Millionaires Love These Airport Lounges

Millionaires love airport lounges, but you don't always need a seven-figure income to access these awesome places.

Millionaires can afford to travel in style, paying for things like airport lounge access and first-class seats if they choose to do so. Not all wealthy people shell out a fortune for a first-class travel experience, though. That's because travel rewards cards can provide access to top-notch airline lounges that offer privacy, quiet, and unparalleled comfort -- without the cardholder having to pay an added price.

The access to airline lounges is likely one key reason why so many wealthy people have travel credit cards, with The Ascent's recent research into how wealthy Americans use credit cards revealing that almost 35% of millionaires have a travel card in their wallet. Of course, not all lounges are created equal -- but these are some of the best ones across the United States that are beloved by millionaires, and could be open to everyone if they get the right credit card.

1. The Centurion Lounge at JFK

Located on Level 4 of Terminal 4, JFK's Centurion Lounge is a cut above the rest. You'll not only be able to dine on gourmet creations from Uruguayan-born Chef Ignacio Mattos, but you'll also enjoy access to two premium bars.

Free wifi is of course standard, and you can enjoy a nice cup of Irving Farm's fresh roasted New York Coffee as you wait for your flight. The coup de gras, however, is an 1850 Speakeasy with a specialized menu of invigorating cocktails.

Who can access the Centurion Lounge at JFK?

Access is available for American Express cardholders with enrollment and a Platinum, Business Platinum, or Centurion card, although you'll need a same-day boarding pass to get in. If you're flying on Delta and you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you're also welcome.

You cannot purchase membership, so unless you have one of these cards, you won't be getting the perks on offer. These cards do carry annual fees, which would make them a turnoff to the 12.33% of wealthy Americans who make no fees a priority when selecting which card to sign up for. But more than one in five wealthy respondents to The Ascent's survey indicated they pay an annual fee of $250 or more for their cards -- and access to perks like this is probably a big reason why.

2. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Washington D.C.

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is located in Dulles International Airport and offers all the perks any discerning millionaire would expect from one of the best airport lounges in the U.S.

Located in Terminal A across from Gate A32, this lounge features luggage storage, free wifi, and complimentary drinks, including signature cocktails. If you get hungry, an a la carte menu also offers a variety of tasty treats free of charge for those waiting for a flight to board, including the famous Clubhouse Burger.

Who can access the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse?

The Clubhouse is available to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers, as well as passengers traveling in Delta One or who are Flying Club Gold members. You can also visit the Clubhouse if you are flying on a Virgin Atlantic flight and have any of the following credit cards:

• Delta SkyMiles Diamond Medallion card holders
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum Medallion card holders
• Delta SkyMiles Gold Medallion card holders
• Flying Blue Platinum card holders
• Flying Blue Gold card holders

3. Delta Sky Club, Atlanta

There are actually nine different Delta Sky Club lounges in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), but the lounge in Concourse F has earned its place as one of the best airport lounges beloved by millionaires as a result of the outside Sky Deck that provides unparalleled views of planes departing.

Sky Clubs offer free wifi, complimentary food and beverages, flight assistance, and even showers at select locations. Printers and scanners on sight can also make it easy to get work done while on the go.

Who can access the Delta Sky Club?

Sales of single-visit passes used to be available to the Delta Sky Club, but that has not been the case since 2018. Now, you must either buy a membership at a cost of $545 per year or 54,500 miles for a single person, or $845 or 84,500 miles for a member and up to two guests.

You can also access the lounge if you are a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Member, and can even get one-time guest passes for up to two guests per year.

4. Capital One Lounge at Dallas/Fort Worth

The Capital One Lounge is located in Terminal D next to the D22 Gate. It's the first of several Capital One Lounges to open, and while it is new, it offers a variety of classic time-tested amenities. These include grab-and-go food stations, restaurant-quality dining inspired by local flavors, and even a cycling and yoga room with Peloton bikes.

Who can access the Capital One Lounge?

The Capital One Lounge is available to Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card members. They get unlimited access for themselves and for authorized users, as well as two guest passes per visit. Venture and Spark Miles card holders are also allowed to visit, but get only two free entries per year; after that, they will pay a special $45 per visit rate.

Travel in style with airline lounge access

Each of these lounges can be accessible not just to millionaires, but to the average person with the right credit card who simply wants to make their travel experience a more pleasant one. Consider shopping around for a card that offers lounge access as a perk so you can enjoy your next trip.