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Everything You Need to Know About Airport Lounges... Are They Really Worth It?

Your Guide to Airport Lounges: Are They Worth It?

Author

Ark
June 09, 2025

Airports can be hectic, but hidden above the chaos are airport lounges—exclusive retreats offering free food, drinks, and stunning views. If you’ve ever wondered how to access these havens, what they’re like inside, or if they’re worth the hype, this guide has you covered.

Types of Airport Lounges

There are three main types of airport lounges:

  1. Airline-Branded Lounges: These include Delta Sky Clubs, American Admirals Clubs, and United Clubs. They’re operated by specific airlines and cater primarily to their frequent flyers or elite members.

  2. American Express Centurion Lounges: Known for their upscale amenities, these lounges are exclusive to certain American Express cardholders.

  3. Priority Pass Lounges: Accessible through a Priority Pass membership, these lounges are available at hundreds of airports worldwide, offering a broad network but varying quality.

How to Gain Access

Here are the primary ways to enter an airport lounge:

  1. Credit Cards with Lounge Benefits:

    • American Express Platinum Card: Grants access to Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (excluding restaurants), and select airline lounges like Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Annual fee: approximately $695 (as of 2025).

    • Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: Provides access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Annual fee: around $650.

    • These cards often include additional travel perks, making them worthwhile if you travel frequently and maximize benefits like travel credits or companion tickets. However, if you fly infrequently, the high annual fees may not justify the cost.

  2. Flying First or Business Class Internationally:

    • Most airlines offer complimentary lounge access to passengers flying first or business class on international routes. Domestic first-class tickets typically don’t include lounge access unless you have elite status with the airline.

    • Elite status (e.g., Delta Medallion, American AAdvantage Executive Platinum) alone doesn’t guarantee access without a qualifying ticket or credit card.

  3. Single-Visit Passes:

    • Some lounges, like Delta Sky Clubs, offer day passes for around $59-$79, depending on the location and airline policy. Centurion Lounges, however, do not offer day passes.

    • Priority Pass lounges may charge a per-visit fee (typically $32-$35) unless you have an unlimited membership tier.

Lounge Breakdown: What to Expect

Delta Sky Clubs

  • Availability: Over 50 locations across the U.S., found in major hubs like Atlanta, Seattle, and Miami.

  • Size and Comfort: Spacious (around 20,000 square feet), with ample seating, plenty of power outlets, and fast Wi-Fi (e.g., 100 Mbps in Seattle, 200 Mbps in Atlanta).

  • Food and Drink: Buffet-style with hot and cold options, including salads, sandwiches, and entrees like steak or pasta. Quality varies by location and time of day—best between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. for fresh offerings. Free drinks include water, coffee, tea, juice, beer, wine, and select cocktails; premium drinks cost $6-$20.

  • Work Environment: Exceptional for productivity, with outlets at nearly every seat, semi-private workspaces, and reliable Wi-Fi. Ideal for business travelers.

  • Unique Perks: Access is allowed before, during, and after same-day Delta flights, unlike many lounges that restrict entry to a few hours before departure. Some locations offer showers.

  • Rating: 7/10. Great for work and convenience, but food quality can be inconsistent.

American Express Centurion Lounges

  • Availability: Found in select U.S. airports (e.g., JFK, Miami, Seattle) and a few international locations.

  • Access: Exclusive to Amex Platinum or Centurion cardholders; no day passes available.

  • Food and Drink: Superior quality, with celebrity chefs curating menus for each location. Expect gourmet options like quiche, ravioli, salmon, and desserts, served on real dishware. All alcoholic drinks, including craft cocktails, are free, with unique offerings like a speakeasy at JFK serving espresso martinis.

  • Work Environment: Decent but less ideal than Delta Sky Clubs. Fewer outlets, slower Wi-Fi, and smaller spaces limit workspace availability.

  • Vibe: Cozy, upscale design perfect for relaxing. However, popularity leads to crowding, sometimes requiring a 10-15 minute wait for entry.

  • Rating: 9/10. Best for lounging and dining, less ideal for work.

Priority Pass Lounges

  • Availability: Over 1,500 lounges worldwide, offering the widest network.

  • Access: Available via Priority Pass membership (e.g., included with Amex Platinum or standalone plans starting at ~$99/year with per-visit fees or ~$469/year for unlimited visits).

  • Food and Drink: Less consistent than Centurion or Sky Clubs. Many offer grab-and-go snacks or sandwiches rather than hot buffets. Free beer, wine, coffee, and tea are standard. International locations (e.g., Amsterdam) may offer better amenities.

  • Work Environment: Varies widely. Some lounges have adequate outlets and Wi-Fi, but others are basic.

  • Rating: 5/10. Affordable and widely available, but quality is inconsistent.

Are Airport Lounges Worth It?

Whether a lounge is worth it depends on your travel habits:

  • Frequent Travelers (2+ flights/month): Lounges can save money on airport food and drinks, which often cost $15-$30 per meal. The relaxed environment, reliable Wi-Fi, and outlets make them ideal for business travelers or those with long layovers. A credit card with lounge access is often the most cost-effective option if you maximize its perks.

  • Occasional Travelers (<8 flights/year): Consider purchasing a day pass instead of committing to a credit card or membership. If you prefer eating before arriving at the airport or have early flights, you may not use lounges enough to justify the cost.

  • Best Use Cases:

    • Long layovers or delays, especially when you need a comfortable place to work or relax.

    • Evening flights, when you’re more likely to dine at the airport.

    • Post-hotel checkout, when you need a place to wait before a late flight.

Tips for Maximizing Lounge Access

  • Check Lounge Locations: Use airline or Priority Pass apps to confirm lounge availability at your airport. Yelp reviews can provide insights into food quality and crowding.

  • Time Your Visit: Arrive during peak food service hours (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) for the freshest options.

  • Research Card Benefits: Compare credit card perks to ensure the annual fee aligns with your travel frequency and needs.

  • International Travel: Priority Pass lounges may offer better value abroad, where quality is often higher.

Final Thoughts

Airport lounges transform the travel experience, offering a calm escape from the airport’s hustle. Delta Sky Clubs excel for productivity, Centurion Lounges shine for gourmet dining and ambiance, and Priority Pass lounges provide unmatched accessibility. If you travel frequently, the convenience, savings, and comfort make lounge access a worthwhile investment. For occasional travelers, a day pass might suffice.

Next time you’re at the airport, consider stepping into a lounge—it might just make you look forward to your layover.

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