Passengers around the world usually gain access to some sort of lounge with their first-class tickets. However, this is not the case in the United States, where a domestic first class ticket does not guarantee admission to first class lounges.
When traveling with the likes of American, Delta, JetBlue, United, and other airlines in the US, lounge access is dependent on the ticket, the flight itself, and the passenger's loyalty status. In this guide, we will simplify these complex rules and explain who is able to gain access to lounges on domestic flights in the US.
Lounges in the US
Compared with the headline lounges of international airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air France, and Lufthansa, the domestic first class lounges in the US tend to offer much less in terms of amenities.
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There is often a (relatively) limited variety of food and drink, and the lounge usually only consists of a few seating areas. Nevertheless, for those who can access them, these lounges still offer a comfortable place to work or rest ahead of a flight.
The 'Big Three' airlines
The so-called 'Big Three' US carriers (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines) all operate lounges at their hub airports across the country. For example, American Airlines has Admirals Clubs at all its hubs, which include Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), Washington-National (DCA), Miami (MIA), and more.
United's United Clubs can be found at their hubs in San Francisco (SFO), Houston (IAH), Newark (EWR), Washington-Dulles (IAD), Denver (DEN), Chicago (ORD), and Los Angeles (LAX). Meanwhile, Delta's Sky Clubs are at the carrier's hubs in Atlanta (ATL), Detroit (DTW), Salt Lake City (SLC), Seattle (SEA), and more.
In addition to their hubs, all three of these airlines also operate lounges at major airports around the country. For example, Nashville (BNA) is not home to any of the Big Three airlines but does have an Admirals Club and a Delta Sky Club.
Both United and American also operate flagship lounges in the international terminals of their hubs. The United Polaris Lounge and the American Flagship Lounges are only accessible to passengers traveling on long-haul international flights, and select intercontinental domestic flights, in First and Business.
So who gets access to the standard domestic lounges?
The standard lounges (American Admirals Club, United Club, and Delta Sky Club) have different conditions. For example, American Airlines allows passengers with Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum, and Concierge Key status to enter. In addition, oneworld Sapphire and Emerald passengers can also use the facility.
Those traveling in first or business on transcontinental routes (such as New York JFK to LAX or SFO) are also eligible. Passengers can also purchase a day pass to access the lounge, with this costing $59 per passenger.
Delta Air Lines passengers who are traveling in the Delta One cabin (its international business product) or SkyTeam first and business cabins can all use the Sky Clubs. These lounges are located across the country at major airports.
SkyTeam Elite Plus Members (and those who have the Delta equivalent status) are also eligible for entry. Delta also offers Sky Club memberships, which are available for purchase on an annual basis for $545 per person (or $845 for three people). Furthermore, Delta Reserve Credit Card Holders can use the service as well.
United Airlines Club memberships cost $550 per year, which is slightly more expensive than Delta Air Lines' aforementioned Sky Club memberships. United Polaris business or first class passengers, as well as United Business passengers on premium transcontinental flights (EWR to LAX or SFO) can also use the Club.
Status holders with United and with Star Alliance traveling on international flights with other Star Alliance carriers can also expect to use the club. United also sells day passes at $50 per visit, making it a cheaper alternative to American Airlines.
The world's first airport lounge was in the US
While lounges are an almost ubiquitous feature of today's airports, they had to start somewhere. The first one to open anywhere in the world was American Airlines' invitation-only Admirals Club at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in 1939. Simple Flying explored the history of airport lounges in greater detail earlier this year.
What do you make of the US Big Three carriers' lounges? How many have you visited on your travels over the years? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!