Best and Worst Domestic Airline Lounge Memberships

Anyone who flies is familiar with the hassles of spending time in a domestic airport. The flight delays, endless lines, hard chairs, greasy fast food, and lack of personal space and charging plugs for your phone and tablet can make for a grim experience. However, access to an airline lounge can offer a calm escape from airport hassles if you know which ones to head for.

Airline Lounges

Consolidation has shrunk the U.S. airline industry over the years leading to fewer branded lounges in domestic airports than there were even a decade ago. Three majors are offering these oases, along with three smaller carriers:

•  Alaska Board Room, Alaska Airlines (ALK)
•  Admirals Club, American Airlines (AAL)
•  Delta Sky Club, Delta Air Lines (DAL)
•  Premier Club, Hawaiian Airlines (HA)
•  United Club/United Polaris, United Airlines (UAL)
•  Virgin America Clubhouse, Virgin America (VA)

Unlocking the doors to these lounges can be done in several ways, but the two primary methods are traveling in business or first class or earning elite status in the carrier's frequent flyer program. Earning elite status can be achieved by booking the requisite number of eligible fares or flying a specific number of miles each year.

If you don't fit any of these categories, you can always buy a membership. Which ones are worth it? We've examined the locations, amenities, pricing policies, and day passes for the six airlines. Here's how they compare, with our take on which lounges have the edge in each category. 

Location, Location, Location

Airlines operate their own facilities, primarily in the United States, but they can also offer access to clubs operated by partner airlines in countries worldwide. In this way, the Big Three (American, Delta, and United) have a clear advantage over the smaller carriers. However, access can be restricted in many cases and for many reasons. Here's how the top airlines compare for lounge access in terms of locations and availability:

• Alaska Airlines: Located in six major U.S. cities, with nearly 90 global partner lounges
• American Airlines: Located in 32 global hubs, along with access to 50 partner lounges 
• Delta Airlines: More than 50 SkyClub locations, with partners located worldwide
• Hawaiian Airlines: Five Premier Club locations in Hawaii, with partners located worldwide
• United Airlines: Located in 32 cities in the U.S. and abroad
• Virgin America: five global locations, with 20+ partners worldwide

Verdict: American and Delta provide the broadest range of lounge options and share the title of the best airport lounge in this category.

Amenities

These days, complimentary television, Wi-Fi, and periodicals are standard in nearly all U.S. airline lounges. And there’s always something to nibble on. In domestic facilities (unlike those operated by many foreign carriers), the fare usually runs to complimentary snacks and cookies, with meals sometimes available for purchase. Alcohol is free in most lounges, but top-shelf drinks and foreign beers often cost extra.

• Alaska: Wi-Fi; office work stations; snacks; alcoholic beverages 
• American: Wi-Fi; office work stations; snacks; cash menu for meals (some locations); some alcoholic beverages; cash bar; showers (some locations); children’s play areas (some locations)
• Delta: Wi-Fi; office work stations; snacks/soups/salads; some alcoholic beverages; cash bar; showers (some locations) 
• Hawaiian: Wi-Fi; snacks; nonalcoholic beverages
• United: Wi-Fi; office work stations; snacks; most alcoholic beverages; cash bar for premium alcoholic beverages
• Virgin America: Wi-Fi; cash menu for snacks/meals; free beer/wine; cash bar for cocktails; showers (some locations)

Verdict: Although most of these airport lounge amenities are similar across the board, the one lounge that stands out is American, which provides the broadest range of amenities.

Annual Costs

Discounts may apply when an annual membership is purchased with certain charge cards. Some airlines allow you to pay with frequent-flyer miles rather than cash.

Note that prices given here are for the first year of membership; renewal rates may be lower in some cases. For example, American charges $850 for the first year and $800 to renew.

• Alaska: $450
• American AAdvantage® member: $850 individual; $1,650 household
• Delta: $695 for individual membership; $1,495 for executive membership
• Hawaiian: $299*
• United: $650
• Virgin America: Open to all passengers flying with an Upper-Class boarding pass and Flying Club Gold members

*Membership includes other benefits, including express check-in, two free checked bags, pre-boarding, etc.

Verdict: Hawaiian wins on price tag alone, but Delta scores on value given the number of venues and their perks.

Day Tripping

For those who don’t fly very frequently on a given carrier, a one-day pass may make a lot of sense. As with annual memberships, free access and discounts may apply for elite frequent flyer program members or those traveling in premium cabins. However, there are caveats. For example, Delta's pass does not grant access to partner lounges, which would make it useless if flying overseas. In other words, please be sure a pass is good for the venues you're traveling from.

• Alaska: $60
• American: $79
• Delta: Discontinued in 2018
• Hawaiian: $40 for Plumeria Lounge
• United: $59
• Virgin America: Open to all passengers flying with an Upper-Class boarding pass and Flying Club Gold members

Verdict: If you're a Virgin Flying Club member or you've paid extra for an Upper-Class boarding pass you can access Clubhouse lounges free of charge.

The Fine Print

Some exclusions may prohibit access to certain lounges, particularly among the international partner airlines. Delta states: “Delta Sky Club cannot guarantee entry at partner lounge locations.” And American even offers this caveat: “Some lounges may restrict access due to capacity at busy times.”

What’s more, as with most clubs, there are rules. For example, Delta mentions “dignified” attire and “disruptive” behavior. There may also be limits on the number of guests you can bring and restrictions on underage travelers, so be sure to read through the details when booking flights.

The Bottom Line

The value of spending time in an airport lounge—especially while waiting out a lengthy flight delay—becomes apparent to anyone who has experienced it. But not everyone can afford to fly in premium classes or has earned enough miles to gain access. Depending on your travel plans, buying a membership can be well worth the expense, as long as you consider the various caveats and regulations.

Another option to consider is Priority Pass, which is an independent company and not an airline. Priority Pass provides access to more than 1,600+ airport lounges worldwide. The annual fee for a standard membership is $99 and $35 per visit. A $329 annual fee buys 10 visits (with no extra charge), then $35 for each additional visit, but a $469 annual fee allows you to enjoy unlimited visits. Take time to compare the best travel rewards credit cards, as some may offer Priority Pass access as a card benefit.