As international travel rebounds and pandemic restrictions fade into memory, airport lounges have once again become an essential part of the travel experience. Particularly in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region, demand has surged, making these lounges more competitive and sought-after than ever before.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer trying to escape the bustling terminal, a business traveler enjoying a moment of peace with high-speed Wi-Fi, or a First Class guest indulging in a soothing spa session, your experience before takeoff has grown to rival the comfort of in-flight offerings.

Airlines including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, United, and Qantas have invested heavily in upscale lounge facilities, recognizing the value premium passengers place on this aspect of their journey. In Singapore, for instance, Changi Airport has welcomed an impressive lineup of new lounges since the pandemic, highlighted by the luxurious flagship lounges from Singapore Airlines that opened in 2022.

But here’s the burning question that many travelers ponder: Who’s actually paying for your lounge access?

Lounge Access Mechanisms

If you opt for a lounge access program like Priority Pass, you are among thousands who enjoy entry worldwide. In this scenario, the access scheme compensates the lounge for each visit—such as the annual fee of around US$329 covering 10 visits, setting an effective visit cost around US$32.90. However, this generates a profit margin for Priority Pass since they typically pay less to the lounge operators.

Some programs offer unlimited access for higher-tier memberships, betting on members not to exceed a certain number of visits. While some cardholders might abuse this advantage, most users are not regular lounge visitors, allowing the program to sustain its model.

Travel Class Access

For guests flying in a business class seat, access is usually covered by the airline. For instance, a business traveler with Malaysia Airlines flying from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur accessing the Oneworld lounges at Changi will have their access fees paid by Malaysia Airlines to the respective lounge operators.

Moreover, airlines establish and manage their lounges in strategic locations to avoid paying competitors for lounge access, although this comes with the burden of overhead costs for maintenance and staffing.

Airlines vs. Codeshare Complications

When flying on a codeshare ticket, lounge access can get complicated. In these instances, what’s known as the ‘Marketing Carrier’ pays for the lounge access. For instance, plenty of travelers flying Malaysia Airlines but booked on a Singapore Airlines code would find Singapore Airlines covering lounge access fees.

Loyalty Programs and Their Powers

Many frequent flyers gain lounge access through elite status in their loyalty programs. In this case, the frequent flyer program coughs up the fee for lounge access—like a Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer elite member accessing a United Club.

There’s a fascinating twist here: when it comes to lounge access, your flight class trumps your frequent flyer status. For example, a KrisFlyer Gold cardholder flying business class with United will get access covered by United—even for the SilverKris lounge!

What the Costs Look Like

While the exact financial arrangements remain closely guarded secrets, industry insiders suggest a fee of $40 to $60 per passenger for lounge access. For example, United Airlines is rumored to pay approximately $60 for each passenger using Singapore Airlines' SilverKris lounge. Surprisingly, this arrangement creates a reciprocal relationship as both airlines manage their lounge operations efficiently.

Conclusion

Now that you know where the costs for airport lounge access often originate, it’s evident that understanding the system can enhance your travel experience. Generally, if you’re traveling in a class that grants lounge access, the operating airline takes care of the fees—whether it’s through their facility or at a partner lounge. Meanwhile, loyalty programs play a significant role in opening the doors to exclusive lounges, making them an essential aspect of the overall travel experience.

So the next time you walk into a luxurious airport lounge, you might just think twice about who’s really picking up the tab!