How Can You Access Airport Lounges and Clubs? (in 2025)

The first class experience isn’t relegated to the sky. Savvy travelers know that the first class experience can start before departure. Airport lounges have become the ultimate pre-flight retreat. Once exclusive to the most elite frequent flyers and premium class passengers, these spaces are now more accessible than ever, thanks to partnerships with credit card programs and membership perks. So, how can you access airport lounges on your next trip? In this post, we’ll highlight some of the most common ways to access lounges and clubs.

Lounge Access for First and Business Class Passengers

One of the easiest ways into airport lounges is with your ticket. Before we go much further, only certain tickets grant easy access to lounges and clubs. Most major airlines grant their business and first class passengers complimentary access to their premium lounges. These business and first class lounges are the ideal place to relax, or catch up on work while waiting for your flight. Additionally, many airlines have invested millions in more exclusive and upscale lounges reserved for travelers holding eligible business and first class tickets.

However, it’s important to note that not all first or business class tickets grant lounge access, and not all lounges are created equally. Even if you’ve purchased a full-fare unrestricted first class ticket, you might not be guaranteed lounge access. Eligibility often depends on your itinerary. One example in which a first class ticket doesn’t get you access to these lounges is when traveling domestically on U.S. airlines. The big-three carriers based in the United States (American, Delta, and United) only allow business or first class passengers lounge access if they’re traveling on longer-haul international flights.

Luckily, outside of the United States, you will find the most first or business class tickets get you access to some type of premium lounge at your departure or arrival airport. As mentioned, not all premium lounges offer guests unparalleled luxuries. In some cases, especially at smaller airports catering to regional traffic, a business class lounge might not be anything more than a slightly nicer waiting room.

If you’re booked in first or business class, there are plenty of lounges that offer a memorable premium and luxurious experience. With airlines having invested heavily into creating these exclusive spaces, there are some truly remarkable clubs and lounges available to travelers booked in the forward cabin. One example is Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal in Frankfurt which offers personalized service, including private check-in, à la carte dining, and even a chauffeur to your aircraft.

Similarly, the Chelsea Lounge, jointly operated by American Airlines and British Airways at New York JFK, stands out with its upscale design and premium dining options. Another first class lounge that stands out is Cathay Pacific’s The Pier in Hong Kong which delivers a serene, spa-like atmosphere complemented by exceptional food, private showers, and nap rooms.

While a ticket in business or first class is usually the quickest way in to some of the best lounges in the world, it’s also the most expensive way. Thankfully, there are a few other less costly ways to access airport lounges.

Loyalty Programs: Access Lounges with Elite Status

Loyalty pays off, especially when you’re among an airlines most frequent of frequent flyers. Frequent flyers can benefit from their preferred airline’s loyalty program. Advancing through the elite status ranks will usually open the doors to airport lounges. If you consistently fly with the same airline or with airlines in the same alliance, your status may come with complimentary club access.

An airlines most elite members often enjoy access to the most luxurious lounges in an airline’s network. Elite status tiers like Lufthansa’s HON Circle, Air France Flying Blue Ultimate Status, or Singapore Airlines’ PPS Club grant entry to premium spaces such as Lufthansa’s First Class Lounges, Air France Lounges, or Singapore Airlines’ SilverKris Lounges.

On the other hand, lower-tier elite statuses don’t usually include lounge access at all or, if they do, limit access to basic lounges, such as standard business class clubs. For example, United Airlines’ Premier Silver and Delta’s Silver Medallion members don’t automatically receive lounge privileges. Even with mid-tier status like United Premier Gold or Delta Gold Medallion, access may only extend to lounges on international itineraries, leaving domestic travelers without entry. This restriction is a common caveat for U.S. airlines, where complimentary lounge access is often reserved for long-haul international flights.

When accessing airport lounges using elite status, it’s important to check the fine print, as policies and perks vary across airlines, alliances, and itineraries. Still, elite status is another fairly simple way to access lounges.

Access Lounges with Premium Travel Rewards Credit Cards or Membership Programs

In the last decade, the premium travel rewards credit card market has grown significantly. In 2022, the travel credit card market was valued at a whopping $16.4 billion according to Allied Market Research. As a result, there are plenty of premium credit cards offering lounge access as a cardholder benefit to chose from. As of 2025, this method is still not as widespread outside of the U.S. and Canada. This is the result of the widespread use of credit cards in these two markets.

In the U.S. however, there are a number of competitive travel rewards cards offering lounge access to cardholders. Here are some of the most notable travel rewards credit cards with lounge access: