Lounge access - the options

So you want to have airport lounge access but have no frequent flyer elite status nor do you fly business class ? good news: there are ways.

  

Swiss Zurich Airport Lounge (one of my favorites)

Pay per visit access:

This is probably the most expensive way.
There are a couple of options:

• buy access on the spot (simply walk up to one of the lounges which sell access - check in advance which ones do)
• book in advance using sites like www.executivelounges.com, www.loungepass.com etc.
• book in advance on the airline website (some airlines like Delta offer you the option of lounge access)

Good for: people who don't travel much
Bad for: frequent travelers - it's a hassle and it's going to be expensive

Access using a credit card perk:
Credit cards are one great way of getting airport lounge access !
There are a few cards in the market which have airport lounge access as one of the perks of owning the card.
Here are a few examples (I will be giving examples from the Dutch market however you will typically find similar deals in other countries):

• American Express Platinum - this might be the most well known travel credit card. It gives you access to lot's of airport lounges (about 900 of them). The problem with this card is it's price. 
• Mastercard Black and World Elite - these cards come with a free Priority Pass which is a great way to have lounge access (more than 600 lounges)
• Ink from Chase (USA) comes with a free lounge club pass
• Diners Club 

Airport lounge membership programs:
 There are quite a few of those:

• Priority Pass: the most well known program with over 600 lounges available
• Lounge Club: access to about 350 lounges