GLOBAL INDUSTRY NEWS

Airlines introduce direct boarding from airport lounges for premium passengers

Policy

Airbus A380 | Airbus

By Sky Industry News

Dec 22, 2024

When travelers achieve a certain airline tier or become part of a lounge program, they often seek the tranquility of an airline lounge upon arriving at the airport. Airlines globally have established lounges to cater to their most loyal customers. Some of these lounges now offer direct access from the lounge to the gate.

"Lounge-to-gate access is where customers visiting the airline lounge can board from the lounge directly to the gate nearby," allowing them more time in comfort and potentially boarding last or first for optimal luggage space.

In Honolulu, All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers such service at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Passengers can board directly from ANA's Suite Lounge on Terminal 2's third floor. "The ANA lounge is located on Terminal 2, on the third floor." Here, passengers are treated to various amenities but will find no shower rooms.

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Eligible passengers include those traveling in First or Business class, Diamond Service Members, or holders of a lounge access card. The ANA Lounge opens daily from 08:30 until ANA's final flight departure.

Teesside Airport in the UK has upgraded its Rockliffe Lounge for eligible SkyPriority passengers flying with KLM to Amsterdam, allowing them direct boarding as well. A host escorts guests from the lounge directly to their gate.

"Emirates is leading the charge" with this innovation at Dubai International Airport (DXB). At Emirates' hub, business and first-class passengers enjoy direct boarding from lounges above terminal gates via biometric entry systems. This feature enhances passenger convenience and streamlines boarding processes.

In Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Delta Air Lines provides similar services at its Sky Club in Terminal 5 near Gate M11 for select flights, enhancing passenger experience by reducing terminal congestion during boarding times.

These initiatives represent a growing trend among airlines aiming to improve customer experiences through seamless transitions from luxury lounges directly onto aircraft.