Need a breather from airport madness before you head over to your gate? Showers, private rooms, complimentary cocktails, and more await you – if you know how to get in, of course. Discover the lounge amenities these airlines have to offer and how to get access to these hidden airport treasures.
Alaska Airlines Lounges
Alaska Lounge
Alaska Airlines is new to the airport lounge game and currently only has five locations in Seattle, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), Portland, and Anchorage. There are future lounges in the works, however, passengers can access over 90 lounges worldwide through their partnership with American Airlines, Qantas Club, and other partnerships through United Club and more. As such, Admirals Club members can visit Alaska lounges freely. Décor is reminiscent of a Northwestern lodge and features a mix of rustic and industrial styles. However, the airline has recently renovated and expanded lounges by adding more seating, more lounges, and even added a new patio space at one of its locations. While the amenities aren’t extravagant, travelers will find themselves with complimentary snacks, beverages (including alcoholic drinks), and other amenities to hold them over until their flight:
- Breakfast, salad bar, soups, salads, and more
- Full-sized bar with local wine and beer (limit 3 drinks per passenger)
- Starbucks coffee and other hot beverages
- Wi-Fi
- Concierge service
Alaska Lounges are accessible to those with a lounge membership ($400+) or with the purchase of a day pass ($60). Memberships are a great option for those who regularly travel with their family, as membership benefits include access for yourself and up to two guests or any immediate family members. Discounts are available for Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders, who get 50% off on all-day passes (not valid at partner lounge locations), and lounge access is always complimentary for active duty military traveling on orders and departing within 3 hours.
American Airlines Lounges
Admirals Club
There are over 50 lounges worldwide with locations at all major U.S. airports; décor and additional amenities like spas and business centers can vary widely between lounges. This is American Airlines’ most accessible lounge and travelers can gain access by being an Admirals Club member, purchasing a day pass ($59), 5,900 AAdvantage® miles, or owning the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® (the only co-branded American Airlines credit card that automatically provides complimentary lounge access). Passengers can enjoy several complimentary amenities, including:
- Buffet-style snacks and salad bar
- Cocktail bar
- Made-to-order specialties (where available)
- Private shower suites
- Business center cubicles
- Free access to digital magazines and newspapers
Flagship Lounge
This is the premium American Airlines lounge for international and transcontinental passengers flying First or Business class. Qualifying flights include those between the U.S. and Asia, Australia, Central America, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, and South America. There is no guest access allowed except by first-class passengers. Alongside these premium lounge experiences is Flagship First Dining, a new complimentary sit-down dining experience that’s available in select Flagship lounges. First-class visitors can enjoy curated, regionally inspired dishes along with signature wines and beers. Décor is crisp and modern with ample seating and outlets – perfect for the traveling executive. Premium amenities include:
- Buffet-style, chef-inspired meals
- Sit-down service
- Self-serve wine and cocktail bar
- Shower suites
As if this lounge wasn’t exclusive enough already, there are only a handful of locations. Open daily starting at 4:30 AM until 11 PM (depending on the location), lounges can be found at:
- Chicago (ORD) – Terminal 3
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Terminal D
- Los Angeles (LAX) – Terminal 4
- Miami (MIA) – Concourse D
- New York (JFK) – Terminal 8
- Philadelphia (PHL) – Coming Soon
- London Heathrow (LHR) – Terminal 3
Delta Airlines Lounges
Delta Sky Club
Delta’s 50+ lounge locations (250 when including lounges from partner airlines) have been commended for their consistency and the regional touches like local beers on tap or a regionally made cheese. While lounge food isn’t usually anything to write home about, Delta’s health-conscious menu of veggie bowls, build-your-own pasta and soup, is commendable for re-imagining standard airport fare. Aside from making tummies happy, the Delta Sky Club offers convenient (and complimentary) amenities that are useful for those traveling for business or pleasure:
- Buffet-style refreshments
- Complimentary alcoholic beverage
- Showers
- Reservable conference rooms
Access is only available to Delta Sky Club members (individual membership starts at $695 a year), Medallion Members of the Delta SkyMiles Program, select co-branded Delta credit cardholders, or when flying on a same-day Delta One itinerary. For more info on who can access the lounge learn here.
Hawaiian Airlines
Plumeria Lounge
This simple lounge may not be as fancy or expansive as others from larger airlines, but what it lacks in size it makes up for with a cozy atmosphere, plenty of plush seating, and regional treats (free Hawaiian coffee!). While you won’t find more than standard buffet-style complimentary refreshments, this out-of-the-way retreat offers a peaceful place to relax. First and Business Class passengers of Hawaiian Airlines can enjoy complimentary access to the Plumeria Lounge, but day passes are available for purchase ($40 for non-club members) either at the entrance or via LoungeBuddy. Complimentary lounge amenities are simple, they include:
- Self-serve snacks (including regional cookies)
- Hot food
- Beer and wine
- Wi-Fi
This lounge does not include premium food or liquors for sale, meaning you may need to venture out into the terminal for something more substantial than snacks.
JetBlue Lounges
JetBlue doesn’t offer doesn’t offer lounge access. In the past, they had partnered up with two existing airport lounges in what they used to call “JetBlue Cities.” Today, these lounges are still located in Club Mobay (Montego Bay – MBJ) and Club Kingston (Kingston – KIN) and are managed by VIP Attractions, a local airport and concierge lounge service. Unlike most other airline lounges, access is available for both departing and arriving flights – and both types of lounge tickets will provide expedited check-in, customs, and security access. Although lounges do not provide transportation, they still make for a peaceful and hassle-free travel experience in an otherwise boisterous airport. These lounges are not and have never been managed by JetBlue, so travelers of several major airlines have access to them (unfortunately, only flights from international carriers provide automatic entrance to their clubs). If you’re flying to a Caribbean destination from the U.S., you can either purchase a day pass (prices start at $33 for adults and $23 for children) or provide proof of one of the following memberships:
- VIP Lounge Membership
- Priority Pass
- Diners Club
- Dragon Pass
- Digicel VIP Card
- Sagicor Select Card
- Lounge Club
- TAV Lounge Cards
Both lounges offer a bundle for arrival and departure lounge access. There is a great benefit to purchasing arrival lounge access prior to your landing, as the admission includes a VIP greeting service where a team member will guide you through customs.
Club Mobay
Arrival Lounge 6 AM to 8 PM / $50 per adult; $25 per child Departure Lounge Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM / $33 per adult; $25 per child / Located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, this stylish 11,000 sq. ft multi-room lounge and cherry backdrop while you wait for your flight or pick-up service. Exclusive features of this lounge are the adults-only lounge and spa – ideal for honeymooners and anyone else who’d like to an extra bit of pampering. is the largest of the two lounges and offers a bright The complete list of amenities includes:
- Complimentary cocktails
- Buffet-style refreshments (complimentary)
- Regionally inspired meals
- Children’s play area
- Business center
- Spa (at an additional cost)
- Free Wi-Fi
- Complimentary calls
Club Kingston
Arrival Lounge: 7 AM to 8:30 PM / $40 per adult; $20 per child Departure Lounge Hours: 3 AM to 7 PM / $33 per adult; $23 per child / Designed with traveling business professionals in mind, this lounge features a conference room outfitted with a projector and screen (reservation required). This lounge is about half the size of its peer and has slightly lower admission prices.
- Complimentary cocktails
- Buffet-style refreshments (complimentary)
- Regionally inspired meals
- Children’s play area
- Conference room
- Free Wi-Fi
- Complimentary calls
- Newspaper & Magazine
- Shower Facilities
- Private Restrooms
Southwest Airlines Lounges
Southwest does not operate its own lounges or have partnerships with other airlines that do, so passengers will have to rely on airport-specific lounges.
United Airlines Lounges
United Club
This lounge is accessible by all United Airlines passengers and requires either a United Club membership ($650), a purchasable one-time pass ($59), or owning a United Airlines credit card. There are no cabin requirements – however, all entrants will need a same-day boarding pass for a United Airlines flight or a Star Alliance partner flight. Located at their self-proclaimed “busiest” airports, United Airlines offers over 45 lounge locations in addition to the lounges from Star Alliance partners. Although primarily located at prominent U.S. airports within the United States, international lounge access is available at Guam (GUM), Hong Kong (HKG), London (LHR), and Mexico City (MEX). Lounge amenities include complimentary:
- Travel assistance
- Wi-Fi
- Free magazines
- Private phone booths
- Beverages (including alcohol)
- Buffet style snacks
- Showers (select locations)
- Family rooms (select locations)
- Conference rooms (select locations)
United Airlines is revamping their United Club lounges, however, so even existing Club members may find a delightful surprise during their next visit. Improvements include an expanded bar selection with premium options; a full buffet with breakfast items, soups, salads, and an array of deli meats; and improved waiting spaces with newly added workstations, more power outlets, and new seating.
United Polaris Lounge
An exclusive lounge offering from United Airlines, Polaris lounge access is only available to international premium cabin passengers. These beautifully designed lounges offer a stylish respite for business and first-class passengers and offer thoughtful amenities ranging from plush seating to private relaxation rooms:
- Private seating stations with pull-out desks
- Charging stations at every seat
- Table-mounted laps at each desk
- Multi-course meal with table service
- Buffet-style dining
- Full-service bar with premium wines and spirits
- Private quiet rooms
- Rest pods with beds, pillows, and sheets
- Individual shower facilities with Saks Fifth Avenue towels
- Showers
- Sunday Riley toiletries
- Valet service for pressing your clothing
For now, there are only a handful of United Polaris locations available at the country’s more prominent airports, but there are several future locations in the works. If a United Polaris lounge isn’t available at your departure airport, you can enjoy full access to United Club and partner lounge locations. United Polaris lounges can currently be found at:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Houston (IAH)
- Newark/NYC (EWR)
- San Francisco (SFO)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Washington D.C. (IAD)
- London (LHR)
- Hong Kong (HKG) – Temporarily closed
- Tokyo (NRT)
The Easiest Way to Get Free Lounge Access
What good is knowing all the fun (and free!) things inside an airport lounge if you never get to go inside and enjoy it for yourself? Paying for lounge access per trip can be pricey (if that lounge even accepts day passes), so the easiest way to ensure you can enjoy the finer things the airport has to offer is with a co-branded airline card. Explore the latest offers via BestCards and swipe your way toward free airport lounge access today!
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