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The do’s and don’ts of visiting an airport lounge
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers. Airport lounges can be great places to relax before your flight, and getting access to them is one of our favorite status and credit card perks here at TPG. When you visit an airport lounge you can enjoy complimentary food and …
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Airport lounges can be great places to relax before your flight, and getting access to them is one of our favorite status and credit card perks here at TPG.
When you visit an airport lounge you can enjoy complimentary food and drink while relaxing in a quiet, comfortable place away from the hustle of the main airport. You’ll also be able to charge your devices, download a few TV shows courtesy of free Wi-Fi or get some last-minute work done before your flight. Some of the more upscale lounges may even have amenities such as a spa, a la carte dining and showers.
This style of fancy airport experience may seem like it’s only for the travel elite, but sometimes the key to accessing an airport lounge is as simple as holding the right credit card.
If you’ve never been in a swanky airport lounge before, here are some simple do’s and don’ts to help maximize the experience for yourself as well as respect your fellow passengers.
Related: TPG readers’ favorite airport lounges around the world
Do your homework
Depending on the airport and your fare type (economy class, first class, business class), you may have access to more than one lounge.
For example, if you’re flying on an Oneworld business-class flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you may have access to multiple lounges with varying amenities, such as the American Airlines Flagship Lounge or the Qantas International First Lounge.
Similarly, at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) you would be able to access the Cathay Pacific Business Class Lounge, Qantas International Lounge and, of course, the British Airways Business Class Galleries Lounges.
To get the most out of your lounge access, check online before you travel to answer these questions:
- What lounges do you have access to?
- What is considered the best lounge out of your options?
- What are the location, opening hours and access policies of your preferred lounge(s)?
Related: The best lounges at London Heathrow — and how to get inside
If you don’t have status or a premium-class ticket, there are still ways to access lounges. Lounge passes like Priority Pass allow you to access a wide network of independent lounges worldwide, often including dining and amenities like showers and quiet areas.
Related: The 9 best Priority Pass lounges in the US
For example, Priority Pass gives you access to over 1,300 lounges globally, including the Club ATL at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and the Escape Lounge at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
Membership costs vary, starting around $99 annually for limited access, though many premium credit cards include Priority Pass membership or Priority Pass lounge passes as a complimentary benefit.
Credit cards that offer Priority Pass benefits
Multiple credit cards offer Priority Pass benefits, including premium travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required).
You’ll also find Priority Pass benefits included with some hotel credit cards like the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card (enrollment required) and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
Other cards that offer Priority Pass benefits include:
- Capital One Venture X Business
- Citi Prestige® Card*
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required)
- U.S. Bank Altitude™ Reserve Visa Infinite® Card*
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card*
- Bank of America® Premium Rewards® Elite credit card*
*The information for these cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: 10 credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge access
Do arrive early enough to enjoy it
If you have access to a truly excellent lounge, like the spectacular Chase Sapphire Lounge at LaGuardia Airport (LGA), you want to have enough time to enjoy it.
It may not make sense to leave home at 4 a.m. to have time for a cocktail before the sun rises. But suppose you have a flight at a more civilized hour. In that case, you should plan your check-in to allow enough time to experience everything, including a glass of bubbly, a view of the runway from the roof terrace and a meal in the formal dining room.
If check-in for your flight opens three hours before departure and it will take you about 30 minutes to check in, pass through security and walk to the lounge, that gives you around 90 minutes in the lounge before boarding starts.
This is a good amount of time to explore and make the most of the lounge.
Rushing in late with only five minutes to scarf down a sandwich and a drink isn’t the most relaxing start to a flight.
Related: 5 ways to ensure you have lounge access before your next flight
Do consider booking in advance
Some lounge brands allow you to pre-book your visit, and this can be handy if you want to ensure access even during peak travel times when lounges can quickly fill up. For instance, Plaza Premium Lounges, Aspire Lounges, and The Club lounges all offer booking options on their websites.
The costs for booking in advance vary by location but generally range from $30 to $60 per person.
Benefits include guaranteed entry (which can be crucial during busy periods) and sometimes priority access, sparing you from potential wait times. If your plans change, many of these lounges allow modifications or cancellations within a reasonable notice period.
Do a full lap of the lounge on arrival
The best places to sit in a lounge might not always be apparent when you first walk in.
A word of advice: The seating near the entrance or the buffet can often be busy and not very relaxing.
If you do a lap of the lounge, you can get your bearings on where everything is (including the bathrooms, charging points and possible runway views), and you can also spot the quieter and more peaceful places to relax. This is particularly useful if you intend to work from the lounge before your flight.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2025
Don’t be scared to ask for help
Lounge amenities may vary widely, and there could be features you’re unaware of. Many premium lounges include luxury amenities such as:
- Showers: Available in lounges like the Cathay Pacific Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and American Airlines Flagship Lounges at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Miami International Airport (MIA).
- Sleep pods: Found in lounges like the Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST).
- Gyms or spa services: Present in top-tier lounges like the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at LHR.
Don’t hesitate to ask the lounge reception staff what amenities are available. If your lounge doesn’t offer such services, they might even direct you to a partner or nearby lounge that does.
Don’t take your eye off the time
Many lounges — especially independent, third-party lounges — will not make boarding announcements to avoid disturbing the ambience.
If you are indulging at the bar, time can fly by. Neither the lounge nor the airline will be very sympathetic if you miss the flight because you enjoyed yourself too much. Before you enter the lounge, set an alarm for boarding time on your phone.
Most airline apps will notify you of flight updates in real time, so make sure you download your carrier’s app beforehand.
Related: How to avoid flight delays and cancellations
Do keep an eye on your little ones
Airports can be great places to wear out young travelers before a long flight, but don’t let that come at the cost of other travelers. Great airport lounges may have a small kids’ play area with toys, books and activities, often in an enclosed room where kids can let off steam without bothering guests.
It’s a good idea to remain in this room with your young ones to supervise them. Remember, other children in the room may not speak the same language, so communication may not come easily among their peers.
If there is no child play area, always watch your kids closely. The main section of the lounge is not a playground; other passengers won’t appreciate them running through the space or jumping on the furniture.
Don’t disturb the peace
FaceTiming loved ones? Watching a video? Taking an urgent business call? These are fine activities in an airport lounge, provided you wear headphones.
If you’re taking a confidential call, consider ducking into a private space if available — you never know who could be listening.
Related: How to choose a credit card for airport lounge access
Don’t take more space than you need
Airport lounges are essentially public spaces you share with strangers.
While there may be a temptation to spread your luggage and coat across multiple seats to give yourself as much personal space as possible, there might not be enough seating for all guests if everyone did this.
Bottom line: Don’t take up more space than you need.
Related: A guide to guest policies for airport lounges
Don’t go overboard just because it’s free
You might be tempted to eat and drink as much as possible because it’s free, but don’t. If you drink too much, you might not even be allowed on the flight, and if you eat too much, you might ruin your appetite for your inflight meal later. If you plan to go straight to sleep on the plane, you might struggle because you’re too full.
If you wouldn’t eat that much at home before bed, don’t do it in an airport lounge.
Best credit cards for lounge access
While the suggestions below aren’t the only credit cards that have lounge access as a perk, they are good ones to consider if lounge access is important to you.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to more than 1,300 lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.
The Platinum Card from American Express provides access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Airspace lounges, Escape lounges, Plaza Premium lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (when traveling on same-day Delta flights). (Effective Feb. 1, 2025: Eligible Platinum cardmembers will receive 10 visits per eligible Platinum Card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight)*. Read our full review of the Amex Platinum card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve gets you access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, Nexus or TSA PreCheck. Read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
*Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Bottom line
Lounges can make your airport experience much more enjoyable. If you’re a frequent traveler or simply wish to add something special to your next vacation, it’s worth looking into how you can access them via your credit card status or whether it’s worth paying cash to get inside.
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