Which Airport Lounges Offer Free Access for Military Members?

Active-duty service members fly with perks — and that includes free access to different airport lounges around the world. In the U.S., United Airlines, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines all open their doors to eligible military members. USO lounges are also an option worldwide (just check the hours — they're generally staffed by volunteers).

Never been to a lounge? Think comfy seating, free food and drinks, Wi-Fi, chargers, and sometimes even showers — a big upgrade from the usual airport grind.

Lounge access policies differ depending on the lounge to which you’re heading. Here are the lounges that offer free entry to service members:

United Clubs

• Must be traveling on United or United Express within 24 hours.

• Must have ID and boarding pass.

• Must be in uniform, have leave orders or R & R papers.

• Family members traveling with you are allowed entry. 

American Airlines Admirals Clubs

• Must be on a same-day flight operated by American.

• Must have ID and boarding pass.

• Must be in uniform.

• Immediate family or up to two guests are allowed entry. 

Alaska Airlines lounges

• Must be flying on Alaska Airlines.

• Must have a valid military ID. 

• Ticket must be booked through SATO.

• Valid for flights departing within three hours. 

• All other service members can purchase a day pass for $30. 

USO lounges

• Must have a valid military ID.

• All dependents allowed. 

• Military retirees, Gold Star families and families of the fallen are allowed entry. 

Delta Sky Club

• Access to Delta military lounge in Atlanta airport (ATL). 

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

Other ways to get free airport access for military members

Access to all these lounges is great, but what if you’re on the wrong airline or happen to be in an airport that doesn’t offer these lounges?

Airlines aren’t the only businesses that recognize military members for their service. Because of legislation such as the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), many card issuers waive the annual fees for their cards.

Consider The Platinum Card® from American Express. It normally carries an annual fee of $695, but if you apply and qualify for SCRA benefits, you might not have to pay that fee. Terms apply.

In addition to benefits such as statement credits and hotel elite status, The Platinum Card® from American Express also offers the Global Lounge Collection. This can get cardholders access to airport lounges all over the world. These lounges include:

• American Express Centurion Lounges.

• Lufthansa Senator lounges. 

• Delta Sky Clubs (see rules).

• Escape lounges. 

• Plaza Premium Lounges.

• Priority Pass lounges.

• Terms apply. Enrollment required.

All told, that's over 1,400 lounges.

» Learn more: Low APR and waived fees: Card benefits for active-duty military