How To Get Into The Best Airport Lounges - Business Insider

Once regarded as boys' clubs packed with businessmen smoking cigars, today's airport lounges welcome just about any flier and offer a lot more than unlimited peanuts.?

Consumers are itching to get into these havens?reclining massage chairs and celeb-prepped desserts are just two of the perks behind those closed doors?but few know how to do it short of sneaking in.?

We asked Brett Snyder, president of Cranky Commerce and blogger at The Cranky Flier, to list the various ways consumers can get past red tape to kill time like the airport elite.?

For occasional fliers:?Join an airport or airline lounge?

Cost: $400 to $500 per year

"This is really the most basic way to do it," says Snyder, who adds that this strategy is ideal for the "frequent flier who's not too frequent."?

For true frequent fliers: Earn high elite status

Cost: Around $375 per year?

People who get bumped to this class can actually knock $100 off the cost of their membership, says Snyder. However, "it only makes sense if you're going to be traveling a lot" and can quickly earn the required 1,000 points needed to get bumped.?

For infrequent travelers: Buy a day pass?

Cost: $50 at most clubs, though some offer discounts?

Do a cost-benefit analysis to be sure you'll actually use this. "If you're spending $475 a year and visit the lounge ten times, then it makes more sense to buy the pass," says Snyder. If not, spring for the membership so you don't overspend.?

For heavy travelers and shoppers: Carry an American Express Platinum card?

Cost: $450 annually

"If you have the card already, that's just an added benefit," says Snyder who notes the AmEx card grants access to more than 600 lounges worldwide, in addition to other perks like airline miles and free checked bags.?

For predictable travelers: Get a priority pass?

Cost: $99 yearly for a standard membership, plus $27

If you know where you're going?and visit occasionally?check PriorityPass.com to see which terminals and lounges are listed. Different ones participate depending on the country, says Snyder. For example, LAX offers access ot the US Airways Club, United Club and Alaska Airlines Boardroom, while JFK hardly has any options outside of the Oasis and United Club.?

For international travelers: Buy a premium or business class ticket?

Cost: Typically $500 and up?

"This grants you access to the better lounges, and perhaps a first-class lounge," says Snyder, however, these tickets tend to be pricey so make sure your boss is footing the bill if it's for business.?

For loyal fliers: Sign up for your airline's credit card?

Cost: Varies by card; United's Mileage Club card costs $395 annually; The Explorer costs $95/year with the first year free?

Despite the annual membership fee these cards get you into the club with perks. Says Snyder: "You're buying elite status to get lounge access, which sounds hefty, but if you fly United a lot, then you'll get a lot for free."?

DON'T MISS: 23 secrets to booking cheap flights >?

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-get-into-the-best-airport-lounges-2012-8

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