Tricks to Get Access to the Best Airport Lounges Around the World

Tucked away in a peaceful and undisturbed part of the airport, behind shiny doors or glass walls, airport lounges are extravagant worlds of high-class comforts and excellent facilities. Set apart exclusively for business or first class passengers, these lounges are designed to make long layovers seem like a mini vacation.

What Facilities Can You Expect at Luxury Airport Lounges?

Luxury airport lounges treat you to all-inclusive amenities, comfier seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, televisions, newspapers, magazines and more. Refresh yourself before the next flight at their private bathrooms, showers, and fitness centers. Many of the luxury lounges have stylists, spas, and massage facilities as well.

These lounges are fully equipped to cater to the needs of business travellers, and are complete with workstations, photocopiers, fax machines, and faster Wi-Fi.

Dreaming of visiting an airport lounge already? You might find surprise facilities like pool tables, video games, and DJ mixing studios too!

However, one does not have to purchase an expensive first or business class ticket to enjoy these luxuries. Here are several less expensive ways to get access to the best airport lounges around the world.

1. Try Pay-per-Use Lounges

Say hello to independent lounges that can be accessed by any traveller, regardless of airline or flight class. Operated by private companies, these lounges are the perfect solution to unexpected delays and extended layovers, and offer exclusive facilities at a small fee depending on your hours of stay. Access to these lounges can be purchased online or directly at the lounge entrance. Check online platforms like Lounge Buddy, Priority Pass or Sleeping in Airports for a list of lounges available around you.

Plaza Premium Lounge is one such lounge, available at 35 airports across the world, with costs depending on the location and hours of use.

Cost: Approx INR 5,000 for 2 hours

Read more: Travel Hack: How to Score the Best Deals on Flight Tickets

2. Join Independent Lounge Networks

These networks offer access not just to a specific airline, but also to a large network of lounges across the world. Try Priority Pass for economical yearly memberships to more than 1000 lounges, or Lounge Buddy for cost-effective day passes to different airline-specific lounges all over the world.

Cost:

Priority Pass membership: INR 7,000 to INR 30,000 per year*

Lounge Buddy Day Pass: INR 4,000 to INR 5000 per day*

3. Sign up for Frequent Flyer Programs

If you travel by a specific airline (or airlines in the same alliance) frequently, it is best to join their frequent flyer program. You can then earn miles on every flight you take to attain elite tier status, and get complimentary access to partnered airline lounges. Choose a program that suits you best, depending on the locations and frequency of your travels. Oneworld, Skyteam, and Star Alliance are three major alliances, each having over 600 lounges worldwide.

Cost: Frequent Flyer programs can be signed up for free! Just remember to put in your membership number while booking a flight.

Read more: 29 Travel Hacks to Save Money on Your Europe Trip

4. Use Credit Card Privileges

Besides exclusive benefits and rewards, several credit card companies offer access to airport lounges. To choose the right one, check the credit card perks before applying.

American Express offers a range of credit cards with varying annual fees and lounge access, and is worth the money spent—especially for frequent travellers.  

HDFC Bank Regalia First Credit Card comes with a complimentary access to a few domestic and international lounges, and reduced rates for the rest.

Cost:

American Express credit card annual fee: INR 1,500* to INR 50,000* depending on the card you choose.

HDFC Bank Regalia First Credit Card: Approx. INR 2,000* per lounge access, after the limit for free visits has expired.

5. Request for a Free Upgrade

Asking for a free upgrade is never a bad idea. The airline staff at the check-in counter has the power to give free business-class upgrades and access to their lounges as long as there is availability. They are especially welcoming towards pregnant women, women travelling with children and the elderly. So dress well, be polite and it might just be your lucky day!

Cost: A decent outfit from your wardrobe is all it takes!

Read more: 8 Simple Airline Hacks for the Smart Flier

Do you have any more cool tricks up your sleeve? Do share them with us!