How to Choose the Best Credit Card with Airport Lounge Access

Posted on Friday, February 2nd, 2024 | By IndusInd Bank

One of the major benefits of having a credit card is getting free access to airport lounges. Airport lounges provide passengers with a comfortable place to relax and unwind within the airport terminal away from the crowds. They offer amenities like complimentary food and beverages, comfortable chairs and sofas, high-speed Wi-Fi, printing services, workspaces, and more. This allows travellers to relax and recharge before their flight. Read on to find out more about the best credit card for lounge access.

Which Credit Card is Best for Airport Lounge Access?

When it comes to credit cards with lounge access, there are international lounge access credit cards and domestic airport lounge access credit cards. While both domestic and international lounge access provides airport comfort and amenities, they differ significantly in terms of lounge network coverage and experience.

International lounge access offers access to a much wider global network of over 1500+ lounges spread across countries worldwide. However, access to this large network comes at a premium cost compared to domestic access. Additionally, some of the best international lounges provide elevated services and a luxurious ambience.

On the other hand, domestic lounge access caters specifically to travel within India providing access to airport lounges located in key metro and non-metro airports. The experience tends to be more basic compared to premium international lounges but offers a breather pre-flight. Additionally, the costs of domestic lounge programs and access with credit cards are much lower than international options.

So international lounge access makes more sense for frequent international travellers who can better utilise the wide global network and premium experience. Meanwhile, domestic access fulfils the needs of leisure and business travellers moving within India.

How Does Lounge Access with a Credit Card Work?

When flying, cardholders visit the lounge with their credit card and valid ID/boarding pass. The card is checked for details related to lounge access. Each credit card offering lounge access benefits comes with a specific number of free visits per calendar year. Additional visits beyond the limit cost each time depending on the lounge and card. This provides flexibility to use the benefit as per travel needs.

IndusInd Bank Avios Visa Infinite Credit Card offers two complimentary visits to airport lounges in India per quarter. In addition to this, the card also offers 2 international lounge visits per calendar quarter with Priority Pass and several other benefits for travellers including airport meet-and-greet immigration services, and a limo transfer program.

You also get to earn Avios reward points that can be redeemed under one of the two airline loyalty programmes– the Qatar Airways Privilege Club or British Airways Executive Club. Earn 5 Avios on every ₹200 spent for POS transactions at your preferred international destination. In addition to this, you can also enjoy discounted foreign currency mark-up of 1.5% on your Avios Visa Infinite Credit Card. But that’s not all. You also get complimentary personal air accident insurance coverage of up to ₹60 lakh.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Credit Card

Choosing the best card for airport lounge access based on individual needs can truly help maximise the value of the airport lounge access benefit.Let’s look at key factors to help choose the most suitable credit card for airport lounge access.

• Travel frequency – Domestic or international, number of flights taken annually, etc.
• Lounge network – Coverage domestic/international, participating programs, location of key airports used
• Number of free visits – Will the annual limit meet needs or is unlimited access required?
• Guest policy – Companions allowed, charges per guest 
• Annual membership fee – Cost recovery based on travel, charges post-first year
• Other benefits – Airport transfers, travel insurance, points on flight spends 
• Welcome offers – Sign-up bonuses offsetting annual membership charges
• Frequent flyer program tie-ups – Earn extra miles on card spends 
• Annual spend requirements – Fees waived if minimum quarterly/annual spend
• Payment and redemption options – Flexible one-time payments, unused visits rollover

Ending Note

Taking all factors into consideration such as travel patterns, network coverage and benefits, IndusInd Bank credit cards are among the best credit cards for airport lounge access that allow you to enjoy gourmet meals, access free Wi-Fi, and relax comfortably until you need to board your flight. Apply for one today!

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is generic in nature and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your own circumstances. Hence, you are advised to consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision. IndusInd Bank Limited (IBL) does not influence the views of the author in any way. IBL and the author shall not be responsible for any direct/indirect loss or liability incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information.