Several new lounges, recently opened by credit card issuers like Capital One and American Express, have landed at airports across the country, promising an upscale haven for select travelers awaiting their flights. At LaGuardia Airport, caviar service is available for pre-order. Travelers can get complimentary massages at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, and Nap Pods are available at Denver International Airport. In addition to its amenities, the new lounge offers an atmosphere reminiscent of a luxury hotel lobby in both interior design and scale, and can accommodate hundreds of people at a time.
“Our lounges are definitely busy, so we've expanded our footprint,” said Audrey Hendry, president of American Express Travel, which added the company's 26,000-square-foot location at Hartsfield-Jackson in February. Opened the largest Centurion Lounge, increasing the total number of lounges. Up to 14 in the US.
There are three main types of airport lounges available to travelers. A shared space that isn't limited to one airline or frequent flyer status (think Priority Pass). And a credit card lounge. Many are operated in partnership with lounge development companies.
For more than a decade, American Express was the only credit card issuer with a lounge in the United States. That changed last year, with Chase Sapphire and Capital One each opening stores in major airports across the U.S., with plans to announce several more in the next few years.
This surge is being driven in part by changing demographics and the travel patterns of today's travelers. This year could set a record for air travel numbers, with an estimated 4.7 billion people expected to take flight around the world. A study released last May by pollster Morning Consult found that younger travelers are more likely than older generations to book travel through credit card points programs, and Gen Z travelers in particular are less loyal to airlines. It suggests that the mind is weakened. mileage program.
Credit card companies saw an opportunity to expand brand awareness with lounges, but the facilities also offer additional benefits to cardholders who pay annual fees of several hundred dollars. Card fees range from $395 per year for Capital One Venture X to $695 per year for American Express Platinum.
Introducing the latest highlights of new credit card lounges across the country.
Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club
Domestic bases: Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy Airport, Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, and Gate B40 at Boston Logan International Airport.
Future locations: San Diego International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, and Philadelphia International Airport.
Who can use it: Travelers who have a Chase Sapphire Reserve, JPMorgan Reserve, or Ritz-Carlton credit card and have activated their Priority Pass membership. If you don't have one of these cards, but you have a Priority Pass, you can enter once a year. Chase Sapphire Reserve and JPMorgan Reserve cardholders can bring up to two guests per visit for free, with an additional guest fee of $27. If you have a Ritz-Carlton Card, you can bring an unlimited number of guests at no additional charge.
What we offer: Local draft beer and coffee, menus created by local restaurants, private bathrooms with showers, and 16,200 square feet of space across two floors at LaGuardia Airport with caviar service that can be reserved up to 72 hours before your flight. three suites ($2,200 to reserve).
american express centurion
Domestic bases: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Denver International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport, Miami International Airport, Kennedy Airports, LaGuardia Airport, Philadelphia Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Future locations: It will become Reagan National Airport later this year and Newark Liberty International Airport in 2026.
Who can use it: Eligible American Express cardholders and customers with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card or Reserve Business Card. Details vary by card. Complimentary guest access is subject to credit card usage. American Express Platinum Card and Business Platinum Cardmembers who spend $75,000 or more annually can bring up to two complimentary guests per visit.
What we offer: Whiskey bar, phone booths and workstations, wellness room, cuisine by local celebrity chefs, complimentary massages, games room, wine tasting
capital one
Domestic bases: Terminal D at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport, Concourse A at Denver Airport, and Main Terminal at Dulles International Airport.
Future locations: Harry Reid International Airport.
Welcome travelers: Venture X and Venture X Business cardholders can bring up to two people per visit. Additional guests are charged $45. Other travelers can enter for a fee of $65 per visit.
What we offer: Peloton bikes, nap pods, shower suites, fitness room with small plate options and grab-and-go food, luggage lockers, and coffee bar.
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