Airline Lounges

Unlock the Oasis: Your Guide to Airport Lounge Access

The bustling energy of an airport terminal – the announcements, the rolling suitcases, the crowds – is part of the travel experience. But sometimes, a moment of calm is needed. Imagine stepping away from the noise into a quiet space with comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and perhaps even a shower before the next flight. This is the appeal of the airport lounge, a welcome oasis for many travelers. However, figuring out exactly who gets access and under what conditions can often feel like trying to solve a complex puzzle.

This guide aims to demystify the world of airport lounge access, providing an overview of the rules for the three major global airline alliances – Oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam – as well as for four major US carriers: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Understanding these policies can help travelers determine their eligibility and make the most of potential lounge benefits on their journeys.

It is crucial to note that all information presented here is based exclusively on the official policies published on the airlines’ and alliances’ own websites (oneworld.com, staralliance.com, skyteam.com, alaskaair.com, aa.com, united.com, delta.com) as accessed prior to this guide’s publication date. Airline and alliance lounge access policies are subject to change, sometimes without notice. Therefore, travelers should always verify the latest rules directly with the relevant airline or alliance before planning a lounge visit.

The Keys to the Lounge: How Access Generally Works

Gaining entry to these airport sanctuaries isn’t solely reserved for travelers flying on the most expensive tickets. Access typically hinges on one or more of the following criteria:

Airline Elite Status: Achieving a high tier within an airline’s frequent flyer program often grants lounge access, particularly when traveling internationally. Alliances like Oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam have standardized elite tiers (e.g., Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald, Star Alliance Gold, SkyTeam Elite Plus) that provide reciprocal lounge benefits across member airlines.
Class of Service: Passengers holding tickets in premium cabins, typically First Class or Business Class, often receive complimentary lounge access corresponding to their ticketed cabin.
Lounge Memberships: Many airlines offer paid annual memberships that grant access to their network of lounges, sometimes including partner lounges.
Credit Cards: Certain premium travel credit cards include lounge access as a perk, either through a direct membership (like some airline co-branded cards) or via programs like Priority Pass (though this guide focuses on airline/alliance direct access).
Day Passes: Some airlines sell single-entry passes, allowing travelers occasional access without membership or status, though availability can be limited, especially during peak times.

It’s important to set expectations: lounge access rules frequently differ between international and domestic travel. This is particularly true within the United States, where access based on elite status alone is often more restricted for members of US-based frequent flyer programs compared to members of foreign programs. Furthermore, guest policies – whether a qualifying passenger can bring someone into the lounge with them – vary significantly depending on the method of access, the specific lounge, and the airline or alliance policy.

Navigating Global Alliances

For travelers flying internationally or connecting between different airlines, understanding the lounge access policies of the major global alliances is essential. These alliances – Oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam – represent large networks of cooperating airlines, offering reciprocal benefits, including lounge access, to eligible customers across their member carriers.

Oneworld Alliance Lounges (~600+ Lounges) ¹

The Oneworld alliance provides access to a wide network of lounges globally for its eligible frequent flyers and premium cabin passengers.

Access via Oneworld Emerald & Sapphire Status:

Travelers holding the equivalent of Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire tier status, earned through any member airline’s frequent flyer program, can access lounges when departing on a flight that is both marketed (the flight number on the ticket) and operated by a Oneworld member airline.¹ This benefit applies regardless of the cabin class being flown on that day.¹
Emerald members generally have access to First Class, Business Class, or designated frequent flyer lounges.¹
Sapphire members are typically welcome in Business Class or frequent flyer lounges, with a notable exception being Qantas Domestic Business Lounges.¹
Guest Policy: Both Emerald and Sapphire members may invite one guest to join them in the lounge. Critically, the guest must also be traveling on a flight operated and marketed by a Oneworld carrier.¹ Infants under the age of 2 traveling with an eligible adult generally do not count toward this guest allowance.¹
Requirements: To gain entry, passengers must present their boarding pass for the qualifying Oneworld flight and proof of their Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status (usually via their frequent flyer card or airline app).¹ Access is granted on the day of departure, potentially extending into the early hours (before 6:00 AM) of the following day for overnight connections or very early flights.¹

The Domestic US Caveat for American Airlines & Alaska Airlines Elites: While the global Oneworld rule grants lounge access irrespective of cabin for Emerald and Sapphire members, a significant exception impacts those who earn status through US-based programs, namely American Airlines AAdvantage and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. These members generally do not receive lounge access based on their status alone when their travel is solely within North America (defined typically as the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, though AA allows access in Mexico City).⁴ Access for these specific elite members is usually contingent on their itinerary including a qualifying international flight segment operated by a Oneworld airline departing from or arriving into North America.⁴ This distinction arises because US airlines, like American and Alaska, operate extensive domestic networks and often have separate, paid lounge membership programs.² To protect these domestic programs and manage lounge capacity, an exception within the Oneworld agreement appears to exist for these US carriers’ elite members on purely domestic journeys. Paradoxically, this means Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status earned via a non-US airline (like British Airways Executive Club or Qantas Frequent Flyer) can provide access to American Airlines Admirals Clubs or Alaska Lounges even on purely domestic US itineraries, a privilege not typically extended to AA’s or AS’s own elites under the same circumstances.⁴
Access via First & Business Class Tickets:

Passengers flying in First Class or Business Class on a Oneworld member airline are entitled to access the corresponding class of lounge, irrespective of their frequent flyer status.¹ Should a dedicated First Class lounge not be available, First Class passengers may use a Business Class or frequent flyer lounge.¹
Guest Policy: First Class passengers are permitted to invite one guest into the lounge. The guest must also be traveling on a flight operated and marketed by a Oneworld airline.¹ Based on the official policies sourced, passengers traveling in Business Class do not receive a complimentary guest based solely on their ticket; guest privileges in this scenario are typically tied to elite status.¹
Connecting Flights: Oneworld offers a beneficial policy for connections. Passengers connecting on the same day (or before 6:00 AM the next day) between an international long-haul flight (defined as over 5 hours scheduled flight time) and an international short-haul or domestic flight (or vice-versa) can access the lounge.¹ The class of service on the international long-haul segment determines the lounge access level, regardless of the cabin booked on the shorter connecting flight. Passengers must be prepared to show their boarding pass or itinerary for the premium long-haul segment.²
US Transcontinental Exception: Even though they are domestic routes, travel in First or Business Class on specific premium transcontinental flights within the U.S. (such as New York JFK to/from Los Angeles LAX/San Francisco SFO, and Miami MIA to/from LAX on American Airlines) does grant lounge access.²
Important Notes & Exclusions:

Eligibility hinges on the flight being both marketed (having a Oneworld airline’s flight number) and operated by a Oneworld member airline.¹
Access may be restricted during peak hours due to capacity constraints.¹ Lounges operated by third parties on behalf of an airline might also have specific restrictions.¹
Several specific exclusions apply: Arrivals lounges, spa facilities, and pre-flight dining services are generally not included.¹ British Airways’ exclusive Concorde lounges are excluded.¹ Certain Qatar Airways facilities, like the Doha Premium Terminal (for most passengers) and the Premium Lounge at London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 4, have specific access rules or exclusions.¹ Additionally, passengers traveling on specific discounted business class fares, such as Qatar Airways ‘Business Lite’ or Finnair ‘Business Light’, are not eligible for lounge access unless they hold Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status.¹ Specific premium lounges jointly operated by American Airlines and British Airways at New York’s JFK Terminal 8 (Chelsea lounge) are also excluded from standard Oneworld access policies.¹

Star Alliance Lounges (~1000+ Lounges) ⁶

Star Alliance boasts the largest network of lounges among the global alliances, accessible through status or premium cabin travel.

Access via Star Alliance Gold Status:

Members holding Star Alliance Gold status, regardless of which member airline’s program they earned it through, are granted access to any lounge operated by a Star Alliance member airline that displays the Star Alliance Gold logo.⁶ This access is available when departing on any flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline, irrespective of the cabin class flown.⁶
Guest Policy: Star Alliance Gold members may bring one guest into the lounge. The guest must be traveling on a Star Alliance flight departing from the same airport on the same day as the Gold member.⁶ A stricter rule applies to contract lounges (operated by third parties): the guest must be traveling on the exact same flight as the Gold member.⁷
Requirements: Passengers need to present a valid boarding pass for a same-day Star Alliance operated flight (departure time up to 5:00 AM the following morning is acceptable). If the boarding pass does not indicate Star Alliance Gold status, the member must also show their valid Star Alliance Gold frequent flyer card (physical or digital).⁷

The United Airlines Star Gold Domestic US Restriction: Similar to the situation in Oneworld, a key restriction affects Star Alliance Gold members whose status is earned through United Airlines MileagePlus. These members can only access United Club locations within the United States when they are departing from that specific airport on an international Star Alliance flight.⁷ They are not granted access to United Clubs based on their Gold status when traveling on a purely domestic United Airlines flight.⁷ However, they could potentially access a lounge operated by a different Star Alliance partner (e.g., a Lufthansa lounge) at a US airport before a domestic United flight, provided such a lounge exists and its specific access rules permit it. This restriction exists likely because United operates a vast domestic network and a separate, paid United Club membership program.⁹ Limiting access for its own Gold members on domestic routes helps manage crowding in United Clubs and protects the value proposition of the paid membership. Consequently, Star Alliance Gold status earned through a non-US program (like Air Canada Aeroplan or Lufthansa Miles & More) provides broader access to United Clubs on domestic US itineraries than United’s own Gold status does.
Access via International First & Business Class Tickets:

International First Class: Passengers traveling in International First Class on a Star Alliance operated flight have access to member airline First Class lounges (with exceptions for certain ultra-premium, airline-specific facilities like Lufthansa/SWISS HON/First Class Lounges, Thai Airways Spa Lounge, and Singapore Airlines’ The Private Room) as well as Business Class lounges at the departure airport.⁷ The flight must depart on the same day or by 5:00 AM the next morning.⁷
Guest Policy (First Class): One guest is permitted. The guest must also be traveling on a Star Alliance flight departing from the same local airport.⁶
International Business Class: Passengers traveling in International Business Class on a Star Alliance operated flight have access to member airline Business Class lounges at the departure airport.⁷ The flight must depart on the same day or by 5:00 AM the next morning.⁷
Guest Policy (Business Class): Passengers accessing lounges based solely on an International Business Class ticket are not entitled to bring a guest.⁷

Departure-Based Access for Premium Cabins: A key difference compared to Oneworld’s policy relates to connecting flights. Star Alliance generally grants lounge access based on the class of service for the specific flight segment departing from the current airport.⁶ Unlike Oneworld, which allows the class of a preceding or subsequent long-haul international flight to determine access throughout a connecting journey, Star Alliance’s rule is typically tied to the immediate departure. This simpler approach avoids the need to verify other segments of the journey but means a passenger flying internationally in Business Class and connecting to a domestic flight in Economy Class would likely only have lounge access based on their ticket at the international departure point, not at the domestic connection point (unless they also qualify via status).⁶
Important Notes & Exclusions:

Lounge access requires the flight to be operated by a Star Alliance member airline.⁶
Star Alliance operates its own branded lounges in select airports like Amsterdam (AMS), Buenos Aires (EZE), Los Angeles (LAX), Paris (CDG), and Rio de Janeiro (GIG), some of which may offer paid entry options.⁶
Star Alliance Silver status, the lower elite tier, does not grant any lounge access privileges.⁶
Access to contract lounges used by member airlines depends on the specific contract terms between the airline and the lounge operator.⁷
Specific rules apply for access when traveling on Star Alliance Connecting Partner flights.⁷

SkyTeam Alliance Lounges (~750+ Lounges) ¹¹

SkyTeam offers lounge access primarily based on elite status or premium cabin travel, with a strong emphasis on international itineraries.

Access via SkyTeam Elite Plus Status:

Members holding SkyTeam Elite Plus status, earned through any member airline’s program, receive lounge access when traveling on a same-day international flight operated by a SkyTeam member airline.¹¹ Access is also granted during same-day transfers between SkyTeam operated flights, which can include domestic segments if they are part of an international journey.¹¹ This benefit applies regardless of the cabin class flown.¹¹
Guest Policy: Elite Plus members are entitled to invite one guest into the lounge. The guest must be traveling on the same SkyTeam member-operated flight as the Elite Plus member.¹¹
Requirements: Passengers need to present valid proof of Elite Plus status (card or digital indicator) along with their same-day boarding pass(es).¹¹ Lounge access is provided at the departure and transfer airports only, not upon arrival at the final destination.¹¹ Access is generally permitted starting at least 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.¹¹
Domestic Travel: Based on the official SkyTeam policy, access on purely domestic flight segments requires that segment to be part of a larger itinerary involving a connection to or from an international SkyTeam flight.¹¹ Purely domestic itineraries without an international component generally do not qualify for lounge access based on Elite Plus status alone under the standard policy.¹²

The Delta SkyMiles Elite Plus Exception: A significant deviation from the standard SkyTeam policy applies to Elite Plus members who earned their status through Delta Air Lines SkyMiles (specifically Diamond, Platinum, and Gold Medallion tiers). These Delta-based Elite Plus members do not receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs when traveling internationally in the Main Cabin or Delta Comfort+ cabins.¹² They can, however, still access lounges owned and operated by other SkyTeam member airlines (like Air France or KLM) or SkyTeam-branded lounges when flying internationally on SkyTeam carriers (including Delta), adhering to the standard Elite Plus rules.¹² Access to Delta’s own Sky Clubs for Delta Medallion members is primarily governed by Delta’s specific rules, which heavily favor premium cabin tickets or access via eligible American Express credit cards.¹⁴ This restriction stems from Delta’s efforts to manage significant crowding in its popular Sky Clubs and align access with its own membership, credit card, and cabin-based entry requirements.¹⁴ This creates a notable difference: SkyTeam Elite Plus status earned via a non-Delta program (e.g., Air France/KLM Flying Blue Platinum) grants access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta internationally (in any cabin except Basic Economy), whereas Delta’s own equivalent Medallion status does not provide the same access under the SkyTeam Elite Plus benefit alone.¹²
Access via First & Business Class Tickets:

Passengers traveling in First or Business Class on a same-day international flight operated by a SkyTeam member airline are eligible for lounge access.¹¹ Access is also provided for same-day transfers between SkyTeam operated flights, including domestic segments if connecting to or from an international flight in a premium cabin.¹¹ For connecting passengers, all flight segments generally need to be booked in First or Business Class.¹²
Guest Policy: The official SkyTeam lounge access policies reviewed do not specify any complimentary guest privileges for passengers whose access is based solely on holding a First or Business Class ticket.¹¹ Guest access within the SkyTeam framework appears primarily linked to holding SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
Requirements: Passengers must present their valid First or Business Class boarding pass for entry.¹¹ Access is available only at departure and transfer airports (not on arrival) and typically begins at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure time.¹¹
Important Notes & Exclusions:

For the purpose of some SkyTeam policies, “international travel” explicitly excludes flights between the United States and the Caribbean.¹²
Delta Sky Clubs have specific entry requirements that apply even to eligible partner passengers, most notably the exclusion of anyone traveling on a Basic Economy fare.¹²
Access to the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow (LHR) Terminal 3 follows Virgin Atlantic’s own specific policies.¹²
SkyTeam Elite, the lower frequent flyer tier, does not include lounge access benefits.¹³

Focus on US Airlines: Lounge Networks & Rules

While the global alliances set the stage for international travel, the specific lounge access rules of the major US carriers are paramount for domestic flyers and those utilizing airline-specific memberships or co-branded credit cards.

Alaska Airlines Lounges

Alaska Airlines operates a network of lounges, primarily concentrated on the West Coast, and participates in the Oneworld alliance.

Network & Membership: Alaska offers its own lounges.¹⁷ It provides two membership tiers: the standard Alaska Lounge membership ($595 annually) grants access to all Alaska Lounge locations plus The Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu.⁵ The Alaska Lounge+ membership ($795 annually) includes access to all Alaska Lounges, The Plumeria Lounge, and nearly 90 partner lounges, notably including American Airlines Admirals Clubs and select Qantas Clubs.⁵ A $100 discount on the Lounge+ membership is available for eligible Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders.⁵
Access Methods:

Membership: Requires a valid membership and a same-day boarding pass for travel on Alaska Airlines, another Oneworld member airline, or one of Alaska’s additional global partners.⁴ Lounge+ is required for access to partner lounges like Admirals Club.⁵
First Class Ticket: Passengers traveling on a paid or award First Class ticket operated by Alaska Airlines (or Hawaiian Airlines for The Plumeria Lounge access) gain entry if at least one flight segment on the itinerary has a distance of 2,000 miles or more.⁴ For First Class itineraries where no single flight meets this distance requirement, passengers can purchase a discounted single-entry pass for $35, subject to space availability.⁴ Alaska Airlines Club 49 members (a program for Alaska residents) receive lounge access when flying First Class to, through, or from Alaska, regardless of flight distance.¹⁸
Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire Status: Access follows the standard Oneworld rules. This includes the critical restriction for members who earned status via Alaska Mileage Plan or American AAdvantage: access is generally granted only when traveling on an itinerary including a flight outside of North America (US, Canada, Mexico).⁴ However, Emerald or Sapphire members who earned status through other Oneworld airlines (e.g., British Airways, Qantas) can access Alaska Lounges even when traveling on purely domestic itineraries on Alaska or American Airlines.⁴
Day Pass: Single-entry passes are available for purchase for $65 per person at select locations, contingent on space availability.¹⁹ A same-day boarding pass on Alaska, a Oneworld member, or a partner airline is required.¹⁹ Active Duty military personnel may receive complimentary or discounted day passes under specific conditions.¹⁹
Guest Policy Summary:

Alaska Lounge / Lounge+ Members: May bring immediate family (defined as a spouse or domestic partner and children under 21) OR up to two friends into the lounge at no extra charge.⁴
First Class Ticket: Standard First Class access based on the 2,000+ mile rule does not explicitly include guest privileges.⁴ Passengers accessing via a Oneworld First Class ticket on a qualifying long international flight may bring one guest.⁴
Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire Status: Entitled to one guest, who must also be traveling on a Oneworld flight.⁴
Day Pass: Does not include complimentary guests; each individual requires their own pass (except for children under 2 years old).¹⁹
Alaska’s Approach: Alaska maintains its own distinct lounge program with paid memberships and distance-based First Class access rules, catering to its established customer base.⁴ Simultaneously, it integrates Oneworld alliance access rules for elite status holders.⁴ The Lounge+ tier strategically bridges its network with key partners, particularly American Airlines, offering expanded access beyond Alaska’s own footprint.⁵ This hybrid model means access rules can vary significantly depending on how a traveler qualifies, with the Oneworld domestic restriction for AA/AS elites being a key point of differentiation compared to elites from other Oneworld carriers.

American Airlines (Admirals Club & Flagship Lounges)

American Airlines offers an extensive lounge network featuring two primary types: the standard Admirals Club and the more premium Flagship Lounge.

Network: Numerous Admirals Club locations domestically and internationally, plus a smaller number of premium Flagship Lounges in key hubs.²⁰
Admirals Club Access:

Membership: Available to annual and lifetime members, primary holders of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®, ConciergeKey® members, and AirPass℠ members with Admirals Club privileges.²² Membership grants access to Admirals Clubs and select partner lounges, including Alaska Lounges and certain Qantas Clubs, under specific conditions.²¹
AAdvantage Status (Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum): Access based on status is granted only when traveling on a qualifying international itinerary marketed and operated by American or another Oneworld airline.²² Status alone does not provide access for purely domestic travel.
Qualifying First/Business Ticket: Access is provided for passengers in First or Business class on qualifying international flights, specific transcontinental routes designated as Flagship®, and certain Hawaii routes designated as Flagship®.²² Importantly, holding a standard domestic First or Business Class ticket does not typically grant Admirals Club access.²²
Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire Status (Non-AA): Members who earned status through a Oneworld airline other than American Airlines or Alaska Airlines can access Admirals Clubs when traveling on any flight marketed and operated by American or another Oneworld airline, including purely domestic itineraries.²²
Day Pass: A One-Day Pass can be purchased for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage® miles, subject to lounge capacity restrictions.²² This pass grants access only to Admirals Club locations, not partner lounges.²¹
Flagship Lounge Access (Premium): These lounges offer elevated amenities and are accessible to a more restricted group:

Qualifying First/Business Ticket: Access is granted to passengers traveling in First or Business on qualifying international flights (specifically long-haul routes to Asia, Australia, Europe, Middle East, New Zealand, South America), qualifying transcontinental Flagship® routes (e.g., JFK-LAX/SFO, LAX-MIA), and qualifying Hawaii Flagship® routes (e.g., DFW-HNL/OGG).²³ The definition of qualifying flights is stricter than for Admirals Club access.
AAdvantage Status (Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum) & Alaska Status (MVP Gold 75K/100K): Access is granted only when departing, arriving, or connecting on a qualifying international flight (as defined above) marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld partner.²³
ConciergeKey® Status: Members have access when traveling on any same-day flight marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld airline.²³
Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire Status (Non-AA/AS): Members have access when departing, arriving, or connecting on any same-day flight marketed and operated by American or a Oneworld airline, regardless of cabin.²³
Single Visit Pass: A pass for Flagship Lounge access can be purchased at the lounge for $150 or 15,000 AAdvantage® miles, subject to capacity. It’s valid for one-time use on the day of purchase at that specific location.²³
Guest Policy Summary:

Admirals Club Membership / Executive Card: Immediate family (spouse/partner, children under 18) OR up to 2 guests.²²
AAdvantage Status (on qualifying int’l itinerary): 1 guest.²²
Qualifying International First Ticket (Admirals/Flagship): 1 guest.²²
Qualifying Business / Domestic First Ticket (Flagship routes): No guests.²²
Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire Status (Non-AA/AS): 1 guest.²²
ConciergeKey® Status (Flagship): Immediate family (spouse/partner, children under 18) OR up to 2 guests.²³
Admirals Club Day Pass: Up to 3 children under 18 accompanying the pass holder.²²
Flagship Single Visit Pass: No guests.²³
AA’s Segregated Approach: American Airlines maintains a clear distinction between domestic and international lounge access benefits, particularly for its own elite members and standard premium cabin flyers. Domestic access is largely treated as a paid perk, obtainable via membership or the specific Executive credit card, or reserved for the limited Flagship transcontinental and Hawaii routes.²² AAdvantage status primarily unlocks lounge benefits on international itineraries, mirroring the Oneworld restriction for US-based elites.²² The existence of Flagship Lounges further segments access, reserving the most premium experience for long-haul international premium passengers, specific transcon/Hawaii travelers, and top-tier elites on qualifying journeys.²⁰ This strategy likely aims to manage lounge crowding on the vast domestic network while using lounge access to differentiate its more lucrative international and premium transcontinental products.

United Airlines (United Club & Polaris Lounges)

United Airlines operates a large global lounge network with two main tiers: the standard United Club and the exclusive United Polaris Lounge for long-haul international premium travelers.

Network: Extensive network of over 45 United Club locations worldwide, six premium United Polaris lounges in major international gateways, and access to partner lounges.⁹ A “United Club Fly” grab-and-go concept exists in some locations.²⁶
United Club Access:

Membership: United offers two primary membership types. The Individual membership ($750/year or miles equivalent, price varies by MileagePlus status) allows access for the member only and does not include access to Star Alliance partner lounges.⁹ The All Access membership ($1400/year or miles equivalent, price varies by status) allows the member to bring guests and includes access to participating Star Alliance partner lounges.⁹
United Club Credit Cards: Holding an eligible United Club Infinite Card provides access, typically with guest privileges (often one adult guest plus dependents under 18/21). Cardmembers may unlock All Access benefits based on achieving Premier Gold status or meeting a significant annual spending threshold ($50,000).⁹
MileagePlus Premier Status (Gold, Platinum, 1K, Global Services): Similar to AA, United status holders (Gold and above) gain United Club access only when traveling on a qualifying international itinerary operated by a Star Alliance member airline.⁷ Status alone does not grant access for purely domestic travel within the US.
Qualifying Premium Ticket: Access is granted to passengers traveling in United Polaris business class (long-haul international), United Business (international, premium transcontinental between EWR/JFK and LAX/SFO), and United First (only on flights to/from Canada).²⁶ Passengers traveling in international First or Business class on other Star Alliance member airlines also receive access at their departure airport.²⁶
Star Alliance Gold Status (Non-UA): Members who earned Star Alliance Gold status through a program other than United MileagePlus can access United Clubs when departing on any Star Alliance operated flight, including purely domestic United flights.⁷
One-Time Pass: Passes can be purchased (often via the United app, price typically $59) and grant single entry to a United Club location, subject to capacity.⁹ Guests are not permitted with a one-time pass.²⁷ Starting May 1, 2025, pass usage may be restricted to within three hours of departure, unless used during a connection.²⁷
Polaris Lounge Access (Exclusive): These lounges offer elevated amenities like sit-down dining and shower suites and are strictly reserved for:

Qualifying Ticket: Passengers traveling in United Polaris business class on long-haul international flights.²⁶ Access is available at departure, connecting, and arrival airports for these passengers.²⁶ Also accessible to passengers traveling in international First or Business class on a Star Alliance partner airline, but only at the departure airport of the international flight.²⁶
Guest Policy: United Polaris passengers: No guests allowed.²⁶ Star Alliance international First Class passengers: One guest allowed.²⁶ Star Alliance international Business Class passengers: No guests allowed.²⁶
Guest Policy Summary (United Club):

Individual Membership: No guests.⁹
All Access Membership: Up to two adult guests OR one adult guest plus dependent children (age limit varies slightly in documentation, often under 18 or 21).⁹
United Club Cardmember: Typically one adult guest plus dependent children; can unlock All Access guesting privileges via status/spend.⁹
MileagePlus Premier Gold+ (on qualifying int’l itinerary): 1 guest traveling on the same flight.²⁷
United Premium Tickets (Polaris, Business, First to Canada): No guests.²⁶
Star Alliance Gold Status (Non-UA): 1 guest traveling on the same flight.²⁷
Star Alliance International First Ticket: 1 guest.²⁶
Star Alliance International Business Ticket: No guests.²⁶
One-Time Pass: No guests.²⁷
United’s Tiered Approach: United employs distinct membership tiers (Individual vs. All Access) to cater to different needs regarding guests and partner lounge access, allowing for different price points.⁹ The Polaris Lounge is positioned as a truly exclusive benefit, strictly limited to passengers on long-haul international premium tickets, ensuring a higher-end experience separate from the standard United Club.²⁶ Like American, United restricts domestic lounge access for its own elites based on status alone, reinforcing the value of paid memberships or credit cards for frequent domestic travelers and maintaining the Star Alliance Gold domestic access disparity.²⁷

Delta Air Lines (Delta Sky Clubs)

Delta Air Lines operates a large network of Delta Sky Clubs, known for recent updates aimed at managing capacity, making its access policies arguably the most complex and restrictive among the major US carriers.

Network: Extensive domestic network with presence in key international hubs.²⁹ Delta is also introducing exclusive Delta One Lounges for its top premium passengers.²⁹
Access Methods (Complex & Credit Card Focused):

Sky Club Membership: Purchase of annual memberships (Individual at $695/year, Executive at $1495/year) is restricted and only available to Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members (Silver status or higher).¹⁵ Non-Medallion members cannot purchase a membership.
Delta Medallion Status (Gold, Platinum, Diamond): Status alone grants very limited access. Entry requires flying in Delta Premium Select internationally, Delta One (domestic or international), or First Class on specific routes to Mexico, Canada, and Central America.¹⁴ Status does not provide access when flying in Main Cabin or Comfort+ domestically or on most international routes.
Delta One / Premium Cabin Ticket: Access is granted when flying domestic Delta One, international Delta One (including domestic connections), or international First/Business on SkyTeam partner airlines.¹⁴
Credit Cards (Primary Access Method for Many):

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Reserve Business American Express Cards: Cardholders receive 15 complimentary “Visits” per Medallion year (Feb 1 – Jan 31) for access when flying Delta.¹⁴ Unlimited access can be unlocked only after spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year.¹⁴ After the 15 visits are used, access costs $50 per person per visit.¹⁴ Cardholders also receive four one-time guest passes annually.
The Platinum Card® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Cardholders receive 10 complimentary “Visits” per Medallion year for access when flying Delta.¹⁴ Unlimited access can be unlocked after spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year.¹⁴ After the 10 visits are used, access costs $50 per person per visit.¹⁴
SkyTeam Elite Plus Status (Non-Delta): Members who earned Elite Plus status through a SkyTeam airline other than Delta receive access when traveling on any cabin (except Basic Economy) on a same-day international SkyTeam itinerary, including connecting domestic Delta flights.¹²
Key Restrictions:

Basic Economy Exclusion: A strict rule applies across almost all access methods: passengers traveling on Basic Economy (E fare) tickets are not permitted entry to Delta Sky Clubs, even if they hold eligible credit cards or memberships.¹⁴
3-Hour Rule: Except for connecting passengers at their connection airport, access is generally limited to within 3 hours of the scheduled departure time.¹⁴
Grab and Go: Some locations feature a “Grab and Go” option instead of a full lounge. Using this counts as one “Visit” for cardholders with visit limits and may have different guest fees ($25).¹⁴
Guest Policy Summary (Highly Variable):

Individual Membership: Up to 2 guests permitted at a cost of $50 or 5,000 SkyMiles per guest, per visit.¹⁴
Executive Membership: Includes complimentary access for up to 2 guests (or immediate family: spouse/partner and children under 21). Can bring up to 2 additional guests for $50/5k miles each.¹⁴
Delta Medallion Status (with qualifying premium ticket): 1 guest permitted, provided the guest is also traveling in the same qualifying premium cabin.¹⁴
Delta One Ticket: No complimentary guests allowed based solely on the ticket.¹⁴
Delta Reserve Amex Card: Uses the 4 annual one-time guest passes. Otherwise, up to 2 guests (or immediate family) can be brought in at a cost of $50 per guest, per visit.¹⁴
Amex Platinum Card: Up to 2 guests (or immediate family) can be brought in at a cost of $50 per guest, per visit.¹⁴
SkyTeam Elite Plus Status (Non-Delta): 1 guest permitted, guest must also be on a SkyTeam operated flight.¹⁴
Delta’s Shift: Delta’s recent policy changes clearly indicate a strategic shift away from broad access based on status or simple membership purchase. By restricting membership sales to Medallion members only ¹⁵, severely limiting status-based entry ¹⁴, and implementing visit caps on the primary access tools (the Amex Reserve and Platinum cards) ¹⁴, Delta is actively managing overcrowding. This approach heavily favors access through premium cabin travel or, more significantly, through holding and spending substantially on high-fee American Express cards. It represents a direct monetization of lounge access and a move to prioritize exclusivity, making Delta Sky Club access the most complex and conditional among the major US carriers.

Lounge Access At-a-Glance

The rules governing lounge access can be intricate, varying significantly between alliances and individual airlines. The table below provides a simplified comparison of key access methods and policies based on the information gathered from official sources. Note that “Int’l” refers to international flights, and “Domestic” refers to flights solely within the US (unless otherwise specified). “Status” refers to the relevant elite tier (e.g., Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire, Star Gold, SkyTeam Elite Plus, or airline-specific equivalents).

Feature	Oneworld	Star Alliance	SkyTeam	Alaska Lounge	AA Admirals Club	AA Flagship Lounge	United Club	United Polaris	Delta Sky Club
Relevant Status Tier for Int’l Access	Emerald/Sapphire	Gold	Elite Plus	OW Emerald/Sapph	AA Plat+/OW Em/Sa	AA Plat+/OW Em/Sa	UA Gold+/SA Gold	N/A (Ticket Only)	ST Elite Plus
US Domestic Access via US Program Status?	No (AA/AS)	No (UA Clubs)	No	No (AS)	No (AA)	No (AA)	No (UA)	N/A	No (DL)
US Domestic Access via Non-US Program Status?	Yes	Yes (UA Clubs)	No (unless int’l connection)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	N/A	No (unless int’l connection)
Int’l First/Business Ticket Access?	Yes	Yes (Departure Only)	Yes (Int’l Only)	Yes (AS >2k mi)	Yes (Qualifying)	Yes (Qualifying)	Yes (Qualifying)	Yes (Qualifying)	Yes (Qualifying)
Standard Guest Policy (Status – Int’l)	1 Guest	1 Guest	1 Guest	1 Guest (OW)	1 Guest (AA/OW)	1 Guest (AA/OW)	1 Guest (UA/SA)	N/A	1 Guest (ST E+)
Standard Guest Policy (Int’l First Ticket)	1 Guest	1 Guest	None Mentioned	N/A	1 Guest	1 Guest	1 Guest (SA)	1 Guest (SA)	None Mentioned
Standard Guest Policy (Int’l Business Ticket)	None	None	None Mentioned	N/A	None	None	None	None	None Mentioned
Membership Available?	N/A	N/A	N/A	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes (Restricted)
Day Pass Available?	N/A	N/A	No	Yes ($65)	Yes ($79)	Yes ($150)	Yes ($59?)	No	No
Key Credit Card Access?	N/A	N/A	N/A	Yes (Discount)	Yes (AA Exec)	No	Yes (UA Club)	No	Yes (Amex Limits)

Table Notes: “Qualifying” refers to specific routes or flight types defined by the airline/alliance (e.g., long-haul, transcon, Flagship). Guest policies for memberships and credit cards vary and often involve fees; refer to detailed sections. Status access rules assume travel on the respective alliance/airline. N/A = Not Applicable or Not Offered as a standard alliance/lounge benefit.

Final Boarding Call: Key Takeaways

Airport lounges offer a valuable respite from the often-chaotic terminal environment, providing comfort, amenities, and a quiet space to work or relax. Access, however, is governed by a complex web of rules dependent on elite status, class of service, memberships, credit cards, and even the specific route flown.

Several key themes emerge from the official policies of the major alliances and US airlines:

The Domestic Divide: For members of US-based frequent flyer programs (American AAdvantage, Alaska Mileage Plan, United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles), elite status is significantly less powerful for gaining lounge access when traveling purely domestically compared to international travel. Paradoxically, holding equivalent elite status from a foreign partner airline within the same alliance often grants better access to US domestic lounges.
Premium Cabin Perks: Flying in international First or Business Class is a reliable way to gain lounge access, though guest policies vary. Oneworld is generally more generous with guesting for First Class and has a favorable connection policy based on the long-haul segment. Star Alliance and SkyTeam typically restrict guest access based on premium tickets alone and often tie access to the departing segment.
US Airlines’ Focus: Major US carriers lean heavily on paid lounge memberships (Alaska, American, United) and premium co-branded credit cards (American, United, Delta) as primary mechanisms for granting domestic lounge access, especially given the restrictions on status-based entry.
Delta’s Restrictive Model: Delta Air Lines currently has the most complex and restrictive access policies, having shifted significantly towards access via specific American Express cards with annual visit limits (unless high spending thresholds are met) or through travel in premium cabins. Traditional membership purchase is limited to existing elite members, and status alone offers minimal access.
Basic Economy Ban: Travel on a Basic Economy fare is almost universally excluded from lounge access, regardless of status, membership, or credit card holding.

Given the intricacies and the potential for policy changes, the best advice remains consistent: always consult the official website of the specific airline you are flying or the relevant alliance for the most current lounge access rules, hours of operation, specific location details, and any temporary restrictions before heading to the airport. Planning ahead ensures travelers can confidently determine their eligibility and enjoy the lounge benefits they are entitled to.

Wishing you comfortable and relaxing travels ahead.

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