Airport Lounges-An Overview

What is an Airport lounge?
Airport lounges are generally owned by a particular airline. They offer various services like phone, fax, internet access, wireless etc and other business services, along with refreshments, comfortable seating and quieter environment etc.

A person who has purchased first or business class ticket can easily enter the airport lounge. But does it mean that people who travel by economy class can’t enter the lounge? They can also avail lounge facilities by just shelling out a few dollars.

Facilities offered in an Airport Lounge
-Beverages like coffee, water, juices, alcoholic beverages etc.
-Provides snack facilities like fruit, pastries and cheese
-Passengers can watch television, read newspaper and magazines.
-Other facilities include free wireless internet access.
-Some lounges also provide free full buffet meals, massage services and even swimming pool facility.

Tips on Airport Lounge:
-Passengers can spend 3 hours in lounge.
-Enjoy complimentary refreshment like juices, alcoholic beverages etc.
-Kids can enter at free of cost in lounges
-Check your departure terminal to ensure you book into the right airport lounge
-Any passenger, be it a first class, business class or any other class can enter the airport lounge.

Access to lounge:
Many passengers are confused as to which plans offer value of their money. Passengers can gain access to annual membership, frequent flier, day pass or priority pass etc. Two options are explained below:

Annual pass:
If you fly frequently through a particular airline and waiting in the airport may be very difficult so you can purchase an annual pass. All major airlines have membership programs, and alliances such as skyteam and oneworld give preferred members free access to most lounges. Don’t choose a plan without investigating it properly. Due to recession, many airlines have reduced their services because of rising costs. American Airlines flies to 250 cities but only operates its clubs in 38 airports. This plan may cost somewhere between $250 and $400.

Frequent flier program and credit card discounts:
Frequent flier pass is provided by many airlines. Passengers enrolled in this plan can accumulate points based on the distance flown on that airline. Accrued points can be redeemed by buying goods or services, in the form of free air travel or by way of airport lounge access.

Priority pass program:
With an extensive range of business lounges in over 100 countries and more than 300 cities, you can rely on finding one wherever you travel. You can avail this service at low price. Annual membership offers excellent value, as recommended by travel insiders throughout the world. Priority pass program is divided into three membership plans:

-Standard Membership
-Standard plus membership
-Prestige membership

Now you don’t have to wait at the airport terminal for long hours. You can enjoy those hours at airport lounge.