Airports can be an absolute nightmare when you travel, but they don't have to be! If you have a certain type of credit card in some airports, you are granted access to a private lounge where you can wait for your flight in peace. In this guide, we'll advise you on the best credit card to access lounges per region so you can say goodbye to all the crying children and bustling crowds.
Credit card companies will sometimes offer services such as frequent flyer reward programs and exclusive lounge access at airports as a perk for borrowing with them. This is likely because frequent travellers are more likely to be affluent, which will make them good lending partners. For some credit cards, you get access just by being a member, whereas others will require you to pay an annual fee or have a high-tier card with the company, with high credit.
Once you're approved for your selected card, you'll need to read the lounge access guidelines and enrol if required. It's worth noting that lounges can be basic or premium, and the number of lounges you can access depends on the card's network and airline.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
This card offers access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass, plus access to some high-profile lounges, such as those which are part of the Centurion Lounge network.
Capital on Tap Pro Credit Card
Capital offers unlimited access to over 1,600 airport lounges for the main card holder, plus two free guest lounge passes per year.
Coutts & Co Silk Credit Card Mastercard
Mastercard Members are granted membership to the LoungeKey program, which provides access to over 1,100 airport lounges worldwide.
HSBC Premier Credit Card
Offers discounted or free lounge access through Priority Pass. Premier Credit Card users pay £24 per visit, while Premier World Elite Mastercard users can access the lounges for free.
Airport lounges are quiet spaces where passengers can relax while waiting for their flight, usually containing some amenities. What you can expect to find in each airport lounge depends on the airport and the tier of the lounge you decide to visit.
Airline lounges
These lounges are spaces reserved by specific airlines for their passengers, who can gain access either by buying a premium ticket (such as business or first class), paying an entry fee, or some lounges offer access for customers with a high volume of frequent flyer miles. These lounges often have basic amenities such as opportunities for snacks and drinks, larger seats, and a quiet space to relax during your flights.
Private lounges
Private lounges are similar to airline lounges, however, they are not affiliated with airlines. Rather they are part of private membership schemes such as Priority Pass or Loungekey with annual subscription fees for lounge access.
Credit card lounges
Accessed through the possession of a premium credit card, these lounges are among the most classy and high-end lounges. They offer luxury experiences like a bar, entertainment like TVs and high-speed internet, and comfortable seating.
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Travelling can be a tiresome and stressful endeavour. If you want a place to relax and decompress before your flight without being subject to the hustle and bustle of an airport, lounges can offer some much-needed peace and quiet.
Some airport lounges offer free amenities, such as snacks or drinks. This is unlikely to be the case in airline lounges or private lounges, but credit card lounges (which are considered more exclusive) will sometimes have free refreshments as well as other services.
Yes, most lounges will allow you to bring guests in with you. However, some may charge the guests a fee for entry.
Airport lounges are a great place to catch some sleep before your flight. They are secure, private zones which usually only have a few other people there to let you rest unbothered. Just remember to set an alarm for your gate announcement!
Each airport lounge will have a maximum stay time, which is set by the operators of the lounge. This means that each lounge will have its own rules on maximum stay, which you can read in their terms and conditions before you attend or ask a member of staff when you are there.
