Guide To Airline Clubs

PREV 2 of 2

Red Carpet Club

United Airlines’ Red Carpet Club network covers 34 airports around the world. United has supplemented its own locations with day-of-travel privileges at clubs operated by Air Canada, US Airways, and international Star Alliance carriers. But the years since United’s 2002 bankruptcy haven’t been kind to the Red Carpet Club system: United has cut back on in-club amenities and members routinely grouse about the skimpy snack items and the paucity of newspapers and magazines. Members also pay for WiFi access and alcoholic beverages at the U.S. clubs. Annual fees for new members run $300 to $500 or 40,000 to 70,000 miles; the price is determined by your status in the Mileage Plus frequent-flyer program.

US Airways Club

Years of penny-pinching and cutbacks after the 2005 merger with America West Airlines have reduced the US Airways Club system to just 15 U.S. airports and an outpost at London’s Gatwick Airport. Many lounges have threadbare furnishings and notable cleanliness issues, but some do offer free WiFi access. US Airways also has an a la carte pricing system: Depending on their status in the Dividend Miles program, new members pay $315 to $390 for annual membership. Day-of-travel privileges at United clubs cost another $120 a year and similar perks at Star Alliance lounges cost another $100.

WorldClub

Operated by Northwest Airlines, the WorldClub network is probably smaller than it should be (in just 18 airports globally), but members also receive admittance privileges at clubs operated by Continental, Delta, and Alaska airlines and the international SkyTeam Alliance when flying on any of those airlines. Members get free WiFi at most clubs and free drinks in the U.S. clubs. Another nice perk: free use of semiprivate conference rooms. Annual fees for new members range from $250 to $450 depending on their status in the WorldPerks frequent-flyer plan.

The Fine Print

Alaska Airlines runs a small network of clubs called the Board Room at a half-dozen West Coast airports. And Air Canada operates the Maple Leaf Club at many Canadian airports. Almost all of the clubs allow members to bring two guests into the lounges free of charge; they also offer complimentary alcoholic beverages at their international locations. And remember that a standard perk of international business class or a first-class ticket is a one-time free admittance to a private lounge at your departure airport.  

One final thing to keep in mind: If you’re an American Express Platinum cardmember, use the Airport Club Access Program. If you pay for your ticket with the card, you receive access at some clubs run by American, Continental, Delta or Northwest airlines. And if you’re packing Amex Centurion—that’s the black by-invitation-only card for superspenders—you receive a free Priority Pass membership to more than 500 clubs around the world.

PREV 2 of 2