The Benefits of Joining an Airline Club

The next time you’re stuck in a packed airport and your flight is delayed or cancelled, relief may be just a few doors away at your airline’s club facilities. These areas, usually reserved for frequent fliers, offer a range of amenities that can make your wait infinitely more pleasurable.

Connectivity is critical to road warriors who need good cell phone reception, plenty of outlets, and Wi-fi, although some clubs are simply hot spots and charge for the latter. Most offer free snacks and soft drinks--sometimes even including an open bar--as well as television, newspapers, magazines and comfortable seating. Some have business amenities that include copy machines and work stations.

Many offer assistance with travel, especially if you are dealing with a delay, cancellation or missed connection. That’s a great convenience, since you’re working with an agent in the relative calm of the club instead of the public area of the airline, where most other passengers are waiting for their turns at booking and re-booking, too. In some cases, the club may be able to help you secure lodging or a meal, depending on the situation.

At the hub locations of many airlines, you can expect the club lounges to be a grade above what you might normally expect. New York’s JFK Airport has two American Airline’s Admiral’s Club locations, which feature amenities like showers, conference rooms and children’s rooms. Delta Airlines has Crown Room Clubs in 28 cities around the world, offering access to frequent traveler security lines, free local calls and even putting greens in some locations. Continental’s President’s Club can be found in 27 airports. Most locations feature the standard fare of business services, open bar, periodicals, television and connectivity. In addition, some offer conference rooms for rental at $35 per hour. The Newark and Houston hub lounges serve top-rated wines from Napa Valley vineyards. Most clubs allow entrance to one or two of your guests, as well. You can find information on most airlines’ club locations, amenities and costs by visiting their Web sites.

Memberships are typically purchased and can run from $125 to $500 annually or more. Some can be paid in a frequent flier mileage equivalent or are free to very high-volume customers.

How do you get entry if you’re not a member of a specific club? If you’re bumped from a flight–voluntarily or otherwise–ask for a free day pass. Many of the major airlines sell one-day access to their facilities. If it’s not comped, it may set you back $50 or so, but you’ll have a more peaceful place to relax, check your e-mail and grab a bite to eat. Day passes can be purchased in advance by visiting the Web site of the airline you’re flying.

You can also check out lounge programs like Priority Pass, which gives you access to more than 500 airport lounges worldwide for as little as $99 per year and $27 per visit. However, in some airports, Priority Pass does not grant access to all clubs, so check the clubs with which it has agreements and see if they match the airlines and airports you are likely to use. American Express Platinum Card holders get access to Delta, Northwest, Continental and American clubs as part of their membership. In addition, some clubs have reciprocal memberships, so be sure to check whether your existing club membership offers access to others before you shell out extra bucks when you’re on the road.

For the busy business traveler, airport clubs can offer a refuge from the hustle and bustle of the main concourse. Even if it costs a bit to gain access, the amenities can make your life much more peaceful while you wait for takeoff.