Airport Lounges: Getting In, Hidden Perks and Expert Tips with Kevin Song

Key takeaways

Airport lounges can significantly improve the travel experience by providing comfort and amenities away from the crowded airport.
Travelers can gain lounge access through various means such as credit cards, elite status, and memberships. You do not need to fly first class.
Not all lounges are the same; travelers should learn to identify the best lounges using resources and reviews.
Managing multiple lounge access options and understanding their benefits can greatly enhance your travel convenience.
Status matching with airlines can open up lounge access opportunities that many travelers may not be aware of.

Summary

Introduction to Airport Lounges

In this episode, Chris Hutchins and Kevin Song introduce the concept of airport lounges, highlighting their benefits like free food, drinks, and a peaceful environment away from chaotic airport crowds. The discussion aims to guide listeners on accessing the best lounges regardless of flight class.

Ways to Access Lounges

The duo explores various methods of gaining lounge access, including credit card membership, elite status, and creative hacks for travelers. They emphasize that one doesn't need to fly first class to enjoy lounge benefits. Listeners learn that both airlines and credit cards offer access options, sometimes even including the lesser-known lounges.

Experiences in Popular Lounges

Kevin shares personal anecdotes about his favorite lounges, such as The Pier in Hong Kong and the Emirates lounge in Dubai. The hosts discuss the importance of amenities and the varying quality of lounges, with some lounges not providing the expected peace and comfort, observing how not all lounges are created equal.

Managing Lounge Access and Tips

An insight is provided into managing different lounge access memberships and navigating the crowded lounge environments. Tips are shared on how to find quieter lounges and leveraging airline membership club agents for assistance, thus enhancing the travel experience. The conversation also examines tools for tracking various lounge access options.

Lounge Identification and Ratings

An introduction to "This Lounge," a database created by Kevin and his team, which helps travelers identify and rate lounges based on their experiences. They explain how this platform provides comprehensive ratings and advice on which lounges are worth visiting, including tricks on managing lounge access effectively.

Elite Status and Loyalty Programs

The episode further discusses the role of elite status in accessing lounges, with a focus on international airlines and how travelers can utilize status matches to gain access to lounges. Strategies for maximizing benefits through loyalty programs and credit card usage are also covered.

Show notes

#224: This is the ultimate guide to airport lounges. You'll learn how to access the best lounges without needing to fly first class by using credit cards, memberships, elite status, and more. We’ll also discuss the best lounges, underrated perks, tools to manage access, avoiding crowded lounges and more.

Kevin Song is the co-founder of This Lounge, one of the most comprehensive databases of airport lounges around the world. He is a former cybersecurity professional at WeWork, Hyatt, Deloitte, The Points Guy and Notre Dame.

Link to Full Show Notes: https://chrishutchins.com/airport-lounge-access-guide

Partner Deals
LMNT: Free sample pack of my favorite electrolyte drink mix
Vuori: 20% off the most comfortable performance apparel I've ever worn
Upwork: Free job posting to find, hire, and pay top freelance talent
Green Chef: 50% off your first meal kit + 20% off the next 2 months with free shipping
Gelt: Skip the waitlist on personalized tax guidance to maximize your wealth
For all the deals, discounts and promo codes from our partners, go to: chrishutchins.com/deals

Resources Mentioned
Kevin Song: X | This Lounge
Lounges

The Pier, First (Hong Kong)

Al Safwa First Class Lounge (Qatar)

What You Need to Know About USO Airport Lounges
Airport Lounge Memberships

Priority Pass

Dragon Pass

Lounge Key

How To Tell Your Priority Pass Cards Apart
Lounge Reviews

This Lounge

Lounge Review

ATH Podcast

Ep #219: 20+ Airport Hacks for Faster Security, Immigration, and Boarding with Leigh Rowan

Ep #220: Rethinking Elite Status and Smarter Ways to Earn and Use Points

Leave a review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Email for questions, hacks, deals, and feedback: podcast@allthehacks.com

Full Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(02:16) Factors That Make an Airport Lounge a Favorite
(04:12) The Worst Type of Airport Lounges
(07:07) The Number and Types of Airport Lounges Around the World
(09:05) Quick Overview of Airport Lounges in America
(11:28) Companies That Operate Lounges on Behalf of Airlines
(13:13) Credit Card Affiliated Airport Lounges
(14:25) Airline Alliance Lounges and USO Lounges
(15:32) Ranking Lounge Categories from Worst to Best
(18:28) Ways to Leverage Airline Membership Club Lounge Agents
(23:22) A Potential Hack to Skip an Airport Lounge Waitlist
(26:50) Lufthansa's Famous First Class Rubber Ducks
(28:16) Using a Priority Pass to Access Airport Lounges
(33:38) Can Business or First Class Tickets Give You Access to a Lounge?
(39:21) Leveraging Elite Status for Lounge Access
(45:01) Creating Multiple Profiles to Earn More Miles
(47:14) Why You Should Consider Status Matches
(53:04) Trick to Qualify for Status Matches
(54:49) Is It Worth Getting a Day Pass to Access a Lounge?
(58:22) The Main Premium Credit Cards with Lounge Access
(1:04:22) Other Credit Cards That Include a Priority Pass Membership
(1:07:09) The Number of Priority Passes Chris and Kevin Have
(1:09:43) Adding Authorized Users on the Three Major Airline Credit Cards
(1:10:57) Ways to Manage Lounge Access Memberships
(1:15:51) Overlooked Perks of Airport Lounges

Connect with Chris
Newsletter | Membership | X | Instagram | LinkedIn

Editor’s Note: The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices