6 Reasons You Should Be Using Airport Lounges - NerdWallet (2024)

Exploring new destinations is usually fun and exciting, but the actual traveling part can sometimes feel like a chore. Airports typically involve long lines, crowded spaces and a lot of waiting. Thankfully, air travelers can get some relief by taking advantage of airport lounges.

Have you been thinking about visiting one but aren't sure if you'll like it? Airport lounges can make long layovers easier and perhaps make traveling more enjoyable overall. Here are a few reasons why you should be using airport lounges.

Simply put, lounges are designated areas within an airport where certain travelers can enjoy benefits and comforts the exceed a typical airport terminal.

Most airport lounges fall into one of the following categories:

Lounges give access to passengers with specific premium flight tickets (i.e. business or first class), status levels (i.e. Star Alliance Gold) or for having certain credit cards in their wallet, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express. You can also sometimes purchase access for a year or even just a day. Terms apply.

At the airport, you simply must show your qualifying material to the attendant in order to be given lounge access.

1. It’s a calm in the middle of the storm

While traveling can be fun, most people don't love being in an airport. They're jam-packed with people, are noisy and often have limited seating. A lounge can offer the perfect hideaway from the hectic nature of the airport.

It's much quieter, and most lounges have comfortable, spacious seating — and plenty of it. You can also use the Wi-Fi and power outlets, so you're all charged up before boarding the plane. Some airport lounges even have showers, which can be great if you have a layover between long flights.

Think of airport lounges as your ticket to sanity. An airport is jam-packed with annoyed people paying too much for a bottle of water. There's commotion everywhere you turn.

2. You can save money on food

Most airport eateries charge high prices, so it can be cost-prohibitive to have a drink or a meal before your flight. If you have lounge access, it's a different story.

Lounges typically set food up in a way where you can help yourself as needed. They often offer free snacks and other food choices, plus drinks, including alcoholic beverages. These food and drink offerings come at no extra cost to you.

An airport lounge is a good stop if you're feeling hungry before boarding the plane and don't want to overpay for a meal.

UNLOCK AIRPORT LOUNGES WITH THE RIGHT CARD

Major U.S. airlines operate airport lounges for high-priority customers, as do some credit card issuers, most notably American Express. A number of airports also have independently operated lounges that are accessible through networks like Priority Pass. Several credit cards provide airport lounge access, although no single card gets you into every lounge. Among cards with lounge access:

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.

3. You can work while on the go

If you need to get work done before your flight, a lounge workspace can make it easier.

Most airport lounges offer a variety of seating options. In addition to comfortable chairs, they may have workstations for you to sit at and work from your laptop. You can also connect to the free Wi-Fi. Some even have printers and other business equipment for you to use.

This is a nice perk if you're traveling for work or are a freelancer or self-employed worker. It’s usually easier to be productive in an airport lounge than in a loud, crowded terminal.

4. It’s a family-friendly place to be

Traveling with kids takes effort, and the busy gate area can be stressful for parents and children alike. Instead of hanging out there, you can head to an airport lounge with your family.

Lounges aren’t only for adults. These spaces are kid-friendly, and may even have kids' rooms or other amenities available. Some lounges may admit children under a certain age for free.

Like you, your kids may feel calmer in a quiet, less hectic environment.

5. Your travel experience may be greatly improved

Being able to enjoy airport lounge perks can change your day and improve your entire travel experience. Knowing that you'll have a comfortable and relaxing place to go after the stress of airport security may change how you feel about your trip.

For many travelers, an airport lounge experience helps to reduce anxiety and makes spending time at the airport more enjoyable — which helps to start their trip off right.

6. There are a variety of options around the globe

Whether you're flying domestically or internationally, the airport you're flying out of may have a lounge for you to use. Most major airports have several lounges.

You also have options when it comes to the type of lounges that you use. If you're loyal to a particular airline, it may make sense to use their lounges. Another option is to get a membership through a company that offers a network of lounges — like Priority Pass.

Are you ready to experience the airport lounge life?

There are many reasons to use airport lounges. If you value comfort, fewer crowds and like to have time to relax before your flight, you may want to visit an airport lounge the next time you fly.

Be sure to check out the airports you’re traveling through and find out which lounges are available to you. Whether you have access through your credit card, elite status with an airline or just opt to purchase a day pass to find out what it’s like, visiting an airport lounge is likely easier than you might think.