What are the Benefits of Lounge Access and How to Avail it?

Lounge access enhances the pre-flight experience with benefits like peaceful surroundings, gourmet food, expedited services, and serene workspaces. Having lounge access at airports offers several benefits for Indian travellers.

Now, Let’s take a look at the benefits.

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Benefits of Having Lounge Access
Avail the Benefits of Lounge Access
Bank Cards Offer Lounge Access
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Benefits of Having Lounge Access?

Disclaimer: Specific amenities and services can vary between lounges, so it's good to research the lounge options available at your departure airport.

Comfort and Relaxation: Airport lounges offer a relaxing and cosy atmosphere away from the busy and hustling crowds of the main terminal. These airport lounges provide their visitors with comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi and sometimes even secluded workstations.
Complimentary Food and Drinks: Airport lounges provide you with a selection of complimentary foods like snacks, meals and beverages, including some alcoholic options. These perks can help you save money compared to buying food and drinks at the terminal.
Priority Services: Premium lounge access allows travellers to shower and freshen up during long-haul flights before continuing their journeys.
Shower Facilities: Premium lounge access comes with facilities for travellers to shower and freshen up during long-haul flights before continuing with their journeys.
Business Services: Airport lounges are always equipped with basic needs to conduct your business, like fax machines, charging stations, printers, etc., allowing people to catch up on their work before they start their journey.
Space for Families: Lounges worldwide have designated family areas for your families to unwind and relax before you start your journey.
Entertainment and Amenities: Depending on the airport and the access, many lounges offer several amenities like newspapers, televisions, and magazines, and some places even have gaming consoles.
Meeting and Conference Rooms: Some premium lounges provide private meeting rooms and conference rooms to conduct your business meetings more privately and efficiently, even when you're travelling.
Flight Information and Assistance: Lounge staff often provide updated flight information and can assist with rebooking or other travel-related inquiries.
Access to Multiple Lounges: If you have a priority pass or membership with a lounge network, you can access a wide range of lounges across different airports, providing consistent service throughout your travels.

How to Avail the Benefits of Lounge Access?

Airline or Ticket Class: Some airlines offer lounge access to passengers flying in premium classes (like business or first class). Check with your airline to see if your ticket class includes lounge privileges.
Buy a Priority Pass: Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges available in over 1,300 locations in 148 countries. Each lounge has unique features but typically includes free food, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. You may find a participating lounge during your travels.
Frequent Flyer Status: If you have a high-tier frequent flyer status with an airline, you may be eligible for lounge access. This is often a perk for elite-status members.
Credit Cards: Many premium credit cards, especially travel-specific ones, have lounge access benefits. Check your credit card's terms and help to see if this is included. If you have a preferred airline, getting their co-branded credit card can provide you with many benefits and help you accumulate points faster. However, it's important to be aware of any associated annual fees before submitting your application. A few advantages of co-branded airline cards include:
- Welcome bonus: Many cards offer new card members a welcome bonus, in the form of points, for signing up and spending a certain amount of money during the introductory period. Be sure to check the terms of the card you are interested in applying for.
- Rewards points: These points are usually earned on travel purchases as well as everyday purchases. Most cards offer at least 1 reward mile (or point) per dollar spent. In certain categories or when used to purchase travel on that airline, the rewards points can be even higher.
- Travel perks: This includes things like priority boarding and free checked bags and can vary by card.
Airport Lounge Memberships: Programs like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass offer access to a network of lounges globally for a yearly membership fee. Some premium credit cards provide complimentary membership to these programs.
Airline Lounge Memberships: Some airlines offer standalone lounge memberships that allow access to their lounges and sometimes partner lounges.
Pay-Per-Use: Many lounges allow travellers to pay for a single-use entry, typically at the lounge entrance. This option is available to all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class.
Corporate Lounge Memberships: Some companies offer lounge access as part of their corporate travel programs, so if you're travelling for business, check with your employer.
Lounge Day Passes: Some lounges offer day passes that can be purchased at the lounge entrance. This option is often available for a fixed fee.
Through Travel Agencies or Online Platforms: Some travel agencies or online platforms offer lounge access as an add-on service when booking flights or travel packages.

Membership Activation: To access the services offered by Priority Pass, you must first become a member. This can be done by signing up for a membership on the Priority Pass website or through a participating financial institution that offers Priority Pass as a benefit.
Receive Your Membership Card: After completing the registration process, you will be sent a physical membership card for Priority Pass by mail. Additionally, it may be possible for you to obtain a digital version of the card through the Priority Pass mobile application.
Locate the Lounges: To find out which lounges at the airports you'll be visiting accept Priority Pass, you can use either the mobile app or the website. The app also offers information about the various amenities that each lounge provides.
Provide Your Card at the Lounge: Once you reach a lounge that accepts Priority Pass, show your membership card to the lounge staff. They will confirm your membership and permit you to enter.
Enjoy the Amenities: After entering the lounge with your membership card, enjoy the various amenities available. These may range from cosy seating and complimentary refreshments to Wi-Fi, shower facilities, and additional perks.
Check for Guest Access: If your membership grants you the privilege of guest access, kindly notify the lounge personnel of the number of guests you intend to bring along.
Avail Additional Discounts: If your Priority Pass membership offers discounts at airport restaurants or retail outlets, be sure to ask about them and take advantage of the benefits when you make your purchases.
Keep Your Membership Card Handy: Make sure you always have your physical or digital Priority Pass card when you're travelling since, you'll need it to access lounges.

Priority Pass offers a range of benefits that transform the travel experience. Access to an extensive global network of airport lounges allows members to enjoy comfort and convenience during their journeys. The flexibility of membership tiers and guest access ensures that all travellers can reap the rewards. Elevate your travel adventures with Priority Pass and embrace a world of exclusive privileges that redefine how you travel.

Which Indian Bank Cards Offer Lounge Access?

Credit Cards

HDFC Visa Signature Credit Card
HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card
Yatra SBI Credit Card
SBI Advantage Platinum Credit Card
SBI Platinum Corporate Card
Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card
Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card
Axis Bank Signature Credit card
IndusInd Bank Platinum Select Credit Card

Debit Cards

HDFC Bank Millennia Debit Card
HDFC EasyShop Platinum Debit Card
SBI Platinum International Debit Card
Axis Bank Prestige Debit Card
YES Prosperity Platinum Debit Card
ICICI Bank Coral Paywave Contactless Debit Card
Axis Priority Debit Card
Kotak Privy League Signature Debit Card
ICICI Bank Sapphiro Debit Card
IDFC First Bank Visa Signature Debit Card

FAQs about Lounge Access Benfits

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Is food free at the airport lounge?

Lounges typically set food up in a way where you can help yourself as needed. They often offer free snacks and other food choices, plus drinks, including alcoholic beverages. These food and drink offerings come at no extra cost to you.

How many hours are you allowed to spend in the lounge with access?

Passengers can access the lounge 2-3 hours prior to their flight departure time. Some lounges may have specific access rules or restrictions, such as membership requirements or minimum stay requirements.

Can my wife use my card for lounge access?

The credit card Terms and Conditions for use of free lounge access in airport strictly mentions that the facility can be used only by the Primary Card holder.

Can I take my family in the airport lounge with access?

Authorized users also can bring a spouse/domestic partner and all their minor children into the lounge.

How can families with kids make airport waiting times easier and more enjoyable?

Airport lounges are a great option for families travelling with kids—they offer kid-friendly spaces, comfortable seating, clean restrooms, and meals that cater to all age groups, making long waits much easier. Also, you can consider taking travel insurance for your family.

In case of unexpected delays or lost baggage, travel insurance can be a big help. Depending on your policy’s coverage, you may receive fixed compensation for delays, which can be used to manage immediate needs. Just make sure to check the terms and conditions mentioned in your policy document for exact details.