Lounge access enhances the pre-flight experience with benefits like peaceful surroundings, gourmet food, expedited services, and serene workspaces. Having lounge access at airports offers several benefits for Indian travellers.

Now, Let’s take a look at the benefits.

Disclaimer: Specific amenities and services can vary between lounges, so it's good to research the lounge options available at your departure airport.

• Airline or Ticket Class: Some airlines offer lounge access to passengers flying in premium classes (like business or first class). Check with your airline to see if your ticket class includes lounge privileges.
• Buy a Priority Pass: Priority Pass is a network of airport lounges available in over 1,300 locations in 148 countries. Each lounge has unique features but typically includes free food, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. You may find a participating lounge during your travels.
• Frequent Flyer Status: If you have a high-tier frequent flyer status with an airline, you may be eligible for lounge access. This is often a perk for elite-status members.
• Credit Cards: Many premium credit cards, especially travel-specific ones, have lounge access benefits. Check your credit card's terms and help to see if this is included. If you have a preferred airline, getting their co-branded credit card can provide you with many benefits and help you accumulate points faster. However, it's important to be aware of any associated annual fees before submitting your application. A few advantages of co-branded airline cards include:
  • Welcome bonus: Many cards offer new card members a welcome bonus, in the form of points, for signing up and spending a certain amount of money during the introductory period. Be sure to check the terms of the card you are interested in applying for.
  • Rewards points: These points are usually earned on travel purchases as well as everyday purchases. Most cards offer at least 1 reward mile (or point) per dollar spent. In certain categories or when used to purchase travel on that airline, the rewards points can be even higher.
  • Travel perks: This includes things like priority boarding and free checked bags and can vary by card.
• Airport Lounge Memberships: Programs like Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass offer access to a network of lounges globally for a yearly membership fee. Some premium credit cards provide complimentary membership to these programs.
• Airline Lounge Memberships: Some airlines offer standalone lounge memberships that allow access to their lounges and sometimes partner lounges. 
• Pay-Per-Use: Many lounges allow travellers to pay for a single-use entry, typically at the lounge entrance. This option is available to all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class. 
• Corporate Lounge Memberships: Some companies offer lounge access as part of their corporate travel programs, so if you're travelling for business, check with your employer. 
• Lounge Day Passes: Some lounges offer day passes that can be purchased at the lounge entrance. This option is often available for a fixed fee. 
• Through Travel Agencies or Online Platforms: Some travel agencies or online platforms offer lounge access as an add-on service when booking flights or travel packages.

Credit Cards

• HDFC Visa Signature Credit Card
• HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Credit Card
• Yatra SBI Credit Card
• SBI Advantage Platinum Credit Card
  
• SBI Platinum Corporate Card
• Axis Bank Miles & More World Credit Card
• Axis Bank Privilege Credit Card
• Axis Bank Signature Credit card
  
• IndusInd Bank Platinum Select Credit Card

Debit Cards

• HDFC Bank Millennia Debit Card
• HDFC EasyShop Platinum Debit Card
  
• SBI Platinum International Debit Card
• Axis Bank Prestige Debit Card
  
• YES Prosperity Platinum Debit Card
• ICICI Bank Coral Paywave Contactless Debit Card
  
• Axis Priority Debit Card
• Kotak Privy League Signature Debit Card
  
• ICICI Bank Sapphiro Debit Card
• IDFC First Bank Visa Signature Debit Card

Benefits of lounge access is a gateway to luxury, efficiency and relaxation for travellers. It's invaluable for savouring gourmet meals, catching up on work, or unwinding before take-off. With various ways to acquire it, the lounge access makes the journey a destination of comfort and refinement.