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- iHaveNet.com: Travel
By Ed Perkins
Airport waiting areas are classic hostile environments -- crowded, noisy, inhospitable, and uncomfortable, right? Yes, they are, for most travelers, but not for all. A few select flyers find their way into a comfortable private lounge equipped with easy chairs, work desks, TV, usually WiFi, attendants to help with arrangements, and -- in most -- bars stocked with complimentary beverages and snacks. Some lounges at international hubs even include showers. The big U.S. airlines operate membership lounges at their main airports, as do many big foreign lines. What's not to like? The price: Membership in a big line's program costs around $500 a year, maybe a reasonable price for a "road warrior" but pretty rich if you travel only two or three times a year. Fortunately, however, you have a few alternatives, and a new program promises the lowest cost yet for club benefits.
If you can't wait for
If you don't want to pay for a full year in a big airline's program, some lines offer shorter-term options:
-- Short-term memberships are available for
-- One-day memberships are available for $30 to $55 in
-- Continental sells books of 10-day passes for $450, not a good deal compared with annual membership for one person but useful when shared.
A few premium credit cards include lounge club access, at a total annual cost less than the cost of regular membership: Chase's
Of course, if you're traveling on a first- or business-class ticket, you often have access to premium lounges. Top-tier frequent flyers also enjoy lounges at many airports.
Much of the time, lounge access is an unnecessary luxury. But in a long delay or cancellation, access to a lounge makes a huge difference. They're probably your best bet if you need a meeting place and message center. Lounges are also great for seniors or anyone else who may need a little more assistance than the average traveler. They're fine for older kids, but most have a minimum age of 12 or so.
All in all,
© Ed Perkins, TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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Travel | Airport Lounges for the Rest of Us