| Last Updated: Sep 13, 2008 - 12:07:01 PM |
If you’ve ever spent an hour sitting on an airport floor to recharge your laptop at the only outlet around, or wandering up and down a terminal looking for something healthy or inexpensive to eat, or trying to catch some zzzzz’s in an uncomfortable chair at a departure gate, or waiting for a flight, wondering if the riff isn’t getting raffier by the minute -- it’s time to turn to airport club lounges when you fly.
Airlines’ private airport lounges have long had a secretive air about them, a reputation as hidden VIP playrooms for only the most elite of flyers, with royal-sounding names like the “Red Carpet Club” (United), “Crown Room Club” (Delta), and “Presidents Club” (Continental).
But, truth is, if you’re savvy or have a little spare cash, you, too, can be a “VIP” while waiting for your next flight. Here’s how:
COST-BASED ACCESS
BECOME A MEMBER: If you always fly one airline, join their club ($250-$400/year, or apply miles) to access all that airline’s lounges.
PAY PER-DAY: You can buy one-day passes right at your airline’s clubroom for $25-$40; most airlines only let you in if you’re flying them, but Delta will take any flyer. If you’d rather arrange your pass in advance, use LoungePass.com, or try Ebay, where other travelers occasionally post unused day passes for sale.
JOIN PRIORITYPASS.COM: Sort-of a combo of both options above, you buy an annual membership ($99-$399), and get day passes to over 500 different airlines’ lounges worldwide ($27 or $0 per pass, depending on your membership plan).
FREE/PSEUDO-FREE ACCESS
FLY FIRST OR BUSINESS CLASS: Many airlines offer lounge access based on your ticket class, especially if you fly internationally. True,
someone
has to pay more for the higher-priced ticket, so this isn’t really a “free” option--but if that someone is your work, or you use miles to upgrade your ticket, then, technically, a club visit won’t cost you a thing.
FLY MORE: Many airlines allow their top frequent flyers complimentary or discounted access to their lounges. Again, not exactly free--someone has to buy the tickets that rack up those miles, but at least you don’t have to pay again just to get into a room.
FLASH YOUR CREDIT CARD: All American Express Platinum and Centurion (i.e., “Black”), Diners’ Club, and Visa Signature Platinum cardholders get gratis airline-club lounge access and/or Priority Pass membership.
CRASH THE PARTY: I have seen Hollywood clubs with tougher security than at airline lounge doors. Remember, only VIP’s who expect to be treated like VIP’s are supposed to be walking through those doors, so looking and acting the part just might get you in, if you dare.
However you enter, what’s ultimately waiting for you inside these rooms? Is the cost and effort of going VIP for just a couple hours worth it? With free to low-cost food, drinks, TV, reading material, internet, fax, Xerox, and phones, PLUS recharging outlets right next to comfortable chairs…you just might never return to the riff-raff again!
About the Author: A former Hollywood producer and now 2nd-generation travel professional, Susan Michelle travels the planet as the “face” of the fashion-forward Compass travel lifestyle brand.
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by San Francisco News
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