LoungeKey charges US$35 per person, per visit for guests accompanying a cardholder, based on updated rates effective from October 1, 2023. This fee applies to each guest beyond any complimentary allowance provided by your specific credit card. Some, but not all, cards allow free access for guests.
We've teamed up with LoungeKey to give anyone with Monzo Premium or Monzo Max discounted access to airport lounges worldwide. You and guests can access 1,100 airport lounges around the world for a flat fee of £24 per person, per visit. This rate includes Max Family, and you will need to pay per person, per visit.
You may invite guests to join you in an airport lounge. Most lounges accept an indefinite number of guests. However, if any restrictions do apply, they will be shown in the lounge details in the “Find a lounge” section of the LoungeKey website.
You pay US $32 per visit, and the same price applies for any accompanying guest. To get started with LoungeKey, you need to create an account with LoungeKey here. We recommend that you download the LoungeKey app, to see your visits and find the nearest LoungeKey lounge when traveling.
As mentioned above, most airport lounges have a day pass option, even if you're not flying with that particular airline. You can purchase a day pass in advance online, or using the various apps listed above, or you can walk up to the front desk of any lounge to inquire about availability for that day.
Paid access
If you don't have the right credit card or free access, you can purchase an annual Admirals Club membership or a one-day pass. With an annual Admirals Club membership, you'll also have access to Alaska Airlines lounges, Qantas lounges and other partner lounges.
In terms of pricing structure: LoungeKey typically charges based on usage when entering certain lounges (this varies widely), whereas Priority Pass requires upfront annual fees but provides predictable costs for regular travelers who utilize multiple visits throughout the year.
International Airport Lounge Access Credit Card
These Cards offer complimentary access to various facilities at airports, such as free Wi-Fi, premium waiting rooms, free food, air travel points and much more. Apply for airport lounge access credit cards and take advantage of the perks when travelling.
From 1 October, #VisaAirportCompanion App will replace the #LoungeKey App to access your #Visa Card #AirportLounge benefits. Available for Visa #Infinite, #Signature & #Platinum Credit cardholders.
Fees for doing so vary. If you purchased your membership directly from Priority Pass, guest passes to most lounges cost $35 per guest. Memberships that come with some travel credit cards may offer free guest passes, though how many per visit may vary.
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Annual fees for these memberships can range from a few thousand rupees to premium rates for more luxurious and extensive networks.
HSBC Premier Credit Card Mastercard
The HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard costs 200 USD per annum and give you membership to LoungeKey. This opens up a wide range of complimentary access to more than 750 airport lounges globally.
Free airport lounge access is typically found with premium travel credit cards, like the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X, which offer extensive network access (Priority Pass, Centurion, Capital One Lounges) often alongside airline-specific lounges (Delta Sky Club, United Club). While many cards have high annual fees for these perks, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect offers limited complimentary Priority Pass visits with no annual fee, making it a rare exception for no-cost access.
The American Express Platinum Card® is considered the best travel card for frequent travelers because it offers complimentary entry to the most airport lounges of all premium cards. Sure, it has a hefty annual fee of $895 ( see rates and fees ), but its lounge access is among the most comprehensive there is.
On LoungeKey, HSBC have also increased it to £24, but it remains free for those who have the world elite credit card.
No upfront membership fees.
Your member credit card typically covers the cost of your lounge entry, often as part of any annual credit card fee.
You can get free airport lounge access through premium travel credit cards with lounge perks (like Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve), achieving airline elite status, flying in business/first class, or sometimes via airline loyalty program benefits or promotions; otherwise, you can purchase single-visit passes or memberships like Priority Pass.
You may be able to book a pass in advance on the lounge's website or purchase one at the door. If the lounge is at capacity though, you can be denied entry. This is a great way to indulge in the benefits of a lounge without paying for the full membership or a first class ticket.
Airport lounges are worth it for frequent travelers seeking comfort, quiet, free food/drinks, and productivity, especially during long layovers, but less so for occasional flyers due to costs, with value depending heavily on travel frequency, lounge quality, and personal needs like working or family travel. While single-use passes can be pricey, annual memberships or premium credit cards often offer better value by offsetting costs with free amenities like Wi-Fi, workspaces, showers, and a calmer environment than crowded terminals.
Free airport lounge access is typically found with premium travel credit cards, like the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X, which offer extensive network access (Priority Pass, Centurion, Capital One Lounges) often alongside airline-specific lounges (Delta Sky Club, United Club). While many cards have high annual fees for these perks, the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect offers limited complimentary Priority Pass visits with no annual fee, making it a rare exception for no-cost access.