After traveling to 12 countries with a young daughter, I know spending time in airports can be stressful. But there are a few ways you can make your pre-flight experience more enjoyable. For my family, having complimentary airport lounge access puts us at ease and helps us save money!
Airport lounges are terrific for families because they have free Wi-Fi, snacks, less crowded restrooms, entertainment for kids, and comfortable seats.
To access lounges you typically need elite status with an airline or a Business Class or First Class ticket. Some lounges give you access if you purchase a day pass. But it’s possible to get entry just by having a certain travel rewards credit card.
Getting a credit card with complimentary lounge access can actually save you money!
Here is a video of me explaining the the top 3 cards that offer Airport lounge access
For more videos on credit cards and travel points, check out our Wise Flys YouTube Channel
Airport Lounges Are Excellent for Family Travel!
Most airport lounges offer amenities targeted toward frequent flyers. But many perks are great for families too, like:
- Beverages, like coffee, tea, and hot chocolate
- Snacks (and sometimes full meals)
- Wi-Fi
- Showers to refresh before or after a long flight
- Magazines
- Sometimes beds for sleeping
- Entertainment rooms for kids
From experience, I know that hanging in lounges has really helped my daughter rest and relax during long layovers. And it’s helped my wife and I save money because we don’t have to pay for overpriced airport food. In certain lounges, we have enjoyed buffet meals, which can even satisfy a toddler’s picky eating habits.
As a tip, if you’re planning on spending time in lounges with your young ones, be sure they are respectful of others. Think of the lounge as a nice restaurant. Other lounge guests will definitely appreciate if your kids don’t run around and make lots of noise.
Airport Lounges and the Cards That Can Get You In
Even casual family travelers might consider a travel rewards credit card to get complimentary lounge access. My family enjoys getting access to Priority Pass lounges. This is an independent lounge network with over 1,000 locations around the world.
Check Out Some Of The Best Travel Credit Card Offers On The Credit Card Page
The benefit of Priority Pass lounges is that you can fly on any airline and access them on the day you fly. But not all Priority Pass memberships are the same. Each one has slightly different rules. Here are popular travel credit cards that come with a Priority Pass membership:
- The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN (personal or small business) – free for the cardholder and up to 2 guests
- Chase Sapphire Reserve – free for the cardholder, and no limit on the number of guests
- Citi Prestige – free for the cardholder, and immediate family or up to 2 guests
It’s a good idea to organize your Priority Pass cards if you have multiple memberships. You don’t want to accidentally use the wrong card and end up having to pay for bringing guests!
For travelers who fly with friends or family, the Citi Prestige and Chase Sapphire Reserve offer the best Priority Pass lounge access. Because you won’t have to pay guest fees!
The cost of a Priority Pass membership can range from $99 to $399. So getting a free membership is a great credit card perk!
Keep in mind, your location is important too! You’ll want to check if there’s a lounge at your home airport. And if it’s located close to the airline you normally fly.
Bottom Line
When traveling with your family, having airport lounge access is an excellent perk. You can relax in a quiet environment away from the hectic departure gate. And you’ll enjoy amenities like snacks and drinks and Wi-Fi. Some lounges even have dedicated areas for kids.
When traveling with my wife and daughter, I like to use my complimentary Priority Pass membership. There are more than 1,000 lounges that are part of the Priority Pass network. And you can get a free membership just by having a certain credit card!
Be sure to check the guest policy for lounge access with your credit card. Because some cards like the Citi Prestige and Chase Sapphire Reserve allow guests to join you for free!
Do you have a favorite airport lounge that’s ideal for family travelers? Feel free to share in the comments!
Love love love this post. Great breakdown of the lounge experience and you have the cutest kid ever!!! Your video was excellent as well, looking forward to more.
My kids loved that lounge in London!
Chase Reserve is changing the benefit for lounge access on August 26, 2018 and you can only have a max of 2 guests.