Make me a member of that “Elite Club!”!

Airline lounges

Don’t you hate waiting for your flight in crowded open areas of the airport??  People sneezing, kids screaming, the person next to you talking loud on their cell phone?  You try to make the most of your waiting time but are constantly being interrupted by chaos.  Corporate travel is daunting enough without having to be constantly surrounded by turmoil. 

Wouldn’t it be nice to relax in a quiet space, comfortable chair with a glass of wine and snacks?  Maybe you need a shower or just want a clean restroom with no line.  How about a customer service agent who actually cares about the service that they provide?  You can!  You need access to a private Airline Lounge!!

Airport lounges are available in airports around the world.  While each lounge is different, the basic level at virtually all lounges are comfortable seating in quiet areas in relax or complete business, complimentary snacks and drinks, restrooms dedicated to only lounge patrons, and airline personnel to assist while in the lounge.  Depending on the airport and lounge, many offer complimentary alcohol, upscale snacks that are more like meals with a buffet of choices, showers, spa services, business centers with computers and charging stations plus more!

How do I gain entry into that Elite Club?  You can access the airline lounges in a variety of different ways.

 If you have preferred status with a certain airline you can enter their specified lounges, ie:  United, Delta, American.

If you are a member of the airline networks with a high status you may be able to gain access, ie:  Star Alliance, Sky Team, or One World.

Use your credit card.  Some credit cards give you complimentary access to airline lounges.  Generally, these credit cards have a higher annual fee, but if you use the benefit, you will never be stuck in the concourse again!  You can look into American Express Platinum or the United Mileage Plus Explorer Card.  

Purchase a Day Pass.  This day pass will allow travelers to pay at the door for entry.  Day passes rates vary but currently United charges $50/day, Delta charges $50/day, and American charges $50/day.

            Annual Membership are a commitment to and can be purchased for one individual or for you and a spouse.  Rates can vary depending on your mileage status level.  United’s annual membership runs between $400 - $750.  American’s annual membership runs between $400 - $775.  Delta’s annual membership runs between $350 - $700.

            Purchase membership with mileage.  Instead of spending money, how about redeeming mileage?  Most lounge memberships can be purchased direct from your mileage account!

            You can gain complimentary access depending on the class of your ticket.  If you are in business class or first class, you will have access to the business or first lounge by just showing your boarding pass!

All lounges are owned and operated by a third party, whether it be an airline, a network or independent party.  Rules, restrictions and prices change just like an airline ticket. 

Airport lounges can remove a lot of the stress associated with traveling and make it a more positive and productive experience.  Once you try it, Business Travel will take on an entirely different meaning!!