access to their top tier and mid-tier members. However, some airlines require you to pay for a membership to their lounge program. For example, American Airlines' Admirals Club costs between $250-$450 annually depending on your AAdvantage status, and gives you access to their Admirals lounges.
3. Join Priority Pass. If you don't spend thousands of dollars or pounds on business class flights every year then Priority Pass is probably the best way to go about getting regular lounge access. Priority Pass has a contract agreement with over 500 lounges worldwide in 275 cities to provide facilities to its members.
There are three tiers of membership:
Standard Membership costs $99 annually (or £69 UK or €99 in EU). Each visit costs $27 (£15 or €24) and any guests are charged additionally at the same rate.
Standard Plus Membership will set you back $249 (£159, €249) and this will give you 10 free visits. Any more visits are charged at the normal $27 rate, as are all guest visits.
Prestige Membership costs $399 (£259, €399) and this will give you unlimited 'free' access. Guests are charged at standard rate.
Note that the price for EU members seems quite high compared to the US dollar cost.
Priority Pass Prestige membership can be excellent value if you fly on a regular basis. It certainly gives you more flexibility, with no restrictions in terms of which airlines you fly or class of ticket you buy. So even if you travel economy class, Priority Pass membership is a handy way to get lounge access. All you need to do is show your membership card and the lounge staff will let you in - if there are any fees due you will be sent the bill at a later date.
Note, some 'high-end' credit cards include Priority Pass Prestige membership as standard, such as the American Express Platinum.
4. Buy a one-time use pass. If you don't want to pay up for an annual membership program and are not flying first or business class, then consider paying for a one-off visit to a lounge. There are a number of web sites online, where you can book single lounge visits at the airport of your choice.
For example, LoungePass in the UK offers the ability to book a lounge visits to one of 100 airports worldwide, including 17 in the UK. Prices range from around £12 - £30 (approximately $23 - $55) for a single visit of up to three hours.
Even low-cost airlines such as Easyjet and Jet2 offer you the option of paying for lounge access with your flight.
5. Resale Market. You can sometimes find one-time lounge visit coupons on sale on eBay but always check with the seller the precise terms and conditions of the voucher before bidding.
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