August 28, 2024 · Laura Barry
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Airport lounges are restricted to business and first-class ticketholders – or so we’re often led to believe.
However, there’s a variety of ways to gain entrée into these airside oases. While passengers flying in premium classes are gifted airline lounge access with their fare, occasional travellers and thrifty explorers can utilise airline loyalty programs and points, airline clubs, lounge memberships, credit cards and day passes as their ticket into the club.
Are airport lounges worth paying for?
To determine whether or not the cost of accessing airport lounges access is of value to you, ask yourself a few questions: Do I travel internationally often? Do I have a long wait time between connections? Am I planning on paying for a meal and drinks while in the airport? Do I need WiFi access or a space to work while on the go? Do I need some time away from the noise and chaos of the airport? Would I like to shower?
What is the difference between airline lounges and airport lounges?
Airline lounges are private spaces set apart from the general hustle and bustle of the airport. Usually reserved for guests of a specific airline, the lounges are reserved for the exclusive use of elite members and those flying in business or first class. Airport lounges are the same but are open to all travellers regardless of class or airline.
What are the perks of lounge access?
Airport lounges sell pay-per-use day passes to all walk-in travellers, whereas only some airline lounges allow passengers travelling in their economy classes to buy day passes. Once inside, you can expect to enjoy perks such as more comfortable and abundant seating, complimentary snacks or meals and drinks, Wi-Fi, and even amenities such as day spas, private rooms, office spaces and showers.
How to get into an airline lounges for free
The quickest and easiest way for travellers to enjoy airport lounge access is by signing up for a credit card with included lounge visits or travel perks, such as Qantas, Virgin Money and American Express credit cards, or travel products from banks such as NAB, ANZ, HSBC, Citi, CommBank, and others. Look for cards with annual fees that are offset by lounge visits per year, travel credits, travel insurance, and easy ways to earn rewards points that can be redeemed for additional airport lounge access, flights or hotel stays.
How to get airport lounges access on the cheap
Many airlines and airports now offer pay-on-the-day passes for their lounges, some can be booked online in advance while others are available on a walk-in basis only. In Australia, pay-to-use public airport lounges include The House and Plaza Premium Lounge at Sydney International Airport and Melbourne International Airport, plus Marhaba Lounge in Melbourne, Aspire Lounge at Perth International, and Plaza Premium Lounge at Brisbane International. Entry prices can range from $38 per person, up to $80 per person.
If you need airport lounge access several times throughout the year but aren’t loyal to any one airline, consider signing up for an airport lounge membership such as Priority Pass or utilising services such as LoungeBuddy and LoungeKey.
LoungeBuddy is a website that allows users to search for and book lounge access at their chosen airport, or identify which lounge allows walk-ins and pay-on-the-day passes. LoungeKey is a credit card-specific product that grants cardholders access to a variety of airport lounges around the world. PriorityPass is a paid airport lounge membership that provides members with access to more than 1500 lounges around the world at discounted entry rates, the ability to pre-book their lounge entry and even discounts, kickbacks or free services at restaurants, bars and spas in the airport.
How to get into lounges when travelling in economy
For those loyal to an airline but yet to reach elite status, or acquire enough points for an upgrade or lounge access, an airline membership might be the right solution for you. This monthly, yearly or lifetime membership usually offers benefits such as lounge access, the ability to bring a guest, increased earning potential for points, and other similar perks.
Read more: You can nab 28-day unlimited Qantas lounge access for just $99
Top 10 world’s best independent airport lounges
The Skytrax World Airline Awards have a dedicated category for independent airport lounges, with winners voted for by passengers transiting through the terminals. Independent airport lounges are those not operated by an airline but by dedicated lounge operators and often provide pay-to-use access for all customer regardless of ticket class or airline. This year, Plaza Premium in Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, Italy won the crown for best in the world.
- Plaza Premium, Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport, Italy
- American Express Centurion, John F. Kennedy International Airport, United States of America
- Pearl Lounge, Bahrain International Airport
- Sapphire Lounge by The Club, LaGuardia Airport, United States of America
- Plaza Premium, Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates
- Primeclass Lounge, Muscat International Airport, Oman
- iGA Lounge, Istanbul Airport, Turkey
- Sala VIP, Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport, Ecuador
- American Express Centurion, San Francisco International Airport, United States of America
- Vienna Lounge, Vienna International Airport, Austria
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