Do you believe that airline lounges have a certain mystique about them? Are they enclaves of class and sophistication to you or merely a paid respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy airport? Sometimes the answer is “yes” to all 3 questions, depending upon your perspective. Regardless of how you feel, I think we can all agree that the airline lounge offers a sanctuary, and not just exclusively for premium and high yield travelers. The lounges have also come to be recognized as a branding tool for carriers to differentiate themselves from their rivals. Access is limited and amenities may often vary depending upon domestic or international travel and class of service.
#AmericanAir gets the credit for establishing the world’s first airline lounge at #LGAirport on December 2, 1939. That was the day the airport opened for business as the New York Municipal Airport (it was renamed in 1953 to honor Fiorello LaGuardia, who was Mayor of New York when the airport was constructed). Then American Airlines Chairman C.R Smith believed it would be a positive step for the carrier to open a dedicated lounge which catered to supporters of the airline who were referred to as “Admirals.” Then, as is the case now, the lounge was designed as a place for their best customers to relax before and after their flights. The first-of-its-kind lounge included a bar and also offered food service for travelers. It was connected to an office that the mayor maintained at the new airport. Not to be outdone by their competitors, it wasn’t too much later when other airlines opened several lounges elsewhere in the nation as a means of recognizing their loyal fliers.
For many years though, these few airport lounges didn’t play a large role in the travel experience for passengers as there was little additional space for them in the airport terminals of the day. In addition, check in and the lack of meaningful security procedures didn’t require passengers to show up so far in advance of their flights as they do today. As the number and frequency of airline hijackings increased, so did airport security. This was further expanded substantially on a global basis after the tragic events of 9/11. Today, at a minimum, passengers are instructed to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a domestic departure and often 3 hours prior to an international journey. With more time to spend post security, lounge visits have become both popular and routine for many fliers. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the largest and most popular lounge networks in the nation.
From their first club in 1939, today American Airlines boasts more than 50 Admirals Club locations at 38 airports around the world. These include a number of former US Air Clubs they inherited following the merger of the 2 carriers in late 2013. The Admirals Clubs may be found throughout the US, Europe, South America, the South Pacific and Asia. Access is also permitted to more than 60 One World partner lounges around the globe. In an effort to reduce overcrowding, beginning on November 1, boarding passes for same-day travel on American or partner airlines are required for entry. Club members enjoy generally private surroundings (although all clubs can get very busy at peak times at hub airports) where visitors can relax or catch up on work before, between or after flights and take advantage of the personalized service offered by their experienced club agents. You must have an American AAdvantage account to purchase a membership and pricing depends upon the level of status you've attained in the program. These range from Executive Platinum fliers paying $550 per year to lowest-tier Advantage members paying $650 on an annual basis. One-day passes are available at select locations for $59. Citi Advantage Executive World Elite Mastercard holders enjoy complimentary memberships.
American operates a small number of premium Flagship Lounges for qualifying travelers with First or Business Class tickets on international or domestic transcontinental flights marketed and operated by American or a One World partner airline. Here, visitors enjoy the very best the airline has to offer, including chef-inspired meals, a premium wine table, personalized service, expansive seating, a specialty cocktail bar and shower suites. They’re located in #fly2ohare, #DFWAirport, #flyLAXairport, #miamiairports and #JFKairport. American also operates an Arrivals Lounge at #londonheathrow where eligible passengers can freshen up after their transatlantic flights.
In April of 2008, #Delta announced a merger agreement with Northwest Airlines. Combining the 2 carriers created, what was then, the largest commercial airline in the world. Delta was the surviving brand and that’s when the Delta Crown Rooms and the Northwest World Clubs came together under their new banner known as the Delta Sky Club. Like other airline clubs, Delta promotes their's as offering excellent customer service with enhanced touches, including easily-accessible power, free Wi-Fi, and both complimentary and premium drinks from The Bar. One can also look forward to more fresh and healthy food options in these clubs, and in this they do excel. I would rate the Sky Club food offerings as much better than those available in either the American or #united Airlines Lounges. Delta operates over 50 Sky Clubs in addition to Sky Team partner and third-party business lounges worldwide. You can choose from an Executive Membership for an annual fee of $845 (or 84,500 Sky Miles) or an Individual Membership for $545 per year (or 54,500 Sky Miles). The pricier option includes unlimited access for the member and 2 guests per visit while the second permits unlimited access for the member only (with up to 2 guests per visit at a rate of $29 per guest). Same-day ticketed air travel on Delta has been required for entry since January and the sale of single visit passes was discontinued in November of last year. The airline has a solid and beneficial relationship with #AmericanExpress. In recognition, their Centurion, Platinum and Delta Reserve Credit Card holders are also permitted access without charge to these lounges. The airline does not operate a separate club network for Delta One International Business Class travelers although they are also permitted complimentary access on their day of travel.
The United Airlines Red Carpet Clubs were long recognized as outstanding airport lounges and the Continental Airlines Presidents Clubs also had a stellar reputation for excellent service. With the merger of these 2 carriers in 2010, United Airlines was the surviving name and the following year saw the birth of the United Club. I have since come to believe they could have done way better with their new name as it showed an appalling lack of creativity. Personally, I would have suggested they adopt the name “Meridian Club“ but they never asked me. (It has a nice global ring to it, don't you think?) At any rate, they now operate 50 lounges at 45 major airports in 6 countries. They each feature knowledgeable agents, complimentary beverages, breakfast and afternoon snacks, no cost Wi-Fi, power outlets and reading materials. Day passes are available for $59 and, like the others, United now requires a reservation for same- day travel. Annual access charges also vary depending upon elite status in their Mileage Plus Program, ranging from $550 (or 75,000 miles) for the top tiers to $650 (or 85,000 miles) for lower tier and general members. Although a holdover from the Continental days, membership is also included for those who carry the now-branded United Chase Presidential Plus World Elite MasterCard.
The International First Class Lounges formerly operated by United in their hub cities have slowly been replaced by new Polaris Business Lounges in conjunction with the rollout of this service in late 2016. Access is permitted only to those traveling on the carrier’s (or partners) international flights with a business class reservation. The lounges feature a personalized dining experience with multi-course meals and a range of a la carte snack offerings. Patrons can choose from a variety of craft cocktails as well as an extensive menu of domestic and imported beers, wines and premium spirits. Comfortable relaxation areas are also available along with rest pods and shower facilities to help passengers freshen up from the rigors of travel. I had an opportunity to visit the Polaris Lounge at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport recently and can testify to its functionality and appeal.
Several years ago, American Express raised the bar in the US with the introduction of the Centurion Lounge with complimentary day of travel access for Platinum and Centurion credit card holders. These lounges have it all, from complimentary chef-inspired breakfast and all-day dining fare to an elevated experience at the bar with cocktails created by celebrated mixologists and outstanding wines and spirits. Showers are also available and some locations offer a spa service as well. Currently, 8 US lounges have been opened along with 1 in Hong Kong. Next year, American Express expects to open 5 more in the States and another at London Heathrow. I've been fortunate to have visited these lounges in Dallas, #iah, Miami and #flySFO and can tell you they each offer an experience far beyond that found in the typical airline club.
Of course, there are a number of terrific lounge products operated by international carriers and I’ll share some of those experiences with you in a future post.
Until next time…safe travels.
So all the comments about you lounging around were , in fact, work?... A likely story