Lounge Life: How to Upgrade Your Travel Experience with Airport Lounges

We're all about making sure you have the best possible travel experiences. When you're spending your hard-earned money on vacation, every single second of your trip should be as relaxing, enjoyable, and stress-free as possible.

And while most people would agree with that, they tend to forget about one key element - the airport lounge. Airport lounges are a great way to kick off or end your journey in style.

If you've never considered the idea of using an airport lounge or you thought they were only for business travelers, you're in for a surprise. Read on and get ready to be convinced to add airport lounges to your must-have travel items list.

What is an Airport Lounge?

Airport lounges are a luxurious way to start or end your journey, offering a private and comfortable space for travelers to unwind while they wait for their flights. With amenities not typically found in other areas of the airport, lounges provide an elevated travel experience that is well worth considering for any trip.

Food and Beverages

Most lounges offer a wide variety of foods and beverages. From sandwiches and pastries to buffets and hot meals, these lounges are great places to grab a bite on your way out of town. You'll find alcohol in most lounges, but not all of them offer the same selection.

When you stop and think about the price of buying just a bagel and a coffee at the airport, it's easy to see that a lounge stay can be well worth the price.

Surprising Conveniences

If you're traveling internationally to another continent or faraway country, the odds of getting a nonstop flight are pretty slim. You'll most likely have to pick something with connecting flights and sometimes that means long layovers.

When you're stuck in an airport for hours and hours, waiting for another long flight, having a place to freshen up, stretch your legs, and just relax is a lifesaver. You can take a shower, change your clothes, and come back to the waiting area to relax in the uncrowded lounge. And if you need to close your eyes and rest, you'll never have to search for an empty seat or consider using the floor as a bed.

Other Amenities

Sure, there are some things you could live without, but let's face it, if you're stuck in an airport for hours or even days, it's nice to have those extra amenities. Airport lounges almost always have TVs for entertainment, high-speed Wi-Fi for downloading more games and movies, and plenty of outlets for recharging before your next flight.

How Can I Get Access to An Airport Lounge?

There are a variety of ways to get access to an airport lounge.

First, if you're traveling first and/or business class, you may have access to that airline's lounge. You can pay for a day pass for lounges open to the public.

If you've reached a certain level of status with an airline by being a frequent flier, you may have access to their lounge.

You can also purchase a membership to a program like Priority Pass. With a priority pass membership, you can access hundreds of lounges in airports worldwide.

But the best way to access airport lounges is by checking the credit cards you currently have sitting in your wallet. Odds are one gives you access to airport lounges; you just have to check your benefits and enroll.

Here are a few of the many cards with an airport lounge benefit.

• American Express Marriott Bonvoy - Priority Pass

• American Express Platinum - Priority Pass

• American Express Platinum - Delta Sky Club

• Citi Prestige - Priority Pass

• Chase Sapphire Reserve - Priority Pass

• Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select - Admirals Club

• Capital One Venture X - Priority Pass

• United Explorer - United Club Lounge access.

• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card - Delta Sky Club and the Centurion Lounge

You don't need to be an elite traveler to enjoy the benefits of airport lounges. You just need to know where they are and how to access them. Before you take your next trip, read up on your credit card benefits and look into priority pass. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying the perks of one of the best travel accessories ever invented.