A guide to guest policies for airport lounges
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with the latest information.
A recent viral tweet about airport lounges has garnered a lot of attention. It's also a good reminder to travelers that understanding the specific terms of your credit card benefits is important.
There’s no denying that airport lounges can be the best part of the on-ground experience when flying. You’ll find desirable amenities, such as complimentary food and drink, shower facilities and seating areas to kick back and relax before your flight takes off.
New to The Points Guy? Sign up for our daily newsletter.
But with more ways than ever to gain lounge access, the lounges can get pretty crowded. All of these ways to access lounges can also create confusion regarding who has access and how many guests they can (or can't) bring into the lounge, thanks to their credit card perks.
Let's take a look at credit cards that offer lounge access and the guest policies of each card, so you can avoid surprises when trying to enter a lounge before your next flight.
Alaska lounge
Most people gain access to Alaska lounges by having elite status with Mileage Plan or a Oneworld partner loyalty program.
| Access | Guest policy |
|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines lounge member | Immediate family or two guests; additional guests $30 each. |
| American Airlines Admirals Club member when departing or arriving on flights with American Airlines or Alaska Airlines | Immediate family or two guests; additional guests $30 each. |
| Alaska MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members traveling on Oneworld airlines beyond the U.S., Canada or Mexico | Immediate family or two guests; additional guests $30 each. |
| Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members | One guest who is also flying on a Oneworld airline; additional guests $30 each. |
| Priority Pass holder (select Alaska lounges only) | Depends on the card; typically grants access for the cardholder and two guests at no cost. |
| Active duty military traveling in uniform and on orders | No guests are listed in the policy. |
If you hold an Alaska Airlines lounge membership, you’re allowed to bring immediate family members (considered partners and children under 21 years old) or up to two guests with you when entering an Alaska lounge (of which there are eight). Note that your guests must stay with you at all times.
For all other guests, members may purchase guest passes at a reduced rate of $30 per person. Note that members do not need to be traveling with your guest to purchase a guest pass, so you can snag this discounted rate fairly easily for any of your friends and family traveling soon. Children under two years old can enter free of charge when accompanying an adult.
Related: Six things you need to know about Alaska’s new lounge access rules
If you don’t fly Alaska enough to justify purchasing a lounge membership, being a Priority Pass lounge member may help. While Priority Pass members previously had access to more of Alaska's lounges, the airline has removed all of its lounges from Priority Pass, except for the New York-JFK lounge, which is in Terminal 7 on the mezzanine level just above security.
The JFK lounge has been known to restrict access to Priority Pass members during peak hours. If there’s space available, though, you should be able to get in. Otherwise, you may be able to join a waitlist. The guest policy depends on the credit card which provides your membership. We'll cover those details in the Priority Pass section of this guide (below).
American Airlines Admirals Club
Admirals Clubs can be accessed in many different ways, but perhaps the easiest way to gain membership is by opening a Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. Although it has a $450 annual fee, the Admirals Club membership price by itself costs $650 a year — a considerable deal for loyal AA flyers. With an Admirals Club membership, your immediate family (spouse, domestic partner and children up to 18) or up to two guests may access the lounge with you.
Related: Three reasons why this is the best card for Admirals Club lounge access as travel returns
| Access type | Guest policy |
|---|---|
| Admirals Club members | Immediate family or up to two guests. |
| Authorized users of the Citi/AAdvantage Executive card | Immediate family or up to two guests. |
| Active U.S. military traveling on orders and in uniform | Immediate family or up to two guests. |
| First-class passengers on qualifying international flights | One guest (children over 2 count as a guest); no guests for business-class passengers. |
| AAdvantage Platinum members and higher flying on qualifying international flights (regardless of class) | One guest (children over 2 count as a guest). |
| Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members on all American and Oneworld flights | One guest (children over 2 count as a guest). |
| Admirals Club day pass holders | Up to three children under 18. |
Note that you can add up to 10 authorized users to the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Mastercard, granting them the unique ability to bring immediate family or up to two guests on their own.
Related: Credit card review: The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Otherwise, first-class passengers or AAdvantage Platinum members (or higher) on qualifying international flights and Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members can bring one guest each. If you pay $59 for a day pass, you can bring up to three children under 18 with you to the Admirals Club as well.
Amex Centurion Lounges
These cards grant you access to Amex Centurion Lounges, with the guest policies depending on the card you have:
| Card name | Guest policy through Jan. 31, 2023 | Guest policy starting Feb. 1, 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | Two guests; additional guests $50 each. | Adult guests will cost $50 each (but cardholders who spend more than $75,000 on purchases annually can continue to bring two free guests); children 2-17 years old $30 each; under 2 years old free. |
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | Two guests; additional guests $50 each. | Adult guests will cost $50 each (but cardholders who spend more than $75,000 on purchases annually can continue to bring two free guests); children 2-17 years old $30 each; under 2 years old free. |
| The American Express Corporate Platinum Card® | Two guests; additional guests $50 each. | No change. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | No complimentary guests; $50 each for two guests. | No change. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card | No complimentary guests; $50 each for two guests. | No change. |
| The Centurion Card® from American Express | Two guests; additional guests $50 each. | No change. |
| The Business Centurion Card® from American Express | Two guests; additional guests $50 each. | No change. |
The information for the Centurion Card, Business Centurion Card and Corporate Platinum card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders
The Platinum Card and the Business Platinum Card are two popular luxury travel cards that grant you complimentary access to the Centurion Lounges (enrollment required).
While you can bring two guests with you for no charge through Jan. 31, 2023, Amex announced changes that will go into effect on Feb. 1, 2023. Unless you spend $75,000 or more in purchases per calendar year on your card, you’ll be charged $50 per adult guest in the future. This change won't impact Corporate Platinum cardholders.
If you're traveling with children, understand that anyone over two years old counts as a guest. Children under two years old can — and will continue to — enter free of charge, while those aged 2-17 will have a $30 guest fee from February 2023.
While solo travelers may be thrilled at the prospect of less-crowded lounges down the road, those who often travel with friends or family will face a different dilemma.
Related: Solo travelers rejoice: Why I’m in favor of new Amex Centurion Lounge guest rules
Delta Reserve and Business Reserve cardholders
When flying on Delta, Reserve and Business Reserve cardholders can access both Delta Sky Clubs and the Centurion lounges. If you choose to visit the Centurion lounge instead, you can pay to bring up to two guests at the per-visit rate of $50 per person.
Centurion and Business Centurion cardholders
If you’re a Centurion or Business Centurion cardholder, you can bring up to two guests or immediate family members (spouse or children under 18) for no charge. Additional guests will cost $50 per person. The upcoming guest changes outlined for Platinum cardholders will not affect Centurion cardholders.
Capital One Lounges
Capital One currently has just one lounge, located in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). However, additional lounges are slated to open in 2023.
Related: A complete guide to Capital One’s airport lounges — with new locations now slated for 2023
| Access type | Guest policy |
|---|---|
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Two guests (children under 2 are complimentary); $45 each for additional guests. |
| Authorized users on the Venture X card | Two guests (children under 2 are free); $45 each for additional guests. |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Spark Miles for Business cardholders | Cardholders receive two lounge passes annually; you can use one to bring a guest. Additional guests cost $45 each (children under 2 are complimentary). |
| Day pass holders | $65 each (though children under 2 are free). |
Venture X cardholders can add up to four free authorized users to the card. Each of these people can bring two guests (plus children under 2) into the lounge. Thus, one credit card can provide admission for numerous people into a Capital One Lounge.
Related: You and 14 friends can all access the airport lounge with this card
Delta Sky Club
There are multiple ways to gain entrance into a Delta SkyClub, whether you hold a Delta SkyClub executive membership or are an eligible Delta Medallion member. Like other airline lounges, the guest policies depend on your access type.
| Access type | Guest policy |
|---|---|
| Delta Sky Club Executive and Lifetime membership | Two guests or immediate family; additional guests cost $50 per visit. |
| Delta Sky Club Individual member | $50 per guest for two guests or immediate family |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card | $50 per guest for two guests or immediate family; receive two one-time guest passes per year. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card | $50 per guest for two guests or immediate family. |
| Delta SkyMiles Diners Club, TRUST Club Platinum and TRUST Club Gold cardholders | Two guests (children over 2 counts as a guest). |
| Delta Gold Medallion status or higher (SkyTeam Elite Plus status) | One guest. |
| Delta One or Delta SkyTeam Premium passenger | No guests allowed. |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | $50 per guest for two guests. |
| Single-visit pass | No guests allowed. |
The information for the Delta Diners Club, Delta TRUST Club Platinum and the Delta TRUST Club Gold Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Generally, the only way to gain complimentary guest access is to purchase a Delta Sky Club Executive membership or be a Delta Gold Medallion member (or higher). If you’re a cardholder of either the Delta Platinum or the Reserve, you’re limited to two guests or immediate family and must pay $50 per guest.
Related: Delta’s latest promo helps you earn elite status faster, includes award tickets
As with the Tweet referenced in the introduction, Delta considers anyone over age 2 to be a guest. Children under 2 receive complimentary entry. On the other end of the spectrum, children up to age 21 can gain entry as family members on categories of admission which allow for guest entry for immediate family members.
Plaza Premium lounges
Who does and doesn't have access to Plaza Premium lounges has changed recently. Plaza Premium introduced a $59 lounge pass a few months after many of these lounges left the Priority Pass network. Furthermore, recently, Capital One cardholders gained access to Plaza Premium lounges.
| Access type | Guest policy |
|---|---|
| The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | Two guests plus children under two; additional guests require a day pass, and costs vary by location. |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Two guests plus children under two; additional guest costs vary by location. |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business | No guests allowed; you can use one of your two annual complimentary passes to bring a guest. |
| Priority Pass members (select lounges) | Policy varies by how you get your Priority Pass membership and its relevant guest policy. |
| Day pass | No guests allowed. |
Prices to enter Plaza Premium lounges can vary greatly, so what you might pay for a day pass or to bring an extra guest may range from $35 to $65.
Related: Under new management: Plaza Premium now running most Virgin Atlantic Clubhouses
Priority Pass lounges
Premium travel cards like the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve offer cardholders complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships — giving you access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide. The guest policy depends on the type of card you have, so we’ve outlined the differences for our top card picks for Priority Pass lounge access below (enrollment required):
| Access type | Guest policy |
|---|---|
| The Platinum Card from American Express and The Business Platinum Card from American Express | Two guests; additional guests cost $32 each. |
| Capital One Venture X | Two guests free. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | Two guests; additional guests cost $27 each. |
| Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card | Two guests; additional guests cost $32 each. |
| Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card | Two guests; additional guests cost $32 each. |
| Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card | 10 visits per year that can be used by you and any guests; additional visits cost $32 each. |
| Citi Prestige® Card | Two guests or immediate family; additional guests cost $27 each. |
| U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite® Card | Four guests; additional guests cost $27 each. |
| The Ritz-Carlton™ Rewards® Card (not open to new applicants) primary cardholder and authorized users | Unlimited guests. |
Enrollment required for select benefits.
The information for the Hilton Aspire card, Citi Prestige Card, Altitude Reserve and Ritz-Carlton Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access
Most cards that grant you Priority Pass Select membership allow lounge access for you and up to two guests. There’s an additional guest fee that ranges between $27 to $32, depending on the card you have. Employees can limit the number of guests for capacity controls, so you may not be guaranteed to bring multiple guests if a certain lounge is especially crowded.
The notable exceptions here are the Citi Prestige and Ritz-Carlton card, which offer a quite generous guest policy. If you have a large family, these cards could be worth holding onto.
Related: Reader question: Can I use multiple Priority Pass memberships to bring in extra guests?
United Club
United has relatively straightforward guest policies: United Club members may bring one adult and dependent children under 21 or bring up to two guests. Any additional guests will be charged an extra fee. If you want complimentary access, the United Club Infinite Card offers a complimentary United Club membership — up to a $650 value.
Related: Best for loyal flyers: United Club Infinite Card review
| Access type | Guest policy |
|---|---|
| United Club membership | Up to two adults or one adult and dependents under 21 years of age. |
| United Premier Gold status or higher (or Star Alliance Gold member) | One guest; the guest must be on the same flight. |
| Star Alliance first-class passenger | One guest |
| Active U.S. military personnel | Family members traveling on the same flight as the military member. |
| United or Star Alliance business-class passenger | No guests allowed. |
| Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members | One guest. |
| Virgin Australia Velocity elites with Gold, Platinum or VIP status when flying on an international United or Virgin Australia flight | One guest only if the member is flying on a United-operated flight. |
| United Club one-time pass | No guests allowed. |
Members with United Premier Gold status or higher can bring one guest, but note that your guest must be on the same flight as you; this policy went into effect in May 2021. Star Alliance first-class passengers may also bring one guest into United Clubs.
If you’re a one-time United Club passholder or a business-class passenger on a United or Star Alliance flight, you’re not allowed to bring any guests with you — unless you have a child who's under two years old.
It's also worth noting that these access policies do not apply to United's Polaris lounges. These are accessible only by passengers flying in long-haul Polaris business class with United or flying in long-haul business or first class with a Star Alliance partner airline.
Related: The best credit cards for United Airlines flyers
Bottom line
Whether you have lounge access through your credit card or airline elite status, the guest guidelines will vary greatly. Some lounges allow you to bring free guests, while others charge a fee that can be as high as $65 per person.
As a general rule of thumb, you can bring children age two or younger at no additional charge. Past this age, as frustrating as it may seem, you'll need privileges for free guests or will have to pay up to bring your child into the lounge with you.
Featured photo of the American Express Centurion Lounge at JFK Airport by Zach Griff/The Points Guy.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
Intro Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
$250Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees