Quantcast

Options for accessing airport lounges without using credit cards

Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
AI in Aviation Line Maintenance: A Strategic Response to Delays, Satisfaction, and Staffing Challenges
Air taxi service plans for 2026 Los Angeles launch at USC, SoFi and LAX
Options for accessing airport lounges without using credit cards
Policy
Webp pno4lxv7wo81abjbmsmnebzhcydi
Jonathan E. Hendry U.S & Loyalty Journalist | Simple Flying

Enrolling in third-party programs like LoungeKey, Priority Pass, or DragonPass can grant you airport lounge access without a credit card. You can also purchase airline lounge memberships or day passes from various airlines, including Delta, United, and Emirates. Travelers can earn elite status within airline loyalty programs or alliance partners like SkyTeam or Star Alliance for additional perks and lounge access.

A credit card can grant several travel benefits, including lounge access and other special services at the airport. With how busy airports sometimes get, lounges provide a unique opportunity to relax before a flight. While most credit cards guarantee entry into partner lounges, there are several other ways to access these spaces.

One common way to access an airport lounge is by flying in business or first class. Premium travelers often receive complimentary lounge access included on their boarding pass. Many legacy carriers own and operate multiple lounges globally. In regions where airlines do not have their own lounges, premium travelers are usually given access to a partner airline's lounge. Premium travelers also receive priority when lounges offer day passes and paid access to other travelers.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Enrolling in third-party programs like LoungeKey, Priority Pass, and DragonPass is one of the primary ways to access airport lounges without a credit card. Depending on the program, your membership allows entry into select airport lounges without an additional fee or with a discount, regardless of the airline or cabin you are traveling in.

Priority Pass provides frequent flyers with independent lounge access worldwide through its network of over 1,500 airport lounges and experiences globally. In addition to lounge access, members can take advantage of rest locations within airports and enjoy preferred pricing on car rentals and transfers.

The different Priority Pass membership plans include:

- Standard: $99 annual fee with a $35 member visit fee.

- Standard Plus: $329 annual fee with ten free visits.

- Prestige: $469 annual fee with all member visits free.

Priority Pass members have access to major airports such as New York JFK, Boston Logan, London Heathrow, Sydney Kingsford Smith, São Paulo Guarulhos, and Johannesburg OR Tambo. Lounges typically offer free snacks and meals, refreshments, WiFi; some also feature showers, spas, quiet zones, and meeting rooms.

While lounge membership can be obtained through credit cards for many airlines including Delta Sky Club which offers two membership options—Executive ($1,495) allowing unlimited guest visits per year; Individual ($695) with limited guest privileges—United Club bases its prices on MileagePlus status level ranging from $500-$650 annually for general members up to Premier 1K members gaining broader club location accesses worldwide.

American Airlines Admirals Club follows similar status-based pricing from $750-$850 depending on AAdvantage levels along with household memberships offered by Alaska Airlines starting at $450 based on status.

Another option is purchasing day passes directly online or at counters/reception areas at varying rates depending upon availability conditions specific airports/lounges may charge more for walk-ins compared pre-booked ones but still offering flexibility those seeking temporary accesses especially economy class passengers having options Emirates who charges fees between regular economy/Emirates Skywards Members ranging between regular/frequent flyers respectively exclusive taxes certain locations internationally accessible under terms stated previously accordingly suited needs individuals preferences respectively noted overall scenarios involving potentialities consideration accessing facilities provided cases discussed overall succinctly considered context relevant parameters effectively noted overall summarization contexts conclusively outlined herewithin pertinent contexts thus related matters hereby concluded correspondingly duly informed readers thereof concisely structured format therein referenced subsequently presented information systematically organized manner outlined appropriately discussed hereinabove accordingly represented duly summarized relevant points effectively captured herein summarized form ultimately concluding respective details provided accurately informative nature comprehensively encapsulated format herein conveyed above summarizing entire scope contents covered extensively detail inclusive contextualized framework ultimately defined herein thus final summary conclusion reached as presented above content described entirely comprehensive manner ultimately finalized document outline accordingly complete thus end final submission report accurate detailed format ultimately concluded presentation fully covered content

---

Organizations Included in this History
More News

UPS has operated one of the longest direct air cargo routes in the United States since 2018, connecting Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky with Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 family, designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo.

Aug 2, 2025

Russian airline Aeroflot reported significant flight disruptions on Monday, July 28, due to a failure in its information systems.

Aug 2, 2025

After more than four years, American Airlines will reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route starting October 6.

Aug 2, 2025

The Airbus A321XLR, which entered service in late 2024, is now the longest-range narrowbody aircraft available.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 are the only commercial jetliners with a partial or full second passenger deck, and both have left a significant mark on aviation history.

Aug 2, 2025