Is Airport Lounge Access Still Worth It in 2025?

As someone who didn’t grow up going to airport lounges, I can very dramatically (but very honestly) say they have changed my adult life.

Although I’m relatively new to the lounge game, I have heard stories and legends of a lounge “golden age” when they felt more like travel’s best-kept secret. Fast forward to 2025 and well… let’s just say that secret’s out, especially if you’re traveling in the U.S.

Between growing crowds, stricter entry rules, and increasing credit card annual fees, it’s totally fair to question if lounge access is still worth pursuing.

And the short answer? Sometimes. But like most travel perks, the value really depends on where you’re going, how often you’re flying, and what your lounge access includes.

Are Airport Lounges Still Worth It?

If you only fly once or twice each year, a lounge pass probably isn’t going to change your life. And that’s especially true if you don’t have any solid spots in your home airport.

If you’re picturing a peaceful space with unlimited champagne, just know that, especially in U.S. airports, overcrowding has become a genuine issue.

That said, when you find a good lounge, it’s still a completely different experience from sitting at the gate. We’re talking hot meals, an actual bar, Wi-Fi, outlets, and so on. Even a basic lounge visit can save you the $30 to $50 you’d probably spend on terminal food and drinks, so for frequent flyers, the math still checks out.

For example, I recently had an incredible experience at the new Capital One Lounge in JFK’s Terminal 4. It’s spots like this that remind me just how good lounges can be.

How Valuable is a Priority Pass Membership?

For most people without elite status (or business-class tickets), Priority Pass is still the easiest way to get into a lounge. The network has over 1,700 lounges worldwide, and while it’s not perfect, it’s still one of the most reliable options for consistent access.

Buying Priority Pass with unlimited access outright can run you up to $469 per year, but most premium travel cards include Priority Pass^TM Select for free, often with unlimited visits and at least one guest. If you use it six or more times each year, you’re getting solid value.

What to Know About Priority Pass Select

Priority Pass Select is the “credit card version” you’ll get with cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and The Platinum Card® from American Express (though American Express dropped Priority Pass restaurants for the Amex Platinum).

Just note that both the Venture X and Amex Platinum require enrollment for Priority Pass access.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Coverage is better abroad than in the U.S.

• Guest policies vary by card

• In some airports, you can use your membership at restaurants for a dining credit instead of a lounge entry, which can actually be a great perk if you’re lacking lounge options

U.S. Lounges vs. Lounges Abroad

Ok, this is where expectations really matter. In the U.S., lounges can be fine, but typically speaking, you’re looking at snack mixes, soup, maybe a basic bar, and a crowd.

Abroad? Woaaaah, buddy. Whole different ballgame. Lounges in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond can have full buffets, dedicated baristas, showers, and great seating areas that actually feel… quiet. 😌

If most of your travel is domestic, it’s worth thinking of lounge access as a nice bonus — not a make-or-break perk. If you’re traveling internationally, the quality jump alone can make it a must-have. Personally… I’m fully ruined forever (in the best way).

In addition to Priority Pass, it’s worth checking out Plaza Premium lounges, which are another independent lounge company. Again, you’ll find more outside of the U.S.

Best Cards for Lounge Access

If you want lounge access in 2025 without paying for a standalone membership, credit cards are still your BFF, and here are some of our favorites:

• Sapphire Reserve: Priority Pass Select (lounges and restaurants), and Chase Sapphire Lounges

• Venture X: Priority Pass^TM Select with enrollment and Capital One Lounges (guest access changes coming Feb. 1, 2026)

• Amex Platinum: Priority Pass Select (lounges only, with enrollment), Centurion Lounges, and Delta Sky Clubs when flying on an eligible Delta flight

• Citi Strata Elite Card: Priority Pass Select and American Airlines Admirals Club^® Lounge Access Passes (four each calendar year)

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: American Express Global Lounge Collection — including The Centurion^® Lounge, Delta Sky Club^® when flying Delta, Plaza Premium,  Priority Pass^™ Select Lounges (with enrollment), and more

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®: Complimentary Admirals Club® membership

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Access to Escape Lounges, access to The Centurion^® Lounge (when flying on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight), and 15 visits per eligible card each year to the Delta Sky Club or Grab and Go

Bottom Line

Lounge access in 2025 is still worth it… for the right traveler. If you’re on the road fairly often, especially internationally, it’s tough to beat the comfort, convenience, and free food. But if you’re only flying every once in a while? Ehhh, your money might be better spent elsewhere. And if you’re home airport lacks decent options? Maybe skip it.