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Considering an airport lounge membership? Think again
I know Grant recently wrote about how he enjoyed his airport lounge membership. I don't know if WorldPerks (Northwest) does a better job than OnePass (Continental) but I am actually bitterly disappointed with mine.
I have had a Continental Presidents Club pass for about a year now, and, honestly, I don't understand why anyone would want one. Once you get in, it is hard to find a spot to sit peacefully, because the place is always packed (with people on conference calls, usually). They serve terrible food, if you can call crackers and some cheap cheese "food." Yes, they do have free newspapers and magazines, although their choice of magazines is quite peculiar -- they range from what looks like advertising brochures on golf vacations to Spanish-language pop culture rags. OK, they do have free booze. "Free" is relative, though, since you actually pay for the membership ($400+ dollars annually.) My favorite part is the bathroom. They do have nicer bathrooms than what you find in most terminals. Is it worth $400? You tell me.
To be fair, I spend most of my "lounge" time in the New York metropolitan area and, perhaps, the lounges here are worse than average. Perhaps I am too spoiled by the lounges in Europe which are typically so much nicer! Or, perhaps Continental just gives out way too many of these memberships free with credit cards...
Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines, Airports
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris Jan 18th 2008 9:55AM
You can have access to the airport clubs with an American Express Platinum card!! This includes American Airlines, Continental, Northwest and Delta.
Can't beat that! Not to mention, the Platinum card costs a little over $400 a year, and you will have access to ALL the clubs, plus all the other great amenities offered by the Platinum card... (i.e. upgrades, late check out at hotels, travel insurance, membership rewards, etc...)
Grant Martin Jan 18th 2008 10:01AM
I like the free internet. Helps me get things done (like blog). So productivity and time are worth the money to me.
And not having screaming children running laps around me.
:)
Nick Hawkins Jan 18th 2008 11:21AM
I pay $250 a year for my Admirals Club membership, but that gets used sometimes. Most of my travel is international so I get to use the Admirals Club/OneWorld lounges gratis because of membership tier.
To be honest, most of the clubs suck, but it sucks less than being in the terminal.