Waiting at crowded gate areas can be a frustrating experience. Depending on the airport, terminal, and airline, you may end up at the oldest part of the airport with limited power outlets and only a few food options, like Cinnabon and Hudson News. You may even have to stand or sit on the floor in crowded situations.
Savvy travelers have learned the way to avoid this is to have access to an airport club lounge.
Premium credit cards such as the American Express Platinum and Capital One Venture X offer access to exclusive clubs controlled by the bank, such as the Centurion Lounges or belong to a club network like Priority Pass or Plaza Premium.
Frequent flyers can gain entry to airline lounges by purchasing a club membership. However, these memberships can be expensive and are typically airline-specific. US airlines tend to maintain strict control over their branded club locations, except for Delta, which permits access to its SkyClubs for AMEX Platinum cardholders.
One way to access airline clubs without paying for a membership is by having a co-brand credit card with club access. American Airlines, Delta and United offer this option. It’s often less expensive than a membership and has full club access.
Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® has a $595 annual fee. However, the card includes access to the American Admirals Club membership, which normally costs $850 for a new member and $800 for renewals. With an annual membership, you get access to more than 100 Admirals Club and partner lounges worldwide for yourself and up to two guests. Discounted prices are available for American flyers with Gold status and above.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card comes with a $550 annual fee, which grants you access to the Delta SkyClubs while traveling with Delta. Starting from 2025, the number of visits to SkyClubs per year will be limited to 15 unless you have spent $75,000 on the card in the previous calendar year. It’s worth noting that only Delta Medallion members are eligible to purchase a SkyClub membership for $695. Membership to the Delta SkyClub from the Reserve AMEX card does not include access to SkyTeam partner lounges unless you have Medallion status.
United ClubSM Infinite Card
The United Club card has a $525 annual fee and includes a United Club membership. Memberships otherwise cost $650, with discounted pricing for United Premier Platinum and Premier 1K members. The United Club card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule, making it unavailable to some applicants.
Final Thought
For those who are interested in acquiring memberships to American, Delta, or United lounges, obtaining a co-branded card with club membership included is a more cost-effective solution. Furthermore, these cards offer a substantial sign-up bonus for new applicants who can meet the spending requirement. If you’re willing to pay $500 or more for a lounge membership, then it should be an easy feat to meet a $5,000- $7,000 spending requirement over a period of three months.
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