Travelling for work can be excitingâand exhausting. Between searching for a quiet place to catch up on emails and navigating the busy foot traffic, the airport terminal can drain your energy before youâve even boarded. Having access to the airport lounge can change this. The lounge can act as a quiet oasis and a functional work space where you can find reliable wi-fi and a comfortable chair.
The real value of the airport lounge
Some travel credit cards offer airport lounge access as a perk or benefit. With lounge access, you can get into exclusive areas within the airport that offer a more comfortable and relaxing environment than youâll find in the main terminal. For many business travelers, the airport lounge functions as a mobile office and a quieter alternative to the main terminal.
If youâre weighing whether a business travel credit card with lounge access is worth the cost, here are some things to think about.
Protect your time
If you donât want to fall behind while you travel, access to the airport lounge can support uninterrupted productivity. Consider two scenarios:
In scenario A, your flight is delayed. You spend 15 minutes looking for a free seat in the busy terminal so you can sit and respond to emails. When you finally find a spot and take out your laptop, you realize your battery is dead. Now you have to look for an available charge station.
In scenario B, you head to the airport lounge business center, where you grab a complimentary coffee, plug in your laptop at an available workstation, and respond to emails in peace. You even have time to grab a bite to eat and make a few client calls. Now you can sit back and enjoy your flight instead of worrying about all the work you have to catch up on.
Regain your focus
Running a business means youâre always on the go. Before a big pitch or a client meeting, the last thing you need is to spend hours in a noisy airport terminal. Being in this type of environment can increase stress and anxiety, making it hard for you to collect your thoughts before an important business opportunity.
A quieter environment, like an airport lounge, can help you mentally prepare for your next step. You can review your notes, talk to your team, or just relax in the quiet.
Show up refreshed
Travel can be exhausting, especially if you have a long layover or your flight is delayed. If youâre on your way to meet a new client or pitch an investor, you want to show up fresh and energized.
A long delay in an uncomfortable airport chair can leave you feeling drained before the day has even started. If you want to sleep, your other option is to pay for a pricey hotel room.
With access to the airport lounge, you can get the rest you need and even freshen up, as many lounges offer shower facilities. Some premium lounges have rest areas or quiet day suites available, which may be worthwhile during longer international layovers.
Save money
Airports are expensive. With a captive audience, prices are often much higher than they normally are outside of the airport environment. Plus, it can be difficult to find healthy food options.
With access to the airport lounge, you can often enjoy complimentary food and beverages, including hot meals and snacks. Considering that a coffee and meal at the airport can cost you $30 to $40, this is a significant benefit.
If you go on eight business trips a year, thatâs $240 to $320 in food and beverage costs alone for only one meal per trip. These savings can quickly begin to offset the annual fee that often comes with a business travel credit card.
If youâre still debating whether the annual fee is worth it, donât forget that you may be able to deduct the cost of this fee as a business expense, provided your card is used primarily for work.
Is airport lounge access worth it?
The answer depends on how often you travel and the type of travel experience you want to have. If you travel multiple times per year, with regular international layovers, the time you save and the ability to work or rest in a quiet environment might be worth it. If you only fly once or twice a year, youâll have to assess if the other rewards and benefits offered by your business travel credit card still make it worth the annual cost.
Media Contact Information
Name: Sonakshi Murze
Job Title: Manager
Email: sonakshi.murze@iquanti.com   Â
