Wondering what’s the best card for airport lounges?
Spending time in airport lounges can save you money and make your airport experience more enjoyable. Because many lounges have free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks (including alcohol), and comfortable seats to relax.
To access lounges you typically need elite status with an airline or a Business Class or First Class ticket. Some lounges give you access if you purchase a day pass.
But with any AMEX Platinum (personal card, business card, or Mercedes-Benz card), the Citi Prestige, or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can enter 900+ lounges throughout the world for free with Priority Pass Select.
Use the Priority Pass for Access to 900+ Lounges, Including the Virgin America Loft Lounge in Los Angeles. It’s an Amazing Place to Watch Planes Land. Million Mile Secrets Team Member Keith Spotted a Qantas A380 Landing!
I’ll explain which card has the best airport lounge perks for your situation!
Which Airport Lounges Can You Access?
The airport lounges you can access and the guest policies depends on which credit card you have. Here are the details!
Priority Pass Select
Priority Pass is an independent lounge network with over 900 locations around the world.
There Are 900+ Priority Pass Lounges Throughout the World!
Priority Pass Select membership comes with any one of these cards:
- Any version of the AMEX Platinum cards (the personal card, business card, or Mercedes-Benz card)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Citi Prestige
With the AMEX Platinum card, it’s free for the cardmember to enter, but $27 per person for all guests.
Folks with the Citi Prestige can bring 2 guests or immediate family (spouse, domestic partner and / or children under 18 years of age) for no extra charge.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve allows folks to bring traveling companions to the lounge for free.
For folks who fly with friends or family, the Citi Prestige and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer the best Priority Pass lounge access. Because you won’t have to pay guest fees!
Access These Lounges for Free If You’re an AMEX Platinum Cardholder
Folks can get complimentary access to AirSpace Lounges or Centurion Lounges with any version of the AMEX Platinum cards (the personal card, business card, or Mercedes-Benz card). And you can bring immediate family or 2 guests.
And if you have a Delta flight on the same day, you can use your AMEX Platinum card to access Delta Sky Club lounges.
Centurion Lounges
Link: Centurion Lounge Locations
There are Centurion Lounges in 7 US cities including:
- Dallas
- Houston
- Las Vegas
- Miami
- New York (LGA)
- Seattle
- San Francisco
AMEX Platinum Cardholders Can Access Any of the 7 Centurion Lounges. Like the Newest One in Houston!
If you frequently fly to or from any of the 7 cities with Centurion Lounges, you’ll have a terrific experience. Because these lounges offer delicious buffet style meals, premium beverages (including alcohol), showers, and Wi-Fi. And it’s all free!
AirSpace
Link: AirSpace Lounge
There are only 3 AirSpace Lounges located in:
- Cleveland
- New York (JFK)
- San Diego
These lounges are clean and modern. You’ll get free unlimited soft drinks, snacks, and shower access. But you can also purchase off a premium menu.
AMEX Platinum Cardholders Can Enjoy AirSpace Lounge Perks in Cleveland, New York, and San Diego
Delta Sky Club
Link: Delta Sky Club Locations
Use your AMEX Platinum card to access 1 of 34 Delta Sky Clubs in the US when you have a same day flight with Delta.
Delta Sky Clubs offer complimentary snacks and beverages (including alcohol). There’s also complimentary Wi-Fi.
For a Limited Time Use Citi Prestige to Access American Airlines Admiral Clubs
Link: Admirals Club Locations
There are ~50 Admirals Club locations throughout the world. And through July 31, 2017, you can use your Citi Prestige card to access any Admirals Club when you have a same day ticket booked with American Airlines.
After July 2017, the Citi Prestige will no longer have this perk.
Is Complimentary Lounge Access Worth Credit Card Annual Fees?
Link: Are Airport Lounges Worth It?
If you’re a frequent traveler and like airport lounges, getting a credit card with complimentary lounge access can actually save you money.
Because purchasing Priority Pass or Admirals Club memberships can cost ~$400+ annually.
Or you can save money by eating delicious complimentary meals at Centurion Lounges instead of paying at an airport restaurant.
But your location is important too! You’ll want to check if there’s a lounge at your home airport. And if it’s located close to the airline you normally fly.
For example, the Centurion Lounge in Las Vegas is located in the international terminal. Folks flying Southwest have to take a train to a different terminal to access the lounge.
Remember the premium credit cards with complimentary lounge access also offer other great perks. For example, the 4th night free on paid hotel stays with the Citi Prestige card. So you’re not just paying the annual fee to access airport lounges.
Bottom Line
You’ll get complimentary lounge access with premium credit cards like the AMEX Platinum (personal card, business card, or Mercedes-Benz card), the Citi Prestige, or Chase Sapphire Reserve. With any of these cards, you’ll get a Priority Pass Select membership to use at 900+ lounges.
And folks with AMEX Platinum cards get additional access to AirSpace Lounges and Centurion Lounges.
If you fly with friends and family, you’ll want to check the guest policy for lounge access with your credit card. Because some cards like the Citi Prestige and Chase Sapphire Reserve allow guests to join you for free!
What do you think is the best card for airport lounge access?
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