How to Get First-Class Treatment at Economical Prices
By Sascha Segan
Hanging out in an airport can get old pretty quickly, especially if you're trapped for hours at the gate because of a flight delay.
An alternative to the chaos is an airport lounge, where you can sit in comfy chairs while enjoying free drinks and food. With day passes usually available for purchase, you don't necessarily have to carry a first-class ticket to take part.
Sadly, many U.S. airport lounges aren't worth the price of admission. In contrast to the luxe surroundings you find in many airports in Asia, many U.S. lounges are cramped and a little run-down, with food offerings of rubbery cheese cubes and a lackluster nut selection. But there are a few shining stars in the U.S. lounge system, where weary travelers can find showers, fresh food, and even (in one case) a full spa where you can wait out the weather.
If you hold a first-class or business-class ticket, or you're a high-level elite frequent flier, you automatically get access to your carrier's lounge. But there are ways for more plebeian folks to cross the threshold as well.
Most lounges offer day passes, usually for $50; there can be additional discounts if you hold an airline's credit card. American Express Platinum Card holders and Diner's Club card holders both get free access to some lounges. The Priority Pass organization (www.prioritypass.com) also gives you access to 600 lounges for rates starting at $99, plus $27 per visit.
If you'd never pay for lounge access, we've also highlighted three bonus lounge-like experiences in the U.S. and Canada that all fliers can enjoy as part of their economy-class tickets.
Photo Caption: The Air France terminal at New York City's JFK airport.
