How to get airport lounge access for less

Having airport lounge access can be a game-changer when you’re travelling – the way you start your journey can set the tone for the whole trip.

Instead of dealing with loud announcements, slow charging outlets, frenetic travellers and mediocre food, airport lounges can help you unwind, whether you’re on a much-needed holiday or a work trip.

Remember, though, airport lounges aren’t created equally – some offer five-star amenities, while others may be no frills – so it doesn’t always pay to go premium.

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While many airport lounges have one-off entry fees, there are various workarounds to get access for less. For instance, if you’re a frequent flyer, with the right card or loyalty rewards membership, you may be able to get airport lounge access for a reduced rate, or even for free.

Ways to get airport lounge access for less

1. Credit card rewards  

Credit cards can be your golden ticket to accessing airport lounges. Some travel credit cards may come with lounge access as a perk, letting you enjoy a bit of pre-flight luxury for a small fee. Some services extend beyond lounges, where you also get discounts on restaurants that are within the airport terminal. But how exactly do you access this perk?

Here are a few ways you can use credit cards to get airport lounge access:

American Express lounges

Some American Express (Amex) credit cards can be handy for frequent fliers – you could earn Avios points and a companion voucher via the British Airways American Express Credit Card for instance.

With the Amex Platinum Card, card members can access over 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries.

This includes access to the Centurion Network, with more than 24 lounges worldwide in top locations like New York, London, Hong Kong and Mumbai. It offers amenities from high-speed Wi-Fi to gourmet meals and cocktails, spa services and even conference rooms for business meetings.

However, this credit card has a hefty price tag; the annual fee for the Platinum Card from American Express is £650.

A cheaper alternative is the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card, which costs £195 per year, but is currently offering the first year with a £0 annual fee. You can get four complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge visits per year at up to 1,700 lounges around the world.

Capital One lounges

If you hold a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (which has a $395 annual fee), you get complimentary access to airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and participating Priority Pass lounges.

The lounges offer premium chef-inspired food, relaxation and fitness spaces and custom cocktail bars. Some even have showers, spas, and play areas for kids.

You can purchase airport lounge access for additional cardholders for an annual $125 fee.

Primary cardholders that spend $75,000 total on purchases across their Venture X account per year can bring up to two complimentary guests to Capital One Lounges and one complimentary guest to Capital One Landings per visit.

Venture X cardholders can also purchase passes for guests to Capital One Lounges and Landings at discounted rates. These are $45 per visit for over 18s or $25 if they’re 17 and under. It’s free for children under two.

Chase lounges

Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card holders can take advantage of free lounge access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with up to two guests. The annual fee for this card is $795, and an additional $195 per authorised user.

You can also get complimentary access to certain Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes when you’re departing on a Star Alliance member flight.

2. Packaged bank account perks

While packaged bank accounts come with a monthly fee, they can offer great value. From just around £15, you could get travel and home insurance, car breakdown cover, cashback, freebies and some of the best savings rates. In some cases, you can also get free access to airport lounges, which can be a great perk if you travel often.

• The Barclays Travel Plus Pack, for instance, costs £22.50 per month (£26 from 1 April) and gives you six free lounge passes annually, valid at over 1,000 lounges with the DragonPass Premier Plus app.
• The NatWest Premier Reward Black account, which has a £36 monthly fee, also offers worldwide lounge access through DragonPass Premium Plus.

3. Get a membership

Travellers who don’t think they will get their money’s worth out of one of the aforementioned credit cards might consider purchasing a membership to an airport lounge. Executive Lounges by Swissport is not currently accepting memberships, but it usually costs £260 a year.

Alternatively, a Priority Pass could be a better fit. This pass grants access to over 1,700 lounges worldwide, from JFK and Heathrow to Doha, Hong Kong and Sydney. You don’t need to be a business class flyer – anyone can buy a membership.

Here are the three different memberships available, depending on how frequently you travel:

Meanwhile, a DragonPass membership offers the following benefits:

If you’re going to use a lounge more than a handful of times a year, you might find better value in a credit card that offers lounge access, given the extra perks on top.

4. Fly business- or first-class

Your boarding pass can make all the difference. Many airlines offer first-class and business-class passengers VIP lounge access, like the Admirals Clubs by American Airlines, Sky Clubs by Delta Air Lines and United Clubs by United Airlines. We look at ways to find cheap business and first-class flights in a separate guide.

Some airlines really go the extra mile for their top-tier flyers. Cathay Pacific's The Wing, First (currently under works), for example, is a first-class lounge with an à la carte menu, champagne bar, private workstations and luxurious cabanas with rain showers.

Similarly, Air France’s La Première lounge offers fine dining, beauty and botanical treatments, and even a personal chauffeur who drops you off at the airport. But be prepared to splash out.

5. Have airline elite status

Airlines often reward their most loyal customers with an ‘elite status’. This is basically where you get a host of benefits depending on how frequently you fly with them, and the rewards can range from complimentary checked baggage to priority check-in and even free access to its lounges.

• British Airways extends complimentary lounge access to Emerald and Sapphire level members of any Oneworld airline frequent flyer programme on a flight operated by BA or a Oneworld partner. Silver and gold members of The British Airways Club can also get access when travelling on a British Airways or a Oneworld partner airline flight.
• United Airlines provides United Club access to Premier Gold, Platinum and 1K members flying internationally on Star Alliance flights, with one guest allowed.
• Gold Virgin Flying Club members can get Clubhouse lounge access, with a guest, when travelling on the same flight.

How to get one-time airport lounge access 

If you’re only after a one-off visit, a single lounge pass might be cheaper than buying food and drinks at the airport, from sites like Lounge Pass, LoungePair and Holiday Extras.

Prices usually start around £20 but can vary depending on the lounge and its services. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to book in advance, as prices on the day of travel are typically higher.

If you’re unsure about which airport lounge you’re looking for, it’s a good idea to check directly with the airport you’re going to be visiting. MoneyWeek visited Clubrooms by No1 Lounges at Heathrow Terminal Three, which is a great option for travellers seeking exclusivity but aren’t necessarily flying business class.

Alternatively, you can check out Which?'s round-up of the best airport lounges in the UK based on cost, amenities, and refreshments.

Can you get airport lounge access for free? 

It is possible to visit an airport lounge without having to pay an entry fee. If you’re flying business or first-class, or have a credit card that includes lounge access (like the Platinum Card from American Express Gold), you could get complementary access. Some lounge memberships let you bring a guest at no charge, and military members often enjoy free access.

It’s also worth looking out for discounts. For instance, you can get 10% off if you sign up for No1 Lounges’ newsletter, and 15% off for Stansted Airport’s mailing list.

Ultimately, whether you’re looking to relax in style or just dodge the crowds, there’s an option out there to suit every traveller.