The airport lounge, with comfy seats, snacks and WiFi, has been one of the top perks for airline elites and first-class passengers. Now a new business is developing: pay-as-you-go lounges open to anyone with the fee. Airport Lounge Development, which operates the Priority Pass card for lounge access is now opening lounges of its own; a new one just opened in Phoenix, at $35/day for visitors. DETAILS
American Celebration on Parade, Quicksburg, Virginia
George G visits a unique museum, with numerous original parade floats
Twice I’ve used a commercial lounge at the Hong Kong Airport. After the long transpacific flight, nothing is nicer than a shower and a quiet place to stretch out before going on. I’m surprised it’s taken so long for the concept to catch on in the US.
It is a pleasure, as well, when making early morning connections in Europe. I’ve had lounge access through various credit cards for the past few years and truly enjoyed breakfast in a lounge while waiting for the next flight, and even the ability to doze a little, knowing that a) the seat is comfortable, b) my bag is safe and c) the agent at the desk will remind me it’s time to walk to the gate!
Even at $35 a pop…likely worth it.
A little pampering after a long flight, especially in steerage, is a good investment in my opinion. While I haven’t used these lounges a lot, they make great sense if you have many hours of waiting between flights, even at a fee.