Airlines have lounges that shelter their best customers from the travel masses. However, you don’t have to have super status with a carrier or buy an expensive yearly membership to access these lounges. For a fee, you can purchase a day pass, allowing for a more relaxed, quieter airport experience to prepare you for your flight. Below are some highlights regarding the rules, costs, and benefits of lounges for five U.S. carriers.

Lounge Examples

American Express operates seven Centurion Lounges located at Dallas/Fort Worth, George Bush Intercontinental, Las Vegas, LaGuardia, Miami, Seattle, and San Francisco airports. Access is complimentary for Platinum and Centurion cardholders, while other Amex cardholders can enter for $50. Once inside, customers can enjoy seasonal food and snacks, an open bar featuring specialty cocktails, shower rooms, work and relaxation spaces, as well as free high-speed Wi-Fi.

The Club features independent lounges at Hartsfield-Jackson, Cincinnati, Dallas/Fort Worth, Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Seattle-Tacoma, and San Jose airports. For $35, guests gain access to complimentary snacks and beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. Furthermore, amenities include free Wi-Fi, workstations, printing services, faxing, telephones, shower facilities, and a conference room for meetings and collaboration.

A new player in the independent lounge scene is UK-based Escapes Lounges. Located at Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Oakland International, and Bradley International airports, fees are $30 for children and $40 for adults when booked in advance. For same-day entry, rates are $45 for adults and $38 for children. Amenities include comfortable seating, a full bar, free high-speed Wi-Fi, free use of iPads, printing, scanning, power outlets, and a dedicated business area. Additionally, prepared snacks and beverages are available, with options to purchase upgraded meals.

Although JetBlue does not operate its own lounge at JFK Airport’s Terminal 5, travelers can visit the independent Airspace Lounge, situated between Gates 24 and 25. For $25, amenities include unlimited free soft drinks, light snacks, a full bar, a shower facility, a conference room, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets at every seat, alongside assistance during flight delays. Airspace also maintains lounges at Cleveland-Hopkins International and San Diego International airports.

For $45, Alaska Airlines offers a day pass for entry into its Board Room lounges located in Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, and Los Angeles. Once inside, customers enjoy access to private workstations, power outlets, private conference rooms, Wi-Fi, faxes, and copiers. Complimentary refreshments include juices, soda, Starbucks coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, and a variety of snacks throughout the day.

American Airlines provides single-day access to its 50 Admirals Club locations for $50. Passes can be purchased online up to one year in advance, with same-day purchases made at lounge locations or self-service kiosks. The club features free Wi-Fi, complimentary house wine, beer, and spirits, light snacks, specialty coffee drinks, tea, and soft drinks, alongside personal computer use with Internet access, printing services, and travel assistance.

Delta Air Lines charges $59 for a day pass granting access to 33 Sky Clubs and partner lounges. These passes are available only at Sky Club check-in desks. Inside, guests can take advantage of services such as flight assistance, food and beverages, free Wi-Fi, magazines, newspapers, business center facilities, and television. Notably, some clubs provide access to shower rooms and conference rooms for business meetings.

Travelers on Hawaiian Airlines departing from Honolulu may buy a one-day pass for $40 to the Plumeria Lounge. Passes can be acquired through the Hawaiian Airlines website, mobile devices, airport kiosks, or a lounge agent. Amenities include complimentary wine, local craft beers, as well as breakfast, lunch, dinner items, and snacks. Free Wi-Fi is also available for guest convenience.

United Airlines offers day passes for $50 to its 40 United Club lounges. Passes can be purchased at club locations or through the United smartphone app. Amenities consist of free beverages, light snacks, and bar service, alongside agent assistance with reservations and electronic ticketing, free Wi-Fi, conference rooms, relevant periodicals, and insights on local dining and entertainment options.

For smokers in need of a designated area to light up before a flight, it is advisable to check out Airports with Smoking Lounges.