The Guide to Escape Lounges: What To Know Before Visiting These Airport Lounges

Escape Lounges are a chain of independent airport lounges generally accessed with certain credit card membership perks, like Priority Pass or access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Day passes are also available for sale when space permits.

The best part about independent lounges like Escape Lounges is that entrance is not based on your class of ticket or elite status. If you have an eligible way to enter or purchase a day pass, you’re in! And this can represent significant savings if you had plans to pay for food and drinks in the airport before your flight.

Escape Lounges are growing their footprint, with many in secondary U.S. and U.K. airports where you may not find other lounges, like Centurion Lounges. A new lounge in Brisbane, Australia, is coming soon, as well as numerous locations in the United States.

These facilities vary in size and menu offerings depending on location. But with a little homework, you can decide if they are worth the day pass price or if signing up for a particular credit card makes sense for frequent travelers.

There are several ways to enter an Escape Lounge at the airport. Here are the options:

• Swipe an eligible American Express card: Since Escape Lounges belong to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, cardholders with The Platinum Card® from American Express or Centurion Card from American Express can access them without additional charge. They can bring two guests without charge. In the U.K., members can bring three guests. Centurion Card members also receive extras like a premium glass of bubbly when flashing their card in the lounge. Terms apply.

• Swipe an eligible Delta co-branded American Express card: Cardholders with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card also can access Escape Lounges without charge. They must have a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight purchased with a U.S.-based credit card. They may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate equal to the guest fee of the lounge location. Terms apply.

• Use other lounge membership access cards: There are many other airport lounge programs that provide access when traveling. These include Dragonpass, Lounge Club, Diners Club and TAV Passport. There may be limitations based on location so it is worth checking with your membership program before arriving. 

• Receive an airline invitation: In some airports, airlines may offer premium cabin travelers access to an Escape Lounge as part of their ticket.

• Purchase a day pass: To enter an Escape Lounge, a day pass in the U.S. costs between $32 and $45, and in the U.K., it is around $40 to $46 (32-37 British pounds). These prices are based on pre-booking a reservation online. Escape Lounges also offer AAA and military discounts. If you wait to buy a day pass at the airport, you may be subjected to a waitlist.

In addition to a membership credential, travelers also need to show a same-day boarding pass. Keep in mind that you are allowed access only within three hours of departure, although if you have a layover, you may use the lounge in the connecting airport at any time.

Lounges are open to babies and children, though everyone ages 35 months and up needs their own entry credentials unless they are entering as a guest of an eligible cardholder.

» Learn more: Best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access

Primarily in secondary airports, Escape Lounges are growing in the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia. Let’s start with the open locations in the U.S. and those coming soon in Kansas City; San Juan, Puerto Rico; northwest Arkansas; Portland, Oregon; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

U.S.

1. Bradley International Airport, Hartford, Connecticut (BDL)

Near gate 1, this lounge has large windows, a wide menu selection (including vegetarian and vegan options) and complimentary drinks. Seven-time James Beard Award semifinalist Tyler Anderson designed the menu using local ingredients and highlighting local restaurants.

2. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Hebron, Kentucky (CVG)

Between gates B21 and B23, the lounge offers free drinks and a menu with gluten-free and vegan choices. If you are curious about the menu, the lounge puts it online.

3. John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus, Ohio (CMH)

Near gate B32, the lounge has a menu created by local chef Avishar Barua and coffee created by a local roaster. The 2,800-square-foot lounge has views of the flight apron and plenty of seating.

4. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (FLL)

The lounge is within terminal 3 between the E and F gates. Lounge amenities include Wi-Fi, a conference room and a complimentary bar. The menu here is courtesy of chef Laurent Tourondel. Travelers also can try locally brewed coffee from Calusa Coffee Roasters, and kids have a variety of puzzles to keep them busy.

5. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Greer, South Carolina (GSP)

The lounge is just to the right after passing through TSA in concourse B. The menu comes from Rick Erwin Dining Group, known locally for an award-winning steakhouse and seafood menus.

6. Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

On the menu here are tasty dishes like hominy salad, Sicilian sub sandwiches and baked mac and cheese. The lounge is near the MSP Mall and above the entrance to concourse E on the mezzanine level of terminal 1.

7. Oakland International Airport, Oakland, California (OAK)

Between gates 8 and 8A in terminal 1, this lounge offers visitors their choice of complimentary drinks from the bar as well as light meals to enjoy before their flight. The lounge, the first airport club for the airport, measures 2,700 square feet.

8. Palm Beach International Airport, West Palm Beach, Florida (PBI)

Large picture windows facing the apron, an open bar and a buffet menu are available to visitors at this lounge. It is ideal for travelers departing from concourses A and B since it's just past the security checkpoint.

9. and 10. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, Phoenix (PHX)

Travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor have two options to choose from depending on their terminal. The lounges are across from gate B22 in terminal 4 and at the intersection of the E and F gates in terminal 3. Large picture windows in both lounges provide ample natural light, and there is free bar service and a buffet.

11. Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport, Warwick, Rhode Island (PVD)

Near gate 18, this small lounge offers the expected perks, such as an open bar and complimentary food, as well as work stations and printing and scanning services.

12. Reno-Tahoe International Airport, Reno, Nevada (RNO)

The lounge has all the business prerequisites like Wi-Fi, power outlets and business center services (printing and scanning, among others). It is between concourses B and C in the central corridor.

13. and 14. Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento, California (SMF)

Both terminals at the Sacramento airport have Escape Lounges — one in terminal A near gate 1 and the other in terminal B as soon as you pass TSA. The standard snacks, light meals and open bar are all on offer in both lounges.

15. Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Syracuse, New York (SYR)

On the second floor leading to concourse A gates, this 2,800-square-foot lounge offers a variety of locally sourced menu items, drink choices and roasted coffee beans to passengers looking for a bit of privacy before departure.

United Kingdom

In the U.K., these are the airports that have Escape Lounges. Edinburgh is next up to open one soon.

1. Bristol Airport, Bristol (BRS)

Look for this lounge between the Frankie & Benny's and Brigg & Stow locations on the airport’s mezzanine level. Hot and cold options are on the menu, and the all-day complimentary choices appeal to eligible travelers before their flight. Since most airlines from the airport are in the low-cost category, this means access to such a buffet is a nice perk.

2. East Midlands Airport, Derby (EMA)

This lounge is on the lower level opposite gate 17. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of complimentary snacks and an open bar. If you are looking for a premium experience, this is it, as it is the only lounge at the airport.

3. London Stansted Airport, Stansted (STN)

Getting to this lounge can be chaotic (the norm at Stansted). This lounge is tucked down a passageway that shares the space with restrooms. This spot (an elevator ride below the main level) offers salads, pastas, pastries and an open bar. The lounge is often crowded and can turn people away with regularity.

4., 5. and 6. Manchester Airport, Manchester (MAN)

There is an Escape Lounge in each of the airport’s three terminals. The terminal 1 lounge is on the mezzanine level near gates 34-36. In terminal 2, the lounge is on the upper departure level. The terminal 3 lounge is on the upper departure level next to the British Airways lounge.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

These lounges offer interesting dining and drinking opportunities, especially in secondary airports that provide a fine upgrade from the main terminal. If you have the right credit card or membership card, you could enjoy relaxation and refreshments before departure. Some airlines also give free access to their premium cabin passengers in certain cities.

Just keep in mind that these are different from traditional airline lounges since the staff cannot assist with flight changes or rebookings the way those in an airline lounge could. Perhaps a day pass to your airline’s own lounge, if offered, is a better deal.

For the average traveler, Escape Lounges would offer the best bang for your buck if:

• You can max out the three-hour time limit: Since you are allowed lounge access only within three hours of departure, arrive at the airport early enough to get the most value out of the food, drink and atmosphere.

• You'd otherwise spend cash at the airport: If the cost of a day pass (which varies by lounge and when you buy it) could be a better deal than paying a la carte in an airport restaurant or bar, then this is a great option for you.

• You have free membership via a credit card or other program: Some people do not read the fine print of what benefits come with their credit card. You may already have access to these lounges.

The Escape Lounge network is growing and provides a nice surprise for extra comfort in many airports, but only if you know about it. And even if you do not have access, you can buy a day pass in advance to save extra cash and avoid any waitlist.