The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
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EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE:
Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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There have been a lot of changes to the points & miles world lately, and lounge access is the next big change that will have a lot of us rethinking our strategy.
Having access to an airport lounge during your travel can be a HUGE game changer. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a free drink, or you’re just looking for a way to avoid the chaos of the airport, lounges have got you covered. 👏🏻
Keep in mind that not all lounges are created equal…I actually visited a Priority Pass lounge in the Chicago O’Hare airport that was referred to as “the worst lounge in the US,” and I have to agree with them. It was pretty bad! 😆 But I’ve also been to some of the most luxurious lounges as well, with comfortable sleeping areas, game rooms, work spaces, and delicious food. And if easier, more enjoyable travel days are your goal, there are so many ways that you can make lounge access possible for you and your family!
Credit cards with lounge access perks
By far the most common way to access an airport lounge is by holding the right premium credit card, and depending on your travel style or family size, there are multiple different options that might work for you.
Things to keep in mind about premium travel rewards credit cards:
💲These come with higher annual fees (ranging from $395 to $895).
🛫Many credit card companies now have their own line of lounges that you can access if you have the right card from that bank.
🧑🧑🧒🧒 Some credit cards allow free guest access, while others will require a fee or adding an authorized user to the credit card for a fee.
🌟These cards typically come with much higher welcome offers and a higher minimum spending requirement, so it’s more than worth the annual fee for the first year. And many times these are long term keep cards!
My top pick: Citi Strata Elite℠ Card
This is the newest premium card on the market, but it’s arguably one of the best! It became hugely popular for its easy to use credits, excellent transfer partners, and lounge access perks for the whole family.
Lounge access benefits: Priority Pass Select membership for the cardholder
Up to 2 guests free per visit and additional guests are $35/each
Up to 4 Admirals Club one-day passes per calendar year (American Airlines lounges), usable on eligible flights
Admirals Club passes: must be redeemed for each adult entering the lounge. Children under 18 may enter with an adult passholder
Authorized users cost $75/each annually and will get access to their own Priority Pass account
*All information about the Citi Strata Elite℠ has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for families: The Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card
While this card isn’t open to new customers, if you know this upgrade trick, you could hold one of the BEST cards for family lounge access!
Lounge access benefits: Complimentary lounge access via Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club and Priority Pass Select for primary cardmembers and authorized users
Up to 2 complimentary guests per visit
Additional guests are $27/each per visit
Authorized Users can be added at no extra fee and they will get their own Priority Pass membership
How to upgrade to this card:
💳Open a personal Marriott card from Chase, like the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card.
📆Hold the card for at least one full year (Chase requires this before you can product change).
⬆️Call and request to upgrade your card to the Ritz-Carlton Credit Card.
*All information about the Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Top contender: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The newest premium card from Chase packs quite a punch, with a steep annual fee and a whole slew of credits and perks to take advantage of. The new Chase Sapphire Lounges are also quite popular and have been popping up at airports across the US. If you hold this card, you can visit these new lounges and see experience what other travelers are loving!
Lounge access benefits: Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership and access to Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club
Can bring up to 2 guests for free and additional guests cost $27/each per visit
Authorized users cost $195/each annually and will get their own Priority Pass membership and guest privileges
*All information about the Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best for solo travelers: American Express Platinum Card®
The king of coupon books and my top pick for solo travelers looking to get access to airport lounges. There are also some opportunities to use this lounge access for families with their Priority Pass Select membership, so if you don’t mind managing lots of credits and perks, this card can be a great investment!
Lounge access benefits: Access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), Plaza Premium, and other Global Lounge Collection partners
No free guests allowed into Centurion Lounges unless the cardholder spends $75,000 on the card in a year. Cost for guests is typically $50 per adult. or $30 for a child.
Priority Pass Select membership also included
Up to 2 free guests are allowed in Priority Pass and Escape Lounges
Authorized Users will cost $195 annually and this gives them their own full lounge access benefits, including Centurion and Priority Pass.
*All information about the American Express Platinum Card® has been collected independently by Packed with Points. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Lowest annual fee: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Venture X used to be my go to card recommendation for lounge access, but ever since they made changes to their lounge access policies in February of this year, it’s now one of my last recommendations. It can still be a great option for a solo traveler looking for the lowest annual fee premium card out there.
Lounge access benefits: Access to Capital One Lounges & Landings
Priority Pass Select membership included
No complimentary guests allowed. Guests will cost $45/adult and $25 for children. The fee is $35/guest for Priority Pass lounges
To add an authorized user and give them lounge access, the fee is $125 annually
While this is absolutely not an exhaustive list of all the credit cards that offer lounge access perks, these are the most popular personal card options and the ones that we hold on to long term!
Other ways to access airport lounges
Business class travel
Flying in business class is exciting for SO many reasons, and getting to start your journey in a fancy lounge is definitely one of my favorite perks!
Most airlines have their own airport lounges reserved for business and first class travelers. If you are flying through an airport that does not have a lounge for your airline, there are also opportunities to access a partner airline lounge. This has happened to us on many occasions.
Pay for access 💰
Many airport lounges have an option to pay for access for your visit, and prices can vary depending on the lounge. Keep in mind that card holders or business class flyers will typically be given priority over paying customers if the lounge is full or near capacity.
Add an authorized user 🫱🏻🫲🏽
You also have the option of adding an authorized user to your credit card (usually for a fee) and that person could potentially gain access to airport lounges (depending on the card that you have). I have listed those authorized user options above with each card!
Bottom line
Once you start enjoying the quiet lounge life, the free snacks, the unlimited drinks, it’s impossible to go back. Which is why I will always have one of these premium credit cards in my wallet! If the higher annual fee works with your budget and your goals, this is a great addition to your credit card line up.
Whether we’re traveling domestically, or finding ourselves on an international adventure, there are so many lounges that you can access, and it truly makes for an even better start to the journey! 🥂✈️
➡️ Find all of my top recommended premium travel rewards credit cards HERE!
EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
