Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access of December 2024
Updated: Nov 18, 2024
+ 2 more+ 2 more
Airport lounges are designed to be a respite from the more chaotic aspects of air travel, and access to airport lounges has become a popular perk on travel credit cards. This page lists cards with the best airport lounge benefits. Below the top cards, you'll find a longer list of cards that offer some amount of lounge access, as well as resources that can help you decide which lounge networks — and therefore which cards — make the most sense for you.
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Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Airport lounges are designed to be a respite from the more chaotic aspects of air travel, and access to airport lounges has become a popular perk on travel credit cards. This page lists cards with the best airport lounge benefits. Below the top cards, you'll find a longer list of cards that offer some amount of lounge access, as well as resources that can help you decide which lounge networks — and therefore which cards — make the most sense for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Show More
Airport lounges are designed to be a respite from the more chaotic aspects of air travel, and access to airport lounges has become a popular perk on travel credit cards. This page lists cards with the best airport lounge benefits. Below the top cards, you'll find a longer list of cards that offer some amount of lounge access, as well as resources that can help you decide which lounge networks — and therefore which cards — make the most sense for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Airport lounges are designed to be a respite from the more chaotic aspects of air travel, and access to airport lounges has become a popular perk on travel credit cards. This page lists cards with the best airport lounge benefits. Below the top cards, you'll find a longer list of cards that offer some amount of lounge access, as well as resources that can help you decide which lounge networks — and therefore which cards — make the most sense for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access of December 2024
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Overall access / wide variety
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Best for Frequent American Airlines flyers
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Frequent Delta Air Lines flyers
United Club℠ Infinite Card: Best for Frequent United Airlines flyers
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Priority Pass access
United℠ Explorer Card: Best for A taste of the lounge life
Show SummaryHide Summary
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Overall access / wide variety
The Platinum Card® from American Express gets you access to more than 1,200 locations, starting with the issuer's own Centurion and International American Express lounges, as well as Delta Sky Clubs and lounges in the Priority Pass, Escape, Plaza Premium and Air Space networks.
Our Take
This is a high-end card designed for high-end travelers. The ongoing rewards are decent: 5 points per dollar on airfare and hotels when booked the right way (terms apply) and 1 point per dollar elsewhere. But the real value lies in the perks — and the lounge access is just the start. There’s an annual credit of $200 for airline fees and up to $200 a year in Uber credit, for example. You’ll be reimbursed for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every five years and enough for a Clear membership. And don’t forget the big welcome offer for new cardholders.
The $695 annual fee is about as high as it gets for a mainstream card. If you don’t spend a lot on travel, the rewards are poor. And unlike with airline-branded cards, you don't get free checked bags, priority boarding or other carrier-specific benefits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express gets you access to more than 1,200 locations, starting with the issuer's own Centurion and International American Express lounges, as well as Delta Sky Clubs and lounges in the Priority Pass, Escape, Plaza Premium and Air Space networks.
Frequent Delta Air Lines flyers
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card gets you into Delta's Sky Clubs, as you would expect. But because of the airline's partnership with American Express, you also get access to AmEx's Centurion Lounges when traveling on Delta.
Product Details
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when you fly Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
- Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
- Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. While the lounge access is the most prominent perk of the card, you also get a companion certificate each year upon renewal (and it's good even in first class), a checked-bag benefit, reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, concierge service and more. There's also a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. Terms apply.
As with any airline club card, the annual fee can make you pause: $650. However, that's roughly what you'd pay for a lounge membership alone.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card gets you into Delta's Sky Clubs, as you would expect. But because of the airline's partnership with American Express, you also get access to AmEx's Centurion Lounges when traveling on Delta.
Priority Pass access
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® isn't unique in giving cardholders a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, but it's the most flexible and cost-effective card that does so.
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Member FDIC
Our Take
This card offers strong rewards on travel and dining — 3 to 10 points per dollar spent, depending on the circumstances. Points are worth 1.5 cents apiece when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to a dozen hotel and airline partners. Beyond lounge access, the perks include $300 a year in credit for travel expenses (effectively making up for more than half the annual fee) and reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. And don't forget the big sign-up bonus.
The $550 fee is a significant out-of-pocket expense, and much of the value of the card is tied up in the $300 travel credit. Get this card only if you are a dedicated traveler.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® isn't unique in giving cardholders a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership, but it's the most flexible and cost-effective card that does so.
A taste of the lounge life
The United℠ Explorer Card can easily pay for itself even if you're only an occasional traveler, thanks to some of the best perks in its class. Among them: two one-time passes to the United Club each year.
Product Details
- Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
- Member FDIC
Our Take
Day passes to the United Club cost $59 apiece, so the two free passes with this card have real value. You and a companion on your reservation each get a free checked bag. There's also reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, primary rental car insurance and a good sign-up bonus.
The annual fee is lower than on United's lounge card, but it's still a cost to keep in mind. Spending rewards are unspectacular: 2 miles per dollar spent with United, at restaurants and on certain hotel accommodations, and 1 mile per dollar elsewhere.
The United℠ Explorer Card can easily pay for itself even if you're only an occasional traveler, thanks to some of the best perks in its class. Among them: two one-time passes to the United Club each year.
Frequent United Airlines flyers
The United Club℠ Infinite Card gives you unlimited access to the airline's airport lounges for less than the price of a stand-alone membership.
Product Details
- Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
- 4x miles on United® purchases
- 2x miles on all other travel and dining
- 1x mile on all other purchases
- United Club℠ membership - up to $650 value per year
- Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access® travel services
- Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
- Member FDIC
Our Take
The defining perk of this card is that it gets you into United Club airport lounges. You earn 4 miles per dollar spent with United; 2 miles per dollar on other travel and at restaurants; and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. You and a companion can each get two checked bags free. There's a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, a terrific bonus offer and more.
The $525 annual fee can be tough to swallow, even if it's less than the $650 cash cost of a lounge membership.
The United Club℠ Infinite Card gives you unlimited access to the airline's airport lounges for less than the price of a stand-alone membership.
Frequent American Airlines flyers
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® gets you and up to two traveling companions into the airline's Admirals Club lounges.
Product Details
- Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.
- Admirals Club® membership for you and access for up to two guests or immediate family members traveling with you
- No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
- Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
- First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You get a checked-bag benefit, priority boarding and reimbursement for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. There's a solid sign-up bonus, and every purchase not only earns miles to be used for future travel but also accrues points toward elite status in the AAdvantage program. Unlike with other airlines' club cards, authorized users (at a cost of $175 for the first three users) also get lounge access even without the primary cardholder being present, as long as they have a same-day boarding pass.
If you're only an occasional AA flyer, you'll do better off with a general travel rewards card. As with any club card, it has a high annual fee, although that fee ($595) is less than the cost of a stand-alone lounge membership.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® gets you and up to two traveling companions into the airline's Admirals Club lounges.
CREDIT CARDS WITH AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS
This table shows airport lounge benefits on popular consumer credit cards as of October 2022. Benefits can change, so verify with the issuer before applying.
CARD NAME | LOUNGE ACCESS DETAILS |
|---|---|
Receive up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for LoungeBuddy. | |
Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges (as of November 2023, there are lounges at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport and Dulles International Airport) and complimentary access to lounges in the Priority Pass Select network. | |
Complimentary access to lounges in the Priority Pass Select network. | |
Full membership access to Admirals Club lounges, plus access for up to 2 guests or immediate family members traveling with you. | |
Complimentary access to lounges in the Priority Pass Select network. | |
Complimentary Delta SkyClub access, plus access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. | |
Complimentary access to lounges in the Priority Pass Select network. | |
Unlimited access to Priority Pass airport lounges for you and two guests. | |
2 free annual Lufthansa Business lounge vouchers. | |
Complimentary access to lounges in the Priority Pass Select network. | |
Complimentary access to lounges in the Priority Pass Select network. | |
Complimentary access to lounges in the Priority Pass Select network. | |
Complimentary access to lounges in the American Express Global Lounge Collection. | |
SkyPass Visa Signature credit card | 2 free annual KAL lounge coupons. |
The UNFCU Visa Elite credit card | 5 free annual Priority Pass lounge visits. |
2 single-use United Club passes annually. | |
Complimentary United Club membership offers access to all United Club locations and participating Star Alliance affiliated lounges. | |
Priority Pass Select membership allows 4 free visits per year. |
ASK OUR CREDIT CARD EXPERTS
Sara Rathner
Sara RathnerIS AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS WORTH PAYING A HUGE ANNUAL FEE ON A CREDIT CARD?
I love a good airport lounge, but with so many credit cards offering lounge access, it just doesn't feel like a high-end experience. I've been turned away due to overcrowding many times. And even if you can get in, it's just as crowded as the rest of the airport. I would tell anyone: Check out a lounge if it's not too far from your gate and you can get in. If you're lucky, the food is decent and there's available seating. But for the most part, don't expect an oasis of calm. Now, I do have a few specific lounges in mind that are perfect — but I'm not telling you my secrets.
Sara Rathner
Writer/spokesperson, credit cards
Craig Joseph
Craig JosephIS AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS WORTH PAYING A HUGE ANNUAL FEE ON A CREDIT CARD?
I would never pay for lounge access, but I sure do love free food and cocktails outside of the main terminal. Lounge access is a primary reason I carry a premium travel rewards card, and once I add up the savings for not having to pay for food or drinks when I'm in an airport, it's not hard to justify the hefty annual fee that comes with many premium cards. In particular, I'd suggest a card with lounge access if you travel abroad frequently, since you'll often get access to lounges you'd otherwise need a business class ticket for. Those international lounges often have better food and drink selections than domestic lounges.
Craig Joseph
Writer, travel rewards
Meghan Coyle
Meghan CoyleIS AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS WORTH PAYING A HUGE ANNUAL FEE ON A CREDIT CARD?
I avoid layovers whenever possible, and I don't like getting to the airport early, so I only use lounges when I'm flying abroad and I'm at the airport three hours early anyway. Generally, the food is mid, sometimes only barely better than what you get around the rest of the airport, but it is free, and some lounges make it super easy to grab snacks for the plane as well. Keep in mind there are a bunch of access rules now, so read the policies carefully before you plan on taking your entire family or grabbing a shower after a flight. Many lounges have limited guest access, or only allow guests to enter for up to three hours before a departure.
Meghan Coyle
Editor, travel rewards
Sally French
Sally FrenchIS AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS WORTH PAYING A HUGE ANNUAL FEE ON A CREDIT CARD?
I can be pretty time blind, and my biggest fear is missing a flight. Lounge access has changed the game forever. I love fancy lounges — not just because they provide a nice space to get work done and get free food, but also because they motivate me to get to the airport early. I've now made it a habit to get to the airport three hours early. Since I'm always running late, I end up just getting there about one and a half to two hours early — which puts me exactly on time by normal standards anyway. And hey, if I really do get there three hours early, then that's just more time to enjoy an espresso martini in the lounge.
Sally French
Writer/spokesperson, travel rewards
IS AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS WORTH PAYING A HUGE ANNUAL FEE ON A CREDIT CARD?
I love a good airport lounge, but with so many credit cards offering lounge access, it just doesn't feel like a high-end experience. I've been turned away due to overcrowding many times. And even if you can get in, it's just as crowded as the rest of the airport. I would tell anyone: Check out a lounge if it's not too far from your gate and you can get in. If you're lucky, the food is decent and there's available seating. But for the most part, don't expect an oasis of calm. Now, I do have a few specific lounges in mind that are perfect — but I'm not telling you my secrets.
Sara Rathner
Writer/spokesperson, credit cards
IS AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS WORTH PAYING A HUGE ANNUAL FEE ON A CREDIT CARD?
I would never pay for lounge access, but I sure do love free food and cocktails outside of the main terminal. Lounge access is a primary reason I carry a premium travel rewards card, and once I add up the savings for not having to pay for food or drinks when I'm in an airport, it's not hard to justify the hefty annual fee that comes with many premium cards. In particular, I'd suggest a card with lounge access if you travel abroad frequently, since you'll often get access to lounges you'd otherwise need a business class ticket for. Those international lounges often have better food and drink selections than domestic lounges.
Craig Joseph
Writer, travel rewards
IS AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS WORTH PAYING A HUGE ANNUAL FEE ON A CREDIT CARD?
I avoid layovers whenever possible, and I don't like getting to the airport early, so I only use lounges when I'm flying abroad and I'm at the airport three hours early anyway. Generally, the food is mid, sometimes only barely better than what you get around the rest of the airport, but it is free, and some lounges make it super easy to grab snacks for the plane as well. Keep in mind there are a bunch of access rules now, so read the policies carefully before you plan on taking your entire family or grabbing a shower after a flight. Many lounges have limited guest access, or only allow guests to enter for up to three hours before a departure.
Meghan Coyle
Editor, travel rewards
IS AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS WORTH PAYING A HUGE ANNUAL FEE ON A CREDIT CARD?
I can be pretty time blind, and my biggest fear is missing a flight. Lounge access has changed the game forever. I love fancy lounges — not just because they provide a nice space to get work done and get free food, but also because they motivate me to get to the airport early. I've now made it a habit to get to the airport three hours early. Since I'm always running late, I end up just getting there about one and a half to two hours early — which puts me exactly on time by normal standards anyway. And hey, if I really do get there three hours early, then that's just more time to enjoy an espresso martini in the lounge.
Sally French
Writer/spokesperson, travel rewards
GUIDE TO AIRPORT LOUNGE NETWORKS
There are thousands of lounges in airports around the world, but no single credit card gets you into them all. Some lounges are operated by airlines, some by credit card issuers, and others by restaurant or hospitality companies. Some can be accessed only by purchasing an expensive membership (or carrying a credit card that gives you such a membership), while others are open to anyone who buys a day pass. Lounges can have different membership tiers, different rules about bringing in kids or guests and different policies on who can get in when things get crowded.
AIRLINE-OPERATED LOUNGES
Each of the three big domestic airlines operates a network of lounges. Lounges are typically located at airports in the airline's hub cities as well as at major travel destinations. With the exception of Alaska Airlines, smaller carriers don't have lounges.
Carrying the right credit card or purchasing a membership aren't the only ways to get into these lounges. Airlines established airport lounges as a way to provide VIP treatment for their most valuable customers — the frequent flyers who spend a lot of money with the airline. Depending on the airline, your elite status alone may get you in, or you may gain access if you have a ticket in a premium cabin, like first class or business class.
American Admirals Clubs have locations in more than 30 airports in the U.S. and overseas. Admirals Club members also have access to more than 60 partner lounges worldwide, including Alaska Airlines lounges on the West Coast. American also operates a handful of Flagship Lounges exclusively for premium class passengers.
Delta Sky Clubs are located in more than 35 airports. Delta's lounge network also includes sites operated by its partners in the SkyTeam Alliance, including Air France/KLM and Korean Air.
United Clubs can be found in more than 30 airports. United also operates Polaris Lounges, but those are only for premium class travelers on international flights.
Alaska Lounges have a smaller footprint — five airports on the West Coast, plus New York JFK. An upgraded "Lounge+" membership can also get you into American Admirals Clubs and more than 90 partner lounges worldwide. You have to buy the membership, though — there's no credit card shortcut.
AMERICAN EXPRESS LOUNGES
American Express operates Centurion Lounges at 13 airports in the United States and 11 elsewhere in the world (as of October 2022). You can get in with the right credit card, including the AmEx consumer or business Platinum card, the consumer or business Delta Reserve card, or the AmEx Centurion card.
Holders of Platinum cards also have access to hundreds of other lounges in a variety of partner networks that American Express calls the Global Lounge Collection. In addition to the Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs, the collection includes Lufthansa lounges and those in the Priority Pass, Escape, Plaza Premium and Air Space networks.
OTHER CARD ISSUER LOUNGES
Both Chase and Capital One are pursuing plans to establish lounge networks of their own, although these facilities don't appear to be as exclusive as American Express' Centurion Lounges.
Capital One opened its first lounge at Dallas-Fort Worth and has since opened lounges at Washington Dulles and Denver International Airport. Anyone can buy a pass to a Capital One Lounge (for $65), but holders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card get unlimited free access.
Chase has announced plans to open "Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club" at six airports: Boston, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, New York (La Guardia), Phoenix and San Diego.
PRIORITY PASS
Lounges in the Priority Pass network are independent enterprises not affiliated with an airline. There are more than 1,300 of them worldwide, although only a few dozen in the United States. Priority Pass has three membership tiers with differing levels of access. Priority Pass membership is a common perk on premium credit cards. If you have it, you'll typically need to enroll through your credit card account before trying to visit a lounge.
At some airports, select restaurants are part of the Priority Pass network. At these restaurants, you can order a meal and get a dining credit of up to $28, or up to $56 for you and a guest. The exact rules vary depending on your membership level or which credit card you hold. (Priority Pass memberships obtained through American Express cards do not include restaurant benefits, for example.) Learn more about Priority Pass restaurants.
ESCAPE LOUNGES
There are about a dozen Escape Lounges in the U.S. What's noteworthy about them is that you don't need a membership. Regardless of what airline you're flying or what credit card you're carrying, you can buy a day pass. (The cost as of October 2022 was $45, or $40 if purchased online at least 24 hours ahead of time.) However, American Express cardholders with access to the Global Lounge Collection can get in for free.
PLAZA PREMIUM
The Plaza Premium network includes lounges at more than 50 airports worldwide. Only a handful are in the United States, mostly under the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse name. Plaza Premium lounges are included in the American Express Global Lounge Collection and the Capital One Partner Lounge Network.
AIR SPACE
These lounges — located at Cleveland, San Diego and New York (JFK) — sell day passes, with the price tied to availability, and are included in AmEx's Global Lounge Collection.
LOUNGEBUDDY
This service, owned by American Express, allows you to buy one-time passes to lounges at more than 150 airports all over the world, including more than 30 in the United States. LoungeBuddy itself doesn't require a membership to use, but at least one card offers a LoungeBuddy perk: The American Express® Green Card provides $100 a year in credit for the service.
WHAT'S NEXT?
NerdWallet's Melissa Lambarena and Gregory Karp contributed to this article.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, see this page.
All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The American Express® Green Card is no longer available through NerdWallet. All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.
METHODOLOGY
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's the best credit card for airport lounges?
The "best" credit card for airport lounge access depends on who will be carrying that card. There isn't a single card that gets you into every lounge at every airport. So the best way to identify the right card for you is to first identify which lounges you want to get into — who operates them and where they are — and then find a card that gives you access to those places.
If you're going by the sheer number of lounges a card can get you into, the obvious choice is The Platinum Card® from American Express. It provides access (subject to certain requirements) to lounges operated by American Express and Delta, as well as lounge networks such as Escape, Priority Pass and Air Space. If you travel primarily on one airline, your best bet may just be the club card offered by that airline (assuming it has one), such as the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the United Club℠ Infinite Card.
Keep in mind that most credit cards that offer airline access charge annual fees in the hundreds of dollars. If you're traveling only a few times a year, the access is unlikely to be worth the cost by itself.
How many airport lounges does American Express have?
American Express says people who carry its Platinum cards have access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide in what it calls the "Global Lounge Collection." About two dozen of these are operated by American Express itself, while others are operated by airlines or other partners.
As of October 2022, American Express had Centurion Lounges at these airports:
In the U.S.: Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Las Vegas, Los Angeles (LAX), Miami, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco and Seattle. Lounges were also planned for Atlanta and Washington (Reagan National).
Outside the U.S.: Buenos Aires, Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Mexico City, Monterrey, Mumbai, São Paulo, Stockholm and Sydney.
How many airport lounges does American Airlines have?
As of October 2022, American had nearly 50 Admirals Club locations in 32 airports:
In the U.S.: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago (O'Hare), Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Honolulu, Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami, Nashville, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Newark, Orange County, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, San Francisco, St. Louis, Tampa and Washington (Reagan National).
Outside the U.S.: Buenos Aires, London (Healthrow), Mexico City, Paris (Charles de Gaulle), Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Toronto.
American also operates Flagship Lounges for premium class passengers at a few airports, including Chicago (O'Hare), Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles (LAX), Miami and New York (JFK). Another is planned for Philadelphia.
How many airport lounges does Delta have?
As of October 2022, Delta had more than 50 Sky Club locations in 36 airports:
In the U.S.: Anchorage, Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago (O'Hare), Cincinnati, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Honolulu, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Los Angeles (LAX), Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Nashville, New Orleans, New York (JFK and LaGuardia), Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Portland, Raleigh-Durham, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle-Tacoma, Tampa, Washington (Reagan National) and West Palm Beach.
Outside the U.S.: Tokyo (Haneda).
How many airport lounges does United have?
As of October 2022, United Airlines operated about 50 United Club lounges at 33 airports:
In the U.S.: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago (O'Hare), Cleveland, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Honolulu, Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Las Vegas, Los Angeles (LAX), Minneapolis-St. Paul, New Orleans, Newark, New York (LaGuardia), Orange County, Orlando, Portland, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington (Dulles and Reagan National).
Outside the U.S.: Guam, Hong Kong, London (Heathrow), Mexico City and Tokyo (Narita).
United also operates Polaris clubs for premium class passengers on international flights, including at Chicago (O'Hare), Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Los Angeles (LAX), Newark, San Francisco and Washington (Dulles).
Does Southwest Airlines have airport lounges?
Southwest Airlines does not operate airport lounges. However, many of the airports in Southwest's focus cities have independent lounges that may be accessed with a Priority Pass membership or through a service like LoungeBuddy.
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