8 ways to get airport lounge access

One of the least desirable places you may want to hang out is an airport. They can be loud, crowded and uncomfortable. This is why airport lounges are popular, and in some cases, more accessible than you might think.

Lounges are separate areas inside the airport where members and their guests can go to relax and escape the crowds. They can include amenities and comforts that you won't find in the main terminal. With perks such as free food and spacious seating, you may find that once you start visiting airport lounges, you may want to go back again.

But how do you get in? And what are membership options that provide lounge access?

In this article, we've broken down eight ways to get access to an airport lounge.

1) Buy Priority Pass

Priority Pass™ is a global network of independently owned airport lounges. These lounges are available in more than 1,300+ locations in more than 600 cities in 145 countries. With that kind of footprint, you may be traveling through an airport that has a Priority Pass lounge. Each lounge is slightly different in layout and features, but usually includes amenities such as complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi and comfortable places to relax or work.

If you buy a Priority Pass membership, you may be able to utilize participating lounges regardless of the airline you're flying or your ticket class.

Priority Pass offers three membership levels. The one that's best for you depends on your travel preferences and frequency:

• Standard: An annual fee plus a fee for member and guest visits.
• Standard Plus: An annual fee that includes 10 complimentary visits and additional member and guest visits for a fee.
• Prestige: An annual fee which includes unlimited complimentary member visits and guest visits for a fee.

Pro travel tip: If you are able to estimate how many times you plan to travel in a year, you might be able to figure out your ideal membership level. 

2) Get a credit card with airport lounge access

Many popular travel rewards credit cards come with airport lounge access as one of the card's benefits. The travel perks will vary from card to card, as will the associated rewards, discounts and annual fees.

While a Priority Pass membership may come complimentary with certain credit cards, these cards usually have an annual fee to consider before deciding to apply.

Check to see if your travel rewards credit card already has airport lounge access as a benefit, or do some research to find a credit card that fits your lifestyle and spending habits. 

3) Purchase an airline-specific loyalty membership

Some airlines have their own branded airport lounges. If you live near an airline's hub city or fly that airline frequently, buying an airline-specific loyalty membership may make the most sense.

Some airlines offer reciprocal access to their alliance or partner clubs.

Airline-specific lounge memberships can range in cost and may have annual fees as well.

Pro travel tip: Before purchasing a membership like this, you may want to ensure the airline you're considering has airports and lounges in the cities you are traveling to most often.

4) Get a day pass

If you're an infrequent traveler but still love the idea of chilling out in a lounge when you're at an airport, you may be able to buy a onetime day pass to your airline's lounge. You may be able to book a pass in advance on the lounge's website or purchase one at the door. If the lounge is at capacity though, you can be denied entry.

This is a great way to indulge in the benefits of a lounge without paying for the full membership or a first class ticket. Not being tied down to one type of lounge keeps things flexible. Plus, a few hours of comfort and free snacks may be worth every penny.

Pro travel tip: You may want to arrive an hour or two earlier than usual to purchase a day pass.

5) Earn elite or loyalty status with an airline

If you have a preferred airline, you may be able to sign up for their loyalty program. This may allow you to earn points every time you fly with the airline. Over time, those points may be redeemed for discounted flights. They may also give you a certain status level with that airline.

6) Be a guest of somebody with lounge access

If you're traveling with someone who has a lounge membership, you may be in luck. Most lounges allow guests, which means you can enjoy all the amenities while you are traveling with a person who has lounge access.

Guest policies vary depending on the airline, the membership status and the type of lounge. Some allow guests at no cost while others charge a fee. Children age 2 or younger may be admitted at no charge.

Pro travel tip: Airport lounges have become more popular in recent years. To avoid letting the lounges get too crowded (the exact opposite of their intended use), guest policies have been tightening. Consider researching the guest policies of the lounge you'll be traveling through before arriving at the airport.

7) Access an airport lounge as an active military member

Many airport lounges offer free or discounted access to members of the military and their families. Depending on the lounge, the requirements for entry can vary and may include having to be in uniform or be on active orders. Some may only require your military ID and boarding pass to enter. You may want to review the policies of the lounge you intend to visit in advance of your trip.

Pro travel tip: Some credit cards may waive their annual fees for members of the military.

8) Get access through an airline's co-branded credit card

If you're loyal to one airline, you may find that signing up for a co-branded credit card (if they have one) gives you perks with that airline as well as a way to earn credit card rewards. These cards often have an annual fee though, so you'll want to understand any potential fees before applying.

A few advantages of co-branded airline cards include:

• Welcome bonus. Many cards offer new cardmembers a welcome bonus, for signing up and spending a certain amount of money during the introductory period. Be sure to check the terms of the card you are interested in.
• Rewards points. These points are usually earned on travel purchases as well as everyday purchases. Many cards offer at least 1 reward mile (or point) per dollar spent. In certain categories or when used to purchase travel on that airline, the rewards points can be even higher.
• Travel perks. This can include perks like priority boarding and free checked bags. Travel perks vary by card.
• Status promotion. Airline cards may help you get to a higher loyalty status tier. Some premium airline credit cards include an automatic bump to higher airline loyalty program status. A higher status can mean better seats when you fly, early boarding, or free checked bags.

Pro travel tip: Track your spending and decide if an airline credit card is best or if a general travel credit card aligns better with your lifestyle. Airline card rewards are highly specific to air travel, so they may not be the best choice if you don't fly often.

In conclusion

Airport lounges are becoming more accessible to everyday travelers.

There are many ways for today's traveler to snag an airport lounge pass. Day passes can be a good option if you're an infrequent traveler and don't want to purchase a lounge membership. Or you may want to apply for a travel credit card that offers complimentary membership to a network of lounges. Lastly, you may want to sign up for airline loyalty programs where you can work toward earning a higher status each time you fly with that airline.

This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website, for the most up-to-date benefits information.