What to Know Now
Airline lounges, particularly in the United Statues, have been in a pretty sad state for the last ten years as airlines looked for any way possible to trim operating costs. At their worst, maybe two years ago, they were nothing more than a place to get free Wi-Fi (unless you have a hotspot) and a free watery beer (unless you don’t drink).
Thanks in no small part to the grand efforts by the Amex Team, the tide may be starting to turn. The legacy airlines have now all stepped up their lounge game, and international carriers are doubling down on their opulence. Just last week, Etihad opened up a new lounge in JFK to compliment its new Residence inflight service, complete with private rooms for first class passengers.
While private lounges may be far cry for typical business travelers, this all does point to the lounge industry improving rather than contracting into oblivion in the coming year. Perhaps that $450 lounge subscription may still be worth it.
Social Quote of the Day
Source: Skift Business TravelerThe Etihad FC and BC lounge is basically for the 1%. Right?
