Travel Tidbits - Unlocking Lounge Access: Here's How You Can Enjoy Lounges Without Flying Business/First Class

Discover Insider Tips for Affordable Lounge Access Anytime, Anywhere

Photo by Kelly on Pexels

With almost 100,000 flights taking off globally each day, the desire among passengers to relax and unwind in airport lounges is higher than ever. 

Travelers are increasingly seeking cost-effective ways to enhance their travel experience, including accessing exclusive lounges without the need to book expensive business or first-class tickets.

Jason Higgs, Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii and a money-saving expert, shares invaluable insights into the world of travel perks, revealing practical strategies to access airport lounges affordably.

Here are Jason’s top recommendations for accessing airport lounges without having to fork out for business or first class:

Credit Card Lounge Access

Many premium credit cards offer complimentary lounge access as a cardholder benefit. Jason says, “Look for cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or the American Express Platinum that provide access to extensive lounge networks. Each card has its own perks and fees, so make sure to choose one that aligns with your travel habits to maximize this benefit."

Priority Pass Memberships

Joining a Priority Pass membership provides access to a network of airport lounges worldwide, regardless of your ticket class," Jason advises. Priority Pass offers different membership tiers, such as Standard, Standard Plus, and Prestige, each offering varying levels of access.

Airline Lounge Day Passes

Some airlines offer day passes to their lounges for a fee," Jason points out. "For example, airlines like Delta and United allow passengers to purchase day passes directly through their websites or at airport kiosks.” Additionally, apps like LoungeBuddy provide a convenient way to purchase passes in advance and explore available amenities.

Airport Lounge Memberships

Consider purchasing annual memberships directly from lounge networks like Plaza Premium or independent lounges at major airports. These memberships often include perks such as complimentary snacks, beverages, and comfortable seating areas.

Travel Rewards Programs

"Earn and redeem travel rewards points for lounge access upgrades or use points from loyalty programs for discounted or free access," Jason recommends. "Major airlines and hotel chains often allow members to use accumulated points to access airport lounges. 

Day-of Lounge Access Offers

Look for discounted lounge access offers available directly at the airport on the day of your travel. Jason highlights, “Some lounges offer last-minute discounts to fill empty seats, which can be a great way to enjoy premium amenities at a lower cost. Checking with lounge attendants or using airport apps can help you find these offers."

“Remember, you don’t need to splash out on premium flight tickets to enjoy the benefits of airport lounges,” says Jason. By utilizing these strategies, travelers can enjoy the luxury of exclusive airport lounges without the traditional cost barriers associated with premium ticket classes.

About Bountii
Bountii is a team of bargain hunters, deal finders, and savings enthusiasts. We’re passionate about finding ways to help customers cut costs without cutting corners on quality. Our experts verify and update our deals regularly, ensuring that our readers get access to only the most current and valuable offers. 

Jason Higgs is the Senior Deals Strategist, a seasoned professional in the world of online retail and e-commerce, with a passion for uncovering the best deals and discounts the internet has to offer.

Methodology

Data on flights per day was collected by Trip.com

https://www.trip.com/ask/travel-questions/how-many-flights-per-day.html#:~:text=How%20Many%20Flights%20Per%20Day%20Take%20Off%20and%20Land&text=Are%20you%20curious%20about%20how,%2C%20cargo%2C%20and%20military%20aircraft.