We've all seen them. The entrances are as unobtrusive as potential while still letting members know where they are. The names are regal, invoking red carpets, crowns, and other images of pomp and circumstance. From time to time, the doors slide open so habitancy can walk in or out. But for most of us, that view from the outside is all that we see of the members-only airport lounge.
Tens of thousands of habitancy belong to one or more airport lounge network in the United States alone, and the numbers growth dramatically outside America's borders. For those who diligently pay their annual members (which may be as high as 0 or more), access to an airport lounge is well worth the price.
Northwestern Airlines
Then again, there are millions of habitancy who don't belong to an airport lounge. They sit in the terminal, patiently waiting for their flights, and don't seem any worse for the experience. But have they weighed the options and decided the lounge membership wasn't worth the price--or did they just not have sufficient information to even reconsider joining?
Like most questions, the talk depends on the person. Let's start with some information on what an airport lounge (or "club") is and what services it offers.
Each of the seven "legacy" airlines in the United States--that is, the ones that remain from the days of regulation, which are American, United, Delta, U.S. Airways, Northwest, Continental, and Alaska Air--has its own lounges. Major overseas airlines also have their own lounges, and there are some networks of affiliate lounges that belong to airports rather than exact airlines. None of the domestic low-cost carriers, such as JetBlue or Southwest, operates a lounge network.
To get into an airport lounge, you need to meet one of some criteria that make you eligible:
Members are all the time welcome.Airlines that belong to the same alliance (Star Alliance, oneworld, SkyTeam) or have exact partner agreements may allow members of their partners' lounges to use theirs as well.International passengers traveling in company or First Class (but not domestic First Class passengers) are typically given complimentary lounge access.Some airlines grant complimentary access to top-level elite members of their frequent flyer programs.American Express Platinum cardholders are given complimentary access to some airlines' lounges when traveling with those airlines.You may be able to buy a day pass upon request.Inside a lounge, you'll find a quiet company climate with comfortable chairs, tables, and desk space for laptops. Whenever possible, lounges are built with engaging views. There's ordinarily wireless Internet access; some clubs make it complimentary, while others charge a nominal fee. The same is true for bar service, though a bar is approximately all the time present. You'll typically find at least one television, magazines and newspapers. Snacks, coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks are all the time complimentary.
Airport lounges also offer their members access to hidden ticketing agents who can process requests for upgrades and seat assignments, make changes to reservations, and deal with other services. In keeping with the appropriate model of giving the best assistance to the most important customers, airlines tend to put senior-level staff into their lounges, which can be a real advantage if a flight is cancelled or you need to make involved last-minute changes.
Great--but as we mentioned earlier, outright membership in an airport lounge ideas may cost as much as 0 or more per year. So, is it worth it?
Maybe. If you travel often, and particularly if you travel overseas or have a lot of layovers, belonging to an airport lounge can furnish a very welcome place to procure your thoughts and recharge in the middle of flights. Something as straightforward as a amiable greeting, followed by a cup of coffee and a danish, may turn the whole tone of a trip.
Frequent flyers who do most of their flying with a singular airline tend to have the most incentive to join their popular airline's lounge (club). Elite members often get discounts on membership; some airlines let their elite members pay for their memberships with miles rather than dollars. If you fly often but don't use a singular airline, you may be better off with one of the airport-based networks--depending on which airports you use and whether participating lounges are available.
In the end, joining an airport lounge is a very personal decision. You're trading some form of currency, whether cash or miles or even brand loyalty, for an upgraded customer assistance experience. whether the benefits outweigh the cost is something you'll need to rule for yourself. But whether you choose to be among the tens of thousands who sign up or the millions who don't, you can be comfortable with one thing: you made an informed decision that was right for you.
Join the Club? The Case for Airport Lounges
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