Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access (2024)
Premium credit cards offer the most comprehensive and cost-effective way to access airport lounges. Compare the best cards and their lounge networks to find your perfect match.
Premium Lounge Networks
Chase Sapphire Lounges
New premium lounges by Chase featuring local cuisine and modern amenities
Centurion Lounges
American Express's flagship airport lounges with premium amenities
Credit Card Comparison
The Platinum Card® from American Express
$695 Annual Fee
Lounge Access:
- Centurion Lounges
- Priority Pass Select
- Delta SkyClub (when flying Delta)
- Plaza Premium
- Escape Lounges
Guest Policy:
2 guests at Centurion Lounges ($50 each after)
Key Benefits:
- $200 airline fee credit
- $200 hotel credit
- $240 digital entertainment credit
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Uber credits
- CLEAR® Plus credit
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
$550 Annual Fee
Lounge Access:
- Priority Pass Select
- Chase Sapphire Lounges
Guest Policy:
2 free guests with Priority Pass
Key Benefits:
- $300 travel credit
- 3x points on travel & dining
- 1.5¢ per point redemption value
- Primary rental car insurance
- Trip delay protection
Capital One Venture X
$395 Annual Fee
Lounge Access:
- Capital One Lounges
- Priority Pass Select
- Plaza Premium
Guest Policy:
2 free guests at all lounges
Key Benefits:
- $300 travel credit
- 10,000 anniversary miles
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
- Primary rental car insurance
- Cell phone protection
In-Depth Card Analysis
American Express Platinum Card®
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out as the premier choice for travelers seeking the most comprehensive lounge access. While its $695 annual fee is the highest among premium travel cards, the extensive lounge network and premium benefits can easily justify the cost for frequent travelers.
Centurion Lounge Network
The crown jewel of Amex's lounge offering is the Centurion Lounge network. As of 2024, locations include:
- • LAS (Las Vegas)
- • DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth)
- • SFO (San Francisco)
- • LGA (LaGuardia)
- • SEA (Seattle)
- • MIA (Miami)
- • IAH (Houston)
- • PHL (Philadelphia)
- • HKG (Hong Kong)
- • JFK (New York)
- • DEN (Denver)
- • LHR (London Heathrow)
- • ATL (Atlanta)
- • IAD (Washington DC)
- • New locations coming to NRT and ORD
Key Consideration: Starting February 1, 2024, guest access to Centurion Lounges costs $50 per guest unless you spend $75,000+ on your card annually. This change significantly impacts cardholders who frequently travel with companions.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers exceptional value for travelers who want premium benefits without the highest annual fee. At $550 annually, it strikes an excellent balance between cost and benefits, especially with its flexible $300 travel credit that automatically applies to any travel purchase.
Chase Sapphire Lounge Network
Chase's new lounge network is rapidly expanding. Current and announced locations include:
- • BOS (Boston) - Open
- • HKG (Hong Kong) - Open
- • LAS (Las Vegas) - Open
- • SAN (San Diego) - Open
- • PHX (Phoenix) - Opening 2024
- • JFK (New York) - Opening 2024
- • LAX (Los Angeles) - Coming Soon
- • LGA (LaGuardia) - Coming Soon
Pro Tip: The Sapphire Reserve's Priority Pass membership includes restaurant credits (unlike Amex), effectively adding more value at airports where lounge options are limited.
Capital One Venture X
The Capital One Venture X represents the best value proposition among premium travel cards. With the lowest annual fee ($395) in its class and generous benefits that can easily offset the cost,it's an excellent choice for travelers entering the premium card market.
Capital One Lounge Network
While the network is smaller, the lounges are modern and well-appointed:
- • DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth) - Open
- • DEN (Denver) - Open
- • IAD (Washington Dulles) - Open
- • LAS (Las Vegas) - Coming 2024
- • ATL (Atlanta) - Coming Soon
- • JFK (New York) - Coming Soon
Value Analysis: When you factor in the $300 travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles (worth $100+), the effective annual fee is actually negative, making this card an exceptional value for its lounge access benefits.
Strategic Considerations
- Multiple Card Strategy: Consider combining the Capital One Venture X with Amex Platinum for comprehensive lounge coverage at a lower total cost than historical options.
- Home Airport: Your home airport's lounge offerings should heavily influence your card choice. Check our airport guides for detailed lounge information.
- Travel Patterns: International travelers mightbenefit more from the Amex Platinum's global lounge network, while domestic travelers might find better value in the Chase Sapphire Reserve's broader travel benefits.