Are "Basic" Airport Lounges Even Worth Visiting Anymore? - SFO

Are "Basic" Airport Lounges Even Worth Visiting Anymore?

Ben Schlappig — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:12:35 +0000

Yesterday I found myself in a situation where I wanted a quiet place from which to work, so I left an airportlounge. That seems a bit backwards, no? It made me question why I even bother visiting airline lounges most of the time. My general instinct is to always visit a lounge if I have…

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Anne Sutherland-Smith — Sat, 01 Apr 2017 03:21:20 +0000

I totally agree, having spent some time in USA airport lounges recently they are certainly getting busier, while the amenities available in the general lounge are really good. I also like having the option to choose what food I like and not be tied to feeling like I need to travel with a particular airline. The Australian airport terminals are being progressively upgrade so there are now quite a few options to find a place to set up and a power point, but not to the extent of the USA airports...

Josie — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 21:41:20 +0000

I totally see your point! I agree that the basic lounges are getting more and more crowded. With more people and noise, things that would not seem so appropriate in an almost empty lounge (kids running around, speaking loudly on the phone) become more commonplace as it does not stand out. More people then see that as appropriate behaviour. It's a vicious circle. The lounges are no longer proving to be a refuge from the crowds. If wifi and a secluded corner are available near a gate, it could definitely be a better option.

Mikemosz — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 04:57:57 +0000

In my experience, there are some places where the 'basic' lounges are actually better. In Vienna, for example, the Lufthansa Business and Senator lounges tend to be absolutely packed, whereas the Priority Pass lounge next door is perfectly pleasant. I've also found that because those who have access through cards are mostly business travellers, there are far fewer children in these lounges, and I'm the kind of person who will take 20 loud adults over a single loud child any day of the week. I don't know the situation in the US, but in Europe and Asia I've found 'basic' lounges perfectly serviceable.

Abidjan — Fri, 31 Mar 2017 02:12:06 +0000

Agreed, after years having Admirals Club membership, dropped it this year. Terminal layouts/offerings have improved immensely. Clubs are packed. I also have rediscovered the joys of plane watching and soaking in the energy of the terminal. Still have plenty of lounge access via OW status and Priority Pass. That's enough.

Jason Brandt Lewis — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 16:55:33 +0000

@Lucky ---> No doubt this is clearly a case of YMMV . . . EVERY terminal all over the world will experience an "ebb-and-flow" of traffic to a certain degree as planes arrive and depart. (Obviously it's those waiting for their flight to depart who are filling up the lounges and waiting areas at the gates.) But SFO is far better than most in terms of access to electric plugs and chairs, with or without desks. That said, there are times when you cannot find a quiet spot or a plug-and-a-chair to save your life! So, too, PDX and SEA for example. But on the opposite side, as has already been pointed out, you have to look no farther than EWR-LGA-JFK . . . they're gawd awful! (Give me the VS Clubhouse @ JFK, however, and I'm in heaven. Well, OK, heaven for an airport, at any rate.) Also, apparently I am the only person in the US who has never been turned away from a lounge using my Priority Pass. I can't explain that, but I honestly have never had a problem. But my lounge use is dependent upon where I am -- not only what airport, but which terminal. While I'm looking forward to Alaska opening up a lounge in T2 @ SFO, I've also never had a problem waiting in the gate areas for my Virgin flight to depart. Actually, the same is true at the IT at SFO, come to think of it, though I often will use PP to access the Air France/KLM lounge -- depending upon how much time I have. Elsewhere, if lounge access is convenient (i.e.: in the same terminal), and the time sufficient for me to truly relax, I'm there. Usually. Unless I'm at an airport with a gate area that's uncrowded, and I have access to electricity and wifi . . .

Fred M — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 13:08:44 +0000

The shared British Airways Galleries lounge at Munich Terminal 1B is often rammed, has no toilets, let alone a shower room and getting up there is like negotiating a maze. Still better than the gate but only just.

RTBones — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 12:47:52 +0000

In general, I find most domestic lounges to be on the "meh" side of the scale. Biggest use I have found for them is the availability of staff to help with rebooking if your trip gets clobbered by weather, a mechanical, or whatnot. Once upon a time, it was (free) wifi that sold the lounge. Not so much anymore.

charliemcmillan — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 09:51:41 +0000

Too many ways of getting access is the problem. Lounges started out as a reward for premium and/or loyal passengers with lots of miles. Now it's become a revenue opportunity with lounge access for sale. Defeats the whole purpose.

Evan — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 08:17:48 +0000

It's really easy. The reason YOU go visit lounges is because it's your job....or am I missing something?