I was in Cairo airport, the lounge was empty, no one there. So I kicked back and relaxed for the 2 hours before my flight. Half an hour in I was nudged awake by a hostess that advised I'd entered the private jet lounge by mistake and if I could kindly follow her to the business lounge.

I've been in lounges around the world and honestly, I've yet to feel one is worth the money you pay. The food is better than airline food, but you can buy comparable food at the airport for significantly less than the cost of annual membership for the lounges or credit cards. It's just another way to make people feel superior while taking their money.

1. Airport lounges are becoming increasingly popular. 2. They are expensive to build and maintain but are seen as a way to attract and retain customers. 3. Overcrowding is a challenge for lounge operators. 4. There are over 3200 airport lounges worldwide, with the US having over 300. 5. First and business class tickets usually come with lounge access for international travel. 6. Branded credit cards allow customers to earn elite status with airlines, which includes lounge access. 7. Premium travel credit cards like American Express Platinum offer lounge access and travel credits. 8. As more people are willing to pay for premium tickets, the average airline ticket price has decreased, and lounges are becoming more accessible.

"It's not about making money, it's about making you feel better about the exorbitant amount we've already charged you"

The lounges were worth it back in the early 2000's; now there are just too many people and as a result, the service and quality have gone downhill. Airlines are really nickel-and-diming their customers with the creation of different tiers of economy class. We all, on the same same flight number, take off and land in the same plane, from the same gate going to the same destination, so I don't mind flying economy and saving a ton of money.

It’s interesting how this video didn’t cover the fact that every loyalty program/frequent flyers is actually, fundamentally, a bank

Everyone complains about overcrowded lounges and long lines to get in, but when an airline restricts access and makes it harder to avoid long lines and overcrowding (like Delta recently tried, before they had to backtrack) people get enraged. The truth is everyone wants to restrict others right under them. They all still want access, but want to restrict anyone else who may have slightly less spend, or slightly lower status, or a different credit card than they do. But guess what? EVERYONE wants the cutoff to be right below themselves. If everyone is special, then no one is special. Where do airlines draw the line? Because no matter what, that group that gets cutoff will be very vocally screaming about how it's not fair, how loyalty means nothing, etc., etc., then also complain on twitter (refuse to use the new name) and be snapping pics for instagram about how the lines are sooooooo long and the club is soooooooo crowded and it's not restrictive enough. Round and round it goes.

I once had a three hour layover in Chicago, and I was gonna try out the Delta lounge for the first time... but because of the way that stupid airport is laid out, it would've meant going through security AGAIN just to get there, and then going through security AGAIN to get to my connecting flight. Nothing is worth that.

I was flying out to basic training and some rich guy wouldn’t let me say no, and took me into a sky lounge and bought me a drink. As a working class guy I never forgot that.

My lounge is so exclusive, even if you got in you don't stay. Its french.. called La Trine. You get your own covered booth with a chair called the Com Mode. You can sit there till your flight is called, listen to music, sleep, and even eat snacks. Sometimes they release exotic fragrances that are never the same. I love La Trine, it lets me take a load off. 😉

Social media definitely plays a huge part in this with influencers and even just casuals boasting their travel experiences going from the airport to the destination which often comes with staying at an "exclusive" airport lounge. When other people see this they want to get in on the action which has led to overcrowding and increased demand with a lot of these lounges.

I've seen the American lounges at PHX routinely be standing room only during peak times I get lounge access through the AA Executive card that my company pays for. But not only is the annual fee going from $450 to $600, over the past few years, they've made changes to the rules that make it much harder to get the upgrades that they consider benefits because everyone and their grandmother seem to be eligible now. That free 1st class upgrade benefit isn't worth much when I'm number 37 on the wait list.

To enjoy the facilities of some lounges you really have to arrive a good few hours before your flight.

It’s not that lounges are becoming harder to access, it’s that they got way TOO easy to access, and they’re trying to dial it back again

I've never been in a lounge and honestly it's been fine. My only real gripe is expensive airport food but the terminal I usually depart from has a chain bakery with consistent pricing. Outside holidays and peak summer it's not hard to find a seat somewhere in the gates. And I try to fly a bit earlier when it's empty. It's not luxury but it's far from uncomfortable. A snack, a place to sit so I can read or phone scroll, and a window to see the airplanes pushing back. That's all I need to pass the time.

I was fortunate enough to be upgraded from Premium Economy to Business (due to an aircraft change) on a flight from Narita to O’Hare back in August. I got to use the lounge as a result, and while it was nice, it’s not a privilege I would regularly pay for.

Well it use to be a nice perk... Amex ruined their lounge experience with too many cards issued and priority pass is a joke. Most of these newer companies getting in on the "we want to reward our customers" are behind the curve already.

Maybe airports having proper lounges for masses of flyers to rest during long layovers would help with the pressure. Then airlines could focus on the luxury and exclusivity rather then space or capacity. Since restaurants in the airports are overpriced to the point that the credit cards and airline lounges are actually cheaper with more value if you fly often.

Can't wait for a Spirit lounge one day. Wonder what that would look like.

We travel for fun about every 6 weeks, both long haul and quick weekends away, if a lounge is available to us either through loyalty or credit card perks we will try to get in, so far, we’ve always had access. Some are definitely better than others. The free wine before a flight is a nice treat, but my favorites are the shower lounges especially when we’ve done a full day of exploring before a late red-eye helps with the icky feeling on the plane.

The Disney World of Lounges - the hysteria about this is hysterical. I take a sandwich with me if I have a long wait - much cheaper.

I don't stay at an airport long enough to use a lounge. I be pushing it sometimes making it to my flight on time 😂

I like lounges but I always felt like they’re missing the elite essentials, like private shower rooms, and private mtg rooms and sleeping area. And an onsite makeup/hair bar! Imagine getting a quick touch up before landing and heading straight into a meeting. Now I would pay big bucks for that. Not just a place to sit and eat snacks.

I pay annually for access to the United Airlines lounges. Where once I found peace and quiet I now find crowds of people competing for a place to sit down. This is even true of Polaris lounges which are limited to international travelers in business class. Recently I had access to the British Airways lounge at Heathrow's Terminal 5 because I was flying in business. It was absolutely packed, and I was lucky to locate a seat. I no longer feel that I’m getting my money's worth!

You don't need "miles cards" and things like that to access airport lounges, many (if not most) offer daily passes for $60 or so, alternatively you can simply go to an airport restaurant and rest there while sipping a drink. And this can be actually a cheaper option than owning a "magical" credit card, collecting flight miles, paying for xxxxx Discount Club subscriptions etc - most of them are meant to essentially rip off unaware consumers by make them spending a loooot more than they would normally do.

When I travel I want to spend the least amount of time in the airport. I'd rather be spending time in whatever city I'm in for the maximum amount of time I can

When I was travelling a lot, I had lounge access, but I rarely used it. What I did was change by flight while I was in the taxi on the freeway going to the airport. I changed my flight booking such that I would get out of the taxi and walk straight to gate and board the plane. Why wait???

I used to go to my favorite lounge each time I had a flight. Recently, I rather just seat outside, and be on my own. Frankly, all you see is people eating like they have never eaten before, and for the fees that these companies charge, it doesn't feel exclusive anymore. Years ago, the idea was to have a great and relaxing experience. This days you go in, and is full, no were to seat, it is not pleasant anymore.

I love having access to airport lounges. Sometimes they reach 80-90% capacity, sure; but to me that beats the severly over crowded common areas elsewhere in the airport.

Even with access to the Centurion Lounge, nothing beats the warmth of the dear old USO lounges.❤

Airport lounges have become nothing but a cash grab now. I remember when they used to be so exclusive but now anyone can be in there and they’re massively overpriced, overvalued, and overcrowded. No different than being in the regular terminal.

I have travelled domestically and internationally on airlines for business and pleasure for over 40 years, I have had the pinnacle of loyalty cards over this time, but I can honestly say other than having a private jet which I don’t, the air travel experience has decreased significantly to a standard a lot less than decades ago.

Why don’t we make the entire airport nice for everyone…

prior to the pandemic I was using Priority Pass for all my lounge needs, and it was awesome, you really felt special. Fastforward to today, that's no longer the case. I visited Frankfurt last week and all lounges were packed and the food choices were terrible. They also treat you like a production cow, many times I couldn't get in because there was no space. :/ Sucks.

SFO has the best airport I’ve been too. It’s so relaxing in San Francisco. San Diego too

They should be open 24hrs! I have been in many red eyes and no lounges are open. It makes it worthless to have the privilege and now being able to use them

I’ve been flying business class long haul for around 12 years now and while I’ve seen more of these lounges opening up the experience overall has gone down. Being able to pay for access when you’re flying economy has negated the experience as it’s caused overcrowding too many times. Unless I’ve a long layover (which is rare) most of the time I don’t even bother anymore.

Lounges are OK, but my preferred perk is skipping lines at the airport. So, VIP counters, early boarding, express security, etc…

Have been a Life member of a major US airline Airport Lounge since the 1980's. Back then, I used to fly for business about twice a month. Before, 9/11 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) it was great to arrive about three (3) hours prior to departure and just drop your bags off with a Sky Cap. Afterward, it was off to whichever Airport Lounge you had access too until about 1-hour before flight time (smile...smile).

Hell, I'd be happy to pay an additional fee for more leg room if they'd pull out a few rows so the #'s work out. I'm not looking for a freebie. I already pay for "premium economy" b/c I'm tall so I can grab an exit row usually. 200 people on a flight now, make it set for 180 and provide more legroom to people who are willing to pay for the benefit. I remember back in the 80's or 90's American doing a promotion where they talked about removing the last three rows to provide more legroom. Man have times changed. Oh, then you have the fat slobs that spill over into your seat.

"Traveling in style ain't worth the money or time unless you're flying on the company dime."

Never get a travel card just for the lounge access, that's asinine. Only get it if you actually travel a lot and are accumulating enough miles on the card to offset the annual fee.

Same case here in in India too. Easy access to credit cards with lounge access features have increased the crowding at airport lounges. Due to this, in the last six months, one card which I hold has removed the lounge access feature. While two others have added a restriction of minimum spends to get the lounge access which was not there earlier.

I got a priority pass through AMEX and half the time I can’t even get in the lounge, then when in there they’re packed. Nothing premium about them.

Good. If everyone gets access to a lounge, then it just becomes another crowded airport spot, which is exactly what they were designed to get away from. People really spend $100s to get $20 worth of free food 😂

I tried the Alaska lounges a few times when they had a program that made them accessible to occasional flyers. I found them underwhelming - barely worth the discounted price. Now, they require annual membership, which definitely rules them out for me.

Singapore, Doha have amazing lounges.

I remember when they used to give vets space in the launches but they value profit over courtesy now

Airports need to create their own spaces like this for a budget-cost friendly lounge for travelers with long connection times who are essentially trapped at the airport for more than 3hrs. This could be good for the airports too by creating new revenue if they do it right & provide some relief to the airline lounges that are now over-crowded and no longer as relaxing.. like Delta’s lounge in some you can’t even get in & have to stand outside in a line to wait for just the space to be in there, even if you pay for the executive level membership. It’s ridiculous.

Just go to the bar at whatever airport you're in. Very few screaming children at the bar, which means almost no entitled parents. You also lose all of the entitled rich people who are at their designated rich person place. Grab a few drinks, and chill out. Had a wonderful experience at Toronto's airport over the summer at the bar with a beautiful runway view. Got a few drinks, and people left me alone. $0 entry fee. No line. The drink prices weren't even that bad. I've seen videos of the Maple Leaf lounge at Toronto, and honestly? The publicly accessible bar was leaps and bounds better.

Nice summary and review of the overall lounge situation.

I remember lounges used to be fancy. Now the only nice thing about it is the shower.

Apparently, airfares have been spiked up since post-Covid. For instances, I had paid usd3400 in summer 2020 for Delta One from NYC to HKG. Today, it costs almost usd9000 for the very same destinations.

They should keep it limited and exclusive if they want it to last for the long haul. I would add a walk through for some of the amenities so they can still feel a part of the lounge and sell or give away labeled exclusive items

5:42 That TWA lounge is very cool!

How do you have that much free time to do this? Most times your on schedules and no free time to play around unless delays that are not planned. I much rather be on my way home or to destinations than sitting in a lounge. I don’t get it.

I never even thought about going to a airport lounge. I dont even think i have enough time to enjoy it. I don't want to be in the airport longer than i need to be.

Lounges have only become something that airlines think they can draw customers with because air travel has become so miserable. The seats are small, the timing is inflexible, and the security wait is long and unpredictable. if flying was more like train travel, there would be no need for lounges because everyone would show up 15 minutes before their flight.

How can they be full if they are so expensive to get in to (must be a business class ticket or higher, or pay that ridiculous annual fee)?

So grateful for lounges honestly the fact that you can shower while in transit is so convenient. Really hate not feeling fresh in a different country so I recommend you always pack an extra outfit for your layover. The lounge in Abu Dhabi you will still find your luggage right where you put it is a blessing.

As a business class ticket holder, I was shocked to see how crowded the Sky Lounge was. I paid extra $$$$$ for privacy and comfort. It's ridiculous.

My wife & I are both top tier with United (1K - Star Alliance), and British Airways (Gold - One World), and we have noticed that lounges can and/or have been full! We've never been turned away from a lounge, but trying to find a seat can be a challenge...both in United's Polaris Lounges and British Airways first class lounges. My sole purpose is to have a meal before boarding since I don't eat on the flights. Once I hear the double ding (10,000 ft), I recline to a bed and sleep throughout the flight.

It’s not that people are more willing to pay for premium seats. Airlines in America have packed planes with so many seats that your legs can’t get room anymore. I have flown delta for too long and I have seen how much economy has shrunk more and more. I can no longer sit in economy seats and I haven’t gotten taller from 10 years ago.

I mostly do longhaul flights (7 to 11 hrs) and better nit to eat before so you can look forward to the airline meal during the flight.

I pay a big annual fee to AMEX to get into the Delta Lounges. Last year it was well worth it because I was traveling two times a week and the long layovers in Atlanta were less frustrating. But I have had times when getting into the lounge was a very long wait, or I had to travel across to other terminals to get to one that was less busy. I think it's time to drop the loyalty. For regular travelers maybe it's worth it, but now that I only travel occasionally I can just find a restaurant, or sit it out. Plus traveling to Atlanta first isn't always the smartest or most convenient option.

I used to do lounges on a semi regular basis. I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere along with free food and drinks. Then they became more crowded and noisier. By the time there were lines of people waiting to get in I decided to stop. Now they're very poor value for money.

The USO lounge welcomes me 🙂 Access to airline airport lounges doesn't even make the list of stuff I worry about.

5:00 wouldn't think of it as a reservation but as a waiting list and then continues to give a definition of a reservation

I'm all for the clamping down on access to get back to some exclusivity and lower crowds. Last few times through Atlanta, the bathrooms in the Delta lounges were ironically nastier than the main terminal bathrooms. That's NOT the fault of custodial or the Delta employees. The lounges are over-packed and it's just a mass number of people in there vs. the smaller bathrooms available not able to handle the traffic.

lounge access in the united states is very stupid to me these days. i'd rather spend a meal in an airport restaurant and not be bothered by overcrowded lounge people.

I have been with Delta for many years and have held Diamond or Platinum membership for most of those years. I frequently fly on international flights, but I rarely visit Delta lounges. Delta lounges are often noisy and crowded, resembling a supermarket. Moreover, many people there behave as if they are the most important individuals in the world, creating an unpleasant atmosphere. Most of the time, I prefer to find a quiet corner at some gates where there is nobody, or I seek out a nice and quiet restaurant. I don't understand why some people are so enthusiastic about these lounges, even to the point of obsession. Airport lounges in Asia, Dubai, some European countries are far better than Delta lounges.

The centurion lounge in Denver is awesome. But if they restrict my access and say I need to purchase 75k first then I’m definitely cancelling my Amex platinum card.

I feel like this is a tragedy of the commons scenario. Lounges are nice when it's premium, but if everything is "premium", then nothing is, right?

Seems to be very US-biased, read "luxury", "exclusivity" and other similar bs. In Europe I am perfectly happy to use (ultra)low-costers and take with me a snack if I want to. Used to be a frequent with miles-and-more due to work but it was impossible to keep the status after I quit. Do I miss the free booze and mostly unhealthy food options of the crowded lounges? Not really :)

Um, issue millions of additional credit cards eligible for lounge membership without a corresponding increase in the number of lounges or lounge capacity (Delta).

Perfect video to keep my anxiety high just before i have to fly

This is a US problem, because the US is the only country where everyone has free status via a CC or other easy to access means.

Screvv the whole "i'm more important than you so i deserve comfort" bs. Lounges take up airport space that should be allocated to more seating and facilities for all. Being rich and entitled isn't a need, it's a mental affliction though.

After 2 years we cancelled our Priority Pass. Lounges are packed, not traveling enough to eat so-so food.

Am I the only one that gets to the airport right when I need to be (two hours ahead)? And rarely have long layovers. I don't understand the appeal of those lounges.

It's good that it became harder. There were too many people. I want it to be more exclusive. It should only be for rich people like me :) Not for families who earned silly points through daily credit cards. It's painful to watch them taking photos and filming the lounge.

Ban them kids

That chase lounge in Boston is super crowded

My membership in the military gives me exclusive access to the lounge called the USO.

This video is incredibly hilarious lol *laughs in smart consumer*

Let the employees back in..

feels good having the access to USO

I had used airport lounges for the last 15 years , at this moment is useless to go to the centurion lounge, it’s better just to find an space around instead of fighting for a spot.

I didn’t realize centurion lounges were a relatively new thing

I took my wife to an Amex lounge, and she had never experienced it, now she cannot go back. I literally watched the stress fade away in her face. She's an anxious flyer, so it's worth it for us.

By the time my economy improved and I was able to afford the exclusive credit cards 💳 I was super late into the game.

Australian here. I live in Sydney and worked in Karratha (look it up on a map) and did the return trip with Qantas once a month for ten years. I made gold which gave me access to the regular Qantas lounge in Australia plus theirs and all partners' business lounges outside Australia in six months with a guest in tow who need not be flying but only before my flight, and Platinum which gave me access to Qantas' business lounges in Australia plus theirs and all partners' first class lounges outside Australia after a year with two guests before and after a flight. I'd use the lounge in Sydney, Perth and Karratha on every trip and find it incedible that domestic travellers in the US can't access the lounges. Back in 2018, wife and I went to the UK via Dubai and let me tell you, you haven't lived until you've been in the Emirates (Qantas partner) first class lounge in Dubai. Came back via Singapore and Qantas' lounge there was very nice as was the one at Heathrow. Going to Spain next year via Dubai both ways with a 10 hour layover on the return. To have someone wait on us hand and foot (I'm not exaggerating) for 10 hours will be hard to take but we'll manage. Oh, I made lifetime gold after nine years so even though I left that job four years ago and only fly occaisionally now, I have lounge access all over the world (One World) for life and just to top it off, all flights to and from work were paid for by the company so all this didn't cost me one red cent. Long story short, lounge access makes a huge difference to flying, even if you go economy. Funny story - there are two ways to leave the Emirates 1st class lounge in Dubai and which one you use depends on where your seat is on the plane. I asked the attendant and she asked to see my boarding pass to see where my seat was. When she saw I was in an economy seat, the look on her face was utterly priceless. She couldn't believe I was in there.

Even your everyday middle class person thinks they need lounge access because most airports are so dirty and overcrowded. Soon lounges will become the baseline experience... for only $29.99!

Just kick out credit card holders, give access to loyal customers only… fixed

It should be harder to get into lounges. Used to be exclusive. Now it’s a nightmare. Triple the price immediately.

I think this is all a bit much lol. I try to time getting to airports so I don’t have to wait around at the gate, im not getting to the airport early just so I can enjoy this

Unfortunatley, the peak was the two Eastern Airlines owned Ionosphere Clubs at Atlanta in the 1980s. It's been all downhill on service and crowding ever since.

It seems like airport lounges are now similar to trendy NYC and LA nightclubs: You have to wait in a long line behind the velvet rope and hopefully be allowed in to spend your hard earned money on overpriced drinks and food!

Excellent video 😂 we need more

I dont much fly domestic, and recently was shocked when I found out that my domestic 'first class' ticket didnt included lounge access. LOL