Airport VIP lounges offer a haven of peace and quiet amidst the hustle and bustle of travel. Access to these lounges provides comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and often shower facilities, making travel significantly more enjoyable. For frequent flyers, securing access to these lounges through a credit card can be a smart and cost-effective strategy.
This guide explores the best credit cards for airport VIP lounge access in 2024, providing a detailed comparison to help you choose the card that best suits your travel needs and spending habits.
| Credit Card | Lounge Access Program | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Priority Pass Select, Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta) | Extensive lounge network, high rewards rate on flights and hotels, numerous travel benefits |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Priority Pass Select | Flexible travel rewards, travel insurance, annual travel credit, and a wide range of redemptions |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Capital One Lounges, Priority Pass Select | Lower annual fee compared to Amex Platinum, strong rewards on all purchases, easy-to-use travel portal |
| Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® | Admirals Club access (when flying American Airlines), Priority Pass Select | Access to American Airlines lounges, bonus miles on American Airlines purchases, priority boarding |
| United Club℠ Infinite Card | United Club access (when flying United Airlines), Priority Pass Select | Access to United Airlines lounges, bonus miles on United Airlines purchases, free checked bags |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Delta Sky Club access (when flying Delta), Priority Pass Select | Access to Delta Airlines lounges, bonus miles on Delta Airlines purchases, priority boarding |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Priority Pass Select | High rewards on Marriott purchases, annual free night award, automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Priority Pass Select | High rewards on Hilton purchases, annual free weekend night reward, automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status |
| U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card | Priority Pass Select | High rewards on mobile wallet and travel purchases, real-time rewards, travel credit |
| American Express® Green Card | Centurion Lounge Access (with paid entry), Delta Sky Club Access (with paid entry) | Focused on travel and transit rewards, lower annual fee than Amex Platinum |
| UBS Visa Infinite Card | Priority Pass Select | Strong rewards on airfare and dining, annual airline fee credit, luxury benefits |
| Diners Club Card | Diners Club Lounges | Good global lounge coverage, particularly in Asia and Europe, travel insurance benefits |
Detailed Explanations
The Platinum Card® from American Express: This card is a powerhouse for lounge access. It offers access to the American Express Centurion Lounges (considered among the best in the industry), Priority Pass Select (enrolling required) which grants access to a vast network of lounges worldwide, and Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta. The card also offers a high rewards rate on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel, making it ideal for frequent travelers who value premium travel experiences. However, it comes with a substantial annual fee, so it's important to weigh the benefits against the cost.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card provides Priority Pass Select membership, offering access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally. It also boasts flexible travel rewards that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and other travel expenses through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. The card features valuable travel insurance benefits, an annual travel credit to offset the annual fee, and a wide range of redemption options, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking both lounge access and comprehensive travel benefits.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: This card is a strong contender for those seeking lounge access at a lower annual fee. It provides access to Capital One Lounges (currently expanding), as well as a Priority Pass Select membership. The Venture X card offers a straightforward rewards program, earning a generous amount of miles on all purchases, and its travel portal is user-friendly. It's a great option for travelers who want lounge access and solid travel rewards without the high cost of the Amex Platinum.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: If you're a loyal American Airlines flyer, this card is worth considering. It offers access to Admirals Club lounges when flying American Airlines, along with Priority Pass Select membership. Cardholders also earn bonus miles on American Airlines purchases and enjoy priority boarding, enhancing the overall travel experience with American.
United Club℠ Infinite Card: Similar to the AAdvantage Executive card, the United Club Infinite Card caters to United Airlines loyalists. It provides access to United Club lounges when flying United Airlines, as well as Priority Pass Select membership. Other benefits include bonus miles on United Airlines purchases and free checked bags, making it a valuable card for frequent United flyers.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: This card offers access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying Delta, in addition to Priority Pass Select membership. Cardholders also earn bonus miles on Delta Airlines purchases and receive priority boarding. It’s a strong choice for individuals who predominantly fly with Delta and want to maximize their SkyMiles earnings and lounge access.
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: While primarily a hotel rewards card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card includes Priority Pass Select membership. It also offers high rewards on Marriott purchases, an annual free night award, and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status. This card is best suited for individuals who frequently stay at Marriott properties and want to supplement their hotel benefits with lounge access.
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card: Similar to the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire card provides Priority Pass Select membership alongside hotel-focused benefits. Cardholders earn high rewards on Hilton purchases, receive an annual free weekend night reward, and enjoy automatic Hilton Honors Diamond status. This card is ideal for Hilton loyalists who want lounge access as an added perk.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card: This card offers Priority Pass Select membership and a strong rewards program focused on mobile wallet and travel purchases. Cardholders also benefit from real-time rewards and a travel credit. It’s a solid option for those who prefer using mobile payments and want a versatile travel rewards card with lounge access.
American Express® Green Card: While it doesn't provide complimentary lounge access, the Amex Green Card offers access to Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs (with paid entry). It is a good option if you want to experience these lounges occasionally without the high annual fee of the Platinum card. The Green card focuses on travel and transit rewards, making it a worthwhile option for travelers who prioritize earning rewards on everyday travel expenses.
UBS Visa Infinite Card: This card offers Priority Pass Select membership and strong rewards on airfare and dining. Cardholders also receive an annual airline fee credit and access to luxury benefits. It’s a premium card designed for affluent individuals who frequently travel and dine out.
Diners Club Card: The Diners Club Card offers access to Diners Club Lounges, providing good global lounge coverage, particularly in Asia and Europe. It also includes travel insurance benefits. This card is a good choice for international travelers seeking lounge access in regions where Priority Pass might have limited coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Priority Pass Select? Priority Pass Select is a membership program that provides access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, regardless of the airline you're flying. Many credit cards offer Priority Pass Select as a cardholder benefit.
How does Priority Pass Select work? You typically need to enroll in Priority Pass Select through your credit card issuer. Once enrolled, you'll receive a membership card or digital membership that you can present at participating lounges to gain access.
What are Centurion Lounges? Centurion Lounges are a network of premium airport lounges owned and operated by American Express, considered among the best in the industry, offering high-end amenities and services.
Can I bring guests into airport lounges? Guest policies vary by card and lounge network. Some cards offer complimentary guest access, while others charge a fee per guest. Check the specific terms and conditions of your card and lounge network.
Is lounge access worth the annual fee of a credit card? The value of lounge access depends on how frequently you travel and how much you value the amenities offered. If you travel often and appreciate the comfort and convenience of airport lounges, the annual fee may be justified.
What if a lounge is full? Lounge access is subject to capacity. During peak travel times, lounges may be crowded or even deny entry due to space limitations.
Do all lounges offer the same amenities? No, amenities vary by lounge. Most lounges offer complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, but some may also offer showers, business centers, and other services.
How can I find lounges in a specific airport? You can use the Priority Pass app, the American Express app, or the individual lounge network websites to search for lounges in specific airports.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for airport VIP lounge access depends on your individual travel habits, airline preferences, and spending patterns. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers the most comprehensive lounge access, while the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card provides a more affordable alternative. Consider your priorities and travel frequency to select the card that best fits your needs, enhancing your future travel experiences.