Want to use an airport lounge but not flying First/Business Class?
Sometimes when you travel, you get stuck at an airport for a long period of time. Whether planned or unplanned, you may want to get some food, relax, or even take a shower. One way to do that is getting access to one of the airline lounges.
Airline lounges
Airline lounges are available to people in first and business class as well as those on Platinum and other levels with the airlines generally, but that doesn’t mean you absolutely can’t use them if you are just in coach (which is how I usually travel, as I can travel more by saving money).
With lounge access, you can relax and enjoy yourself before boarding your flight instead of dallying in the duty-free shop or flipping through magazines at Hudson News. From complimentary snacks and drinks to free WiFi and entertainment, airport lounges help you make the most of your pre-boarding experience. Here are the easiest ways to get access to an airport lounge, even if you’re flying coach.
Here are a few ways to possibly get access to those lounges:
Use a Credit Card’s Access
Some Platinum and other high-level credit cards offer Priority Pass airport lounge membership program (this works at multiple airline lounges) as part of the benefits of the card. Other credit cards by particular airlines offer access to their lounges at a discount or for free with their credit cards. Some of these are quite expensive (but less expensive than paying for yearly access alone), others offer limited access for a smaller cost. For example, I use the United and American cards that each cost around $100 a year, but gives me a free checked bag and 2 passes to a lounge each year.
LoungeBuddy – around the world
LoungeBuddy is an app/website that lets you buy a day pass online based on which airport you are at and which lounge you choose for around $25 to $50 in many cases. The app will tell you waht is included at each lounge so you can choose based on what you need. So you may get options of one lounge for $30 that has a complimentary buffet, but another for $20 more has a shower or massage chairs. This way you can choose which amenities are important to you. There are even pictures and reviews of most lounges to help you make an educated decision.
Day Passes from the airline you are flying
Some airlines now offer one-day passes at the counter for a fee. For example Alaska airlines will sell you access to their lounges for about $50/day last time I checked. This doesn’t apply to all airlines, but it’s worth asking as it’s very easy if you are already there checking your bag.
