When you hear the word ‘stopover’ at the airport, like most people, you probably imagine expensive food and drinks, spotty Wi-Fi, and cramped chairs, with hardly any chance to be productive or relax. However, you can enter an airport lounge and convert your stopover into a mini vacation in several ways.
Behind the glass doors of the lounge lie luxuries like clean bathrooms and showers, comfortable seating, speedy Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and drinks, an abundance of electrical outlets, and quiet spaces to work. Most Credit Cards offer you access to lounges at airports, and here are ways you can experiment:
- Fly First or Business Class
First, you can get into an airport lounge by flying First or Business Class. The access rules vary depending on the airline and where you are flying. If you fly first class on a fully domestic flight, you most likely do not have exclusive lounge access. However, if you fly internationally, you usually have lounge access. International rules differ from airline to airline, but this rule is generally applicable.
- Gain Elite status
When you earn a status with your favourite airline for flying with them frequently, you also gain an equivalent status with its alliance partners. It means you gain access to their partner lounges as well.
- Get the right Credit Card
Credit Cards are the easiest and the cheapest way to access airport lounges. Getting a travel card is your best bet. Numerous cards offer lounge access as a perk of membership and miles bonuses. Ensure you have excellent credit and are responsible for using the Lounge Access Credit Card.
- Buy a lounge membership
Of course, you can always buy lounge memberships at airports. They are sold, so you can always have lounge access when you fly. However, they are expensive. Before buying the lounge membership, understand your priorities, travel needs, and frequency.
- Get a day pass
You can purchase a day pass. While domestic lounges are costly, third-party lounges often cost much less, about 50% of the price of domestic lounges. The best way to do so is to go online and buy one-day use passes. At select lounges worldwide, full-service dining, spa services, hotel rooms, bars, and other indulgences provide a truly immersive first-class service.
Regarding delays or cancellations, it is infinitely better to be here than at the terminal. You can check whether your Credit Cards have lounge access by visiting the bank’s portal.
Conclusion
The number of jet setters has increased over the last few years thanks to decreasing flight ticket rates, which have become affordable to millions nationwide. You can make your flying experiences pleasurable. Use any of the above methods to enjoy the stopover rather than merely survive it and spend your free time before the next flight without stress or exertion.