Airport Lounges: Your Ultimate Airport Comfort Zone
Ever reached the airport, cleared check-in, immigration, and security, and then realized your flight is still two hours away? Or maybe you need a quiet place to finish urgent emails, tweak a presentation, or make last-minute changes to a proposal. Perhaps you’ve just landed after a long flight and need a shower, a hot cup of coffee, and a light snack to freshen up.
Other scenarios could be:
- Finishing an important call in a quiet space away from the noisy departure area.
- Relaxing after a hectic workday, maybe with a glass of beer before a long flight.
Where do you go? The answer is simple: the airport lounge!
What is an Airport Lounge?
An airport lounge is a designated, exclusive area located after check-in and security (and after immigration for international flights). It’s a quiet, enclosed space with:
- Comfortable seating
- Tea, coffee, juices, and alcoholic drinks
- Light snacks
- Newspapers and magazines
- High-speed internet
Some lounges even offer showers, so you can freshen up before your flight or after landing.
Lounges in India & Around the World
Most domestic and international airports in India have one or more lounges, depending on passenger traffic.
Airline Lounges
Common for business class passengers or select elite frequent flyer members.
Domestic Lounges
All major airports have lounges; entry is often free for business class or frequent flyer members, but can also be purchased.
International Lounges
Premium facilities for business class travelers. Economy passengers can gain access via membership or payment.
How to Get Access
1. Through Credit or Debit Cards
Many premium cards from Mastercard, Visa, Amex, and Diners Club offer lounge access. Typically, Platinum, Signature, Millennia, Diners Club, Elite, Infinity, or Prime cards include this benefit. Some co-branded airline cards also provide free access.
Pro Tip: Some debit cards also offer lounge access—check with your bank. You might already have access and not know it!
2. Memberships
- Priority Pass: Offers access to a network of lounges worldwide, including India.
- Plaza Premium Lounge Membership: Great for frequent domestic and international travelers.
3. Pay-per-Use
If you don’t qualify via cards or membership, don’t worry! Lounges in India allow paid entry:
- Smaller airports (Amritsar, Chandigarh, Indore): ₹800 per person
- Larger airports (New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru): ₹1,500–₹2,800 per person
Some lounges even offer sleeping pods for an extra nominal fee.
Lounge Examples & Pricing
- Encalm Lounges, New Delhi Airport
- Domestic Terminal (T1): ₹1,900 for 2 hours
- International Terminal (T3): ₹3,100 for 2 hours
- Facilities include tea/coffee, snacks, and Wi-Fi
- Aviserv Lounge, Mumbai International Airport
- Starting at ₹2,773 plus taxes for 2 hours
- Includes shower, meal, Wi-Fi, and sleeping pods
Why Airport Lounges are Worth It
For frequent travelers, especially international, the cost of lounge access is minimal compared to your flight ticket. Lounges provide:
- A peaceful environment to work or relax
- Refreshments and meals
- Internet connectivity and charging points
- Showers and nap facilities
Next time you have time to kill at the airport, or need a quiet spot for work, calls, or relaxation, head to the lounge.
Happy Lounging!
