5 tips to secure lounge access before your next flight

Airports can be overwhelming places.

Countless travelers are moving in various directions, while you hear boarding announcements, spend on overpriced food and drinks, navigate duty-free shops, and stand in lines everywhere.

Spending time in an airport lounge is an excellent way to unwind before your next flight. They serve as havens from the terminal's chaos, providing you the opportunity to relax, enjoy a meal, toast to your journey, catch up on work, charge your devices, and much more. This helps you board your flight feeling far more at ease than when you first arrived at the airport.

So, how can you guarantee this essential lounge access before your next flight? Here are five strategies.

Select the appropriate class of service

Most airlines grant lounge access to their international business and first-class passengers where lounges are available—though some smaller airports may not have one. Regardless of whether you booked your ticket with cash or points, you should be entitled to lounge access, which may be noted on your ticket or provided at check-in with the lounge's name and location.

Depending on the airline, class of service, and airport, you might have access to a single lounge or multiple options. It’s advisable to do some research beforehand to find the best choice. If time (and motivation) permits, you can often visit more than one lounge.

Some airlines, such as All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, also provide lounge access for premium economy passengers, although this is not a common practice across the industry.

While an international first-class ticket guarantees lounge access, domestic first-class tickets are at the airline's discretion and may not always include access. However, there’s still a chance to secure a spot inside an exclusive lounge without being a first-class traveler.

Possess airline status

Just as premium ticket holders may gain lounge access, having the right elite status with an airline can grant you entry to the same lounges. Each airline has various status levels, lounge offerings, and access policies, so it's wise to verify whether your elite status allows access at a specific airport.

For instance, travelers holding United MileagePlus Premier Gold status (or higher) flying with Star Alliance airlines, such as Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa, can access lounges displaying the Star Alliance Gold logo before their flights.

Many airlines provide a convenient lounge checker on their website that allows you to see if you have access based on your status and ticket type.

Buy a lounge membership

Numerous airlines offer a paid lounge membership program, available regardless of your status or ticket class. These memberships can be pricey, making them most advantageous for frequent travelers who would not otherwise gain access through status or premium tickets.

Each airline will have its own policies regarding when and how you can access lounges with a paid membership. Access is often limited to the airline's lounges, and you will likely need a ticket on that airline or one of its partners.

There are also independent (paid) lounge programs such as Priority Pass and LoungeKey, which grant access to numerous airport lounges worldwide. The advantage of these programs is that you can enjoy lounge access regardless of the airline or class of service. Additionally, it might be a benefit included with your travel credit card (more on that shortly).

Certain Priority Pass lounges are affiliated with airlines like Air France and KLM, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, while others are not linked to any specific carrier. If unsure, check the airports you'll be visiting in advance on the Priority Pass website (or app) to explore available options and their amenities.

Be aware that some lounges may limit entry to members when they reach capacity, prioritizing higher-class or higher-status passengers. You might be able to reserve your spot in advance by paying an extra fee, although this is not commonly available.

Hold the right credit card

Even if you lack status and are flying in economy, you can still gain access to lounges before your flight simply by having the right credit card.

Here are some of our top picks to enhance your upcoming travels:

• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card**
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card**

Some of these cards grant access to specific airline lounges when flying that airline, while others provide unlimited Priority Pass access.

Be aware that Delta Air Lines will be tightening lounge access for elite members and those accessing via credit cards starting February 1, 2025 — although the airline has thankfully revised some of the initial restrictions.

*Starting February 1, 2025, eligible Amex Platinum cardholders will be entitled to 10 visits to Delta Sky Club or Delta Grab and Go locations per eligible Amex Platinum card, each year when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight.

**Beginning February 1, 2025, eligible Delta Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders will have access to 15 visits to Delta Sky Club or Delta Grab and Go locations per eligible Reserve card, annually when flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight.

Purchase a lounge pass

Some lounges offer single-entry passes for select passengers.

Airline-operated lounges may only sell passes to passengers flying with that airline (or a partner airline) who lack access due to their ticket class or elite status.

Third-party lounges typically sell passes to anyone, irrespective of the airline or destination. You can often buy a pass online ahead of time or use your credit card at the entrance. Some airlines and credit cards may offer a few of these passes if you apply for the right card or achieve a certain status. For instance, obtaining Silver status in some programs demonstrates enough loyalty to receive certain perks, but not enough for consistent access.

The availability and purchase of these lounge passes will depend on the lounge's capacity. They won't be sold if the lounge is already filled with status-holding passengers.

Final thoughts

Access to lounges can significantly enhance your travel experience, ensuring you board your flight feeling more relaxed and comfortable.

There are various ways to gain entry to these exclusive spaces, even if you're not flying in a premium class or don't have elite status with the airline or a partner program.

Before your next flight, take the time to plan and see if you can enjoy the benefits of lounge access.