We used to be able to access Alaska Airlines lounge, but can’t anymore. My pet peeve was parents using it as a day care center - a lounge is supposed to be a place to relax, but parents allowed children to jump all over the couches, eating (and spilling). Maybe one day I’ll be able to afford a first class lounge.
I've heard this about Alaska. I'm also not thrilled with the admission of children; or more accurately, the lack of discipline parents are exercising with said kids in lounges, especially designated quiet zones.
A nephew traveled extensively internationally with his job. He made a million miles with one airline. The additional benefits for this milestone are as great as I would have imagined.
Good content, thanks. I mainly pass through Haneda or Narita in Japan and just pay the 3000 yen ($20) at a Sakura lounge. Good enough for a shower, some coffee, a light meal, and a drink + Wi-Fi. They are clean, well maintained, and all the people are polite. The same in Bangkok, pay a bit and get the same. I don't venture into US lounges anymore.
Most US carriers don't give you lounge access with First or Business class seats if you are flying domestically. Honestly, it has gotten as bad a luggage rules, you have to check several times before your flight as to what the policy is any given day.
I was saddened by how chaotic and full both of the BA Lounges were in Heathrow. My favorite was at Charles de Gaul in Paris. I slept in a pod and had a lovely facial.
On a recent trip (August 2023) from JFK to Manila 5 hour layover in Taiwan-TPE (Where I had originally planned to take a quick city tour, weather delays reduced the layover to just shy of 3 hours. I did not want risk missing my connecting flight; so instead, I decided to explore the airport. Wow!! What a beautiful aiport with all kinds of things to do. There was area with computer arcade games that could be played for free along computers where one could browse the internet. It has an area with coin operated massage chairs (the coins are provided free of charge by visiting the guest service desk and requesting the coins) there is a reading room with numerous comfy chairs that nearly lulled me to sleep. There were also numerous art exhibits and cultural displays throughout. While food and drink was a cost, Ifound this experience better than some lounges I seen.
I'm so glad you had that experience, Jim! Indeed, some airports are really amazing these days. (Many of them seem to be in Asia too....Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan....)
Thanks for the great lounge tips! We had that same experience of expecting to get into a lounge between flights only to be told that since our second leg was in economy, not biz, as our first leg was, we weren’t entitled to entry. They did allow us to buy a day pass, but it was a frustrating experience for sure. Now I always check ahead of time to see what the rules of entry will be.
Hello there from the UK. You tube transported me to your part of the internet today and I really e joyed your content! I am no sort of frequent flyer but I watched your lounge guide with avid interest! Thank you 😊
Nora, that was an amazingly interesting, comprehensive, and understandable rundown of the world of airport lounges and access. I wish I had had such a video a few years ago when I was struggling even to figure out what this thing called "Priority Pass" was! Not sure if you want to go in this direction, but one idea as a follow-up would be a video on more specific ways to gain lounge access--for example, the specific credit cards that offer lounge membership as a perk, how much they cost, etc. On the other hand, maybe not--as you rightly point out, lounges are already crowded enough!
Not sure as heard it mentioned but it’s a HUGE benefit of lounges is the dedicated flight desk customer service. They have quickly helped me rebook delayed and cancelled flights without waiting in a line and losing out on hundreds of others rebooking at the same time- tremendous benefit!
I have the Amex Platinum and used my points to book a one way in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. Even though I have access to the Centurion lounge through the Platinum card, I thought the Sky Priority / Delta Sky Club was more convenient to my gate (because Virgin and Delta are partners), but I needed to walk to the other terminal anyway. Either way, it’s great to have the option! P.S. Hello from the Sky Club :)
It's great to have options! I did something similar in MIA recently; skipped the Centurion lounge in favour of AA Flagship since I was flying in business class on British Airways.
I have 40 years of travel and have watched the airport lounges systematically descend into a cross between a daycare playground and a sports bar during Superbowl. I sometimes even skip lounge at airports where I have access if I know a favorite restaurant, coffee shop or "parking spot" where I can relax or work, and anyway the lounge is kinda sad. They are very crowded and you wonder just how many are in there on passes from their travel agent or a friend's status card ...
I agree, there are too many ways to access lounges these days and the quality has deteriorated significantly (in some but not all cases). I think it's changing though.
I didn't realize Lounge Buddy is debunked! Shame. As an alternative, I like FLIO. It is for airports in general (which is handy for a variety of uses; for example they are good about listing transportation options to the city) and it also provides a rundown of lounges.
Hello, I've been binge watching your videos. They are amazing & have so much great information. 1st Thank you ❤ 2nd I do have a question. I have 2 One Time United Club passes. But I'm flying economy Air Canada in September. I know they are in Alliance. Am I able to use the pass at Toronto for my layover?
Thank you for your video & tips. We love to travel & having lounge access is what really gives the trip a more pleasant experience. QANTAS lounges are absolutely amazing & we aim to get to airports a bit earlier, just to have more time for nibbles & drinks. Looking forward to experiencing new airport lounges this year. Big cheers from Melbourne 🍷🍾🍺.
Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounges are just ok but the Signature Lounges are outstanding with excellent a la carte dining and premium wines and cocktails. I think they are only accessible to overseas business class flights. Our last visit was in September 23 and I noticed they limited the time to 4 hours unless you have a longer layover.
Multiple people have commented that you never qualify for lounge access with business or first class while flying within the U.S. domestically. Not accurate. American Airlines for example list on their website which domestic flight routes in first/business class qualify for lounge access (listed as "Flagship" Business or First Class). They are all longer haul flights and are specified by the origin and destination cities. Even with that I had a staff person at an American Airlines lounge counter initially deny me lounge access until I pulled out a printout from their website showing my domestic first-class flight route qualified for lounge access.
The only travel lounges I've ever had access to and used were Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounges, many many years ago when they were a lot more spartan than today with basically just coffee and light beverages, maybe some basic snacks and of course a separate lounge area with comfortable chairs away from the main waiting areas of train stations. It was certainly welcome but not anything I'd pay much extra for if that was the only way to get into them. I doubt that I'll ever qualify for entry into an airport lounge based on my ticket, rewards status or credit card. I'd have to either pay my own way or be someone's guest. If it was one of the nicer lounges and I had a long flight ahead of me or a long layover, I might consider paying up to $30 and perhaps a bit more especially if the food selection was decent since an airport meal isn't going to be that much less, plus coffee, desert and being able to rest in relative quiet. Plus showers, if available. But I've always been more of an arrive at the airport with just enough time to check in, go through security, get to the gate and board type, and hanging out in airports has never been my thing, and I've been lucky enough to rarely have long layovers. So it's on my bucket list, but well behind many other things I'd like to eventually do that are travel-related, like a lie flat airplane seat or trying out one of those new Nightjet train bedrooms with en suite bathroom and shower or private mini-berths. Also, looking at shots of various lounges, they just seem so crowded, which takes away one of their main appeals which is being in a quiet and peaceful area away from the hustle and bustle of airports. And, personal pet peeve, but grown men who fly in cargo shorts. Something about that just bugs me. I love wearing them myself in warm weather, but not when flying, and they just seem so out of place in an airport lounge. I miss the days when people actually dressed nicely for flying. Yeah, I'm old...ish... 🤔
Ha ha - it's interesting how preferred clothes for travel have changed over the years. These days it's alllll about comfort; elevated style is not so common any more.
@@NoraDunn I'm hardly the snazziest dresser but some basic level of decorum and respect for others seems reasonable. This would also include never having your phone on speaker mode in public. Alas, that ship has long since sailed--or plane has flown! Perhaps the solution is tiered lounges, one for first and business class fliers and people with high points or pricey credit cards or willing to pay a lot for membership, and another for the general public that doesn't qualify but is still willing to pay a modest fee either per use or annually, kind of like premium vs. basic economy, for the use of an enclosed separate space with coffee, light snacks, just not as fancy as the first class ones, e.g. no hot food or alcohol. I'd gladly pay a reasonable fee for that to make my flight experience more bearable.
Me being a relatively solo traveler your content is very good for me , I want to know more about daily passes or with something you said about $35 For an entry for a couple of hours if I heard that correctly.
This fall Ohare term 5 lounge would not allow me in before 2 hrs before boarding, even though the flight was delayed. (Turkish air) I had to sit in the terminal and wait 30 min to enter. The lounge for TA is aweful at Ohare, too.
We always like to try to guess your location when you shoot your videos (if you don’t say). This one is tuff. Help us narrow it down (don’t tell us the exact location yet). We both think Europe. I say northern Europe, Lisa says southern.
American and United did not provide access to the lounge with a first class domestic ticket this year for me (2024). You need to have thier credit card unless flying internationally I suppose.
After waiting one hour (because it was overcrowded) at the Cancún airport last week, we ended up leaving 20 minutes later as the food was minimal and horrible and the seating not great - won’t use that one again
@NoraDunn I should clarify: on domestic flights. My most recent experience is first-class (no mixed seating) on Alaska Air from within the US. Also, even on overseas first-class tickets from US, no lounge access on originating flight. If there is a layover in the US enroute overseas, then there is lounge access at that layover site, but not originating city. That was 2 different airlines (sorry; don't recall which ones). It's a bit shocking, to be frank.
Scotiabank passport visa was so much better when it had Priority Pass rather than Dragonpass... some of the lounges are so bad I've chosen not to use up one of my 6 passes rather than "waste" it on a sub-par lounge
Nice informative video 😊. Hopefully the Maple Leaf lounge access I purchased with an extra gift card will ensure me access, if not I guess I’ll have to ask for a refund?
Last year I flew 1st class SEA-PTY r/t on Delta, and was not allowed lounge access. I thought since I was flying internationally, it was automatic. Nope! I was given some ridiculous response that it's only International flights going over water with seats that turn into beds that give passengers access. Not many 738//739s with that configuration. So really, since I can't afford exhorbitant yearly cc fees, i guess the airport Burger King is for passengers like me😓😓
That's ridiculous! An international first class ticket should have granted you lounge access. Delta is getting a bit silly about their lounge access though. I'm curious: was it an award ticket paid for with miles, or a cash ticket?
Yes! It's a great tool for lounge access. Pricey though! The annual fee is only justifiable (in my opinion) if your'e able to take advantage of some other perks of the card.
It depends on the credit card. You'll have to read the fine print - one common thing many credit cards do is they give you a Priority Pass membership; if that's the case you'll need to sign up through a special link offered through the card and then your membership is free.
Don’t sleep on status for lounge access. It’s generally easier to get airline status for non-US airlines that are in an airline alliance with US airlines and hence lounge access. I got BA Silver Status last year on just one (admittedly convoluted) journey in business class last year and now can access all of AA’s lounges in the US even on US domestic flights in economy. Non-US airlines generally do status on flights and not amount paid so status is easier to get.
Remember, a premium class ticket for a domestic USA flight usually does *not* come with lounge access. There are exceptions, but don't assume you get access.
My only Lufthansa business class experience was a domestic flight, many years ago. The lounge (in Frankfurt) was okay, but not quite as posh as I had anticipated a flagship lounge would be.
@@NoraDunn yes, sadly I was not aware that prepaying for lounge access was still entirely first come first served. This was a priority lounge in LA, if I recall correctly. I was turned away at the door and told I could give my cell to be notified when space became available. Bearing in mind I am a Delta baby, so this was a day pass situation. They refunded my payment after I contacted them
For me, these lounges have become much less valuable. I travel regularly, and I am finding airports are gradually upgrading and many offer better public lounge areas and pretty good wifi connections. Airline lounges have become expensive and crowded, and in some cases full of kids. Yes, I miss the cleaner bathrooms, but I just don’t find myself missing out otherwise that much. Also, I am growing agnostic towards airlines - tired of playing the games and having to pay with my loyalty. Don’t get me started on credit card points..
I recently had a terrible experience in an over-crowded lounge in Frankfurt, with a screaming toddler wreaking havoc (that wasn't being reined in by their parents in any way). And of course, I had the beginnings of a migraine at the time, so it was additionally lovely - ha! So, I hear you on the less-than-wonderful lounge experiences, and also I agree that some airport public spaces are quite good these days.
US airlines don’t allow lounge access even if flying internationally but stopping in a US city before going overseas. I agree that lounges are so crowded with kids running around that I wonder how so many people are eligible to get into a lounge. Any ideas how that is happening?
Everyone priority boarding become embarrassing The line is redicules long that fell 1/2 of the travelers has priority boarding options.. Certain lounges basically close space with coffee machine and sugary drink that look to me as commercial products
The loudly-announced Delta Lounge restriction for military members was a PR faux pas .... of all groups to discriminate on, instead of thanking our troops for their service. Shame on you Delta, I expected better!
American Airlines quietly did it too in their Flagship lounge in Miami. In this video I showed a sign outside a lounge that said they're no longer granting access to military members; I took that picture in December 2023 and it surprised me.
While we’re at it, why don’t we similarly thank our teachers and fire fighters and day-care workers and forest rangers for THEIR service? What a depraved society we have that values as “service” only carrying a gun or firing a missle in hopes to kill some “enemy”. Shame on these airlines - and on the museums and concert halls and national parks and other cultural institutions - for shamelessly pandering to our obscene military while dismissing any other “service” as less than worth the honoring.
Wow! Great information dump Nora. Thanks. As is obvious, access to lounges is being gradually resctricted to accommodate the (even more) wealthy who never really wanted to rub elbows with the hoi polloi on a spree. As for those high annual fee credit cards that come with lounge access, to my observation the annual fees keep going up justified - goes the marketing - by adding more meaningless perks to the list of benefits plus items that are “perks” in name only since you have to spend additional money over and above the annual fee to “benefit” from them. I’ve been flying internationally for years and never once have I enjoyed lounge access. That may change since after last summer’s trip to Europe plus a recent trip to Peru I vowed never again to fly economy on any flight longer than 3 hours. The agony ain’t worth the savings. You do a great job!
@@philshallat9043 I agree the list of perks on high annual fee credit cards aren't universally valuable. It's very important to ensure you'll get maximum value from a card like that; it's not worth it for just one (or even two) perks.
Its disgusting. But its no surprise. American citizens and especially veterans and active service members are treated horribly these days. Thank Biden and Obama for prioritizing illegal aliens instead of our brave men and women. Oh yeah and did you forget? DEI matters! Drag queens over safety! Yay! The FAA is in a freefall thanks to stupid DEI and their idiocy.
Im sorry. Lounges in the U.S. that arr accessible by credit cards are too crowded. They used to be a refuge from thr airport crowds. Now anyone with a credit card thinks they are Jordan Belfort at the airport.
I don’t understand why you would go to a lounge unless you got a long wait between connecting flights. I prefer to arrive as late as possible, no earlier than 5 min before boarding.
To each their own! I'd rather not cut it close and then end up in an unexpectedly long security lineup (or passport control lineup, or whatever) and miss my flight - or even come close to missing my flight.
Qatar has different classes of business class tickets. My flight tomorrow from Chicago to Mumbai does not allow lounge access in Doha but my return allows access. This makes no sense. Even worse I cannot believe Qatar has gotten to stingy and cheap. Now I know why their reputation has gone downhill in the last few years. Worse they switched out planes twice on us to non qsuite. We changed the first flight to get qsuite and they did it again! Then assigned seats across the aisle from each other even though I paid extra to choose my seats on qsuite flight. Qatar service said they couldn’t do anything about it because the seats were assigned by airport. Won’t fly them ever again!!
Oh no! Booking Qsuites and then not getting it, PLUS not being able to access the lounge is awful! It's an aspirational flight experience and that's just not good after the effort to book a trip like that.
Fly international airlines and lounges are open and great. Avoid US airlines as they do not allow "freely" entrance to their lounges and honestly, they suck anyway
The more I read about lounges, the less I want to use them. Aside from taking the best airport views for themselves, they don't seem to cater to people with food allergies. People take children into these adult spaces! New Zealand's International airports are old and are terrible places for passengers: nowhere to sleep, nowhere to get a moment's peace and definitely no spa treatments. There are prayer rooms, but I'd be hesitant to use them as a 'quiet space' if others are using that room for its intended purpose. Lounge entry is not worth it if you cannot have quiet and a meal.
I hadn't considered food allergies, and I'm sorry you've run into problems with that. My lounge experiences in the past few years have been widely varied. Some are indeed quiet with a wide selection of food. Some, not so much. Also, the same lounge at different times of day can have a different atmosphere and food selection.
The Delta Sky Club def has food labeled as gluten free at LAX. I can’t recall from other lounge experiences. On the other hand, I’ve also been in the lounge at Barbados that only served cheap cookies, crisps and sandwiches. I think the overall quality really varies.
We used to be able to access Alaska Airlines lounge, but can’t anymore. My pet peeve was parents using it as a day care center - a lounge is supposed to be a place to relax, but parents allowed children to jump all over the couches, eating (and spilling). Maybe one day I’ll be able to afford a first class lounge.
I've heard this about Alaska. I'm also not thrilled with the admission of children; or more accurately, the lack of discipline parents are exercising with said kids in lounges, especially designated quiet zones.
It appears to be the same as last year. You have to fly more than 2000 miles on a FC ticket that day.
I like the way your video is quick and to the point and doesn't have a lot of fluff.
Thank you!
Plus no music = video watching heaven ☁️
A nephew traveled extensively internationally with his job. He made a million miles with one airline. The additional benefits for this milestone are as great as I would have imagined.
I meant to say aren’t.
Interesting!
Good content, thanks. I mainly pass through Haneda or Narita in Japan and just pay the 3000 yen ($20) at a Sakura lounge. Good enough for a shower, some coffee, a light meal, and a drink + Wi-Fi. They are clean, well maintained, and all the people are polite. The same in Bangkok, pay a bit and get the same. I don't venture into US lounges anymore.
$20 is a great price!
Most US carriers don't give you lounge access with First or Business class seats if you are flying domestically. Honestly, it has gotten as bad a luggage rules, you have to check several times before your flight as to what the policy is any given day.
I didn't realize this when I made the video, since I rarely fly business/first domestically in the US. That's really too bad.
I was saddened by how chaotic and full both of the BA Lounges were in Heathrow.
My favorite was at Charles de Gaul in Paris. I slept in a pod and had a lovely facial.
Ooh! That sounds like a great experience in Paris! Which lounge was it? Air France I assume?
On a recent trip (August 2023) from JFK to Manila 5 hour layover in Taiwan-TPE (Where I had originally planned to take a quick city tour, weather delays reduced the layover to just shy of 3 hours. I did not want risk missing my connecting flight; so instead, I decided to explore the airport. Wow!! What a beautiful aiport with all kinds of things to do. There was area with computer arcade games that could be played for free along computers where one could browse the internet. It has an area with coin operated massage chairs (the coins are provided free of charge by visiting the guest service desk and requesting the coins) there is a reading room with numerous comfy chairs that nearly lulled me to sleep. There were also numerous art exhibits and cultural displays throughout. While food and drink was a cost, Ifound this experience better than some lounges I seen.
I'm so glad you had that experience, Jim! Indeed, some airports are really amazing these days. (Many of them seem to be in Asia too....Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan....)
Thanks for the great lounge tips! We had that same experience of expecting to get into a lounge between flights only to be told that since our second leg was in economy, not biz, as our first leg was, we weren’t entitled to entry. They did allow us to buy a day pass, but it was a frustrating experience for sure. Now I always check ahead of time to see what the rules of entry will be.
Sorry that happened. Good on you for checking in advance now. How do you check/confirm lounge access?
I call the airlines and have them explain my ticket and if I’ll be able to access a lounge!
@@Rosenbeans Super smart!
Hello there from the UK. You tube transported me to your part of the internet today and I really e joyed your content! I am no sort of frequent flyer but I watched your lounge guide with avid interest! Thank you 😊
Thank you so much!
Nora, that was an amazingly interesting, comprehensive, and understandable rundown of the world of airport lounges and access. I wish I had had such a video a few years ago when I was struggling even to figure out what this thing called "Priority Pass" was! Not sure if you want to go in this direction, but one idea as a follow-up would be a video on more specific ways to gain lounge access--for example, the specific credit cards that offer lounge membership as a perk, how much they cost, etc. On the other hand, maybe not--as you rightly point out, lounges are already crowded enough!
Great suggestion Bruce - thanks!
Not sure as heard it mentioned but it’s a HUGE benefit of lounges is the dedicated flight desk customer service. They have quickly helped me rebook delayed and cancelled flights without waiting in a line and losing out on hundreds of others rebooking at the same time- tremendous benefit!
Wow - I was unaware of this benefit; thanks for sharing!
Yes, British Airways First Wing at Heathrow and Delta Sky Lounge at LAX def have this service!
@@Better_ND_Travel Awesome!
Nice that you mentioned some of the credit cards available for Canadians!
Thanks! As a Canadian myself, I feel duty-bound LOL
I have the Amex Platinum and used my points to book a one way in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class. Even though I have access to the Centurion lounge through the Platinum card, I thought the Sky Priority / Delta Sky Club was more convenient to my gate (because Virgin and Delta are partners), but I needed to walk to the other terminal anyway. Either way, it’s great to have the option! P.S. Hello from the Sky Club :)
It's great to have options! I did something similar in MIA recently; skipped the Centurion lounge in favour of AA Flagship since I was flying in business class on British Airways.
I only flew first class once from Oakland to Las Vegas. Perks? A complimentary beer. Gee , I hope they didn’t spoil me.
International long-haul flights are where I find I get the most value.
Another helpful one. Thanks! If you haven’t done one I’d love a video on travel insurance
Thanks! And you're in luck: I just did one - ruclips.net/video/S1w8oo2aKdw/видео.htmlsi=ypCiH_ocr_87Qujl
For the military folks - don't forget to look for a USO lounge.
Great suggestion!
Most excellent review. Remember though nothing is ever free.
True!
I have 40 years of travel and have watched the airport lounges systematically descend into a cross between a daycare playground and a sports bar during Superbowl. I sometimes even skip lounge at airports where I have access if I know a favorite restaurant, coffee shop or "parking spot" where I can relax or work, and anyway the lounge is kinda sad. They are very crowded and you wonder just how many are in there on passes from their travel agent or a friend's status card ...
I agree, there are too many ways to access lounges these days and the quality has deteriorated significantly (in some but not all cases). I think it's changing though.
First/Business access is only on international flights. I think United may still offer domestic flight access.
Thanks for the intel!
I loved lounge buddy it made it so easy to find a lounge and to know if you had access. I’m so sad to see it’s gone. Is there a similar lounge app?
I didn't realize Lounge Buddy is debunked! Shame. As an alternative, I like FLIO. It is for airports in general (which is handy for a variety of uses; for example they are good about listing transportation options to the city) and it also provides a rundown of lounges.
@@NoraDunn thanks I will download the app and try it out
Switzerland? The architecture and hills in your background look Swiss.
Bulgaria, actually!
Hello, I've been binge watching your videos. They are amazing & have so much great information. 1st Thank you ❤ 2nd I do have a question. I have 2 One Time United Club passes. But I'm flying economy Air Canada in September. I know they are in Alliance. Am I able to use the pass at Toronto for my layover?
Ooh, I'm not sure to be honest. I'd suspect that a United Club pass is only good at a United-branded lounge.
00:43 Professional Hobo... That Cracked me up!
Ha - thanks! I started calling myself The Professional Hobo about 18 years ago as a joke, and it stuck. :-)
A lot of American airlines don't offer lounge access with biz class anymore, usually have to be on an international flight.
Interesting.
Great video . thanks
You are welcome!
I recognise that mountain town! I have the same view from my window right now 😀
No way! Great minds travel alike :-)
How nice that you respond to every comment🤩
With pleasure :-)
Thank you for your video & tips. We love to travel & having lounge access is what really gives the trip a more pleasant experience. QANTAS lounges are absolutely amazing & we aim to get to airports a bit earlier, just to have more time for nibbles & drinks. Looking forward to experiencing new airport lounges this year. Big cheers from Melbourne 🍷🍾🍺.
Thanks! I've never visited a Quantas lounge - great to know they're worth it!
QF lounges are very poor. Try the SIn lounge and you will understand the difference
@@NoraDunn
Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounges are just ok but the Signature Lounges are outstanding with excellent a la carte dining and premium wines and cocktails. I think they are only accessible to overseas business class flights.
Our last visit was in September 23 and I noticed they limited the time to 4 hours unless you have a longer layover.
Nice! Which signature lounge did you visit?
@@NoraDunn Toronto Pearson 1 E Terminal.
@@barryhaley7430 Sweet! Thanks for the intel :-)
Multiple people have commented that you never qualify for lounge access with business or first class while flying within the U.S. domestically. Not accurate. American Airlines for example list on their website which domestic flight routes in first/business class qualify for lounge access (listed as "Flagship" Business or First Class). They are all longer haul flights and are specified by the origin and destination cities. Even with that I had a staff person at an American Airlines lounge counter initially deny me lounge access until I pulled out a printout from their website showing my domestic first-class flight route qualified for lounge access.
Ooh - great intel, thanks!
The only travel lounges I've ever had access to and used were Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounges, many many years ago when they were a lot more spartan than today with basically just coffee and light beverages, maybe some basic snacks and of course a separate lounge area with comfortable chairs away from the main waiting areas of train stations. It was certainly welcome but not anything I'd pay much extra for if that was the only way to get into them.
I doubt that I'll ever qualify for entry into an airport lounge based on my ticket, rewards status or credit card. I'd have to either pay my own way or be someone's guest. If it was one of the nicer lounges and I had a long flight ahead of me or a long layover, I might consider paying up to $30 and perhaps a bit more especially if the food selection was decent since an airport meal isn't going to be that much less, plus coffee, desert and being able to rest in relative quiet. Plus showers, if available.
But I've always been more of an arrive at the airport with just enough time to check in, go through security, get to the gate and board type, and hanging out in airports has never been my thing, and I've been lucky enough to rarely have long layovers. So it's on my bucket list, but well behind many other things I'd like to eventually do that are travel-related, like a lie flat airplane seat or trying out one of those new Nightjet train bedrooms with en suite bathroom and shower or private mini-berths.
Also, looking at shots of various lounges, they just seem so crowded, which takes away one of their main appeals which is being in a quiet and peaceful area away from the hustle and bustle of airports. And, personal pet peeve, but grown men who fly in cargo shorts. Something about that just bugs me. I love wearing them myself in warm weather, but not when flying, and they just seem so out of place in an airport lounge. I miss the days when people actually dressed nicely for flying.
Yeah, I'm old...ish... 🤔
Ha ha - it's interesting how preferred clothes for travel have changed over the years. These days it's alllll about comfort; elevated style is not so common any more.
@@NoraDunn I'm hardly the snazziest dresser but some basic level of decorum and respect for others seems reasonable. This would also include never having your phone on speaker mode in public. Alas, that ship has long since sailed--or plane has flown!
Perhaps the solution is tiered lounges, one for first and business class fliers and people with high points or pricey credit cards or willing to pay a lot for membership, and another for the general public that doesn't qualify but is still willing to pay a modest fee either per use or annually, kind of like premium vs. basic economy, for the use of an enclosed separate space with coffee, light snacks, just not as fancy as the first class ones, e.g. no hot food or alcohol. I'd gladly pay a reasonable fee for that to make my flight experience more bearable.
Me being a relatively solo traveler your content is very good for me , I want to know more about daily passes or with something you said about $35 For an entry for a couple of hours if I heard that correctly.
Check out the Lounge Buddy app. It will show you the lounges that sell day passes in the airport you'll be visiting.
@@NoraDunn Thank you
I just looked for Lounge Buddy app. Unfortunately it is only for iPhone users. We Android users are out of luck.
I'm traveling with a Costco tour group and won't be staying more than one or two nights and also will have a walker. Any tips?
Thanks for commenting, Wanda! What kind of tips are you looking for?
This fall Ohare term 5 lounge would not allow me in before 2 hrs before boarding, even though the flight was delayed. (Turkish air) I had to sit in the terminal and wait 30 min to enter. The lounge for TA is aweful at Ohare, too.
That's a shame.
O'hare is bad for SAS lounge too.
We always like to try to guess your location when you shoot your videos (if you don’t say). This one is tuff. Help us narrow it down (don’t tell us the exact location yet). We both think Europe. I say northern Europe, Lisa says southern.
Oh now, this is a fun game! Ha ha! I filmed this in Bulgaria :-)
Lisa won that one. I’ll get the next one.
@@WELEKnownHouston-rn3wm 😆
American and United did not provide access to the lounge with a first class domestic ticket this year for me (2024). You need to have thier credit card unless flying internationally I suppose.
Since making this video, I've now heard this can happen on domestic flights in the US.
After waiting one hour (because it was overcrowded) at the Cancún airport last week, we ended up leaving 20 minutes later as the food was minimal and horrible and the seating not great - won’t use that one again
Yikes - you waited for an hour?!?! No bueno.
Great information, thank you. We travel with our 2 dogs. Do lounges allow furry passengers in?
Not sure to be honest. It may depend on the lounge; but I can't say I've seen animals in lounges before.
I have a service dog and know I am allowed in, but not sure about pets.@@NoraDunn
@@arlenelea2786 Thanks for sharing Arlene!
There's one Credit Card has No Annual fee (US Bank Connect) you'll get 4 priority passes.
Nice!
Sadly, even a first class ticket does not guarantee lounge access. I've experienced that several times. 😢
Really? Can you please share more about this?
@NoraDunn I should clarify: on domestic flights. My most recent experience is first-class (no mixed seating) on Alaska Air from within the US. Also, even on overseas first-class tickets from US, no lounge access on originating flight. If there is a layover in the US enroute overseas, then there is lounge access at that layover site, but not originating city. That was 2 different airlines (sorry; don't recall which ones). It's a bit shocking, to be frank.
@@adarajennifer Wow That is surprising, and must have been a nasty surprise for you too.
I fly almost exclusively on Delta so the Amex reserve card makes sense.
Nice!
Scotiabank passport visa was so much better when it had Priority Pass rather than Dragonpass... some of the lounges are so bad I've chosen not to use up one of my 6 passes rather than "waste" it on a sub-par lounge
Although I was sad to see them switch from Priority Pass, I actually found Dragon Pass to be equally useful!
Great video Nora but I wish you would speak a little slower with some pauses for us older folks to take notes. Thanks, Lanie
Sorry about that, Lanie! You can actually slow down the video itself - hit the gear icon on the bottom to adjust.
Thanks.@@NoraDunn
@@ElaineBroadway You're welcome!
Nice informative video 😊. Hopefully the Maple Leaf lounge access I purchased with an extra gift card will ensure me access, if not I guess I’ll have to ask for a refund?
I have my fingers crossed for you!
Last year I flew 1st class SEA-PTY r/t on Delta, and was not allowed lounge access. I thought since I was flying internationally, it was automatic. Nope! I was given some ridiculous response that it's only International flights going over water with seats that turn into beds that give passengers access. Not many 738//739s with that configuration. So really, since I can't afford exhorbitant yearly cc fees, i guess the airport Burger King is for passengers like me😓😓
That's ridiculous! An international first class ticket should have granted you lounge access. Delta is getting a bit silly about their lounge access though.
I'm curious: was it an award ticket paid for with miles, or a cash ticket?
My AMEX platinum provides me access even with economy ticket 🥰.
Yes! It's a great tool for lounge access. Pricey though! The annual fee is only justifiable (in my opinion) if your'e able to take advantage of some other perks of the card.
@@nickb654 Nice!
Does one tip servers in lounges?
Great question! I don't, because most lounges I go to are self-serve.
So my credit card claims it gives me access to airport lounges, how does that work?
It depends on the credit card. You'll have to read the fine print - one common thing many credit cards do is they give you a Priority Pass membership; if that's the case you'll need to sign up through a special link offered through the card and then your membership is free.
Take a picture of your luggage in the size bins.. if they say something who it to them😊
Good tip!
Delta reserve card cost is 650$ versus 550 now
They all seem to be raising their rates.
Don’t sleep on status for lounge access. It’s generally easier to get airline status for non-US airlines that are in an airline alliance with US airlines and hence lounge access. I got BA Silver Status last year on just one (admittedly convoluted) journey in business class last year and now can access all of AA’s lounges in the US even on US domestic flights in economy. Non-US airlines generally do status on flights and not amount paid so status is easier to get.
Great tip about getting status with a non-US airline!
Remember, a premium class ticket for a domestic USA flight usually does *not* come with lounge access.
There are exceptions, but don't assume you get access.
Ooh - good to know! Most of my premium tickets are for long-haul flights.
But note that many first class or business class tickets of domestic flight, do not give you access. They have to be international flights.
Great point.
Have you been in business class on Lufthansa during oversea flights? Lounges? Thoughts?
My only Lufthansa business class experience was a domestic flight, many years ago. The lounge (in Frankfurt) was okay, but not quite as posh as I had anticipated a flagship lounge would be.
Also, priority pass does not guarantee access despite payment
Do you mean if the lounge is overcrowded it doesn't guarantee access, or is there another reason?
@@NoraDunn yes, sadly I was not aware that prepaying for lounge access was still entirely first come first served. This was a priority lounge in LA, if I recall correctly. I was turned away at the door and told I could give my cell to be notified when space became available. Bearing in mind I am a Delta baby, so this was a day pass situation. They refunded my payment after I contacted them
@@christytheis8982 Good thing you got a refund!
For me, these lounges have become much less valuable. I travel regularly, and I am finding airports are gradually upgrading and many offer better public lounge areas and pretty good wifi connections. Airline lounges have become expensive and crowded, and in some cases full of kids. Yes, I miss the cleaner bathrooms, but I just don’t find myself missing out otherwise that much. Also, I am growing agnostic towards airlines - tired of playing the games and having to pay with my loyalty. Don’t get me started on credit card points..
I recently had a terrible experience in an over-crowded lounge in Frankfurt, with a screaming toddler wreaking havoc (that wasn't being reined in by their parents in any way). And of course, I had the beginnings of a migraine at the time, so it was additionally lovely - ha!
So, I hear you on the less-than-wonderful lounge experiences, and also I agree that some airport public spaces are quite good these days.
US airlines don’t allow lounge access even if flying internationally but stopping in a US city before going overseas. I agree that lounges are so crowded with kids running around that I wonder how so many people are eligible to get into a lounge. Any ideas how that is happening?
Thanks for the intel on US airlines!
Everyone priority boarding become embarrassing
The line is redicules long that fell 1/2 of the travelers has priority boarding options..
Certain lounges basically close space with coffee machine and sugary drink that look to me as commercial products
This is true in some cases.
Why would you want propriety boarding anyway? Trading mostly larger airport seats for a small cramped airline seat?@@NoraDunn
@@ElaineBroadway I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you suggesting the priority boarding involves trading a larger seat for a smaller one?
The airlines need to keep the riff raff out!
😆
The loudly-announced Delta Lounge restriction for military members was a PR faux pas .... of all groups to discriminate on, instead of thanking our troops for their service. Shame on you Delta, I expected better!
American Airlines quietly did it too in their Flagship lounge in Miami. In this video I showed a sign outside a lounge that said they're no longer granting access to military members; I took that picture in December 2023 and it surprised me.
While we’re at it, why don’t we similarly thank our teachers and fire fighters and day-care workers and forest rangers for THEIR service? What a depraved society we have that values as “service” only carrying a gun or firing a missle in hopes to kill some “enemy”. Shame on these airlines - and on the museums and concert halls and national parks and other cultural institutions - for shamelessly pandering to our obscene military while dismissing any other “service” as less than worth the honoring.
Wow! Great information dump Nora. Thanks. As is obvious, access to lounges is being gradually resctricted to accommodate the (even more) wealthy who never really wanted to rub elbows with the hoi polloi on a spree. As for those high annual fee credit cards that come with lounge access, to my observation the annual fees keep going up justified - goes the marketing - by adding more meaningless perks to the list of benefits plus items that are “perks” in name only since you have to spend additional money over and above the annual fee to “benefit” from them. I’ve been flying internationally for years and never once have I enjoyed lounge access. That may change since after last summer’s trip to Europe plus a recent trip to Peru I vowed never again to fly economy on any flight longer than 3 hours. The agony ain’t worth the savings. You do a great job!
@@philshallat9043 I agree the list of perks on high annual fee credit cards aren't universally valuable. It's very important to ensure you'll get maximum value from a card like that; it's not worth it for just one (or even two) perks.
Its disgusting. But its no surprise. American citizens and especially veterans and active service members are treated horribly these days. Thank Biden and Obama for prioritizing illegal aliens instead of our brave men and women. Oh yeah and did you forget? DEI matters! Drag queens over safety! Yay! The FAA is in a freefall thanks to stupid DEI and their idiocy.
Unfortunately, I have recently witnessed long waiting lines, and poorly appointed lounges at US airports. 😢
Yes, me too. It depends on the lounge and the time of day; some are better than others.
Im sorry. Lounges in the U.S. that arr accessible by credit cards are too crowded. They used to be a refuge from thr airport crowds. Now anyone with a credit card thinks they are Jordan Belfort at the airport.
Ha ha! That's kind of what I said the video, minus the Jordan Belfort reference ;-)
@@NoraDunn Fun Coupons.
I don’t understand why you would go to a lounge unless you got a long wait between connecting flights. I prefer to arrive as late as possible, no earlier than 5 min before boarding.
To each their own! I'd rather not cut it close and then end up in an unexpectedly long security lineup (or passport control lineup, or whatever) and miss my flight - or even come close to missing my flight.
I thought it was a requirement that you arrive 2hours early for domestic and 3 hours early for International flights? @@NoraDunn
Give the masses access, quality deteriorates...as in anything else.
True.
Qatar has different classes of business class tickets. My flight tomorrow from Chicago to Mumbai does not allow lounge access in Doha but my return allows access. This makes no sense. Even worse I cannot believe Qatar has gotten to stingy and cheap. Now I know why their reputation has gone downhill in the last few years. Worse they switched out planes twice on us to non qsuite. We changed the first flight to get qsuite and they did it again! Then assigned seats across the aisle from each other even though I paid extra to choose my seats on qsuite flight. Qatar service said they couldn’t do anything about it because the seats were assigned by airport. Won’t fly them ever again!!
Oh no! Booking Qsuites and then not getting it, PLUS not being able to access the lounge is awful! It's an aspirational flight experience and that's just not good after the effort to book a trip like that.
Is that the real view from your window? You can literally look into your neighbors windows. You need to get some privacy hedges or something.
I'll let the Bulgarian property owners know they need privacy hedges on their 4th floor complex 😂
Fly international airlines and lounges are open and great. Avoid US airlines as they do not allow "freely" entrance to their lounges and honestly, they suck anyway
Good to know!
🇩🇪
The more I read about lounges, the less I want to use them. Aside from taking the best airport views for themselves, they don't seem to cater to people with food allergies. People take children into these adult spaces! New Zealand's International airports are old and are terrible places for passengers: nowhere to sleep, nowhere to get a moment's peace and definitely no spa treatments. There are prayer rooms, but I'd be hesitant to use them as a 'quiet space' if others are using that room for its intended purpose.
Lounge entry is not worth it if you cannot have quiet and a meal.
I hadn't considered food allergies, and I'm sorry you've run into problems with that. My lounge experiences in the past few years have been widely varied. Some are indeed quiet with a wide selection of food. Some, not so much. Also, the same lounge at different times of day can have a different atmosphere and food selection.
The Delta Sky Club def has food labeled as gluten free at LAX. I can’t recall from other lounge experiences. On the other hand, I’ve also been in the lounge at Barbados that only served cheap cookies, crisps and sandwiches. I think the overall quality really varies.
@@Better_ND_Travel Thanks for the intel!
united club $595 unlimited lounge
Thanks for the info!