Airport VIP treatment, for a price
Passengers sit in the Emirates Airline Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3 at the Dubai International Airport in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Nov. 9, 2010) Credit: Gabriela Maj/Bloomberg/Gabriela Maj
For most of us, big airports are among the world's most hostile environments. Crowds, noise, long lines, inadequate seating and garbled announcements are the norm. But even occasional travelers can avail themselves of the road warriors' refuges: VIP airline lounges.
Most large airlines maintain VIP lounges at their more important airports. They feature a quiet environment with comfortable seating. Most offer no-charge drinks and snacks, magazines, newspapers, TVs, computers with printers and Wi-Fi Internet and are staffed with agents to assist you with seat assignments and upgrades.
Big domestic airlines (American, Delta, United) pitch annual memberships that provide unlimited access to their own lounges, plus those of lines belonging to their major alliances. The drawback: a very stiff yearly fee, typically $400 to $500 a year for an individual.
Most sell one-day membership passes for $40 to $50 (some lines let you pay with frequent flier miles). However, a premium credit card or an independent program may be the more useful approach:
Priority Pass (prioritypass.com) is the largest independent airport club operation, with more than 600 participating lounges worldwide. Membership options start at $99 a year plus $27 a visit.
American Express Platinum Card provides no-charge access for you and two guests at participating airport lounges operated by American, Delta and US Airways. This card also offers no-extra-charge enrollment in the top level of Priority Pass.
Continental and United Premium credit cards (soon to be combined) include admission to the combined lines' lounge clubs.
Diners Club gets you and guests into more than 250 airport lounges for a fee of around $30 each time.
Many airport-run lounge clubs offer one-time access. Search for them at UK-based Lounge Pass (loungepass.com) and TripExtras (tripextras.com/airport-lounges). Typical fees are in the range of $30 a visit.
Obviously, if you're really keeping costs to a minimum, a lounge club is an extravagance. But for many, finding added personal service plus peace, quiet, and comfort is well worth the cost.
