If you are a frequent traveler, you would already know the benefits of having airport lounge access. Whether you have arrived early or your flight is delayed, you can comfortably relax in these luxurious airport lounges and enhance your overall travel experience. However, accessing these lounges comes with hefty entry charges. So, an ideal way to get airport lounge access for free is through your credit card.
Lounge access credit cards not only offer complimentary access to airport lounges, but are also loaded with other travel-related perks like Air Miles redemption, complimentary memberships, free flights, room upgrades, and much more. While lounge access is a common benefit offered on most travel credit cards, a number of shopping and all-rounder cards also provide a few free lounge visits in a year.
Before you choose a credit card with lounge access benefits, read on to understand how a free lounge visit can enhance your overall travel experience:
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Free Access to Airport Lounges
The primary benefit of lounge access credit cards is the ability to access domestic as well as international airport lounges without any additional fees. With free airport lounge access, cardholders can enjoy all amenities inside the lounge such as food, bars, power outlets, Wi-fi, and much more. However, the number of visits permitted annually at either domestic or international lounges differs depending on the card variant. While most premium credit cards offer unlimited lounge access, certain cards may require you to meet specific spending milestones to avail of complimentary lounge visits. Hence, it is important to understand all the related terms and conditions while opting for a credit card.
Complimentary Priority Pass Membership
Priority Pass is a membership program that allows cardholders to access over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. Airport lounge access credit cards usually come with this membership, which opens doors to an extensive network of airport lounges globally. With this membership, you can avail of premium services like in-airport dining offers, maps & airport guides, premium support facilities and much more. However, it’s important to note that some cards may offer complimentary memberships to lounge access programs like Priority Pass but they do not necessarily give free visits with it and you have to pay to avail lounge access benefits.
Complimentary Refreshments and Other Amenities
One of the most enticing benefits of lounge access credit cards is the array of complimentary amenities. These lounges offer a bunch of impressive food options, from snacks to premium delicacies and refreshing drinks – all for free on swiping your credit card for entry. In addition to this, premium credit cardholders can also enjoy additional privileges like concierge services, spa treatments or priority access to specific areas. These luxuries are definitely a great way to enhance the overall travel experience, without any additional charges. In addition to the free visit, some credit cards also provide a limited number of free spa visits to the cardholder.
Complimentary Guest Access
Several credit cards offer the privilege of bringing guests, allowing your travel companions to enjoy the same comforts and amenities. Typically associated with super-premium cards with higher annual fees, like Axis Magnus, this benefit can be beneficial for group travellers. However, it’s important to note that not all credit cards offer the same level of lounge access benefits. Some may require achieving spending milestones or charge additional fees for guests. Therefore, travellers need to read all the terms and conditions carefully in order to maximize their benefits.
Additional Travel Benefits
In addition to airport lounge access, many credit cards often come with additional benefits that can enhance your overall travel experience. Some cards offer priority check-in privileges, enabling travellers to bypass long queues and proceed efficiently through the airport procedures. Select cards may include airport pickup services, check-in baggage, and airport meet & greet services, further enhancing overall convenience. Additionally, credit cards, tied up with popular airlines or hotel chains, allow cardholders to earn bonus Air Miles or Loyalty Points on their bookings along with additional perks, such as preferred seating, room upgrades, or access to premium lounges within their network.
In general, credit cards with airport lounge access offer a lot of benefits to their users. However, while selecting a credit card, lounge access should not be the only deciding factor, you should consider various factors and compare multiple options to find the best card as per your needs. For instance, if you need extensive travel benefits, you should look for a card that provides good overall value on travel, along with free visits. However, you only travel a few times in a year, you can consider cards that provide all-round benefits or shopping benefits (as per your preferences), along with a limited number of free airport lounge visits in a year.
