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?
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.
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.
There are 2 things for certain that are not free of in airport lounges.
1. Misbehaving children.
2. Pets aka. fake service animals.
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.
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.