Key takeout
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Airport Lounge Access is a particularly desirable perk, and some premium travel reward credit cards offer this advantage.
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However, most of these cards limit the number of guests that can be brought with you to the lounge with you. Others do not extend lounge privileges to guests.
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If you travel regularly with family and friends, the best way to get lounge access is to book a credit card with guest privileges, a third-party lounge access service, or a premium fare that includes lounge access.
Access to the airport lounges can make the travel experience more comfortable, and these memberships can also be a big money. Airport lounges generally have a selection of free groceries and drinks along with WiFi access, as well as showers and special spaces that can be used to wash away.
However, accessing only the airport lounge can be a big problem, especially if you travel occasionally with your spouse or partner, your children or your friends. The good news is there are ways to get airport lounge perks for yourself and your guests, and how to ensure that your loved ones have their own airport lounge membership that they can use.
Guest access policy for airport lounges
If you want to take advantage of airport lounge benefits, it is important to know which policies apply to which lounges. Below is a brief overview of the major airport lounges and their guest access policies.
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American Air Admiral Club |
American Airlines Flyers can access the Admiral’s Club with a paid membership or membership via co-branded credit cards and take family members or two guests. You can also access the Admirals Club Lounge and take one guest by booking a premium cabin ticket on a qualified itinerary. |
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American Express Global Lounge Collection |
The American Express Platinum Card® and Business Platinum Card® holders provide unlimited access to the Global Lounge. Free guest access varies depending on the type of lounge. For example, American Express Centurion Lounges only allows two free guests after the cardholder spent $75,000 on the card in the previous calendar year. |
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Capital One Lounge |
The Capital One Venture X Rewards and Venture X business card holders have unlimited access to Capital One Lounges and can take two guests with you. |
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Chase Sapphire Airport Lounge |
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® card holder provides unlimited access to Chase Sapphire Lounges and allows you to take two guests with you. Priority Pass members receive a free visit once a year. |
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Delta Sky Club |
Delta Skymiles Reserve Card members receive 15 Sky Club visits and one one-time guest pass per medallion year. If you spend more than $75,000 in a calendar year, you will receive an unlimited visit. You can also purchase a Delta Sky Club membership. This comes with 2 free guests at the executive level. |
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Priority Pass |
Many premium credit cards offer a preferred pass selection membership. This gives you unlimited access to the preferred pass lounge (guest access is card dependent). You can also purchase preferred pass memberships at the Standard, Standard Plus or Prestige level, but these memberships do not come with free guest access. |
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United Club |
If you have a new United Club Card, you and your eligible travel companions will have free access to the United Club lounge. Other unified co-branded credit cards may offer limited free lounge access. |
Please note that many of these lounges also offer day passes. This means that you and your guests may be able to pay to enter the lounge even if they do not have a corresponding membership or credit card.
Travel credit cards with access to the airport lounge
The best way to get access to the airport lounge for yourself and your family and other guests involves signing up for a travel credit card as well as a travel credit card. Please take a special look Top Travel Reward Card This includes guest access and the ability to take your membership to others without paying additional fees.
Luckily, a considerable number of top travel credit cards offer lounge access to guests including:
Find an airport lounge with days passing by
It is important to note that capacity controls are still applicable even if the card provides guest access to the airport lounge. It’s not uncommon to head to Priority Pass Lounge Then find the “full” sign and leave you completely trapped from the visit you rely on.
In this case, you may be able to find an airport lounge where one entry day offers a pass. Services like the Amex Global Lounge Finder and The Club will help you connect with these lounges if your favorite lounge is full, if you need more space for guests than guest limits, or if you can’t access your airport lounge membership via a travel credit card.
Book Premium fares including airport lounge access
Finally, booking international airfares with premium cabins usually includes airport lounge access with major airlines and their alliance partners. For example, booking your Delta One with Delta Air Lines or booking an international business or top-class flight with Delta SkyTeam partners will allow you to participate in Delta Sky Club and most partner lounges (terms vary).
There are a few exceptions to access this perk, but you will need to have everyone in the lounge to book the whole family at the premium cabin. For example, the Virgin Atlantic airport lounge is for upper class passengers and members of Flying Club Gold, but if you are on the same international flight on Delta’s Virgin Atlantic, you are welcome to bring guests with you. Air France or KLM.
Conclusion
Do you get the appropriate travel credit card approval? Co-branded airline cards The best way to access the airport lounge for yourself and your guests. However, we recommend reading certain cards and membership policies to know how many guests you can bring (and other applicable rules). Also, if you are expecting lounge access while traveling, we recommend creating a backup plan.
Information regarding Citi®/AADVantage® Executive World Elite Master Code® is collected independently by Bankrate.com. Card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.