So, picture this: you’re at the airport, right in the thick of it all – the crowds, the lines, the chaos. And just when you think you can’t take it anymore, like a shining beacon of hope amidst the madness: the airport lounges!
However, the access to these oases of relaxation was strictly for the high rollers, the VIPs, and the elite few. Total bummer, right? That’s what I thought until I stumbled upon this game-changing revelation. Turns out, there are four credit cards out there that are like your golden ticket to airport bliss, rescuing you from the power outlet fights and cramped seating nightmares.
One of my readers asked:
“ I’m flying Virgin Atlantic economy class from Miami this week. Can anyone recommend the best lounge for my wife and me? We’re vegetarians and heard that food options might be limited. Our priority is finding the most comfortable lounge that allows entry for both of us. Also, for future lounge access, which credit cards should I focus on? “
Let’s break down my reader’s lounge dream into three easy parts!
Location of lounges in the Miami Airport
First up, the location. So, since you’re flying Virgin Atlantic from Miami, you’ll be hanging out in the South terminal. And guess what? There are three VIP lounges there:
- Delta Sky Club in Concourse H
- Turkish Airlines lounge in Concourse H
- LATAM Airlines lounge in Concourse J
Best ways to access airport lounges
Now, how to actually get into these swanky lounges? Here are the five golden ways:
- Fly business or first class (living the high life!)
- Hold an elite airline membership (feeling fancy, huh?)
- Use specific credit cards (more on this in a sec)
- Buy single visit passes to Turkish Airlines and LATAM Airlines lounges (if they’re not too crowded)
- Become Priority Pass members for free access to the Turkish Airlines lounge (courtesy of some credit cards)
Credit cards that get you complimentary lounges access
And speaking of credit cards, if you’re eyeing lounge access in the future, these four cards are like your golden ticket:
1. The Platinum Card® from American Express
2. Capital One Venture X Rewards
3. U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite®
4. Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Platinum Card® from American Express (click here)
Lounge Access: Unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges each year (accommodating up to 2 guests each time).
What’s great about this card: Enjoy various annual credits totaling over $1,600 and access to American Express exclusive lounges, including Centurion Lounge and Global Lounge Collection.
Annual Fee: $695
Capital One Venture X Rewards (click here)
Annual Fee: $395
Lounge Access:
- Unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges each year (accommodating up to 2 guests each time).
- Exclusive access to the Capital One Lounge is also included.
What’s great about this card:
- Enjoy a $300 travel credit annually, receive a renewal bonus of 10,000 points each time (worth at least $100).
- Receive a one-time Global Entry/TSA Precheck statement credit every four years.
- This makes the Capital One Venture X credit card a great card that essentially allows you to use lounges with minimal spending.
U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
Annual Fee: $400
Lounge Access:
- 8 visit to Priority Pass Lounge per membership year (up to 2 guests each time)ㄡ
- U.S. Bank provides the “full Priority Pass membership”, your access is not only to lounges but also to their partnered restaurants in various airports and cities. This offers a broader range of usability.
What’s great about this card:
- Enjoy a $325 travel credit annually.
- Receive a one-time Global Entry/TSA Precheck statement credit every four years.
- If you travel frequently each year, applying for the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card is a wise choice.
Chase Sapphire Reserve (click here)
Annual Fee: $550
Lounge Access:
- Given “full Priority Pass membership”, your access is not only to lounges but also to their partnered restaurants in various airports and cities. This offers a broader range of usability
- Exclusive access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge.
What’s great about this card:
- Receive a $300 travel credit annually.
- Monthly $5 DoorDash credit.
- Monthly $15 Instacart credit.
- A one-time Global Entry/TSA Precheck statement credit every four years
- With these benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve practically becomes a great card for enjoying lounges with minimal spending.
Using a reader’s question, it’s the ultimate guide to scoring airport lounges and spills the beans on four credit cards that hook you up with complimentary access. Trust me, it’s the key to making your day!
Photo 1 credit: Image by ASphotofamily on Freepik
Photo 2 credit: redesigned by Maria Fung
