VIP Airport Lounges

Video Time: 03:08

In this video I’m going to talk about airport lounges and the various ways to get yourself inside.

Airport lounges consist of private and public lounges in airports that typically offer a more comfortable environment, a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, free snacks or meals, free Wi-Fi, and other comforts such as showers and work desks. However, no two lounges are quite the same and some are downright terrible.

In my experience, I’ve been in some of the best lounges in the world (Emirates in Dubai and Turkish Airlines in Istanbul) and some of the worst lounges in the world (United in Houston, small lounges in small airports in the middle of nowhere), which has given me a good sense of their value.

My opinion: If you have a credit card (like Amex Platinum in Canada) that gives you free lounge access via PriorityPass, then it’s a no brainer. Most lounges are indeed much more comfortable than the regular public areas of an airport and depending on the lounge, free meals and alcoholic is a great addition. However, if you’re looking to pay the day rate (sometimes as high as $50), I’d think twice. At the very least, ask to see the lounge first. For that kind of money, I’d be looking at three things: the quality of the food and drinks, the comfort and availability of the lounge, and how long I have to spend there. After all, $50 can buy you a nice meal and a few drinks at one of the various airport restaurants.

Below is a list of third-party lounge cards…

Priority Pass (www.prioritypass.com)

Priority Pass is the only third-party card that I personally have experience with. It doesn’t mean it’s better than the others. It’s just because it’s included with the Canadian American Express Platinum card. However, Priority Pass is the biggest. Still, you’ll want to check into their lounge partners and make sure they align with your travel plans.

Regal Card (www.theregalcard.com)

The Regal Card is slightly different than the above because it’s not just a VIP lounge card. Instead, the card entitles you to Priority Pass membership ($399), unlimited award booking services (valuable if you don’t want to waste time booking award flights), discounts off paid business/first class flights, and discounts off luxury hotels. It also comes with a number of smaller perks like discounts on Uber and other travel-related services.

Lounge Pass (www.loungepass.com)

This is another lounge club card like Priority Pass. When making a decision, check what airport lounges they offer and decide if it truly suits your travel plans.

Lounge Club (www.loungeclub.com)

This is another lounge club card like Priority Pass. When making a decision, check what airport lounges they offer and decide if it truly suits your travel plans.

Dragon Pass (en.dragonpass.com.cn)

This is another lounge club card like Priority Pass. When making a decision, check what airport lounges they offer and decide if it truly suits your travel plans.

Below are a variety of methods for getting into VIP airport lounges…

Buy a Day Pass

This is a straightforward way of getting into a lounge. Some lounges sell day passes, which cost up to $50. As I mention above, you really need to see inside the lounge to determine the value. For this price, I’d want a comfortable atmosphere, great Wi-Fi, and good food and drinks. Otherwise, I’d use the $50 at a restaurant.

Buy a Lounge Membership

Buying a lounge membership through an airline is typically only worth it if you fly frequently on the same airline. For example, Air Canada offers the Maple Leaf lounges in certain airports. These memberships are often just as expensive as a third-party lounge card so if you travel on a variety of airlines internationally, you might be better off with a third-party card.

Third-Party Lounge Cards

Third-Party lounge cards offer access to hundreds of lounges across the world. Priority Pass is the biggest but other cards are getting competitive. Before selecting a card, it’s best to check what lounges they offer and what card best suits your travel plans. Some credit cards (like Amex Platinum) include Priority Pass so you’ll want to decide what credit card you have as well.

Elite Status

If you fly a certain airline regularly, you might attain elite status, which can come with perks such as lounge access.

Credit Cards

As mentioned, some credit cards include lounge access. For example, American Express Platinum includes Priority Pass. If you want Priority Pass, I’d highly consider getting the card as it’s much more valuable. Some TD credit cards have included access to Air Canada Maple Leaf lounges in the past as well so it’s good to look into the types of credit cards you have or are planning to get.

Ask a Stranger

If you’re travelling alone, I’ve heard various success stories of people waiting outside the lounge and asking someone else to bring them in as a guest. For this to work, make sure your dressed the part (many lounges don’t allow shorts for example) and just be friendly and welcoming. You never know, you might get in for free!