I Use This Travel Credit Card Perk Every Time I Fly

When I traveled in my early 20s, I always tried to spend as little time as possible at the airport. My goal was to get in, get through security, and board my flight, keeping the waiting around to a minimum.

Then, I started learning about travel credit cards and the benefits they offer. The one that intrigued me the most was airport lounge access. Just by having the right card, I could wait for my flight in an upscale lounge instead of a loud, packed boarding area.

I immediately opened a credit card with this perk, and now I use it every time I fly. If you'd like to make your time at the airport more enjoyable, you may want to do the same.

How airport lounge access works

When a credit card has airport lounge access, that means it includes a membership to one or more airport lounge programs. A membership allows you to enter that program's lounges. There are two types of lounge programs:

• Lounges offered by a specific airline: Examples include American Airlines Admirals® Club, Delta Sky Club®, and United Club.
• Third-party lounges: A network of airport lounges that aren't tied to one specific airline. Examples include Priority Pass and American Express Centurion® Lounges.

If you normally fly with the same airline, then you'll probably want a card with a membership in its lounge program. For example, if you're a frequent flyer on Delta, then the best option would be a Delta card with a Delta Sky Club® membership.

Most travelers, myself included, aren't loyal to any one airline. In that case, it's better to go with a travel card that has a membership to a third-party lounge program. The most common is Priority Pass. Many credit cards include a Priority Pass membership, which gets you into over 1,400 lounges around the world.

As far as what airport lounges are like, this varies quite a bit depending on the lounge. They normally have comfortable furniture, plenty of seating, and free food and drinks. Some lounges are nicer than others, but it's pretty much always better than waiting around in the boarding area.

Should you get a card with lounge access?

You won't find airport lounge access available with just any credit card. It's a perk that's almost exclusively found on premium travel cards with high annual fees, normally $400 or more.

That's a lot to pay for a credit card, but these cards are usually loaded with travel perks. Airline credit cards may include free checked baggage and a yearly companion pass. More general travel cards may have spending credits on certain types of travel purchases.

Lounge access is a valuable perk in its own right. You'll be more comfortable while you wait at the airport, and you won't need to pay for food and drinks. Some travelers estimate that they save $40 to $50 per lounge visit. It's especially valuable if it includes guest access and you often travel with your family. Instead of paying for an expensive meal for three or four people at an airport restaurant, you can all eat for free in a lounge.

Here are a few signs that it's a good idea to get a card with lounge access:

• You fly at least three or four times per year.
• Your home airport has a lounge you'd be able to access.
• You don't mind paying an annual fee for a credit card.

If so, the next step is checking out credit cards that have this benefit to find the right fit for you. You can find top options in The Ascent's guide to the best credit cards with airport lounge access.