Your lounge playbook: cards, day passes, and little-known perks

Airport lounges: why they’re worth it and how to get in for less

Boarding Call 🚀

✈️ Lounges are not just for first class. If you have a long connection, the math often works: the entry fee can be less than what you would spend on food and drinks in the terminal, plus you get quiet space, fast Wi-Fi, and often showers. At some airports you can even buy a day pass at the door. In Singapore Changi, public rates start around $55 for 3 hours, with showers available.

LOUNGES?

The big ways to access lounges

  1. Credit cards with lounge networks.

    • Amex Platinum gets you the Centurion Lounges and a large partner network. Note the guest rules have tightened, so check your benefits before you arrive. 

    • Chase Sapphire Reserve unlocks Sapphire Lounges by The Club plus Priority Pass. Locations include BOS, JFK, LGA, PHL, PHX and more. 

    • Capital One Venture X covers Capital One Lounges and Priority Pass. Direct Plaza Premium access ended in 2025, but many sites remain reachable via Priority Pass. 

    • Priority Pass is the global staple with 1,700+ lounges and experiences. Many cards include it; you can also buy a membership. 

The restaurant in the TWA hotel
  1. Buy a pass.

    Some lounges sell walk-in access or advance passes. With LoungeBuddy shut down in 2025, use the lounge’s site, Priority Pass, or the airport page to check availability and pricing. 

  2. Fly business/first or hold airline status.

    Works on many international routes and with select domestic programs. Always check the route rules.

ROI in real life

  • Food value: Buffet + drinks can beat terminal prices, especially for families.

  • Showers and naps: Great before an overnight or after a red-eye.

  • Work factor: Quiet tables, outlets, stronger Wi-Fi, often better than the gate.

Pro tips

  • Arrive early when you need a shower. Some lounges run sign-up lists.

  • If your card offers multiple networks, compare the crowd levels in the app.

  • Save your boarding pass to Wallet and keep a PDF in case the app stalls.

  • Ask about partner access. Priority Pass sometimes covers third-party lounges when airline clubs are full. 

  • Day-pass hack: If you only need a quick refresh, a 2–3 hour pass can be enough and cheaper than a full day. Check each airport’s page for prices. 

Trend to watch

Banks launched premium lounges. Now non-bank brands are experimenting with “lounge” experiences, including a Rimowa-branded activation spotted at Singapore Changi. It is a signal that perks are expanding beyond cards. We will keep tracking which of these become real, bookable spaces. 

Your turn

What are your top 3 lounges and why? Reply with your favorites. We will compile a reader list with tips like “best showers,” “quietest at peak,” and “best kids’ room.”

Manage travel. Don’t just book it.

— Egor Karpovich, Co-Founder, Travel Code

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Save up to 20% on corporate travel with Travel Code’s powerful tech, no legacy systems, and personal service across flights, hotels, and more. ✈️ 💛

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New here? Check our Self-Booking travel platform and share it with your colleagues.

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Boarding Call 🚀

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Manage travel. Don’t just book it.

— Egor Karpovich, Co-Founder, Travel Code

Your Partner in Corporate Travel

Save up to 20% on corporate travel with Travel Code’s powerful tech, no legacy systems, and personal service across flights, hotels, and more. ✈️ 💛

P.S.

New here? Check our Self-Booking travel platform and share it with your colleagues.

Some Useful Recommendations

The RB2B NewsletterJoin 50,000+ Subscribers for product, event, and company updates. If you don't want this email, please unsubscribe!
Rich on PaperThe newsletter for people making over $150K but still stress about money. Join 20,000+ readers.
Creator SpotlightYour guide to growing and monetizing creator businesses.