Best Credit Cards For Lounge Access Of May 2024 – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

Overall, there are three main types of airport lounge networks: Airline lounges, card issuer lounges and independent lounge networks.

Airline Lounges

Airline-branded lounges, such as those listed as part of the American Airlines Admirals Club, tend to have airport lounge locations in major hubs or focus cities for a corresponding airline. Frequent flyers who are loyal to a single airline may find these a suitable option. Delta, United and others all offer lounge networks.

American Express Lounges

Several credit card issuers have created their own brand or network of airport lounges. American Express is the most extensive, with its Centurion Lounge network. Only a handful of Amex’s most-premium credit cards offer access to these lounges.

Capital One Lounges

Capital One has started its own line of lounges and though smaller than American Express’ collection, the Capital One Lounge network offers many of the same amenities. The network includes three lounges, one in the Dallas/Ft. Worth airport (DFW), another in the Dulles International Airport (IAD), and the third at Denver International Airport (DEN).

Capital One Lounges are accessible for Venture X cardholders and two guests and for a fee for additional guests of the cardholder.

Chase Lounges

Chase has announced a new lounge network as well. The issuer’s Sapphire Lounges have begun to open, with the first international lounge opening in Hong Kong, first U.S. based lounges open in Boston and New York’s JFK and LaGuardia airports and additional lounges coming soon in London, Las Vegas, Phoenix and more.

In addition to unlimited access for those who hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, those with Priority Pass memberships can access each Chase Sapphire Lounge once per calendar year.

Priority Pass Lounges

Another type of airport lounge network is a collection of independent lounge locations that have chosen to participate in a membership program. Priority Pass is perhaps the most well-known airport lounge network, with over 1,400 lounges worldwide. The network is accessible both via membership with an independently-purchased Priority Pass membership or complimentary membership through a credit card benefit from select issuers.

Other Notable Lounges

Lounge Key is another collection of lounges sometimes offered with credit cards. Also, several international lounge organizations and clubs exist to serve your needs if an airline or issuer lounge network doesn’t make sense for you.