A guide to guest policies for airport lounges
There’s no denying that airport lounges can be the best part of the on-ground experience when flying. You’ll find desirable amenities like complimentary food and drink, shower facilities and seating areas to kick back and relax before your flight. Even better, you lounges allow you to escape from the chaos that is the airport terminal.But since there are more ways than ever to score lounge access, they can become pretty crowded. All of these lounge access methods can also create confusion regarding who can enter and how many guests can (or can’t) come into the lounge with you.Let’s look at credit cards that offer lounge access and their guest policies, so you can avoid surprises the next time you fly.Alaska LoungesMost people gain access to Alaska lounges by having elite status with Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards or a Oneworld partner loyalty program.AccessGuest policyAlaska Airlines lounge memberImmediate family (partner and children under the age of 21) or two guests; additional guests $35 each.American Airlines Admirals Club member when departing or arriving on flights with American Airlines, Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian AirlinesImmediate family (partner and children under the age of 21) or two guests.Atmos Gold, Atmos Platinum and Atmos Titanium members traveling on Oneworld airlines beyond the U.S., Canada or MexicoOne guest.Atmos Gold, Atmos Platinum and Atmos Titanium members traveling on Hawaiian Airlines to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT) or Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN)One guest.Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card day passNo guests are listed in the policy.Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members on any tickets, or if their status is via American Airlines or Alaska Airlines, when on an international itineraryOne guest flying on a Oneworld airline.Paid or award first-class ticket on a Oneworld airline on an international flight longer than 5 hoursOne guest flying on a Oneworld airline.Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® primary cardholdersPrimary cardholders who present their physical card, immediate family (partner and children under the age of 21) or two guests.Active duty military traveling in uniform and on ordersNo guests are listed in the policy.If you hold an Alaska Airlines lounge membership, you can bring immediate family members (this means partners and children under 21 years old) or up to two guests when entering an Alaska lounge. (There are eight of these lounges, with a ninth on the way in 2026.) Note that your guests must stay with you at all times.Alaska Lounge members may purchase guest passes at a reduced rate of $35 per person for all other guests. Note that members do not need to be traveling with their guest to purchase a guest pass, so you can snag this discounted rate fairly easily for any of your friends and family traveling soon (who would otherwise have to pay $65 for a single-entry lounge pass if they purchased it themselves). Children under 2 years old can enter Alaska Lounges free of charge when accompanied by an adult.SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUYRelated: Is this new space the best Alaska Airlines lounge in the country?American Airlines Admirals ClubThere are many ways to access Admirals Clubs, but the easiest way to get in is with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees).Although the card comes with a hefty $595 annual fee, a standalone Admirals Club membership costs $850 a year, so it’s a considerable deal for loyal American Airlines flyers. With an Admirals Club membership, your immediate family (spouse or domestic partner and children up to 18) or up to two guests may join you in the lounge (with a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight).Related: Three reasons why this is the best card for Admirals Club lounge accessAccess typeGuest policyAdmirals Club membersImmediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18) or up to two guests.Citi/AAdvantage Executive cardholders and authorized usersImmediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18) or up to two guests.Citi Strata Elite℠ Card and Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® Admirals Club passesUp to 3 children under the age of 18 pay enter with an adult using a lounge pass; all others must use another lounge passActive U.S. military traveling on orders and in uniformImmediate family (spouse, domestic partner and/or children under 18) or up to two guests.First-class passengers on qualifying international flightsOne guest (children over 2 count as a guest); no guests for business-class passengers.AAdvantage Platinum members and higher flying on qualifying international flights (regardless of class)One guest (children over 2 count as a guest).Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members from other Oneworld loyalty programs on all American and Oneworld flightsOne guest (children over 2 count as a guest).Admirals Club day pass holdersUp to three children under 18.You can add up to three authorized users to the Citi / AAdvantage Executive card for an additional $175 annual fee. After that, you’ll pay $175 for each authorized user thereafter. Authorized users can bring immediate family or up to two guests, provided they have a same-day boarding pass for an eligible flight.Related: Credit card review: The Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MastercardZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUYAdditionally, first-class passengers, AAdvantage Platinum members (or higher) on qualifying international flights, and Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members can bring one guest each on qualifying itineraries. If you pay $79 (or 7,900 AAdvantage miles) for a day pass, you can bring up to three children under 18 with you to the Admirals Club as well.American Express Centurion LoungesThese cards grant you access to American Express Centurion Lounges, as well as Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge locations when they open next year. Guest policies depend on the card you have and your annual spending.Card nameGuest policy<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/22504813?pid=22504813&name=American%20Express%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>The Platinum Card® from American Express</a>Adult guests cost $50 each (but cardholders who spend more than $75,000 on purchases annually can bring two guests for no additional cost). Children 2-17 years old cost $30 each; There are no additional costs for guests under 2 years old. (see <a href=”/tc/22504813?pid=22504813&name=American%20Express%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>).<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/7758?pid=7758&name=The%20Business%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE%20from%20American%20Express&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>The Business Platinum Card® from American Express</a>Adult guests cost $50 each (but cardholders who spend more than $75,000 on purchases annually can bring two guests for no additional cost). Children 2-17 years old cost $30 each; There are no additional costs for guests under 2 years old. (see <a href=”/tc/7758?pid=7758&name=The%20Business%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE%20from%20American%20Express&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>).The American Express Corporate Platinum Card®Two guests; additional guests cost $50 each<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6573?pid=6573&name=Delta%20SkyMiles%C2%AE%20Reserve%20American%20Express%20Card&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card</a>No complimentary guests; it costs $50 each for up to two guests and $30 for children 2-17 years old. (see <a href=”/tc/6573?pid=6573&name=Delta%20SkyMiles%C2%AE%20Reserve%20American%20Express%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>).<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/7840?pid=7840&name=Delta%20SkyMiles%C2%AE%20Reserve%20Business%20American%20Express%20Card&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card</a>No complimentary guests; it costs $50 each for up to two guests and $30 for children 2-17 years old. (see <a href=”/tc/7840?pid=7840&name=Delta%20SkyMiles%C2%AE%20Reserve%20Business%20American%20Express%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>).The information for the Amex Corporate Platinum has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cardholdersThe Amex Platinum Card and the Amex Business Platinum Card are two popular lifestyle and luxury travel cards that offer complimentary access to Centurion Lounges (enrollment required).Amex’s policy for lounge access changed and took effect in February 2023. Unless you spend $75,000 or more in purchases per calendar year on your card, you must pay $50 per adult guest. This change doesn’t impact Corporate Platinum cardholders.The American Express Centurion Lounge at Denver International Airport (DEN). ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUYIf you’re traveling with children, understand that anyone over 2 years old counts as a guest. Children under 2 years old can enter at no additional cost, but there’s a $30 guest fee for those ages 2 to 17.Related: Solo travelers rejoice: Why I’m in favor of new Amex Centurion Lounge guest rulesDelta Reserve and Business Reserve cardholdersWhen flying on Delta, Reserve and Business Reserve cardholders can access both Delta Sky Clubs and the Centurion lounges. If you choose to visit the Centurion Lounge instead, you can pay to bring up to two guests at the per-visit rate of $50 per person.Capital One LoungesCapital One currently has lounges at six airports: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Dulles International Airport (IAD), Denver International Airport (DEN), John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). (Note that the one at DCA is called a Capital One Landing.)Related: A complete guide to Capital One’s airport loungesAccess typeGuest policy<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card</a> cardholders and authorized users*Two guests in Lounges and one in Landings; $45 per additional adult guest and $25 for additional children 17 and under. Starting Feb 1, 2026, it will cost $45 per adult guest and $25 per child under 17, or you’ll have to spend $75,000 or more on your card to bring in two complimentary guests.<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x-business/” target=”_blank”>Capital One Venture X Business</a>Two guests in Lounges and one in Landings; $45 per additional adult guest and $25 for additional children 17 and under. Starting Feb 1, 2026, it will cost $45 per adult guest and $25 per child under 17, or you’ll have to spend $75,000 or more on your card to bring in two complimentary guests.KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY* Starting Feb 1, 2026 primary cardholders must pay $125 for authorized users to receive lounge access. Until then, Venture X cardholders can add a number of free authorized users to the card.Currently, each cardholder can bring two guests into the lounge. Capital One recently announced lounge access changes to the Venture X and the Venture X Business that will require spending $75,000 or more in a calendar year to unlock complimentary guest access.Related: Why you should add authorized users on the Capital One Venture XChase Sapphire LoungesThe following cards give you access to Chase Sapphire Lounges. Access is granted to both primary cardholders and authorized users. Keep in mind, you can only access lounges after you activate the complimentary Priority Pass membership. You must bring your physical Priority Pass card or show a QR code in the Priority Pass mobile app to access Sapphire Lounges.Access typeGuest policy<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/221211836?pid=221211836&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20PID&issuer=Chase” target=”_blank”>Chase Sapphire Reserve®</a> (see <a href=”/tc/221211836?pid=221211836&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>)Primary cardholders and authorized users can bring 2 guests per visit for free; additional guests cost $27 each. Children under 2 incur no additional charge.<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/10965?pid=10965&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20for%20Business%E2%84%A0%20PID&issuer=Chase” target=”_blank”>Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠</a> (see <a href=”/tc/10965?pid=10965&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20for%20Business%E2%84%A0%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>)Primary cardholders and authorized users can bring 2 guests per visit for free; additional guests cost $27 each. Children under 2 incur no additional charge.J.P. Morgan Reserve® (Note: This card is by invitation only)Primary cardholders and authorized users can bring 2 guests per visit for free; additional guests cost $27 each. Children under 2 incur no additional charge.Ritz-Carlton™ Credit Card (Note: This card is not open to new applicants)Unlimited guests with no additional charges.Chase’s lounge presence is slowly expanding across the U.S. and the world. Currently, there are seven lounges worldwide — including six in the U.S. (with three more coming soon) and one at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG).Since two of the four cards that provide access to Chase Sapphire Lounges are either not open to new applicants or are by invitation only, your best bet for access is to be a Sapphire Reserve cardholder, whether in personal or business form.Related: Chase unveils opening details for 2 new lounges, more updatesThe information for the J.P. Morgan Reserve and Ritz-Carlton cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.Delta Sky ClubThere are multiple ways to enter a Delta Sky Club, whether you hold a Delta Sky Club executive membership or are an eligible Delta Medallion. Like other airline lounges, the guest policies depend on your access type.Access typeGuest policyDelta Sky Club Executive and Lifetime membershipTwo guests or your immediate family (your spouse/domestic partner and children under 21); $50 (or 5,000 SkyMiles) per Sky Club or $25 (or 2,500 SkyMiles) per Grab and Go visit for each additional guest.Delta Sky Club Individual memberTwo guests or your immediate family (your spouse/domestic partner and children under 21); $50 (or 5,000 SkyMiles) per Sky Club or $25 (or 2,500 SkyMiles) per Grab and Go visit for each additional guest.<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6573?pid=6573&name=Delta%20SkyMiles%C2%AE%20Reserve%20American%20Express%20Card&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card</a> or <a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/7840?pid=7840&name=Delta%20SkyMiles%C2%AE%20Reserve%20Business%20American%20Express%20Card&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card</a>Receive four one-time guest passes per year. After guest passes have been used, two guests or your immediate family (your spouse/domestic partner and children under 21) at a per-visit rate of $50 per guest at Sky Club locations or $25 at Grab and Go locations. You can bring up to two guests per visit.Delta Gold Medallion status or higher (SkyTeam Elite Plus status), flying Delta One or Delta Premium Select abroadOne guest.SkyTeam Elite Plus from other SkyTeam airlines flying internationally in any cabinOne guest.Delta One or Delta SkyTeam premium cabin passengerNo guests allowed.<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/22504813?pid=22504813&name=American%20Express%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>The Platinum Card from American Express</a>* or <a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/7758?pid=7758&name=The%20Business%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE%20from%20American%20Express&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>The Business Platinum Card from American Express</a>*Two guests or your immediate family (your spouse/domestic partner and children under 21) at a per-visit rate of $50 per guest for two guests or immediate family.Single-visit passNo guests allowed.*Eligible Platinum Card Members will receive 10 Visits per Eligible Platinum Card per year to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go when traveling on a same-day Delta-operated flight.DELTA AIRLINESGenerally, the only way to gain complimentary guest access is to purchase a Delta Sky Club Executive membership. Another way to access Delta Sky Clubs is to be a Delta Gold Medallion member (or higher), but only when flying Delta Premium Select or Delta One internationally (or its equivalent on a partner). Delta elite members can access SkyTeam lounges when flying in first class to Mexico, Canada or Central America (one guest allowed), but flights to the Caribbean are not included.Those with SkyTeam Elite Plus status from another airline can access Sky Club lounges with one guest, but only when traveling on a SkyTeam international flight (regardless of cabin) or on a domestic flight that will connect onward internationally.If you’re a Reserve cardholder, you can bring up to two guests or immediate family members, and you must pay $50 per guest entering the Delta Sky Club or pay $25 per guest at Grab and Go locations.Delta considers anyone over age 2 to be a guest, so only children under age 2 receive complimentary entry.Plaza Premium loungesAccess typeGuest policy<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/22504813?pid=22504813&name=American%20Express%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>The Platinum Card from American Express</a> or <a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/7758?pid=7758&name=The%20Business%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE%20from%20American%20Express&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>The Business Platinum Card from American Express</a>Two guests plus children under 2; additional guests require a day pass, and costs vary by location.Priority Pass members (select lounges)Policy varies by how you get your Priority Pass membership and its relevant guest policy.Day passNo guests allowed.EMILY MCNUTT/THE POINTS GUYPrices to enter Plaza Premium lounges vary greatly. What you might pay for a day pass or to bring an extra guest depends on which lounge you’re visiting. Passes start at $45 for a two-visit pass.Related: Under new management: Plaza Premium now running most Virgin Atlantic ClubhousesPriority Pass loungesPremium travel cards like the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve give cardholders complimentary Priority Pass Select memberships, which include access to over 1,600 lounges around the world. The guest policy depends on the type of card you have, so we’ve outlined the differences for our top card picks for Priority Pass lounge access below (enrollment required).Access typeGuest policy<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/22504813?pid=22504813&name=American%20Express%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>The Platinum Card from American Express</a> and <a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/7758?pid=7758&name=The%20Business%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE%20from%20American%20Express&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>The Business Platinum Card from American Express</a>Two guests; additional guests cost $35 each.<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x-rewards-credit-card/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card</a>Two guests until Feb. 1, 2026. After that, it will cost $35 per guest.<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x-business/” target=”_blank”>Capital One Venture X Business</a>Two guests; additional guests will cost $35.<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/221211836?pid=221211836&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20PID&issuer=Chase” target=”_blank”>Chase Sapphire Reserve</a>Two guests; additional guests cost $27 each.<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/10965?pid=10965&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20for%20Business%E2%84%A0%20PID&issuer=Chase” target=”_blank”>Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business</a>Two guests; additional guests cost $27 each.<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/oc/6396?pid=6396&name=Marriott%20Bonvoy%20Brilliant%C2%AE%20American%20Express%C2%AE%20Card&issuer=American%20Express” target=”_blank”>Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card</a>Two guests; additional guests cost $35 each (see <a href=”/tc/6396?pid=6396&name=Marriott%20Bonvoy%20Brilliant%C2%AE%20American%20Express%C2%AE%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees” target=”_blank”>rates and fees</a>).<a href=”https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/citi/citi-prestige-credit-card-review/” target=”_blank”>Citi Prestige® Card</a> and Citi Strata Elite℠ CardTwo guests or immediate family; additional guests cost $27 each.Ritz-Carlton Credit Card primary cardholder and authorized usersUnlimited guests.Enrollment is required for select benefits.The information for the Citi Prestige Card and Ritz-Carlton Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.Related: 10 credit cards that offer Priority Pass airport lounge accessZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUYMost cards that include Priority Pass Select membership allow lounge access for you and up to two guests. After that, there’s an additional guest fee of $27 to $35, depending on your card. Employees can limit the number of guests to control capacity, so guest access isn’t guaranteed when the lounge is crowded.Related: Can I use multiple Priority Pass memberships to bring in extra guests?United ClubUnited uses a tiered approach to guest access for its United Clubs, with a standard membership and an All-Access membership. If you want access through a credit card, the United Club℠ Card (see rates and fees) offers a complimentary United Club membership.Related: Best for loyal flyers: United Club Card reviewAccess typeGuest policyUnited Club individual membershipCan purchase one-time guest passes for $59.United Club membership via credit cardsOne guest and dependents under 18.United Club All-access membershipTwo adult guests or one adult and dependents under 18.United Premier Gold status or higher (or Star Alliance Gold member)One guest; the guest must be on the same flight.Active U.S. military personnelFamily members traveling on the same flight as the military member.United or Star Alliance business-class passengerNo guests allowed.Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide membersOne guest.Virgin Australia Velocity elite members with Gold, Platinum or VIP status when flying on an international United or Virgin Australia flightOne guest (inclusive of children) only if the member is flying on a United-operated flight.United Club one-time passNo guests allowed.ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUYMembers with United Premier Gold status or higher can bring one guest, but the guest must be on the same flight as you. Those with United Gold status can only access U.S. lounges with an international same-day boarding pass, but not when flying domestically. Meanwhile, Star Alliance Gold status with an airline other than United gives you access to United Clubs if you have a same-day departure boarding pass on any Star Alliance-operated flight, including United domestic flights. Star Alliance first-class passengers may also bring one guest into United Clubs.As a United business class passenger, you can access the United Club when departing, connecting or arriving with a same-day ticket to or from Canada. Star Alliance first-class passengers may also access United Club or Polaris lounges at the departure airport, only with a same-day boarding pass for an international flight. For example, if you’re flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Munich International Airport (MUC) in Lufthansa’s first class, you can access the Polaris Lounge at SFO. However, if you’re flying into SFO on Lufthansa’s first class, you cannot access the Polaris Lounge on arrival.Those with a United Club membership can only access the lounge with a same-day boarding pass for travel on a United, Star Alliance or another partner-operated flight.If you’re a one-time United Club passholder or a business-class passenger on a United or Star Alliance flight, you’re not allowed to bring any guests with you, unless you have a child under 2 years old.It’s also worth noting that these access policies do not apply to United’s premium Polaris lounges. These are accessible only to passengers flying in United Polaris long-haul business class or in long-haul business or first class with a Star Alliance partner airline.Related: The best credit cards for United Airlines flyersBottom lineThe guest guidelines will vary greatly if you have lounge access through your credit card or airline elite status. Some lounges allow you to bring free guests, while others charge up to $65 per person. As a general rule, you can usually bring children aged 2 or younger with you for no additional charge. As frustrating as it may seem, you’ll often need a guest pass for any child over this age. Regardless, make sure to review entry requirements before you head to the lounge to avoid unpleasant surprises.Related: The best credit cards for lounge accessFor rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click hereFor rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click hereFor rates and fees of the Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, click hereFor rates and fees of the Amex Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card, click hereFor rates and fees of the Amex Bonvoy Brilliant, click hereEditorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
