Solo travelers with a little bit of gumption can bypass the wait.
Airport lounges have become woefully overcrowded, with waiting lists often longer than your layover. While many allow eligible travelers to bring in a guest (or two), lounges are often filled with solo fliers. If you’re traveling alone, why not make a new friend to gain entrance?
Recently, I did just that during my return trip from the Dominican Republic. I have airline status and Priority Pass membership, but when I arrived at the VIP Departures Lounge at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), I saw a painfully long waiting list on the lounge attendant’s clipboard. I asked him if I could hang around and see if the person at the top of the list (who I gleaned from the “1” next to his name was also flying alone) would let me accompany them into the lounge.
He chuckled, probably not believing I was really going to do it, but said it was fine. When the man arrived, he could have easily said no, but instead, he agreed. Nothing lost, nothing gained, right? Since then, I’ve noticed other resourceful travelers around the world use the same industrious hack in person and through social media.
Remember: policies vary depending on the lounge, and It takes a little bit of nerve, but it can be a clever solution to avoid waiting in the terminal. Of course, I only recommend this tip to travelers who already have access to a lounge—not freeloaders trying to game the system. As for whether this adds to the problem rather than alleviates it, consider it a hot take: if you don’t take the spot, someone else will. Here are the ins and outs of bypassing the line so you can luxuriate in the lounge during your next trip.
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Getting Lounge Access
Lounges can offer a welcome respite from the noise, crowds, and overpriced food and drinks in the terminal—a much more pleasant alternative to waiting at your gate. There are several ways to get access to these airport oases, which often include guest access. One of the perks of credit cards like the CapitalOne Venture X, American Express Platinum and Centurion cards, and Chase Sapphire Reserve is access to dedicated lounges operated by these companies. These and other credit cards also include membership to Priority Pass, a network of lounges at airports all over the world. Airline-branded credit cards like American Airlines’ Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard can open the doors to lounges, and airline loyalty status also gives you a leg up.
United 1K status, for example, allows fliers to gain entry to United Clubs whenever they’re flying internationally; status on another Star Alliance partner also allows you to relax in any of the Star Alliance lounges worldwide. If you don’t fall into any of the above categories, sometimes you’ll be allowed to purchase a lounge day pass—but each person requires their own pass.
Why Are Lounges So Crowded Right Now?
The number of methods passengers can use to gain access to a lounge is only one of the reasons that lounges are so crowded lately; another is that travel is back to pre-pandemic levels. There are also more premium credit card holders than ever, which causes overcrowding both at Priority Pass and credit card-branded lounges. Cards like the CapitalOne Venture X allow up to four authorized users, all of whom get the perks of membership—including lounge access. At airports without specific branded airline lounges like Delta SkyClub, Priority Pass lounges will often contract with airlines to allow access to business class passengers and those with status. And if your flight is during peak season or rush hour, you can pretty much expect a line at the door.
What Happens if a Lounge Is Too Busy?
If a lounge is at capacity, the host will usually offer to put you on a waiting list, either on paper or electronically. Unfortunately, sometimes the wait can be longer than your layover. Recently, at the Priority Pass lounge in Cancun, the wait was three hours, which would have been long after my flight had departed. Since I was traveling with my best friend, we just decided to find a relatively quiet spot in the terminal and chat until boarding.
How Can I ‘Buddy Up’ to Get Into an Airport Lounge?
Solo travelers (and, to a certain extent, couples) have the advantage when attempting to get into a crowded lounge. Priority Pass lounges, for example, often allow one or two guests—you can confirm this for a specific lounge by using their app. Depending on the lounge network, guests don’t necessarily need to be on the same flight, but everyone needs to have a same-day boarding pass. That makes things a lot easier if you’re looking for a fellow passenger to let you in. Get your name on the list, then linger around to see who they call next.
If it’s a group, you’ll have to wait around a little longer. If the next person on the list is alone, quietly explain to them that you’re flying by yourself, you’re on the list as you have access to the lounge, but you’re wondering if they’d use one of their guest perks so you can get in quicker. Smile, be friendly, and don’t get annoyed if they say no—it’s totally their prerogative. If they refuse, wait for the next person. If they agree, you’re in! (Couples or two friends can take the same approach.)
How Can I Use Social Media to Jump the Line?
I’m a member of several private travel groups on social media, where I occasionally see real-time posts from members offering up their guest spot to someone else—or attempting to solicit one. If you want to take this tack, read the ground rules after you’ve been granted access to the group to make sure that this kind of self-promotion is permitted. Do a search to see if other members have tried to snag a spot in a lounge this way. If so, ideally create a post a few hours before the time you’ll be at the airport. Give specifics about your ask (airport, airline, flight), but not too many personal details—and remember it’s safer to request contact via a comment or direct message rather than text. Again, freeloading isn’t recommended. You should already have access to the lounge you’re trying to enter; you’re just trying to get in quicker.
What’s the Etiquette Once You’re Inside?
The beauty of an airport lounge is that everything is (usually) included, from snacks and hot food to wine, beer, and even massages, showers, and nap stations. But that doesn’t mean that you should be a jerk or take advantage of the amenities. However, do you need to hang out with the person who helped you get inside? If space is at a premium, the attendant might seat you at the same table or seating area. It’s polite to give them the better seat if there’s a difference. Offer to get them a beverage, make a little small talk, then leave them be to work or relax. Most importantly, remember to pay this travel deed forward the next time the lounge gods bless you with quick and easy access.
'Hacking into the system' to move yourself up on the list then moves someone else down on the list who has been patiently waiting their turn -- this is just wrong in every language. Not sure why Fodors even agreed to post this article. It's people like you who make travel even harder than it is these days. Thanks for nothing. You are a prime example of why the word 'hacking' has a negative connotation and your process is the epitomy of selfishness!
Let me add this to what I posted below: I'm sure you are a fine person, but how do I know that? I'm not going to take a chance on the behavior of a total stranger. I would tell you to leave me alone.
Lounges have become so much more undesirable because of them allowing just about anyone in for a fee, credit card access to lounges and people like you. The lounge was supposed to be for the frequent flyer, a reward and a welcome. Now, the free booze is the really cheap stuff, the food is bad and the seating so very limited. I no longer even attempt to access either one of the 2 I have access too - I've found it more enjoyable to wander around the airport, browse the shops, sit and have a drink (which I would have had to pay for in the lounge anyway - because what's free is not what I want) and people watch. Oh, I forgot to say, it's also less crowded ~
"if you don’t take the spot, someone else will"
Better it be the person who follows the rules and waits their turn.
Use to enjoy my FF passes but lounges are barely a step up from sitting at your gate anymore. Mainly they are over crowded so I just find a quieter space to kick back in gen pop. Enjoy the cheat. Says a lot about you, and not in a good way.