You don’t have to splurge on day passes, memberships or expensive premium-cabin tickets to get airline lounge access. There are many ways you can get in for free. Plenty of credit cards offer complimentary day passes or lounge memberships, while elite members and active-duty military personnel (and their families) can also get free access. Here’s a breakdown of each option:
Credit Cards
The easiest way to get into an airline lounge for free is by signing up for a credit card. Many premium credit cards offer complimentary lounge network memberships. For example, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®* offers cardholders free Admirals Club membership, valued at up to $850 per year. Similarly, the United Club℠ Infinite Card offers United Club membership, which grants the primary member and up to two travel companions access to United lounges.
But what if you’re not regularly flying the same airline or a particular airline’s lounge is always packed? You want versatility and backup options, which is where a Priority Pass membership can come in handy. Plenty of credit cards include Priority Pass as a cardholder benefit, which is a network of over 1,500 airline lounges and airport restaurants worldwide.
The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees) offers the most comprehensive lounge benefits, including Priority Pass membership, access to select airline lounges and the exclusive Centurion Lounge network. However, with a $695 annual fee it’s not the most budget-friendly credit card nor is it your only option. Here are some other credit cards that include Priority Pass membership and their annual fees:
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($695) (Terms apply, see rates & fees)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550)
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card* ($400): Up to eight visits per year at participating Priority Pass lounges.
- Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card ($395) (rates & fees)
- United℠ Explorer Card ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95): Two annual day passes.
Redeem Miles
Some airlines allow you to redeem miles for either day passes or lounge memberships. While airline tickets are the best use of miles, some people might find value in redeeming their miles this way. Here’s a list of airline lounge redemption options you can take advantage of:
American Airlines
- Day passes: 7,900 AAdvantage miles
- New individual membership: 75,000 to 85,000 miles depending on elite status
- Individual membership renewal: 70,000 to 80,000 miles depending on elite status
- New household membership: 155,000 to 165,000 miles depending on elite status
- Household membership renewal: 150,000 to 160,000 miles depending on elite status
United Airlines
- United Club membership: 75,000 to 85,000 miles depending on elite status.
Find the Best Credit Cards With Priority Pass Lounge Access of 2024
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Access Through Elite Status
If you have elite status with an airline, you may be eligible for free access to its lounges as well.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers complimentary lounge access to Alaska MVP Gold, Gold 75K and Gold 100K members. Access is only granted when traveling on Oneworld member airlines outside of the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
American Airlines
American Airlines grants complimentary lounge access to AAdvantage Platinum, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members. Access is valid on international flights operated by American, Oneworld airlines between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Mexico, the Middle East, New Zealand and South America. Qualifying travelers can bring one guest free of charge.
Delta Air Lines
Delta extends complimentary Sky Club access to Delta Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallion members when they are flying Delta Premium Select or Delta One internationally, or the equivalent cabin on partner flights. Qualifying elite members get complimentary access for themselves and one guest.
United Airlines
United Airlines offers free United Club access to United Premier Gold, Platinum and 1K members. To qualify, members must be traveling on an international Star Alliance flight and can bring a complimentary guest traveling on the same reservation.
Free Access for U.S. Military Members
U.S. military personnel can qualify for free airport lounge access in select cities. Aside from the well-known USO lounges operating at select airports, several airlines offer free lounge access to U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform. The requirements vary by airline. Here’s a list of lounge access policies for domestic carriers:
Alaska Airlines
U.S. military personnel traveling in uniform on Alaska Airlines can access the lounge free of charge. Access is granted up to three hours before departure. Active duty military personnel not traveling in uniform can purchase a day pass for $30.
American Airlines
Uniformed U.S. military personnel traveling on an American Airlines flight get complimentary lounge access, including up to two family members. Guests must present a military ID to gain access. This policy applies to all domestic and international lounges, except for the Airspace Lounge in San Diego and the Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge in Honolulu.
United Airlines
United Airlines offers complimentary lounge access to active duty military members with leave orders, rest and recuperation papers or wearing a uniform. This benefit extends to family members on the same United flight and requires a valid military ID.
