Access to airport lounges can significantly enhance your travel experience, offering a comfortable and relaxing haven away from the hustle and bustle of crowded terminals. For frequent travelers, a credit card that provides lounge access can be a valuable asset, offering perks like complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Choosing the right card requires careful consideration of annual fees, lounge access policies, and other benefits that align with your travel habits.
Here's a comprehensive guide to help you find the best credit card for lounge access in 2024, maximizing your comfort and convenience on your journeys.
Comprehensive Credit Card Comparison Table
| Credit Card | Lounge Access Program | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | The Global Lounge Collection® | Access to over 1,400 lounges worldwide, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select (enrollment required), Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), Airspace Lounges, and Escape Lounges. Earns 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Annual fee of $695. Offers numerous travel credits including up to $200 in airline fee credits, up to $200 in hotel credit and up to $240 in digital entertainment credits. Extensive travel insurance and purchase protection benefits. Considered the gold standard for comprehensive travel benefits. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Priority Pass Select (enrollment required) | Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. Earns 3x points on travel and dining worldwide. Annual fee of $550. $300 annual travel credit. Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase protection. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are highly valuable and transferable to various airline and hotel partners. Considered a strong competitor to Amex Platinum, particularly for those who prefer Chase's Ultimate Rewards program. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Capital One Lounge, Priority Pass, Plaza Premium | Access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), and Plaza Premium Lounges. Earns unlimited 2x miles on all purchases. Annual fee of $395. $300 annual travel credit. 10,000 bonus miles every account anniversary. Cell phone protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and auto rental collision damage waiver. Offers a strong value proposition with a lower annual fee compared to Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve, while still providing lounge access and travel benefits. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Delta Sky Club, Amex Centurion Lounges (limited) | Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta (limited to same-day ticket). Earns 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x mile on all other purchases. Annual fee of $550. First checked bag free on Delta flights. Priority boarding. Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) boost. Best for frequent Delta flyers who want dedicated Delta lounge access and accelerated Medallion status. |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | United Club | United Club membership, providing access to United Club lounges worldwide. Earns 4x miles on United purchases, 2x miles on dining and hotel stays, and 1x mile on all other purchases. Annual fee of $525. First and second checked bags free on United flights. Priority boarding. Premier Access travel services. Ideal for frequent United flyers who prioritize United Club access and United-specific benefits. |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | Admirals Club | Admirals Club membership, providing access to Admirals Club lounges worldwide. Earns 4x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases, 2x miles at gas stations and restaurants, and 1x mile on all other purchases. Annual fee of $595. First checked bag free on American Airlines flights. 25% savings on inflight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights. Priority boarding. Best for loyal American Airlines flyers who want Admirals Club access and American Airlines-specific perks. |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Priority Pass Select (enrollment required) | Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. Automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status. Earns 14x points on Hilton purchases, 7x points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel and on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, and 7x points at U.S. restaurants, and 3x points on all other eligible purchases. Annual fee of $450. $250 Hilton resort credit. $250 airline fee credit. Free weekend night reward. A great option for Hilton loyalists who also want lounge access. |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Priority Pass Select (enrollment required) | Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. Earns 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines, and 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Annual fee of $650. $300 statement credit for purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Free night award. A solid choice for Marriott Bonvoy enthusiasts seeking lounge access and elite status benefits. |
Detailed Explanations
The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card offers unparalleled access to a vast network of lounges through The Global Lounge Collection®, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), Airspace Lounges, and Escape Lounges. Its high annual fee is offset by significant travel credits and rewards, making it a premium choice for frequent travelers.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: The Priority Pass Select membership grants access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. Combined with a $300 annual travel credit and valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points, this card offers a strong balance of benefits and value.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This card stands out with access to Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass, and Plaza Premium Lounges, providing a diverse range of lounge options. Its lower annual fee and generous rewards program make it an attractive alternative to higher-priced premium cards.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Primarily designed for Delta loyalists, this card provides complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta. Access to American Express Centurion Lounges is also available when flying Delta, although this is often limited to same-day tickets. It's a great option for those focused on Delta-specific benefits and lounge access.
United Club℠ Infinite Card: This card offers a United Club membership, granting access to United Club lounges worldwide. It's a valuable choice for frequent United flyers who prioritize United-specific perks, such as free checked bags and priority boarding.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: This card provides an Admirals Club membership, offering access to Admirals Club lounges worldwide. It's ideal for American Airlines loyalists seeking Admirals Club access and American Airlines-specific benefits like free checked bags and savings on inflight purchases.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: While primarily a hotel rewards card, the complimentary Priority Pass Select membership offers access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. Combined with automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status and generous Hilton-specific benefits, it's a compelling option for Hilton enthusiasts.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Similar to the Hilton Aspire, this card includes a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership for lounge access. Paired with automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status and Marriott-specific benefits, it caters to Marriott Bonvoy loyalists seeking lounge access and elite status perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Priority Pass Select?
Priority Pass Select is a membership program that provides access to a network of airport lounges worldwide, regardless of the airline you are flying. It often requires enrollment through your credit card issuer.
What is the difference between Priority Pass Select and a standard Priority Pass membership?
Priority Pass Select is a benefit offered through certain credit cards, while a standard Priority Pass membership is purchased directly. Select memberships often have limitations on the number of guests or visits, depending on the credit card offering the benefit.
How do I activate my Priority Pass Select membership?
Typically, you need to enroll in Priority Pass Select through your credit card issuer's website or app. They will then send you a membership card, which you'll need to present at participating lounges.
What are Centurion Lounges?
Centurion Lounges are a network of exclusive airport lounges owned and operated by American Express, offering premium amenities and services to Platinum Card and Centurion members.
Can I bring guests into airport lounges with my credit card?
Guest policies vary depending on the credit card and the lounge program. Some cards offer complimentary guest access, while others charge a fee for each guest. Check the terms and conditions of your card and the specific lounge for details.
Do I need to be flying a specific airline to access a lounge?
For most lounge programs like Priority Pass, you can access lounges regardless of the airline you are flying. However, some lounges, such as Delta Sky Clubs, may require you to be flying with that specific airline.
Are there any restrictions on the number of lounge visits I can make?
Some credit cards may limit the number of lounge visits per year or per day. Always check the terms and conditions of your card to understand any restrictions.
What if a lounge is full?
Lounge access is often subject to capacity. If a lounge is full, you may be denied entry or placed on a waiting list.
Are there any dress code requirements for airport lounges?
Most airport lounges have a smart casual dress code. Avoid wearing overly casual attire such as tank tops, athletic wear, or flip-flops.
How can I find airport lounges that are part of my credit card's program?
You can typically find a list of participating lounges on the lounge program's website or app, such as the Priority Pass website or the American Express Global Lounge Collection website.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for lounge access depends on your individual travel habits and preferences. Consider your preferred airlines, hotel loyalty programs, and spending patterns to select a card that aligns with your needs and offers the most value. Carefully evaluate the annual fee and other benefits to ensure the card provides a worthwhile return on your investment.