Just because you can get into an airport lounge now doesn’t necessarily mean you know how to behave in one. 😏
I mean, sure, airport lounges may offer free food, free drinks, and comfy chairs. What they don’t offer, apparently, is a crash course in basic etiquette.
There was a time when airport lounges were very exclusive places. The only way to get in was if you were flying first or business class, or had status (which, in those days, meant being a frequent flyer).
But those days are long gone. Status can be obtained through a variety of means, from credit card ownership to status matching to “stupid human tricks” like completing JetBlue’s 25 For 25 challenge (I say that last one tongue-in-cheek – I completed it and now have Mosaic 1 status for the next 25 years).
Credit card ownership seems to be the most common way for people to get lounge access. But just because someone has an expensive credit card doesn’t mean they have the social awareness of how lounges work. So here are some things we wish someone would tell the newbies:
When you’re going inside
Know what you need, and have it ready
Lounges typically have queues to get in nowadays, and the longer you take at the check-in desk, the longer everyone behind you will have to wait. So BEFORE it’s your turn at the desk, have everything ready.
You can’t get into the lounge unless you have the right credit card or whatever proof you have of membership. It’s got to be in your name, not your spouse’s (unless your spouse is with you). Also, make sure you’re within the X number of hours before your flight to be able to use the lounge.
Whatever credit card you’re going to use, have it in hand by the time you get to the desk. Have your boarding pass ready, as well. And you’ll need the boarding pass of whoever you’re bringing in with you, too.
Also be aware of how many guests you can bring in per visit, per year, whatever, and, as applicable, how much that might cost. Arguing with the person at the desk that you want to bring your spouse in, when you don’t have privileges to bring someone with you unless you pay the fee to do so, is embarrassing for you and a waste of everybody else’s time.
When you get inside
The concept of self-awareness can go a very long way in airport lounges.
One seat per person
You can see the lounge is crowded; don’t use one seat for your butt, another for your backpack, and a third to rest your feet. The backpack can go on the floor, along with your feet – and that way 2 more people can sit, too.
You’re in a public lounge, not your home
An airport lounge looks very cozy, but it’s still not an extension of your living room. So keep your shoes on, don’t lie down on the furniture, and clean up any messes you make.
Pretend you’re in a stranger’s house and you’re trying to impress them.
Control your kids
Running, screaming, watching videos without headphones, and making a mess on the floor are going to be frowned upon, regardless of what you think of your little Stilwell angel (brownie points if you get the reference). Your kids’ good behavior is your responsibility; set firm limits as needed.
Lounges are a good way to show the world that you’ve taught your children how to act appropriately in a mostly adult setting in public.
Keep your voice down
You’re in a lounge, not the mall or at a concert. And again, there are a lot of people in there. Keep your voice low so everyone can hear their own conversations.
Need to watch a video or take a phone call while you’re in the lounge? Don’t even think about using your speaker. FaceTime is also rude when you’re in the midst of a few hundred strangers. Go to a small, quiet area where no one else has to hear your conversation – because if you don’t, I promise some fellow passenger will either sarcastically ask you if you had headphones, or will start taking part in your conversation, too.
The snacks and drinks are meant for immediate consumption
We’ve all seen Aunt Mary at family weddings, where she shoves four finger sandwiches and a dozen chocolate chip cookies from the buffet into her pocketbook. That’s not what lounges are for.
Sure, if you’re only halfway done with your can of Coke, take it with you. But don’t take a bunch more cans and shove them into your backpack, just because they’re free. How gauche!
At the end of the day, airport lounges are supposed to be quieter, calmer spaces where travelers can relax before a flight.
But that only really works if everyone shares the space with at least a little self-awareness and consideration for the people around them.
In other words:
Don’t treat the lounge like your personal living room, daycare center, conference room, or Costco sample run. 😏
And please…for the love of all things aviation…stop taking speakerphone calls in crowded lounges.
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