5 Tips for Your First Time in an Airport Lounge

Airport lounges aren't open to everyone, but it's now easy enough to get in. There are plenty of credit cards with airport lounge access, and this perk is also normally included if you're flying in business class or first class.

If it's your first time visiting an airport lounge, you're probably excited, and maybe wondering how to get the most out of it. I travel often, and I've been to dozens of airport lounges. Here are my top five tips for enjoying your time at the lounge.

1. Check the location online so you know where to go

Some airports are huge, and it's tiring to wander around looking for a lounge. Before you go to the airport, check the location for any lounges you can access.

This information will be available on your lounge program's website. Let's say your travel card includes a Priority Pass membership. First, visit the Priority Pass website. Search for the airport, and you'll see all the lounges available there. Don't forget to activate the Priority Pass membership, too, so you can use it.

It's the same process as other lounge programs. For example, if you have access to Delta Sky Clubs, visit the airline's website and search for Delta Sky Club locations.

2. Review the entry rules

When you look up lounge info before your flight, make sure to also check the entry requirements. Specifically, you'll want to check:

• Hours of operation: To confirm it will be open before your flight.
• Entry restrictions: Some lounges won't let you in more than three hours before your flight.
• Guest policies: If you plan to bring any friends or family with you, you'll want to know if your lounge program has rules on if you can bring guests or if there's an extra fee for doing so).

It's especially important to review this if you have a late-night or early-evening flight, when lounges may be closed. Or, if you'll be arriving at the airport several hours ahead of your flight, see if the lounge you're planning to visit has entry restrictions.

3. Do a lap first

You've found the lounge and checked in. What now? Personally, I like to do a quick lap around the lounge before I get comfortable. This is to get an idea of the amenities the lounge offers and to see all the seating options.

There have been times when I just grabbed one of the first seats I saw. Then, while getting a drink, I noticed much more comfortable chairs elsewhere. By walking around first, you can find the best spot and get settled in sooner.

The exception to the rule is when a lounge is packed. In that case, you might want to grab any decent seat that's available.

4. Make the most of the amenities

Amenities at airport lounges vary. Smaller lounges may offer snacks, drinks, and magazines/newspapers. Larger lounges may have:

• Bars
• Meal service
• Relaxation rooms
• Play areas for children
• Showers
• Spas

You can find a lounge's amenities online when you check the location and hours. There's also often info about amenities when you log into the lounge's wifi.

Don't be shy about taking advantage of the lounge's perks. No one's going to bat an eye if you grab two desserts or have a few drinks (travel drinking doesn't count). If you're tired and just want to take it easy, look for a relaxation room or a quiet area.

5. Keep an eye on your flight status

Many lounges don't announce flight statuses. You might not hear your boarding announcement unless the lounge is right by the gate.

When it's getting close to your flight's boarding time, keep an eye on the flight info display. This will let you know when the plane is at the gate and when boarding has started. If you're in an early boarding group and want to make sure you get on the plane with that group, you may want to head over once the plane is at the gate.

Also, make sure you know where your boarding gate is and how long it will take to get there. Some lounges have a handy sign that says how many minutes it is from nearby gates. If not, you can also ask a lounge employee at the front desk.

Kicking back in a lounge can make your time at the airport much more fun. If you'd like to be able to get into airport lounges, look for credit cards with this feature. While quality varies from lounge to lounge, it's always better than the boarding area.