The only people I know who genuinely love travelling by air are those who fly first class. Yes, that would certainly make the whole experience simply lovely. But that’s not something that most of us can afford.
Many people don’t like to travel by air. I don’t especially but it’s not the flight itself that bothers me but the airport. When you’re struggling with luggage, standing in line to get a slice of cold over-priced pizza, waiting to use a not-necessarily-wonderful loo, trying to get comfortable while kids are screaming all around you … then it’s so easy to be envious of those people who are stepping into the luxury and peacefulness of a first class lounge.
But did you know that even when you travel ‘cattle class’ as I do, you can still make use of those fabulous facilities? And this is applicable whatever airline you are flying with No, it’s not free but it’s so worth it, especially if you fly often. It simply de-stresses the entire experience. All you need is the Priority Pass.
This entitles you to use the most wonderful lounges and all their facilities at a bargain price. And for that bargain price you get*:
- A comfortable, stylish and quiet place to wait, relax and refresh
- Complimentary wines, soft drinks and foodstuffs
- Free wifi
- Spa services
- Free newspapers and magazines
- Showers
- Comfortable chairs and loungers
- Showers
- Business facilities
- Friendly staff
Enjoy a relaxing drink, rest in a comfortable armchair with ample table space, enjoy tasty meals, take a shower, charge your devices … bask in a wonderful atmosphere. (And think about all those noisy, crowded areas in the airport full of people who didn’t have your foresight).
At time of writing, Priority Pass offers approaching one thousand of these lounges in airports all over the world so you’re bound to have access to at least one of them at any airport. Every one differs in its amenities and stipulations. For example, in some you can take young children into the lounge at no extra charge.
Oh, the charges? Well, at time of writing, you join this somewhat exclusive club and your membership fee at the lowest level is $99. Then you pay $27 per person every time you use a lounge. If you travel often, this is a great bargain. (There are other levels of membership too).
See the site for full details.
A recent study showed that the average US airport visitor spent $18 on food and beverages alone. This is before spending starts on books, newspapers, magazines and so on. Plus, I am certain that when we travel we spend much more than that.
Let’s imagine, for example, a couple who travel by air four times a year. Only one of those two people has to pay the annual $99 membership fee. (Lounges vary – some allow you to take six guests to your lounge).
For the couple travelling four times a year, each lounge visit would have cost (including the membership fee) $38.37. Remember refreshments (which include wine and spirits) are free in the lounges, there are magazines and newspapers and various other amenities. This makes the Priority Pass a true bargain 🙂
* Note that facilities differ at each lounge
ARTICLE BY:
Jackie
JJ is originally from the UK and has lived in South Florida since 1994. She is the founder and editor of JAQUO Magazine. You can connect with her using the social media icons below.