How to Use Airport Lounges – A Guide to Different Access Options

Airport lounges are extensively in use and  important to those who are traveling quite frequently, given the fact that airports are very crucial when it comes to long layovers and uncomfortable transit. These lounges thereby offer a break from the terminals with lounge amenities and services that include free food and drinks, wellness areas, as well as other facilities that change waiting for a flight from a normal travel experience to a high-end, pleasant one. These top comfortable airport lounges can be accessed in various ways, which will be discussed later in this guide. Moreover, this detailed guide will provide you with all the information you were looking for and give you a better idea of how to use airport lounges for better transit through any airport. The best part is that airssist offers airport concierge services for VIP travelers for all their travel requirements, including lounge access. What else is there to know? Stay with us to find out more.

Airport Lounges and Types

Airport lounges are special areas available to passengers that provide comfort before and between flights. They offer such additional services as comfortable armchairs, snacks and drinks, an Internet connection, and, in some cases, even fitness areas, spas, and play areas for kids. The idea to use airport lounges was therefore conceived in 1939 when C. R. Smith, the chairman of American Airlines, thought of a place that would enable special guests, including actors, officials, and athletes, to wait comfortably for their flights. Presently, there are so many airport lounges with VIP lounge amenities and services that are in existence and that are serving the needs of so many travelers.

Types of Airline Lounges

Lounges affiliated with Airlines

The world’s major carrier airlines have their own chains of lounges, which are located in airport hubs and other major travel destinations. These lounges are preferred by the loyalists of the airline and are often open for business and first-class passengers and the most valued frequent flyers. Ex: Admirals Club, Delta sky club, Lufthansa Senator Lounge, and more.

Lounges based on Alliance

Alliance base of lounges is controlled through a passenger’s status with an airline and is spread across different airlines that participate in a particular alliance. For example, some of the signatory airlines of Star Alliance can access over 1000 lounges worldwide, while members of One World can access about 600 of the new lounges, including the one at Seoul Incheon International Airport.

Credit Card Lounges

Most of the credit cards issued by companies such as Chase, American Express, and CitiBank include access to lounges as a feature. These lounges have an opulent feel to them, and the lounge amenities and services are designed especially for prestigious passengers. Fortunately, the presence of such lounges has been much in demand in recent years.

Independent Lounges

Another option is independent lounges, for example, available to members of membership programs like Priority Pass. Individual memberships are available for a year, and some credit card subscriptions from some banks also give members an opportunity to obtain some of the independent memberships. These lounges can sometimes be among the most luxurious airport lounges, offering open-space arrangements and choice services; thus, they are in great demand among many VIP travelers, including businessmen.

Benefits of Using Airport Lounges

Complimentary Food and Drinks

Passengers can engage in a wide range of free food and/or beverages, including alcohol. These will create a relaxing and rejuvenating feeling, which is a great privilege, especially if you’re with family and children.

Private Seating Areas

Lounges provide passengers with exclusive seating, which means that they can have their comfort without the crowds in the terminals.

Restaurant-Quality Dining

In today’s context, several lounges focus on food and drink services, including quality dining options. For instance, the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club available at Boston Logan Airport offers passengers the option of ordering foods of their choice that include a particular cocktail through any of the bars within the lounge.

Health and Wellness Amenities

Lounges are increasing their focus on healthcare, showing the availability of showering and actually the airport’s Best Gym and well-being, such as those offered at Changi and Zurich airports. Air France provides 20-minute facials to passengers at some of the Centurion Lounges, including the full spas on the list. Enthusiasts of Peloton can even get stationary bikes in the Capital One Lounge at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Quiet and Relaxatَion Areas

Most lounges have comfortable chairs and soft lighting that allow passengers to take a break and relax before their flight as they use airport lounges.

Business Centers for Meetings and Events

Lounges often feature business centers equipped for meetings and events, like in the business lounge at Al Mourjan in Hamad International Airport, providing travelers with the facilities to conduct business efficiently while on the go.

How to Use Airport Lounges

To use airport lounges, travelers can gain access through various means, including airline status, premium cabin tickets, credit card perks, and independent memberships, which are discussed in detail below. The lounge amenities and services provided create a comfortable and enjoyable pre-flight experience. For VIP passengers, airssist’s concierge service can assist in meeting all your lounge access needs and ensure a seamless travel experience.

Members with elite status in any carrier’s loyalty program are typically allowed free access to the carrier’s lounges. That is why, as a rule, when a passenger buys a ticket in the business or first class cabin, lounge access is also included in the ticket benefits. Also, credit card services provide an opportunity to use airport lounges, which is why passengers can rest, taking into consideration their status before the flight. Priority Pass, for instance, grants access to hundreds of lounges across the globe, which means that irrespective of the airline used frequently, the traveler is likely to locate a comfortable spot.

For those travelers who want to have better services, airssist offers airport concierge service, where you will get assistance to acquire the lounge and other facilities depending on the status of each VIP traveler. This service not only ensures access to the closed VIP-areas but is also complemented by services that include priority passing through the checkpoints, offering specific meeting and greeting services, as well as any other services that are related to a client’s traveling activities. With the help of airssist’s professionals, any traveler can avoid problems associated with the beginning of the journey and begin the trip in comfort, surrounded by opulence.

Different Ways to Access Airport Lounges

Buying a Priority Pass

Priority Pass™ is a network of independently owned and operated airport lounges that can be found in more than 600 airports in 148 countries. There is always the alternative of buying a Priority Pass and using these lounges, despite the airline and class of ticket. The membership classes include the Standard, the Standard Plus, and the Prestige, depending on the travel style of the customer.

Apply for a Credit Card with Airport Lounge Privileges

Airport lounge access is a common feature for those using rewards via credit cards, allowing access to airport lounges. Such cards may come with other facilities, like getting points for purchases. Notably, some credit cards come with an annual fee free Priority Pass membership, and when choosing the most suitable card, one has to pay attention to the fees and the additional perks offered.

Loyalty Membership with a Specific Airline

Some commercial airplane operators, such as Delta and American, have private, comfortable lounges that are only available to members with loyalty cards and accounts. These memberships can be especially useful for any individual who often uses a specific airline and usually provide the right to free access to partners’ lounges, such as Star Alliance. However, this may range in cost and may come with an annual fee.

Getting a Day Pass

This is a good option, especially for those who do not travel often and can consider buying a day pass to access an airline lounge. The day-passes generally cost moderately and are available online or through airssist.

Earning a Loyalty Status with an Airline

This option has to do with how one can attain elite or loyalty status with an airline. Obtaining status as a loyalty program member of an airline is a way of accessing airport lounges. Collecting a number of points can be obtained by traveling often, which enables cheaper flights and the use of prestigious lounges.

Accompanying Someone who has Access to the Lounge.

This will give you an opportunity to use airport lounges even if you cannot access the lounge on your own. This is when you accompany someone who has privileges to access the lounge. There are differences in the policies concerning the guest with regard to the specific lounge and type of membership; while some lounges allow guests to enter free of charge, others will require the guest to pay a fee.

Accessing the Lounge as Military Personnel

Some of the airport lounges provide their services for free or at a discounted price for military personnel and their relatives. It is, therefore, advisable to consult any policy regarding entry into the respective lounges to get the right requirements.

Gain Entry Using an Airline’s Co-branded Credit Card

Airline affiliated credit cards provide free travel amenities such as access to airport lounges with lounge amenities and services, points on travel, and the facility to board first, along with free check-in baggage, to name a few. These cards may also assist in moving up the loyalty level with the airline.

Book with airssist’s Airport Concierge.

airssist offers airport concierge services in airports worldwide that can get the airport’s attention from VIP passengers; this even arranges for the booking of a lounge, among the many other services offered. For immediate help, use the following contact airssist’s concierge service.

Access Airport Lounges Worldwide with airssist

We, airssist offer valuable VIP services throughout the world, including access of airport lounges.  Passengers who are traveling with family, pets, elders, large groups or even individuals can use this service through airssist. From customized meet & greet services and VIP terminals to accessing airport lounges to private tours in limos from the airport to any location, airssist extends their precious and excellent services. We aim to provide an incomparable VIP concierge service for an unforgettable travel experience.