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Flickr Photo Credit: Mark Hillary

I’ve read about this several times over the last year, and I’m starting to think there’s something to it. Apparently, most of the major airlines will let you pay a yearly or lifetime fee (as well as a daily fee) to use their executive lounges.

Internationally, this also includes (usually) free alcohol, biz services such as email, phones, hot spots, showers, snacks, TV, sleeping sofas, more comfortable seating, etc.

Might be a way to be a bit more comfortable on the road, and certainly cheaper than even picking up one meal in an overpriced airport restaurant. They also usually have magazines and newspapers, saving a trip to the sundries store. There’s also a global priority pass which is not contingent upon a particular airline. They have lounges all over the world, with more on the way. Links for their web site, as well as other articles and references we have found on the subject, are provided below.

• This article on accessing international lounges from multiple airlines may prove helpful if you like to use your frequent flyer miles from a particular company.
• With this link on using airport lounges, you can read about the money saving and convenience issues that accompany lounge membership or per day lounge access vouchers. They also have links to other budget lounge options.
• To see what some passengers are actually saying about this option, you might want to check out this forum on the topic.
• Here’s another article on the use of airport lounges, with information on some airports about when the best complimentary refreshments are served.
• To review a program that is not contingent upon a specific airline, check out the web site for Priority Pass. After reviewing several articles and options, this is looking like the one David and I will choose. To be able to access all of the business, resting and refreshment services without having to purchase a higher end ticket is a huge perk, particularly when you are trying to plan your trip from the road, maintain business responsibilities, confirm reservations, and avoid paying six dollars or more for a bottle of water.

We hope you find this travel tip helpful. Happy trekking!

Posted on November 26th, 2006 by Myscha Theriault
Filed under: Tips and Hacks