In one of my previous posts I have talked about Star Alliance Gold status and one of their most interesting benefit: airport lounge access. Attaining a gold status at one the alliances is not feasible for everyone so I made this post to show alternative ways that grant you access.
Airport lounges are designated areas in airports between security control and the gates, where you can relax, eat and drink something and sometimes even take a shower without additional costs. Lounges give flying a new meaning and makes your airport experience much less stressful.
There are several types of airport lounges.
Airline lounges allow customers to their lounge who own a certain airline status depending on the alliance that specific airline is affiliated to. Business class ticket holders with any airline within the whole alliance are also allowed into the lounge.
Contract lounges have specific criteria to allow people in. Most of them allow people who pay to enter or who own a subscription to airport lounge programs such as LoungeKey or PriorityPass, depending on the lounge. Below I will list all the ways you can get airport lounge access through others ways than buying business class tickets or having an airline status.
Bid for upgrade to your flight ticket
Most airlines allow you to bid for an upgrade to business class. You’ll be able to fly for a cheaper price in business class and have all the benefits: fast track, airport lounge access and extra luggage allowance.
Most airlines use the “PlusGrade” system, which allows you to use a scrollbar to choose the amount of money you want to bid. I tell everyone the same: if you use Plusgrade, just offer the lowest price you can offer, except if you really want to fly business. The likelihood you’ll get the upgrade is big even with the lowest offer, except if the flight is overbooked. In case the flight is overbooked, even a higher offer will probably be denied. The barometer will always say that the likelihood to win is poor but that’s just to push you psychologically to offer more in the hope you get the upgrade.
Get the American Express Gold or Platinum card
The American Express Platinum is a quite costly card but gives a lot of benefits if you travel frequently. The card will cost you a whopping 60 euro per month and will get you several benefits:
- Fast lane access at Brussels Airport
- Subscription for PriorityPass: access to >1300 airport lounges worldwide
- Several (travel) insurances
- Fine Hotels Booking platform allowing you to book very luxurious stays including room upgrades
PriorityPass membership for a year costs 399 euro each year and is included in this card. The most interesting thing about the platinum card of American Express (Amex) is the fact that you can request a second complimentary Platinum card for a family member, which will also grant this person a PriorityPass membership. This Amex benefit is therefore worth two times 399 euro.
Alternatively, the Amex Gold Card grants you 4 PriorityPass passes each year.
Save ‘Hearts’ with Brussels Airport for free
Enjoy Program by Brussels Airport is a benefits program offered by the airport of Brussels. You can earn so called ‘Hearts’ by flying from Brussels Airport and registering your boarding pass, from answering surveys or shopping at the airport.
You can use your hearts for the following:
- Fast lane pass (160 hearts)
- Make free use of the Naki Charging Stations (power banks) (until September 2024)
- Access to the Diamond Lounge (225 hearts)
- bTag (150 hearts)
The different tiers and their options:
Unusual Travel Blog