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Wishing For An Airline Lounge Membership? 6 Ways To Get One |
By:
Beth B |
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Wishing for an Airline Lounge Membership? 6 Ways to Get One
Beth B
Have you ever walked past those airline lounge doors and wondered how to afford a membership? If you've sat through weather delays and mechanical breakdowns, you know how much it will mean to sit in a quiet, comfortable seat. Airline lounge membership gives regular travelers a much-needed sanctuary.
I used to think airline lounges were only for the wealthy, or the lucky executives whose companies footed the bill. Not so. Here's how the "in the know" travelers get their airline lounge memberships.
1. The obvious method is to purchase at full price from the airline. I don't recommend outright purchase personally -- at a price tag of several hundred dollars (depending on the airline) it's not much of a bargain. Unless your company pays for membership, you probably won't go this route.
2. Depending on space availability, you might be able to purchase a lounge's day pass. This is usually offered at check-in, and only gives acces to that airline's lounge. It's a reasonable option for vactioners who hardly ever travel.
3. Do you carry an American Express Platinum card? If so, you already have access to many lounges run by four different airlines. Platinum cards are only offered to well-established potential customers, and there's a healthy annual fee. If you want the full suite of Platinum card services, this is worth considering.
4. Similarly, if you have a Diners Club card you have access to their network of lounges. This benefit isn't particularly useful in the United States. If you travel internationally it's a good option with a relatively low annual fee.
5. If most of your travel is on one airline, you probably qualify for a discounted membership with that club. Most airlines offer discounted membership prices if you have frequent flyer status, and may allow you to purchase membership with airline miles insead of hard currency. I don't travel a single airline enough for this to be practical.
6. If you've made it this far down the list without finding an answer, don't dispair. You still have Priority Pass membership to look forward to, and it's a great option. My Priority Pass membership gives me access to over 500 lounges in more than 275 cities. They have access in the U.S. airports I frequent, and a nice range of membership fees. You can start as low as $99 plus $27 per visit.
As you can see, there are many ways to get membership to an airline lounge. You can spend a lot of money on full-price membership or credit card annual fees. You can also spend very little by using airline miles or purchasing a Priority Pass membership. The choice is yours.
Before you decide, read Beth B's discussion of the http://www.iflytowork.com/2007/12/03/airline-lounge-access-priority-pass-review/) Priority Pass program and why the http://www.iflytowork.com/2007/12/03/airline-lounge-access-priority-pass-review/) Priority Pass program made sense for her.
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Article Source: http://www.statssheet.com/articles/article73865.html |
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