Reader Steve asks "Tad, what's the best card for getting into airport lounges? (I'm a Delta flyer mostly)"
Which Card(s) Gets You the VIP Treatment?
You’ve booked with miles, lucked out with an upgrade, and now all that’s standing between you and your best pre-flight experience is an airport lounge away from the gate lice. You're not about to fork over cash money for one-off access, but you might be willing to add a card to your portfolio if it will open doors for you. So, which credit card is going to get you cocktails and canapés?
Spoiler Alert: It's Probably The American Express Platinum Card
Sure, dragging out the big reveal at the end of an article is great for engagement, but sometimes it's nice just to say the thing directly. All else equal, most people trying to maximize their lounge access will be best off splurging on the bougie coupon book known as the AMEX Platinum card.
Here’s why:
The Platinum Card will get you into:
- Centurion Lounges: These lounges are the epitome of high-end airport lounging, offering some of the best food, drinks, and service you’ll find in an airport. Amex Centurion Lounges are only available to Platinum (and Centurion) cardholders, so not everyone can stroll in. If you’ve ever been to one, you know they’re a cut above most lounges.
- Delta Sky Clubs: If you fly Delta even occasionally, this benefit alone is worth its weight in gold. When you’re flying Delta, just flash your Platinum card and waltz into any Delta Sky Club. And if you select DL as your preferred airline for the $200 incidental credits, you can pay your guests' way into the club, look like a baller, and quietly get reimbursed later!
- Priority Pass: The Platinum Card also comes with Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you into over 1,300 lounges worldwide. This is something every other premium card includes now, but it complements the above benefits well.
- Escape Lounges: Don’t sleep on this one. Platinum cardholders also get access to Escape Lounges in the U.S., which are another nice option, especially at smaller airports where you might not find a Centurion or Sky Club.
Other Good Options for Lounge Access
Now, I know not everyone wants to drop nearly $700 a year on a credit card (even though you probably should if you’re serious about your lounge game). And some of you either avoid Delta or simply don't frequent airports with Centurion Lounges. For you lot, let’s talk about some other solid contenders for lounge access:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve: The First Runner-Up
If the Platinum card isn’t your speed, the Chase Sapphire Reserve is your next best bet. You get the same Priority Pass network as the Platinum Card, but this one includes $28 per use credit at Priority Pass Restaurant partners at some airports. And you also get to use Chase's fledgling network of Sapphire Lounges and even Sapphire hospitality areas at some sports events and concerts around the US.
The Capital One Venture X: Good Lounge Perks for Lower Fee
A relatively new contender in the premium credit card space is the Capital One Venture X. This card has a lot going for it, especially for a more budget-conscious traveler who still wants lounge access. It offers Priority Pass Select membership, and Capital One has started building its own branded lounges, which—while not as numerous as Amex Centurion Lounges—are sleek and offer great amenities.
The $395 annual fee makes it one of the most affordable premium cards with lounge access. Plus, you’ll get 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and 5x on flights. So if you’re looking for value, the Venture X is definitely worth considering.
The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard: Best for AA Stans
If you’re in an exclusive relationship with American Airlines, Citi's AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard is the way to go. It's basically a way to buy Admirals Club access and a bundle of modest AA perks at a discount. While Admirals Clubs might not always be the most luxurious, they’re a solid option, especially if you’re flying through AA’s hubs or locations with participating OneWorld partner lounges.
This card also lets you add up to 10 authorized users for free, and each one gets full Admirals Club access when flying American. If you’ve got a big family or a small entourage of travel companions, that’s an unusually generous perk. The annual fee is $595, so it’s not cheap, but Admirals Club membership is $775, so the math is easy even before factoring in bonuses upwards of 70k miles for the card.
The United ClubSM Infinite Card
This is basically Chase and United's version of the CITI AA card. You get a great sign-on bonus, access to the non-premium United Clubs and *A partner lounges, priority services when flying UA, and an annual fee that while hefty is a discount to buying the membership outright.
The SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: For Delta Diehards
If Delta is your airline of choice and you don’t need access to lounges outside of their network, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card might be a better fit. You’ll get Delta Sky Club access whenever you’re flying Delta, along with two free guest passes annually. You’ll also have access to Amex Centurion Lounges (when you’re flying Delta) which elevates it a bit over the American/United competitors.
The $550 annual fee is a bit easier to swallow than the Platinum’s, and is once again cheaper than an outright SkyClub membership. If you’re mainly interested in SkyClubs and Delta benefits (like priority boarding and free checked bags) and some help re-qualifying for status, this could be your go-to. But anyone in this category should really do some thinking on whether the Platinum Card is a better fit before taking the plunge, b/c there is a lot of overlap in benefits.
Tad's Take
Unless you're a OneWorld or Star Alliance Elite, just get the Platinum Card.
If you already have the Platinum and are looking to complement it, then anyone who isn't on the cusp of the next tier of Delta Medallion status and in desparate need of some MQDs should pick between the Sapphire Reserve and Venture X. The airline cobranded cards are really for the pot committed airline hub captives.
