How to get airport lounge access for less

An airport lounge can be a game-changer — whether you’re looking for somewhere to unwind before flying on holiday or work while travelling for business.

Many airport lounges charge an entry fee, there are various workarounds to get access for less. For instance, frequent flyers may be able to secure discounted or even complimentary access through the right credit card or loyalty rewards membership.

Ways to get airport lounge access for less

1. Credit card rewards  

If you plan to use an airport lounge more than a handful of times a year, you might find better value by getting a credit card that offers complimentary or discounted lounge access.

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When choosing a new rewards credit card, consider whether the benefits justify the cost, if there is a fee, and more importantly, whether you'll actually use them.

Remember to pay off your credit card bill in full each month to avoid high interest charges.

2. Packaged bank account perks

Starting at around £15 a month, packaged bank accounts can offer great value. These accounts tend to include travel and home insurance, car breakdown cover, cashback, freebies and access to some of the best savings rates.

Some also offer complimentary airport lounge access, which can be a valuable perk if you travel often. For example:

• The Barclays Travel Plus Pack costs £26 per month and includes six free lounge passes each year. These can be used at more than 1,000 lounges through the DragonPass Premier Plus app. Alternatively, you can exchange a free lounge visit for an £18 meal voucher at selected airport restaurants.
• The NatWest Premier Reward Black account costs £39 a month and offers unlimited worldwide lounge access through DragonPass Premier Plus.

3. Get a membership

If you don't think you'll get enough value from a rewards credit card or a packaged bank account, buying an airport lounge membership could be a better option.

Two of the most popular providers are Priority Pass and DragonPass. Here's how their memberships compare.

Before buying either membership, it’s worth checking which lounges are available at the airports you typically go to.

4. Fly business or first-class

Your boarding pass can make all the difference. Many airlines offer business and first-class passengers complimentary access to their airline lounges.

Some airlines go the extra mile for their most premium passengers. Cathay Pacific's The Wing, First, for example, offers 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 the bespoke service comes with a premium price tag.

5. Have airline elite status

Airlines often reward their most loyal customers with an ‘elite status’.

Depending on how frequently you fly, these programmes can offer a range of benefits, from complimentary checked baggage and priority check-in to free airport lounge access.

For example:

• British Airways offers complimentary lounge access to Emerald and Sapphire members of any Oneworld airline frequent flyer programme when travelling 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.
• 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 looking for a one-off visit, purchasing a single lounge pass could be cheaper than paying for food and drinks at the airport. You can buy passes from the lounge itself or through providers such as Lounge Pass, LoungePair and Holiday Extras.

Prices typically start at around £20, although they vary depending on the lounge and facilities available. Generally, it’s best to book in advance, as prices on the day of travel are usually higher.

If you’re unsure which lounge to choose, check directly with the airport you’re travelling from. MoneyWeek visited Clubrooms by No1 Lounges at Heathrow Terminal Three, which is a great option for travellers seeking exclusivity without 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 access an airport lounge without paying 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), you may be entitled to free entry. Some lounge memberships also allow you to bring a guest at no charge, while military personnel may be eligible for complimentary access.

It’s also worth looking out for discounts and special offers. For instance, you can get 10% off by signing up for No1 Lounges or Stansted Airport’s newsletters.