Some airlines offer day access to their lounges, but many do not. Currently, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and United Airlines all allow the purchase of day entry (although this could be subject to availability). Notably, Delta Air Lines does not offer this.
American Airlines Day Pass
Passes available for $79 or 7,900 miles
American Airlines has Admiral Club lounges in almost 50 locations in the US and overseas. This includes at most major US American Airlines hubs, plus overseas locations including Toronto, London, Paris, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Mexico City.
There are also many partner lounges both in the US and overseas – but note that day passes will not get access to these.
Any American Airlines passenger can purchase a day pass. Use is very straightforward:
* A day pass costs $79 or can be paid using 7,900 AAdvantage miles.
* A same-day boarding pass is needed for entry.
* Passes allow multiple lounge entrances during travel on one day.
* Lounge access may be subject to availability.
* Up to three children can accompany one adult.
Alaska Airlines Day Pass
Passes available for $60
Sticking with oneworld alliance benefits, Alaska Airlines offers a day pass option. There are no specific details provided about which lounges are included in this option.
For occasional use, single-entry passes cost $59. These are sold at United Clubs on the day.
United Airlines Day Pass
Passes available for $59
United Airlines also offers a day pass option, which is available for purchase at their airport clubs.
There are also one-time day passes on offer for co-branded credit card holders. Holders of the United Explorer Card and the United Business card receive two one-time passes each year.
Other ways to access lounges in the US
The options for day pass access are clearly quite restricted in the US – only available to customers of three airlines, and relatively expensive. One-day access is a good option for very occasional use, but most regular travelers would opt for alternative lounge access options. Options include:
* Paid lounge membership programs: These airlines all offer a popular paid lounge access program. For a fixed price, travelers will get unlimited access whenever they fly with the airline.
* Elite status with non-US loyalty programs: While lounge access is not usually offered as an included benefit for US airline loyalty programs, it is for airlines in other countries. With cross-alliance benefits, appropriate elite members of these programs can access US airline lounges when traveling there.
* Third-party lounge membership programs: There are several membership programs available which offer included lounge visits (limited or unlimited options). A major advantage here is that you can access lounges regardless of which airline you are flying with. Major options include Priority Pass and Dragon Pass.
* Access with credit cards: There are several travel-focused credit cards that offer included lounge access. This is a valuable benefit, and these tend to be top-end premium cards.
Source: Great Tip Everyday
