I received a question about whether you have to pay extra for things once you’re inside an airport lounge. The answer to this is probably obvious to most OMAAT readers, but there’s also a bit of nuance and grey area, so perhaps it’s not that straightforward, and is worth discussing in a post.
In this post:
Once you’re in an airport lounge, stuff is mostly free
If you’ve accessed airport lounges before, you know that there’s huge variance in terms of the quality of lounges, ranging from first class lounges, to business class lounges, to Priority Pass lounges.
One thing is relatively consistent, though — the basic services in the lounge are supposed to be included if you have access. So you can generally expect that food, drinks, showers, and other amenities, will be complimentary, unless noted otherwise.
As I’ll get into in more detail below, there are some exceptions, but that’s the general concept. Personally, I operate under the assumption that stuff in lounges is free, unless there’s an obvious reason to believe otherwise, whether it’s an explanation from an employee, or a menu with prices.
There’s also typically not a limit to how much you can consume (though there are exceptions). So regardless of whether a lounge has a buffet or a la carte dining, you can knock yourself out. Some lounges do have a cap on alcoholic drinks, both to manage costs, and to make sure people don’t get too wasted.
What might not be free in airport lounges
The truth is that there are so many different kinds of airport lounges, so there’s not going to be a single consistent policy as to what’s included and what isn’t. Where will you find situations where lounge amenities aren’t included.
Specific to lounges operated by US airlines (so this includes American Admirals Clubs, Delta Sky Clubs, United Clubs, etc.):
- All the food at the buffet is complimentary, though in some situations there may be premium meals available for purchase, with a price clearly indicated on the menu
- Basic alcohol is complimentary, while premium alcohol may be available for purchase, with a specific price listed on the menu
- Showers are complimentary, and available on a first come, first served basis
With Amex Centurion Lounge, Capital One Lounge, and Chase Sapphire Lounges, you’ll typically find even fewer things available for purchase, with just about everything complimentary.
Beyond that, there are some exceptions to be aware of globally. Here are some that come to mind:
- Some airport lounges offer spa treatments, which are only available to certain types of guests (sometimes a subset of those who have access to the lounge); also, there may be a complimentary basic spa treatment, with add-on spa treatment options at an extra cost
- While lounges with shower facilities offer them on a complimentary basis more often than not, some contract and Priority Pass lounges may charge extra for these, so you’ll be informed of those charges
- Some regions have quirks when it comes to what they include; for example, last time I visited a domestic lounge in Kazakhstan, food and drinks weren’t included, but rather had to be purchased at an extra cost
- Some top lounges (like the SWISS First Lounge Zurich) have cigars in their smoking rooms that are available for purchase, and those aren’t usually included
- Some lounges have lounges within a lounge; for example, the Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Garden Lounge Doha has a Louis Vuitton Lounge within it, where everything is available for purchase
Bottom line
The general expectation is that once you enter an airport lounge, most things are included, ranging from food, to drinks, to shower rooms. Now, there are some exceptions and quirks. For example, some lounges sell premium drinks at an extra cost, or charge extra for some additional amenities, like cigars, spa treatments, etc.
I realize the answer probably isn’t as straightforward as some had hoped. If you’re a lounge newbie, generally assume that once you enter the lounge, everything is included, unless told otherwise. This says nothing of tipping in airport lounges, which can also be a bit tricky (at least in the United States).
What has your experience been with airport lounge inclusions?
In the UK lounges have to make sure people are fit to fly so they need to make sure people are intoxicated when they reach the gate. Some lounges have introduced a limit of 2 or 3 drinks to help with this.
There are contracted lounges that charge for use of the showers and/or for towels for the showers.
I can’t believe a lounge would encourage someone to smoke a cigar before a flight. I would hate it if I had to sit next to someone like that on a flight.
Recent stop at lounge in SXM - one drink ticket for a drink, the rest needed to be paid for. Wild.
Lounges are lately not worth the effort. Long queues and waits make the entire proposition not worth it.
I've never had to wait in line to get into a United Club. Maybe you're just flying the wrong airline. And by "wrong airline", I mean the repulsive Delta.
Huge queue outside the Delta lounge at Montreal, as I waited for my KLM flight. The queue was positioned alongside a moving walkway — hence nowhere to lean (because the only surface was a moving handrail), and of course nowhere to sit. Those of us with limited mobility experiencing increasing pain. Delta apparently couldn’t care less, its staff just demanding a boarding pass inspection every half hour. The reason for which was never entirely clear....
Huge queue outside the Delta lounge at Montreal, as I waited for my KLM flight. The queue was positioned alongside a moving walkway — hence nowhere to lean (because the only surface was a moving handrail), and of course nowhere to sit. Those of us with limited mobility experiencing increasing pain. Delta apparently couldn’t care less, its staff just demanding a boarding pass inspection every half hour. The reason for which was never entirely clear.
I confess, this did not feel to me like a “premium” experience. More like a very cr@ppy one.
It’s just a single data point. Though one that’s been repeated each time I’ve flown out of Montreal. In general, I try to avoid US airlines. Even the premium ones.
telling the truth, Paul?
I don't believe DL operates a SkyClub at YUL.
AF operates a lounge for it and KLM's passengers and it is in a different location than DL's flights due to US pre-clearance.
Pretty sure it was Montreal. But I travel a lot so sometimes lose track. Their website certainly doesn’t list it. How infuriating.
Actually you’re quite right; it was the Delta Sky Club in JFK T4. Search for photos and you’ll see the travelator outside the entrance, against which you can’t lean when the queue extends for eternity. Dunno why I confused JFK with Montreal. Clearly the jet lag is getting to me.
Depends where. I had been doing a mini tour of Asia, and I had basically no meal expenses between the airport/airline lounge food and the included hotel breakfasts. And the lounges were often busy but still comfortable.
Don't. Tip. In. Lounges.
Like this isn't even a question.
Why not? Some lounges have great bartenders. Doesn’t hurt to leave a few bucks.
Agreed. I also tip the buy that brings me some food. I can afford it....
everyone here can afford it, that's not the point.
Most folks do not tip in a lounge so doing so kinda ruins it for everyone else. Part of the problem is that US domestic lounges charge for premium drinks, so cash may change hands.
In fact I prefer the foreign model where you just help yourself to drinks. It's not like pouring wine or beer is difficult, and most folks can make a decent cocktail the way they like it.
I tip the wonderful bar staff at the PHL Centurion Lounge at least $20 every time I go through there. Mainly because they deserve it, but also a small part of it is to make up for the rude freeloaders like you, Bob.
There are 2 things for certain that are not free of in airport lounges.
1. Misbehaving children.
2. Pets aka. fake service animals.
I think the biggest grey zone is around the duration of allowed stay in the lounge included in the entry. I mean, a lot of lounges (especially contract/Priority/Dragon Pass etc) indicate "maximum 3-4 hours" of stay. Has anyone actually ever been ejected after that? Do you have to pay after that or what? Never heard of it, and would be curious to hear from others if that's ever enforced?
Side note - the cigars...
I think the biggest grey zone is around the duration of allowed stay in the lounge included in the entry. I mean, a lot of lounges (especially contract/Priority/Dragon Pass etc) indicate "maximum 3-4 hours" of stay. Has anyone actually ever been ejected after that? Do you have to pay after that or what? Never heard of it, and would be curious to hear from others if that's ever enforced?
Side note - the cigars in the SWISS First Lounge A in ZRH were still free last month (just have to ask staff to open the box), and have never been charged on any of my visits since 2016...
Unrelated, but TK203 pulled a BA move and is diverting back to Istanbul, 8+ hours of flying to nowhere.
Years ago, there was a guy in the DCA Admirals Club who would proactively find people who had just sat down and asked them, “can I get you a (food item)?” with zero mention of any charge.
If you say yes, he’ll bring it to you, and when you’re done eating, he’ll ask for your card.
Pretty shifty if you ask me.
Just refuse to pay!
The most jarring example of being charged for something was being charged for a shower in the Royal Jordanian lounge in AMM.
I sometimes find puzzling things that are or aren't even offered (with or without an additional fee). For example, the lounge in Yerevan has exactly one (1) electrical outlet and non-functional WiFi. You can get far better food, better WiFi, and more power, out in the concourse.