2018-12-25T15:00:00Z Airport lounges are advertised as super-exclusive and luxurious oases that offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of a crowded airport .But they're not always as grand as they might seem. Many of these lounges are actually often overcrowded and place limits on free drinks. Exclusive airport lounges , usually open only to first-class fliers or members of a credit card rewards program, are meant to serve as relaxing refuges from loud, crowded airports.
But that's not always the case.
Many airport lounges tend to be overcrowded and difficult to get into, and once you do get in, you'll find that once-gourmet dining options have been replaced with mediocre buffets or finger foods. And limitless alcoholic beverages are no longer a guarantee.
Here's what some airport lounges look like today.
You might think of airport lounges as relaxing retreats from the hectic hustle and bustle of a typical airport. Shutterstock/Sorbis These exclusive areas are usually only open to first-class fliers or members of a credit card rewards program. Time to flight ✈️Japan 🇯🇵
A post shared by Premchai Suksamran (@premchai0501) on Nov 9, 2018 at 10:09pm PSTNov 9, 2018 at 10:09pm PST
Airlines tout them as a refuge where you can wait for your flight in peaceful solitude. Shutterstock/Jacob Lund Some, like the Etihad Premium Lounge at Abu Dhabi Airport, even promise a private butler to attend to your needs. "Welcome to your 2nd home, the Residence Lounge of @etihadairways " A complete private lounge with private facility and butler to take care of your needs. #samchui #samchuiphotos #etihad #etihadairways #theresidence #firstclass #businessclass #airline #lounge #firstclasslounge #businessclasslounge #residencelounge #reimagined #luxurytravel #avgeek #aviationgeek #reimagined #instagramaviation #megaplane #inabudhabi #amazingabudhabi #instaabudhabi
A post shared by Sam Chui (@samchui) on Jan 10, 2017 at 9:10am PSTJan 10, 2017 at 9:10am PST
United Airlines has its Polaris lounge, with locations at Chicago O'Hare, Houston Intercontinental, Newark, and San Francisco airports, and a lounge opening in Los Angeles later in 2018. Amazing lounge in #ORD ! Enjoy gourmet food before, and after you board with Polaris. Also indulge in great views, showers, beds, and the #polariswinelist (love the location) #fan
A post shared by United Polaris First/Business (@unitedpolaris) on Jun 13, 2017 at 8:23pm PDTJun 13, 2017 at 8:23pm PDT
It's only open to United's international premium cabin travelers, and it promises luxurious amenities ... The Polaris lounge at the airport in San Francisco in October 2018. Shutterstock/designs by Jack Source: United Airlines
... such as regional cuisine paired with specially curated wines and handcrafted cocktails ... Arrive. Enjoy premium check in. Ride to the lounge to enjoy our executive chef's seasonally inspired meals and wine parings. Then, enjoy stunning views of the tarmac after relaxing in the waterfall showers, thoughtfully placed in the exclusive United Polaris lounge. #ORD #SFO #DREAMPOLARIS #UNITED
A post shared by United Polaris First/Business (@unitedpolaris) on Jul 26, 2017 at 6:14pm PDTJul 26, 2017 at 6:14pm PDT
Source: United Airlines
... as well as relaxation areas, rest pods, and shower facilities. "Rejuvenate in comfortable relaxation areas, rest pods and shower facilities that help you arrive your best" P/info: united.com/Polaris
A post shared by United Polaris First/Business (@unitedpolaris) on Jun 14, 2017 at 7:30am PDTJun 14, 2017 at 7:30am PDT
Source: United Airlines
But sometimes, these lounges are more crowded than relaxing. The World cup is on.
A post shared by pstjohnmorgan (@pstjohnmorgan) on Jul 11, 2018 at 12:53pm PDTJul 11, 2018 at 12:53pm PDT
Or you just might be too tired to even really enjoy the lounge. Early flight to Philly. #beardown #early #flight
A post shared by Jim Larrison (@jlarrison) on Nov 25, 2017 at 4:45am PSTNov 25, 2017 at 4:45am PST
On Instagram, the food looks like a gourmet, fine dining experience. United's executive chef Gerry McLaughlin's creative menu items are sure to make any trip memorable and delicious 🛫🍾 #dreampolaris #united
A post shared by United Polaris First/Business (@unitedpolaris) on Jun 14, 2017 at 10:35am PDTJun 14, 2017 at 10:35am PDT
But it might not always look like that. Breakfast of champions.
A post shared by Brian Shook (@bfshookup) on Sep 14, 2018 at 7:25am PDTSep 14, 2018 at 7:25am PDT
And although the Polaris lounges offer the option of a refreshing sleep in their "nap pods," you might find that these pods are more like narrow cots. Daytime bed 1時間程ぐっすり。起こしてくれるし、こりゃいいわ
A post shared by Suto Shinji (@shinjisuto) on Jul 19, 2018 at 12:24pm PDTJul 19, 2018 at 12:24pm PDT
And in some airport lounge nap areas, you won't necessarily have much privacy. Flickr/Creative Commons/Michael Coghlan In some cases, you may well find yourself trying to relax next to complete strangers.
A post shared by Подворотний Павел (@lasskiss)May 7, 2018 at 9:33pm PDT
In British Airways' Concorde Rooms, where you can only go as a First Class flier, a Gold Member of the British Airways Executive Club, or an Emerald Member of a oneworld airline frequent flyer program, the food is paired with "the finest champagnes and wines from around the world." On the road again......... #britishairways #concorderoom #balounge #londonheathrow #heathrow #champagne #champers #laurentperrier #laurentperriergrandsiecle
A post shared by James Jennings (@jcuk316) on Jun 8, 2017 at 6:39am PDTJun 8, 2017 at 6:39am PDT
Source: British Airways
But prepare yourself for small portions, like this serving of veggies. Lunchtime!!!.......Starters at the bottom same as last month, Seared Evesham Asparagus with smoked butter and at the top, Cornish crab, crayfish and mango tian finished with cream cheese and mango chili oil ( this dish was so darn good😋) #britishairways #concorderoom #firstclass #firstclasstravel #baconcorderoom #balounge #heathrow #londonheathrow #lunch #starters #firstcourse #asparagus #searedasparagus #evesham #butter #tian #crab #cornishcrab #mango #chili #chilioil #oishi #oishii #delicious #money
A post shared by James Jennings (@jcuk316) on Jun 8, 2017 at 6:49am PDTJun 8, 2017 at 6:49am PDT
The Ana Lounge at Tokyo Narita Airport in Japan looks glamorous in some photos. First class lounge, you have to look the part ⛵ . . . #bespoke #jewjetting #satori #audemarspiguet
A post shared by William K. Custom Clothiers (@donikrause) on May 31, 2018 at 11:40pm PDTMay 31, 2018 at 11:40pm PDT
But in reality, it doesn't look much different from a regular airport seating area. Arrived at Haneda airport in Tokyo. Flying out to Kuala Lumpur in Three hours.
A post shared by Tetsuya Sato (@shinkyokushin_new_york) on Nov 19, 2018 at 4:51am PSTNov 19, 2018 at 4:51am PST
The Amex Centurion Lounge is only open to American Express global Platinum Card holders and Centurion Members. 🌊💨✈️👑
A post shared by Mr. Shaw (@hashtagronnie) on Jun 17, 2016 at 3:09pm PDTJun 17, 2016 at 3:09pm PDT
Source: Centurion Lounge
It offers seasonally inspired fare, signature cocktails, premium spirits, and curated wines. “La Experiencia” #dinner #amex #businessman #traveler #lounge
A post shared by Aaron HeGarc (@aaron.hegarc) on Oct 23, 2018 at 7:05pm PDTOct 23, 2018 at 7:05pm PDT
Source: Centurion Lounge
But you might have trouble finding a table to enjoy the food and drinks. Watching the #Brewers game in style. #GoBrewCrew
A post shared by Nicole Charles (@nicoletherealtor) on Oct 17, 2018 at 2:49pm PDTOct 17, 2018 at 2:49pm PDT
The Dallas Fort Worth Centurion lounge appears to have the same overcrowding issue. Got a packed house here today in the @dfwairport #centurionlounge Would love to seen them open another in the A Terminal to help w/ crowd here and in the #admiralsclub
A post shared by AJ Krow (@mileagemayhem) on Nov 17, 2016 at 1:10pm PSTNov 17, 2016 at 1:10pm PST
You should count yourself lucky if you can find a seat. Leg one of the trip done #NYC #LGA #Centurion #digitalnomad #lounge
A post shared by Robert Burns (@foobricks) on Jun 1, 2017 at 1:54pm PDTJun 1, 2017 at 1:54pm PDT
Many airport lounges look beautiful and chic when they're empty, whether their design is cozy, as in the Nice Côte d'Azur Airport ...
A post shared by Millk (@moremillk)Sep 21, 2018 at 1:19am PDT
... flooded with natural light, like the diplomatic lounge in Dubai ... Sala diplomática de la terminal 3 del Dubai International Airport diseñada y personalizada por Grassoler. Diplomatic lounge at Dubai International Airport designed and customized by Grassoler. __ #customized #interiorproject #contract #airportlounge #airport #furnituredesign #furniture #design #interiordesign #interiordesigner #innovation #interiorismo #home #contract #homestyle #homesweethome #style #interiorstyle #newroom #deco #decolovers
A post shared by Grassoler (@grassoler1960) on Nov 3, 2018 at 3:20am PDTNov 3, 2018 at 3:20am PDT
... or timeless, like the TAV primeclass Lounge at Frankfurt Airport. The brand new TAV primeclass Lounge at Frankfurt Airport, an independent lounge for pay-in customers and @prioritypass members. #airportlounge #loungereview #airportlife #paxex #avgeek #avgeeks #travel #instatravel #luxurylife #luxury #prioritypass #prioritypasslounge #frequentflyer #frankfurt #fra #fraport #businessclass #bar #design #primeclass
A post shared by loungereview.com (@loungereview) on Jun 7, 2018 at 1:25am PDTJun 7, 2018 at 1:25am PDT
The reality, though, is that space is the ultimate commodity in these lounges ... #matinalounge #gate43 #incheonairport #terminal1 #asianalounge #prioritypasslounge
A post shared by ぐらんで (@inzai1103) on Sep 8, 2018 at 8:15pm PDTSep 8, 2018 at 8:15pm PDT
... and it's difficult to come by ...
A post shared by Monica (@monicatravelgeek)Sep 5, 2018 at 8:04pm PDT
... and sometimes, difficult even just to get into.
A post shared by The whiny German (@thewhinygerman)Nov 1, 2018 at 12:45am PDT
One traveler posted a video to Instagram of a long queue they said they waited in for 30 minutes to get into the Plaza Premium Lounge in Hong Kong. Thinking of relaxing in lounge at #hongkongairport. Be prepared for a 30 minute queue for entry at Plaza Premium Lounge even for #prioritypass members! #hongkong #hongkonginternationalairport #lounge #airportlounge #loungeaccess #travelling #travel #luxurytravel #businesstravel #prioritypasslounge #citiprestige #plazapremiumlounge
A post shared by @ travelocd on Sep 18, 2016 at 3:21am PDTSep 18, 2016 at 3:21am PDT
If you can even manage to get in, you might find the crowded lounges to be even less relaxing than the rest of the airport. At the Delhi airport , flight late ☹️#indiragandhiinternationalairport #prioritypasslounge
A post shared by Jo-Ann Parrino (@findingjo_jo) on Apr 27, 2017 at 3:13am PDTApr 27, 2017 at 3:13am PDT
If you're looking to avoid throngs of people, you may want to reconsider. グッドモーニング #japan_vacations #holidays #malaysiaairlines #autumn #plazapremiumlounge
A post shared by Raymond Tan (@tan224) on Nov 1, 2018 at 6:35pm PDTNov 1, 2018 at 6:35pm PDT
Once a perk for business travelers and high earners, airport lounges have become accessible to many more people thanks to credit card rewards. The average American has a credit score of 675. Stokkete/Shutterstock Source: The Wall Street Journal
Priority Pass provides its members with access to a global network of independently operated airport lounges — or, at least, it's supposed to.
A post shared by MR.PANUWAT MANCHIT (@panuwatmanchit)Apr 21, 2018 at 12:50pm PDT
Source: Business Insider
In reality, though, that's not always the case. One traveler found that no airport lounges in Narita International Airport in Tokyo were partnered with Priority Pass ...
A post shared by Jason (@travelrewardscoach)Oct 27, 2018 at 12:54am PDT
... while another had the same issue in the Alaska lounge at LAX.
A post shared by Kuba Kornacki (@kuba_k0rnacki)Jun 16, 2018 at 10:52am PDT
"The least relaxing business lounge ever," one Flickr user captioned a photo of the business lounge at the airport in Hanoi, Vietnam, where nearly every seat seemed to be taken. Flickr/William Whyte Airport lounges used to offer full gourmet meals. Shutterstock / Denis Kornilov Source: The Wall Street Journal
And, while it's not impossible to find yourself with a fresh meal in a lounge ...
A post shared by I'in J.S. (@iin_giok)Aug 7, 2018 at 6:45pm PDT
... or a nice, varied spread to choose from, as in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport ... TPE airport Plaza Premium Lounge food . . . . . #prioritypass #chasesapphirereserve #prioritypasslounge #airportloungelife #airportlife #frequentflyer #plazapremiumlounge #TPE #中正國際機場 #桃園國際機場 #airportlife #layoverlife #jetlagged #leavingonajetplane #jetlag #jetsetter #jetsetterlife #beefnoodlesoup #taiwanesefood #airportfood #frequentflyerlifestyle #airtravel #airtraveling #airtraveller #foodporn #breakfast #airportloungefood #airportlounges #freefood
A post shared by Airplane Foodselfie (@airplanefoodselfie) on Jul 2, 2018 at 10:00am PDTJul 2, 2018 at 10:00am PDT
... many lounges these days only offer finger foods and limited buffets. Detox brunch
A post shared by Emmanuel Lerias Copreros (@ecopreros) on Jul 3, 2014 at 8:48am PDTJul 3, 2014 at 8:48am PDT
Source: The Wall Street Journal
And some of the food options can be somewhat less than appetizing.
A post shared by Katie Pham- Brow & Lash artist (@browandlashbykatie)Jun 18, 2018 at 5:38am PDT
Similarly, the prospect of free alcohol is a major draw for some people, whether that's a couple of ice cold beers after a Punta Cana vacation ... We got to experience the @prioritypass lounge in Punta Cana and I have to say, game changer! Comfy seating, unlimited snacks & nonalcoholic drinks + 2 boozy drinks per person- what a fun way to travel!! 🍻 . . . . . #prioritypass #prioritypasslounge #traveldiaries #break #cerveza #beeroclock #airportlife #airportlounge #travel #instatravel #travelinstyle #travelingram #travelblogger #blogger #bloggerlife #chicagoblogger #beer #beetgram #puntacana #dominicanrepublic #lateposts #repost @chihousewives #housewivesgno #hitc
A post shared by Housewives in the City (@housewivesinthecity) on Feb 6, 2018 at 10:25am PSTFeb 6, 2018 at 10:25am PST
... a fancy pink cocktail in the Coral Executive Lounge in Bangkok's Don Mueang airport ... “Girly drink” like a boss. #pinkcocktail #airportlife #airportlounge #airportlounging #airportloungelife #airportloungin #flightcocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #prioritypass #prioritypasslounge #chasesapphirereserve #chasesapphire #thepointsguy
A post shared by Alysha (@alyshapearl) on Jan 2, 2018 at 9:07pm PSTJan 2, 2018 at 9:07pm PST
... or the selection of on-tap liquors in Amsterdam's Aspire Lounge. Some of the alcohol selections at the Aspire Lounge in Amsterdam. #aspirelounge #travel #airport #holiday #lounge #aspire #amsterdam #prioritypass #airportlounge #travelgram #schiphol #instatravel #travelling #britishairways #wanderlust #travelblogger #amsterdamairport #food #love #travelphotography #flight #schipholairport #암스테르담 #flying #스키폴공항 #netherlands #traveller #seetheworld #prioritypasslounge #europe
A post shared by W.W (@blackpinoy) on May 15, 2017 at 7:04pm PDTMay 15, 2017 at 7:04pm PDT
Those with long layovers may find themselves sorely disappointed though, as free alcoholic drinks are usually not limitless. Yes I ordered 2 champagnes for myself. Yes it's 9.15 #vacation #nomoresoberoctober #dubai #phucket #thisflightisforever
A post shared by Mike Mihaylov (@mikemihaylov) on Nov 17, 2018 at 6:15am PSTNov 17, 2018 at 6:15am PST
Many lounges have a limit to how many drinks each visitor can have. #airport#prioritypasslounge このカードはやっぱ、いい仕事します！ 入会オススメ👍👍👍👍🍺🍺🍺🍺
A post shared by Mori Hyuma (@mori_hyuma) on Jun 10, 2016 at 4:45am PDTJun 10, 2016 at 4:45am PDT
In some places, such as the Business Lounge at Minsk National Airport, local wine is free but you have to pay for all imported and sparkling wines, according to one traveler. ✈️Minsk Airport Business Lounge . Given that #minskairport is not a busy transfer hub - there are not many services or food options after the passport control , except #burgerking and sad looking counters by the gates .. So #businesslounge is a “treat” for travellers who skipped breakfast/lunch and came hungry .. Available for business travellers and diners club/prioritypass holders #minsk lounge offers ✈️hot and cold appetizers ✈️hod and cold drinks ( coffee , tea, water , juices, beer and spirits) ✈️bathrooms ( with bide !!!👌🏻) ✈️massage chairs and beds ✈️plenty of sitting chairs and loungers Alcohol is free ( local wines ) , for all imported you have to pay - including local sparkling wine because it is served by bottle only Local wine should be consumed VERY cold only 🙈 .. . . . . . . . . #minsk #minsk #globetrotter #minskairport #lounge#businesslounge#prioritypass#airport#vipzone #travel #transfer #insramama#travelwithkids#belarus#europe#prioritypasslounge #adventure#wine#local#instamama#travelmama #diners club#points#creditpoints#points guy#luxury#luxurytravel
A post shared by @ svetinnyc on Aug 18, 2018 at 1:14am PDTAug 18, 2018 at 1:14am PDT
So if you're hoping to get bottomless free booze at an airport lounge, think again. Always my favorite way to eat my veggies pre-morning-flight! 🍅🍹 And @plazapremiumlounge delivered on the extra spicy at #FiumicinoAirport 🌶✈ #psychology #travel #wanderlust #art #chopin #vodka #bloodymary #cocktails #traveler #bars #plazapremiumlounge #sd #editor #rome #italy
A post shared by Dr. Baharak Sedigh (@dr.b_sd) on Jul 25, 2018 at 7:12am PDTJul 25, 2018 at 7:12am PDT
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