How to Get Into an Airport Lounge (Without Flying First Class or Having Airline Status)
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Admiral’s Club in Boston
Travel days don’t have to mean long waits at crowded gates or paying $20 for a sandwich. For our family, two things have completely changed the airport experience:
TSA PreCheck (faster security lines)
Airport lounge access
The best part? You don’t need elite airline status or a first-class ticket. With the right travel credit card, you can unlock lounge access worldwide.
Why Airport Lounges Are Worth It
Airport lounges aren’t all created equal, but most provide a quieter, more comfortable space than the main terminal. Benefits usually include:
Complimentary food and snacks
Free beverages (coffee, soda, even cocktails)
Comfortable seating away from the crowds
Free Wi-Fi
Clean restrooms
Kid-friendly or family rooms (in some lounges)
Quiet workspaces and printers
Airline staff who can help with rebooking or flight issues
If you travel more than a few times a year, lounge access can save money on meals, reduce stress, and make long layovers far more enjoyable.
Kid’s Room in the Admiral’s Club at Boston International
How to Get Into an Airport Lounge With a Credit Card
There are two main ways credit cards provide lounge access:
Non-airline-specific access (works no matter what airline you fly). Examples: Priority Pass, Capital One Lounges, Amex Centurion Lounges.
Airline-specific access (only when you’re flying that airline). Examples: American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, United Club.
At most lounges, you’ll just scan your boarding pass and the credit card that provides your membership.
Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access (Non-Airline Specific)
These premium travel credit cards give you lounge access regardless of airline:
Capital One® Venture X (Best Value)
Bonus: 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in 3 months
Annual Fee: $395
Lounge Access: Capital One Lounges (DFW, DEN, IAD, JFK, LAS), Capital One Landing Lounges (DCA, LGA) and Priority Pass Membership
Guest Policy: Cardholder + 2 guests free (new guest fees start Feb 1, 2026)
Extra Perks: $300 annual travel credit, $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit, up to 4 free authorized users
One complimentary visit annually (for one person) to the Sapphire Lounge by The Club (locations in PHX, JFK, LGA, BOS and coming soon to DFW and Las Vegas) with Priority Pass Membership.
Capital One Lounge - DFW Airport
Changes coming to the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card:
On June 3, 2025, Capital One announced a significant devaluation of lounge access benefits to the Capital One Venture X that will take effect on February 1, 2026.
Beginning on February 1, 2026, the following changes are taking place:
Only the primary cardholder will have access to the Capital One Lounge and Capital One Landings
NO FREE GUESTS, NO ‘PLUS ONE’
You may pay: $45/per adult; $25/ 17 and under; under 2 years old remains free
If you spend $75k or more annually, you will have 2 free guests to a Capital One Lounge and 1 free guest to the Landing Lounge
Priority Pass access benefits are also being gutted to NO MORE FREE GUESTS. Only the primary cardholder will have access. Guests will cost $35 per person.
You will have to pay $125 per authorized user if you want them to have lounge access - and same new rules will apply - only the AU cardholder can access lounges for free.
Capital One Lounge - DFW International Airport
The Platinum Card® from American Express (Luxury Pick)
Bonus: As high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after $8,000 spend in 6 months
Annual Fee: $695
Lounge Access: Amex Centurion, Priority Pass (no restaurants), Plaza Premium, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), Virgin Clubhouses
Guest Policy: Guests $50 each unless you spend $75,000/year, then 2 free
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Bonus: 150,000 points after $20,000 spend in 3 months
Annual Fee: $695
Lounge Access: Same network as personal Platinum
The Sapphire Lounge at Boston International Airport
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Bonus: 125,000 points after $6,000 spend in 3 months
Annual Fee: $795; $195 for each authorized user
Lounge Access: Chase Sapphire Lounges (BOS, HKG, LGA, JFK, PHL, PHX, SAN and coming soon to LAS and DFW)
Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
Access to the Etihad Lounge at Dulles (IAD). Must activate Priority Pass Membership before entering.
Air Canada Lounges: Sapphire Reserve cardmembers have access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafes in the U.S., Canada and Europe when flying on any Star Alliance carrier.
Guest Policy: Cardholder + 2 guests free
Extra Perks: $300 annual travel credit, $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
Air France/KLM Lounge at Geneva Airport - Priority Pass
Airline Credit Cards With Lounge Access
If you’re loyal to one airline, their top-tier cards can be worth it. Just note you must be flying that airline to use their lounges.
The Admiral’s Club at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (American Airlines)
Bonus: 70,000 miles after $7,000 spend in 3 months
Annual Fee: $595
Lounge Access: Admirals Club membership (you + 2 guests)
Access to over 60 partner lounges worldwide (like the Alaska Lounges and Aspire Lounge in San Diego)
Authorized Users: $175 - also get Admiral’s Club access for cardholder + 2 guests
Extra Perks: First checked bag free (up to 8 companions), $120 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
The kids room at the Admiral’s Club at DFW airport
DELTA offers one personal card and one business card that come with complimentary Delta Sky Club access. Remember, you get access to Delta Sky Club (ten visits a calendar year) if you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Bonus: 125,000 miles after $6,000 spend in 6 months
Annual Fee: $650
Lounge Access: Delta Sky Club + Amex Centurion (when flying Delta)
Policy Update (Feb 1, 2025): Limited to 15 Sky Club visits/year unless you spend $75,000/year
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Same benefits as personal card
Bonus: 125,000 miles after $15,000 spend in 3 months
Delta SkyClub at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport
United Airlines cards with lounge access
The New United Club℠ Card
Bonus: 80,000 miles after $5,000 spend in 3 months
Annual Fee: $695
Lounge Access: Primary Cardmembers and their eligible travel companions, including 1 adult guest and dependent children, will enjoy access to 45+ United Club locations worldwide
The New United℠ Business Card
Bonus: 100,000 miles after $5,000 spend in 3 months
Annual Fee: $695
Lounge Access: United Club card membership allows for one adult guest and dependent children under the age of 18 to accompany the primary Cardmember each United Club visit. Star Alliance lounge access is not included
Credit Cards with lounge access at a glance
| Card | Annual Fee* | Lounge Network(s) | Guest Policy (Current) | Authorized Users & Access | Key Credits / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Value Capital One Venture X® |
$395 | Capital One Lounges & Landings; Priority Pass; select Plaza Premium |
Cardholder + 2 guests free through Jan 31, 2026.
From Feb 1, 2026: no free guests — $45 per guest at Capital One lounges ($25 ages 2–17; <2 free) and $35 per guest at Priority Pass.†
|
Up to 4 AUs at $0; each AU gets the same lounge access (guest fees apply from Feb 2026). | $300 Capital One Travel credit; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit. |
| Amex Platinum® (personal) | $695 | Amex Centurion; Priority Pass (no restaurants); Plaza Premium; Delta Sky Club (same-day Delta flight) | Guests $50 each unless you spend $75k in a calendar year, then up to 2 guests free. | AUs get their own lounge access; Centurion guesting follows the same spend rule. | Multiple travel credits; premium benefits vary by enrollment. |
| Amex Business Platinum® | $695 | Same as Amex Platinum | Same Centurion guest rules as above | Employee cards available; lounge access varies by employee card type | Additional business-focused credits and perks |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $795 | Priority Pass (no restaurants); Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club; (AUS Sapphire Terrace when applicable) | Cardholder + 2 guests free (additional guests typically $27 via PP; Sapphire Lounge day-pass rules may vary). | AUs ($75) get full PP + Sapphire Lounge access and may bring 2 guests free. |
$300 annual travel credit; Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.
PP restaurant credits: not included.
|
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive | $595 | Admirals Club® membership (AA-operated & eligible partner lounges) | Immediate family (spouse/DP & children <18) or 2 guests. | Up to 3 AUs for $175 total (then $175 each). AUs receive Admirals Club access when flying AA/partners. | First checked bag benefit; TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve (personal) | $650 | Delta Sky Club®; Amex Centurion (when flying Delta on Reserve-booked itinerary) | 15 visits/year (Medallion Year); unlock unlimited with $75k spend. Guesting available for a fee. | AUs follow Delta/Amex lounge rules | Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit; MQD boost features may apply |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business | $650 | Same as personal | Same 15-visit rule; unlock unlimited with $75k spend | Employee card access varies | Business-oriented perks |
| United Club℠ Infinite | $695 | United Club membership; does not include Star Alliance lounges unless you hold/earn **United Club All Access** | Typically 1 adult guest + dependent children; stricter time windows apply at many clubs. | AUs do not get their own membership cards; access only as eligible guests unless All Access is earned. | Earn **All Access** (with Star Alliance lounge access + up to 2 guests) by **$50k** spend in a calendar year or holding **Premier Gold+**. |
| United Club℠ Business | $695 | Same United Club membership framework as above | Similar guesting limits; check United Club policy for your airport | AUs are guests unless you’ve earned All Access | Business-focused earn & benefits |
*Annual fees shown are current public rates referenced in program materials and major issuer sites when building this table; always confirm the latest terms before you apply.
†Venture X guest policy changes effective Feb 1, 2026.
Is Airport Lounge Access Worth It?
Ask yourself:
How often do you travel? If you fly 4–5+ times a year, lounge access is usually worth the annual fee.
Do you travel with family? Adding an authorized user can double your access, letting you bring extra guests.
Do you value comfort and savings? Lounges often cover what you’d otherwise spend on food and drinks at the airport.
For our family, having lounge access is one of the best travel perks. It makes airports less stressful and trips more enjoyable.
What are your thoughts? Team Lounge or Team “sit at the gate”?
Happy Travels!