If you are waiting for long at an airport, the best thing that appears inside in the airport lounge. From the most luxurious to basic airports, all lounges have something that keeps travellers excited to visit them.
Think of amenities that you require at an airport while waiting, Wi-Fi, food and beverages, reading material? In lounges, you can enjoy all these facilities along with comfortable seats.
For first-class or business flyers, usually, lounge access is complimentary, however, economy-class travellers can also avail this facility.
Some facilities that are offered in the lounges include complimentary food and drinks, complimentary use of Wi-Fi, alcohol at a cost. Some of the ultra-luxurious lounges also offer spa treatments, sleeping pods, and showers.
However, there are certain tricks that are needed to get access to these lounges.
Purchase a day pass
Day passes are available with a number of airlines that can be bought by flyers. Some of them include Alaska Airlines, American United, and Delta Charge, however, most of the one-day passes are applicable domestic airports in the US. LoungePass.com sells day passes for access to worldwide lounges including the London airports. However, the passes on these portals have some terms and conditions which you need to check before purchasing them.
Become a lounge member
If you have a regular airline through which you fly, you can purchase a membership of that airline. Besides airport lounges, these membership cards also provide benefits at alliance clubs like Star Alliance. This works well for those who fly internationally at regular intervals. The annual membership starts from $450. You again need to check for the terms and conditions of this membership such as destinations covered.
Credit card benefits
Apply for a credit card that offers airport lounge access as one of the privileges. Some of the preferred options include American Express Platinum, Delta Sky Clubs. By paying an annual charge of $550, you get complimentary access at lounges across the globe. However, before applying for the credit card, be sure of the guidelines.
Subscribe to a third-party vendor
If you do not always book the same airline, a lounge membership of a third-party vendor such as PriorityPass always comes in handy. The membership provides access to around 1200 worldwide lounges for an annual charge. There are different levels of the pass, so you can check on the basis of your requirement and purchase it.
Pay-in and enjoy
If you do not have any of these above options, you can always enter a lounge by paying a charge of 20$. The Plaza Premium lounges at locations such as India, Canada, China, and Australia are great for international travellers offering services like complimentary buffet meals and drinks, and comfortable seats.