The Best Alternatives to Loungebuddy
Airport lounges have long offered travellers a peaceful space to unwind, work, or recharge before their flights. LoungeBuddy was a popular app and website that simplified access to these lounges by allowing users to discover, book, and access facilities worldwide.
Launched in 2013, LoungeBuddy gained traction for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive lounge database.
In 2019, American Express acquired the platform. Five years later, they announced the discontinuation of the LoungeBuddy platform, shutting down the iOS app on July 1, 2024, and retiring the website on January 30, 2025. This decision reflects American Express's focus on consolidating its lounge access offerings under its own brand.
With LoungeBuddy's closure, many travellers may be seeking alternative platforms or avenues to obtain lounge access. This guide will cover the main options available.
No1 Lounge at London Gatwick Airport
Best Options for One-Time Lounge Access (Day Passes)
One-time lounge day passes grant travellers temporary access to a lounge for a single visit. These passes are a great option for occasional travellers who want a premium pre-flight experience without committing to annual memberships or airline lounge programs. If you used LoungeBuddy primarily to buy individual lounge passes, here are some good alternatives:
LoungePair - run by yours truly - gathers lounge offers from available online sources, allowing you to compare prices in one place. We sell passes for hundreds of lounges directly, offering complete flexibility. Simply purchase a pass, and use on walk-up to the lounge any time or date within the pass's validity period.
Lounge Pass, owned and operated by Collinson, the parent company for Priority Pass. Bookings can be made in advance through their website, for fixed time and dates.
Plaza Premium operates independent lounges worldwide, and travellers can purchase single-use passes directly through their website.
No1 Lounges have lounges across the UK. No1 Lounges was acquired by a joint venture between Airport Dimensions and Swissport, operating under the name SwissportALD.
Marhaba is owned by dnata, an air services provider owned by Emirates. Their lounges are primarily located in Dubai International Airport, with additional lounges in airports such as Melbourne, Manila, Geneva, and Zurich.
Executive Lounges, owned by Swissport. They have lounges across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.
LoungeMe is a mobile application developed by TAV Operation Services. It offers both membership programs and single-use options.
Escape Lounges, who have lounges in the United Kingdom and the United States, and soon in Australia. They are owned by Manchester Airports Group.
The Club Airport Lounges, who have lounges in the United States. Owned by Airport Dimensions, a division of Collinson.
There are plenty of other groups, including Miracle and Coral, operating in Thailand, along with a few country-specific operators. However, the entitites above provide the main spread of options for gaining access to a wider number of lounges around the world.
The T3 Plaza Premium Lounge at Toronto Pearson Airport
2. Purchase an Airport Lounge Membership
LoungeBuddy was appealing because it allowed users to book lounge access on-demand, with no ongoing commitment. In contrast, memberships often require an upfront investment and annual fee, which can get expensive and is less practical for travellers who only used LoungeBuddy for occasional day passes.
That being said, here are some pros to purchasing an airport lounge membership:
Cost savings for frequent travellers: If you visit airport lounges multiple times per month, a membership can save you money compared to paying for individual visits. You should do the maths though - and we have tried to help with our own cost-benefit research.
Ideal for Airline-Loyal but Infrequent Flyers: This option is ideal for travellers who are loyal to a specific airline but don’t fly frequently enough to earn elite status or book Business or First Class with cash or points. Many airlines offer their own membership programs.
Guaranteed Lounge Access (in Some Cases): Some lounges limit the number of day pass guests during busy periods, whereas members (especially airline lounge members) are often prioritised for entry. This is not a guaranteed though - Air New Zealand, for example, have been known to divert some guests to another lounge in Auckland as a result of crowding.
Additional Perks & Comfort: Many memberships include guest access, meaning you can bring a travel companion for free or at a discounted rate. Memberships may also include premium amenities such as shower facilities or food that isn’t always available to day-pass guests. Make sure to read the specific terms though, as each membership program can differ, including whether you have purchased yourself or obtained via a credit card, for example.
Membership Options:
Priority Pass: Perhaps the most well-known membership program, Priority Pass provides access to over 1,300 lounges and airport experiences (e.g. restaurants, F&B, spas) in airports worldwide. Many premium travel credit cards also offer a complimentary Priority Pass membership as a cardholder benefit. Some of the best cards that include this perk are American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Capital One Venture X.
Dragon Pass -works similarly to Priority Pass. Members get access to 1,300+ airport lounges and F&B outlets worldwide.
Airline Lounge Memberships: Most major airlines offer lounge membership programs (e.g., Delta Sky Club, United Club, American Airlines Admirals Club). In Australia, Qantas and Virgin Australia both offer paid lounge membership programs. Check with your airline to see if they offer a membership program.
Buffet at the Goldair CIP Lounge at Athens International Airport
3. Credit Cards that Offer Lounge Access
Obtaining a credit card with airport lounge benefits is one of the most reliable ways to secure lounge access for your next trip.
Many premium credit cards offer complimentary airport lounge access as part of their benefits package.
American Express is one of the most well known issuers offering this perk. While lounge benefits depend on the specific card, the high-end American Express Platinum and Centurion cards include a bundled Priority Pass membership for both the primary cardholder and one supplementary cardholder, along with access to the Global Lounge Collection, which includes Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium, and other partner lounges.
Similarly, some cards from issuers or banks like Diners Club, Chase and Citi also offer Priority Pass memberships or access to their exclusive branded lounges.
Other cards to consider include:
Mastercard (with LoungeKey): A lounge access program offered as a benefit with certain Mastercard credit and debit cards. LoungeKey is typically included with premium Mastercards such as the World Elite Mastercard or the Platinum Mastercard. Some more affordable cards come with LoungeKey perks but capped at a certain number of visits per year, or only select lounges in certain markets.
Capital One Venture X and Venture X Business Cardholders.
Credit cards that provide unlimited airport lounge access typically come with high annual fees, so be aware of that beforehand. Some credit cards offer a limited number of lounge passes per year, providing a more budget-friendly option with lower annual fees.
There are also credit cards that provide a lounge access pass each time you reach a specific spending threshold, making them a great option if you have a general idea of your yearly card spending.
Because there are so many credit cards that possibly offer this benefit, we cannot list them all. There are some great travel sites out there that write extensively on this topic. These include but are not limited to Point Hacks (Australia), CreditCardsCompare (New Zealand), One Mile at a Time (United States), and The Points Guy (United States).
Plaza Premium Lounge entrance at Orlando International Airport
4. Airline Status or Travel Class
One of the most common ways to access airport lounges is through airline elite status or premium travel class. Many airlines offer complimentary lounge access to certain passengers based on their frequent flyer status or the type of ticket they purchase.
Elite Status: Frequent flyers who earn elite status with an airline (e.g, Silver, Gold, Platinum tiers) often get free lounge access, even when flying in economy, and also with partner lounges, not just the airline’s own lounges. For example, Star Alliance Gold members can access lounges across all Star Alliance airlines, regardless of their ticket class. Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members can access lounges across the oneworld alliance network, including some of our personal favourites in Hong Kong and Australia.
Premium Cabin Travel (Business or First Class): Passengers flying in Business or First Class will often receive lounge access before their flight. For instance, a passenger flying Emirates Business Class will have access to a Emirates or similar partner lounge at their departure location, even if they don’t have frequent flyer status.
If you fly frequently with the same airline, earning elite status can be the most cost-effective way to access lounges. If you don’t travel often but want lounge perks, buying a Business Class ticket or getting a credit card with lounge access may be a better option - again, we recommend a full read of our cost-benefit research which weighs up the best options for different traveller types.
Make sure to confirm your airline's policies regarding your travel class benefits to find out if you have complimentary access to an airport lounge.
No1 Lounge at London Heathrow Airport
5. Walk-Up Lounge Access & Guest Entry Options
If you don’t have a lounge membership, a day-pass, or a premium credit card, you might still be able to pay a walk-up fee or enter as a guest of someone who has access.
Many airport lounges allow travellers to pay at the door for one-time entry, even without a membership or premium ticket. This can be a convenient option if you didn’t book in advance or if your preferred lounge isn’t available through other methods.
If you're traveling with someone who has lounge access through an airline status, membership, or credit card, you may be able to enter as their guest. Check your membership or cardholder details beforehand as lounge policies vary.
It’s important to note that purchasing a pass directly at the lounge can often be more expensive compared to booking in advance through other methods. If you find yourself with enough time, even while at the airport, it’s worth doing a bit of research. Browsing online or checking with various providers can reveal better deals or special offers, allowing you to save some money on your lounge experience. Taking the time to explore these options can enhance your travel experience without straining your budget. Also depends on how quick you want to get in, through that door!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LoungeBuddy still available?
As of the 30th January 2025 LoungeBuddy is no longer in operation.
I don’t need to buy lounge access, but want to learn what lounges my existing card, membership or airline status will grant me access to. How can I do this?
If you're looking to find out what lounges your existing credit card, membership, or airline status provides access to, several reliable tools can help:
Priority Pass and DragonPass: Log into your Priority Pass or DragonPass accounts directly through their websites or apps to quickly check eligible lounges.
Your Credit Card Provider: Visit your card issuer's website or contact their customer service to confirm lounge access benefits included with your card.
Airline Websites or Apps: Most airlines clearly list lounge access benefits associated with your ticket type or frequent flyer status directly on their website or mobile app. Additionally, airline alliance websites such as Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam offer comprehensive lists of lounges accessible based on your membership tier or travel class.
While LoungePair doesn't provide this specific service, these tools will easily help you confirm lounge access based on your existing memberships or statuses.
What do Airport Lounges offer?
Airport lounges provide a comfortable space for travellers to relax, work, or refresh before a flight. The amenities vary by lounge, but most offer a range of food, drinks, and services that go beyond what’s available in the main terminal.
Some typical amenities include
Food and beverages, including buffets, alcohol and premium meals
Magazines and newspapers, though usually now offered via PressReader
Televisions and flight monitors
High speed Wi-Fi
Work areas with computers and printers, sometimes additional conference or business rooms
A variety of comfortable seating options
Charging stations for your electronics
Showers and bathrooms
Children’s play areas
Summing up
The discontinuation of LoungeBuddy has left a gap in the resources available to travellers seeking airport lounge access, but this shift offers an opportunity to explore various alternatives. Whether you travel frequently for business or occasionally for leisure, evaluating your options is essential to ensure a comfortable airport experience.
Day Pass Options: Some lounges offer the option to purchase a day pass. This can be a great choice for sporadic travellers or those who want to enjoy lounge amenities without committing to a membership or partnership program. Check lounges in advance to see if this option is available and at what cost. Our website lists most lounges that are available to purchase in this way, whether with us directly or via a third-party.
Airline Membership Programs: Many airlines offer their own lounge access programs. If you frequently fly with a specific airline, consider enrolling in their loyalty program. Membership often includes complimentary access to lounges, especially for premium ticket holders or frequent flyers.
Credit Card Benefits: Several credit cards offer lounge access as a built-in benefit. Cards linked to travel rewards, particularly those associated with major airlines or alliances, often provide free or discounted entry to partner lounges. Reviewing your existing credit card perks can uncover valuable lounge access options.
Third-Party Lounge Access Services: Platforms such as Priority Pass and LoungeKey provide access to a network of lounges across various airports worldwide. For a reasonable annual fee, you can enjoy access regardless of the airline you’re flying with. This flexibility is ideal for travellers who value comfort but fly with multiple carriers.
Airport-specific Programs: Certain airports have their own lounge programs, often independent of specific airlines. Research if your departure airport has such facilities available. They may provide pay-per-use options or special memberships for frequent travellers.
When deciding which alternative to pursue, consider your travel habits. Regular travellers may benefit more from airline loyalty programs or credit card perks, while those who travel occasionally may find day passes or third-party services more economical.
By understanding the available options, you can select the solution that best fits your travel needs and enjoy a more comfortable airport experience.