Key Takeaways

Various banks provide credit cards that have a feature of complimentary domestic and international lounge access.
Unlimited lounge access is a feature of certain metal-tier cards, such as ICICI Emerald Private Metal.
Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards usually include travel insurance, bonus air miles, periodic damage or accident insurance, and lounge benefits.

Airport Lounge Access Credit Card provides free access to airport lounges with business amenities, Wi-Fi, showers, food, and cosy seats both domestically and internationally.

For an annual cost ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹12,500 + GST, several premium versions, such as HDFC's Regalia Gold or Diners Club Black, include 12 domestic and 6 international visits per year via Priority Pass (encompassing 1,000+ lounges).

Unlimited lounge access is a feature of certain metal-tier cards, such as ICICI Emerald Private Metal. These cards usually include travel insurance, bonus air miles, periodic damage or accident insurance, and lounge benefits.

Shreya had a five-hour layover at Delhi Airport. Fortunately, she had unrestricted free entry to more than 1,000 lounges globally with Priority Pass with her HDFC Infinia Credit Card. She took advantage of the free food, Wi-Fi, and shower instead of paying the ₹990 lounge fee.

In this blog, we will learn more about the Airport Lounge Access Credit Card, its benefits, eligibility criteria, and participating airport lounges.

Features And Benefits Of Airport Lounge Access Credit Card

The Airport Lounge Access Credit Card offers a range of premium benefits for frequent flyers and travellers seeking comfort and convenience. The following table highlights the key features and benefits of the Airport Lounge Access Credit Card:

Feature and Benefit	Details
Domestic lounge visits	12 complimentary visits each year at Indian airports (domestic and international terminals) via Visa or Mastercard access.
International lounge visits	6 complimentary visits each year via Priority Pass, for primary + add-on (post 4 retail transactions).
Post-quota charges	US $27 + GST (around ₹2,200) per extra or domestic PP visit.
Priority Pass lounge network	Access to 1,000+ lounges globally.
Annual fee	₹2,500 (waivable upon ₹4,00,000 annual spend).
Milestone vouchers	₹1,500 per quarter (₹1,50,000 spend), ₹5,000 at ₹5,00,000 and ₹7,50,000 spends.
Concierge & insurance	24×7 concierge; air accident: ₹1 crore, hospitalisation: ₹15,00,000, credit liability: ₹9,00,000.

The above-mentioned table highlights the key features that make the card valuable for frequent travellers. With an Airport Lounge Access Credit Card, you can enjoy significant savings and enhanced comfort during every journey.

Read More - International Airport Lounge Access Credit Card: Best Cards & Travel Benefits

Eligibility Criteria For Airport Lounge Access Credit Card

Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards often come with specific age and income requirements to ensure eligibility for their exclusive benefits. The table below summarises the key eligibility criteria for the Airport Lounge Access Credit Card:

Card Name	Age (Salaried or Self-Employed)	Income Requirement	Example
HDFC Regalia Gold	21 to 60 years (salaried) and 21 to 65 years (self-employed).	Salaried: ₹1,00,000 to 1,50,000 per month. Self-employed: ₹12,00,000 to 18,00,000 per year.	A 30-year-old salaried individual earning ₹1,20,000 per month.
HDFC Diners Club Black	21 to 60 years (salaried) and 21 to 65 years (self-employed).	Salaried: ≥ ₹1,75,000 per month. Self-employed: ≥ ₹21,00,000 per year.	A 40-year-old self-employed earning ₹22,00,000 per year.
ICICI Emeralde Private Metal	21+ years	Not officially published, but generally, FDs & high net worth are required.	Typically, it invites high-net-worth individuals.
Yes Bank Yes First Exclusive	21 to 65 years	Salaried: ≥ ₹2,00,000 per month. Self-employed: ≥ ₹18,00,000 per year.	A government salary earner making ₹2,10,000 per month.
Axis Bank Magnus Credit Card	18 to 70 years	Net salary of ₹24,00,000 per year.	A 45-year-old engineer earning ₹35,00,000 per year.

The above-mentioned table provides a clear overview of the age and income criteria required to qualify for an Airport Lounge Access Credit Card.

Bonus Tip: Do you know that Canara Bank RuPay Select Credit Card, Select Secured Credit Card, Platinum Credit Card, and Platinum Secured Credit Card offer complimentary domestic and international lounge access, and there is no annual, joining, or enrollment fee.

How To Use An Airport Lounge Access Credit Card?

If you want to use airport lounge benefits, then you need to follow a few steps to avoid extra charges and make the most of your privileges. The following table highlights how you can use an Airport Lounge Access Credit Card:

Step	Action	Example
Activate the lounge benefit	Enrol in the Priority Pass or Lounge program via the issuer app, portal or form.	HDFC Regalia Gold requires ≥ 4 retail transactions to activate Priority Pass.
Check the visit balance	Use the card app or portal to track remaining complimentary visits.	SBI Elite offers 6 international + 2 domestic visits per year, capped by 2 per quarter.
Present credentials at the lounge	Show boarding pass + credit or Priority Pass card at lounge reception.	AmEx Platinum auto-enrols you and one add-on; present a digital or physical PP card + boarding pass.
Know your entitlements	Understand visit limits, guest rules, and domestic vs international access.	HDFC Infinia & Diners Black offer unlimited domestic + international PP access; Regalia provides 12 domestic + 6 international visits per year.
Track excess usage fees	Extra visits, guests, or domestic PP access may incur a charge of US $27 to $35 + GST.	Excess PP entry costs ≈ ₹2,200 to 2,800 (US $27 to $35); guest fees range from ₹1,000 to 2,000 per person.
Present the correct card	Always swipe the credit card, not the PP card, to avoid unexpected charges.	Users got charged US $32 later for swiping the PP card instead of a CC.

If you follow the above-mentioned steps, then you can enjoy airport lounges without surprises or additional fees.

Learn More - best credit card for airport lounge access: Top Picks & Perks Guide

Airport Lounge Access Credit Card Participating Airport Lounges

The following is a detailed table of participating airport lounges in India accessible via popular Airport Lounge Access Credit Cards (e.g., HDFC Regalia, Regalia Gold, or Infinia):

City	Lounge Name	Terminal
New Delhi	Encalm Lounge	Domestic T2, Domestic T3, and International T3
Mumbai	Travel Club (MALS) & Oasis Lounges	Domestic T1C / T1B, Domestic T2, and International T2
Chennai	Travel Club Lounge A & B	Domestic T1
Bangalore	BLR Domestic Lounge, 080 Domestic & Intl	Domestic T1 & T2 and International T2
Hyderabad	Encalm Lounge	Domestic and International T1
Kolkata	Travel Club Lounge	Domestic T1 & International T2
Cochin	Earth Lounge	Domestic T1 & International T2
Ahmedabad	Plaza Premium Lounge / The Lounge	Domestic T1 & International T2
Goa	Good Times Lounge & Bar	Domestic Terminal
Lucknow	The Lounge	Domestic T2

By referring to the above-mentioned list, you can identify which lounges you can access at each airport. This ensures a comfortable and hassle-free experience while travelling across India.

Conclusion

Comfortable seats, complimentary food and beverage service, fast Wi-Fi, showers, and even business or spa services are just a few of the many benefits that come with an Airport Lounge Access Credit Card. These facilities transform annoying airport waits into time for creativity or relaxation.

Even though the cards have high annual fees (₹2,500 to ₹25,000+), frequent travellers typically find that the lounge access, travel benefits, and rewards outweigh the cost. In the future, airport lounges may let you enter faster by swiping your credit card or pre-booking through apps.

FAQs

1. Is food free in airport lounges?

Yes, most lounges provide complimentary snacks, meals, and beverages for cardholders.

2. Which airport in India has the best lounge?

Delhi IGI Terminal 3 is widely considered to have the most premium lounges in India.

3. How many hours before the flight can you enter the airport lounge?

You can usually access lounges up to 3 to 4 hours before your scheduled flight.

4. Can my wife use my credit card for lounge access?

Yes, if she is listed as an add-on cardholder, she can access lounges using your card benefits.

5. What are the disadvantages of airport lounges?

Limited seating, overcrowding during peak hours, and extra charges for guests can be drawbacks.

6. What documents are needed at the lounge entry?

You must present your boarding pass, ID, and either your physical or digital Priority Pass card or linked payment card, depending on lounge acceptance.

7. Can I go to a lounge after my flight?

Yes, many airport lounges allow post-arrival access, but it depends on the lounge rules and your card or membership.

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