Do you think you need access to airport lounges? If so, why? If you need to ponder the question, you’re probably not a frequent traveler, who’s been bumped from planes or missed connections. It’s unlikely you know the interiors of airports as if they were second homes.
Those traveling in business or in first class internationally don’t need to join a club. Paying big bucks for plane tickets usually entitles them to a guest pass. It’s the least an airline can do to show its gratitude. It may not sound like a big deal. But, for passengers with connecting flights and a lengthy layover, these retreats can be godsends.
Some clubs/lounges are clearly better than others. For example, I haven’t been overwhelmed by the Red Carpet Clubs in the U.S. The ones is Asia (for that matter anywhere but in the U.S.) are so much nicer.
There are some airport clubs, where no one would be devastated, if they were stranded for the night. These clubs come complete with hot and cold running food, lounge chairs where someone can sleep (some even have a sleeping room) and a large selection of libations. Lucky passengers can have a free massage then continue on to their next destination in a more relaxed, Zen-like, state.
If you’ve decided to join a lounge, what would you like to find?
The following are a few suggestions on my list. Please, feel free to add more.
- peace and quiet
- enough area in the lounge so passengers don’t feel as if they’re sitting on each other’s laps
- separate areas for children
- good food and good beverages; alcoholic ones should be free
- an extensive assortment of newspapers and magazines – in different languages
- large flat-screen TVs with different broadcast channels. Not everyone wants to watch the news or sports
- a business area with computers, printers, copiers and even a fax
- plenty of plugs including multi-standard ones; there should be a collection of electrical cords and adapters that may be used in the lounge
- free WiFi
Moving right along:
- well maintained washrooms and showers available for passengers with a long layover or who want to clean up before proceeding to the next destination
- sufficient amenities in the event travelers can’t put their hands on a toothbrush, etc.
- quiet areas that are designated for people who want to sleep in a lounge chair, chaise or massage chair where cell phones are forbidden
- Band-aids and simple medications (e.g. Tylenol, Tums) for heart-burn and headaches, so club members aren’t forced to leave the premises to find a pharmacy
Club members voice that they want personnel staffing the clubs, who are qualified and are authorized to provide VIP service, can answer questions and solve problems.
Additional things on travelers’ wish lists:
- Priority check-in facilities for passengers and their luggage
- Announcements at boarding time in the lounge so people aren’t forced to continually check the airlines’ monitors
Some say the ultimate perk (other than better-than-usual customer service) would be having a door on the outside of the security perimeter that leads directly to the screening area. And a special exit area for club members to use when boarding flights – so they aren’t forced to wait with other passengers.
What would provide you the incentive to part with hundreds of dollars to become a club member?
Realize, there’s nothing wrong with sitting in an airport’s concourse (most have WiFi) and new restaurants and bars inside the departure areas are finding that captive travelers spend real money eating and drinking because it’s a good way to fill time.
If you belong to an airline club, which ones do you consider the cream of the crop? And which clubs do you think are the worst?
Karen Fawcett is president of Bonjour Paris
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As a long-time Star Gold member, I don’t belong to a club per-se. I fly United Business Class internationally (their new class is probably the best business class product available on a US based airline) yet I still avoid using their lounges in the US where possible.
As for the best lounges I have experienced — Air New Zealand in Sydney; Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal (Frankfurt and Munich — I know it doesn’t count, but its probably the cream of the crop) and Thai’s lounge in BKK. I have been extremely disappointed by any lounge in the US — whether run by a US airline or a foreign one (well Qantas has a decent one) — I am going out on a limb and thinking that its because the lounges aren’t as exclusive as they are internationally…
In continuing with Ned’s theme the other day about excessive alcohol consumption by travelers, while I fully agree that clubs should provide free alcoholic drinks, they need to keep a limit on it, especially since most members will be flying first or business class getting even more free drinks.
More than once I’ve been in the Delta Crown Room club at JFK watching someone who arrived tipsy, drink even more, before boarding a flight to consume even more. Thankfully they’ve been pass out and sleep drunks not cause a problem drunks.
Would I spend a large amount on one airline’s club? Probably not. However, I subscribe each year to Priority Pass which allows me to visit over 2,500 lounges worldwide for a small daily fee (Currently $27 – there is also an unlimited no-fee option available).
Generally speaking, I have never had a problem finding a decent lounge at any large airport (O’hare being the exception, the only current lounge is in Terminal 5).
My travel recently increased so that I have covered over 50K miles in about 6 months. I took advantage of Delta Sky Club’s 30-day membership and liked it so much that I upgraded to a one-year membership. All the comforts listed above really make a difference on long trips. I know that I could have spent less money by buying meals and services as I needed them, but the personnel at the Delta clubs are so helpful and friendly, and the atmosphere so much calmer, that I felt it was worth the premium price.
Singapore Airlines First Class Terminal is the best, from my personal experience. Passengers can enjoy linen service sit down dinner for international flights if they don’t want to eat on the plane; wonderful soups, salads, cocktails. Beautiful surroundings, personalized service from the attendants. Boarding time is not only announced, but the attendants walk the passengers directly to the gate and assist them with any packages, bags etc. Well worth the money.
I agree with Jason except for westbound United in SanFranciso-their business first class lounge is gorgeous with great food and showers, best I have ever seen in USA. Unfortunately, you can not use it returning east. The British airways first/businees class lounge at Heathrow’s new Terminal is very impressive as well.
United’s Red Carpet Clubs are terrible in the US and very fine in Europe.
If you want peace and quiet, most domestic ones seem suited for that, but in some the space is cramped. Other amenities are good or excellent in Asia and better in Europe than in the U.S. The one bright spot is the independent lounge used by multiple carriers in Terminal 4 at JFK. With the merger of Northwest and Delta, the lounges have been downgraded to the Delta amenities which are noticeably less accomodating than what Northwest provided, especially the coffee. I am sorry to see what happened in Northwest’s best lounge in Tokyo.
Speaking of JFK, I have visited lounges in both Terminal 4 and Terminal 1. Terminal 1 was packed with folks from air france and the others from Skyteam. With 2 of the flights delayed it was very difficult to find a seat. Terminal 4 also had to deal with some delayed flights, but gave me a seat right at the window, which I love, with plenty of room to stretch out.